Keeping an eye on yourself this year – the Plan

Now, because I KNOW that all of you made the New Year’s resolution to take better care of yourselves, I am so happy to be able to offer some information, which will encourage that aim to continue (smile). Seriously though, it always helps to review what should be done to keep yourself on the right road when it comes to diabetes.{{more}} This week’s article serves as a quick-and-easy reminder guide to what you need to do at intervals in order to help keep you on track.

Every day:

• Check your blood sugar if you have a meter at home. Ideally, check it a few times throughout the day. You can pick three days a week when you check 3 times a day, if you wish. The idea is to check enough times to see a pattern.

• Examine your feet everyday

• Take your medications as prescribed

• Keep trying to follow a sensible diet, watching your starches, keeping the sweets to a minimum, eating fresh foods when able, avoiding fried food, etc.

• Try to incorporate daily activity and exercise into your life as much as possible. The goal is a total of at least 150 minutes per week.

Every three months:

• Have your check-up appointment with your doctor or nurse/medical team. Bring your blood sugar readings written down or bring the machine to the clinic for your doctor to see the results.

• Get your lab work done if asked by your doctor. Three-month checks should include a hemoglobin A1C, at the very least.

• Be sure to have your doctor or nurse examine your feet at your clinic visit. This should include testing to see if you have nerve damage, as well as good blood flow, any cuts, etc.

Lab checks every three-six months:

• Hemoglobin A1C

• Kidney function panel

• Urine test for kidney function/protein loss

• Cholesterol

• Liver tests if needed

Yearly (at least):

• have your retinal (eye) screen by a specialist. They need to look in the BACK of your eyes, not just check you for glasses.

• Be sure to keep up with what ever health screening is due, based on your age and family history. This includes prostate screen for men, colon screen for everyone, breast mammogram and pap smears for women, etc. Having diabetes does not exempt you from having other diseases, I am afraid.

That is a brief road map of your year ahead. I urge you to talk with your doctor/nurse at your next clinic visit about what you should have planned for the year. That way, everyone is on the same page right out the gate!

Until next week, stay safe and healthy Vincies!!!

Anita Ramsetty, MD endodocs@endocrinehelp.com

Medical Director Endocrine Care Group

www.endocrinehelp.com

Tel: 843-798-4227