Diabetes

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(viii)  Maintain Healthy Lipid Profile — The normal levels of cholesterol do not apply to diabetics. Total cholesterol in diabetics should be less than 150mg/dl; LDL (bad cholesterol) should be less than 70mg/dl; HDL (good cholesterol) should be over 45mg/dl; and triglycerides should be below 150mg/dl. (ix)    Get Dilated Eye Examination — Comprehensive dilated eye examination by an ophthalmologist once a year to detect “diabetic retinopathy” is essential for diabetics. (x)     Take Care of Your Feet — As wounds take much longer to heal in diabetics due to “diabetic neuropathy”, it is important to examine your feet every day for bruises, cuts, sores, bumps and red spots for early detection and treatment. (xi)    Have Cold Water Bath — It increases the rate of all chemical reactions in the body related to the absorption and utilization of nutrients, thereby increasing oxidation of sugar. Weak people who are used to hot water baths, should gradually reduce the water temperature from hot to warm to lukewarm to cold water over a few days. (xii)   Have Oil Massage –Full body massage, 2-3 times a week, is beneficial to activate the skin and improve blood circulation to all parts of the body. (xiii)  Get Regular Dental Check-up — It is advisable to get dental check-up twice a year as gums of diabetics provide an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause infections. Good oral hygiene is very important for diabetics. One should floss and brush after every meal and before bedtime and also take care to avoid sugary food and that sticks to the teeth and gums. (xiv)   Do not Smoke — Most complications of diabetics arise due to damage to blood vessels and smoking can compound the damage. (xv)    Avoid Alcohol — Calorie-dense alcohol in addition to increasing weight, may delay or adversely affect recovery from low blood sugar by affecting the storage of glycogen in the liver and the release of glucose. (xvi)   Avoid Sudden Withdrawal of Medicines — A sudden withdrawal of oral medicines or insulin can have adverse effect, including going into a coma. Diabetics should, in consultation with their doctors, gradually taper them off while regularly checking and maintaining normal blood sugar levels. (xvii)  Always Carry ID and Glucose — Always carry your diabetic identity card showing your address and home telephone number, and some glucose, sugar or candy in case of a sudden fall of blood sugar level below normal.