Health Tip: Help Keep Diabetic Hearts Healthy
Diabetes is a prime risk factor for heart disease, since too much blood sugar can damage the cardiovascular system, notably the blood vessels.
To help diabetics lower their risk, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions:
* Check your blood sugar regularly and exercise often -- at least once daily. Also, eat a healthy diet. Avoid fatty and sugar-laden foods.
* Talk to your doctor about whether you need medication to control your diabetes, blood pressure, and/or cholesterol.
* Lose weight, and maintain a healthy body weight.
* Quit smoking.
Health Tip: Diabetics, Examine Your Feet
Diabetics are prone to foot problems that can be serious enough to require amputation.
Good hygiene and regular inspection of the feet can help catch potential problems early.
Here are suggestions for diabetics on how to care for the feet and prevent injury, courtesy of the U.S. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse:
* Thoroughly wash your feet each day in warm -- not hot -- water. Make sure you dry them completely after washing.
* Inspect your feet every day, looking for blisters, calluses, cuts, sores or any signs of redness.
* For dry skin, apply lotion -- but never between the toes.
* Gently file down corns and calluses with a pumice stone after washing your feet.
* Cut your toenails regularly, and file the edges with an emery board.
* Avoid walking barefoot, make sure shoes fit well, and always wear socks or stockings with shoes.
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