November is American Diabetes Month

Man hands giving foot massage to yourself to relieve pain If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you have no doubt realized that it affects all aspects of your life and health. Among the many things to watch out for (and get treatment for right away) are diabetic foot ulcers. In honor of American Diabetes Month this month, here are some other things to watch out for and some things you can do to prevent complications from diabetes.

Take care of yourself!

Approximately 1 in 10 Americans has diabetes, and although it most often develops in people who are over 45 years old, children, teens, and young adults can also get it. It is a serious disease, and serious complications can happen if a treatment plan isn’t followed. Here are some things you can do to stay healthy and help your body fight diabetes:

1. Quit smoking. Your doctor has no doubt told you how bad smoking is for patients with diabetes, and there’s good reason for this. It reduces blood flow in the body and increases the risk of complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and eye disease.

2. It is always important to eat right and exercise, but this is especially vital when you have diabetes.

3. Make sure you have regular physicals and eye exams. Your health care team will check for any complications caused by your diabetes.

4. Take good care of your teeth. Patients with diabetes are especially prone to gum infections – make sure you brush twice a day, floss, and see your dentist twice a year for cleanings. If you notice your gums are bleeding or swollen, though, you should contact your dentist for an appointment right away – don’t wait for your next cleaning appointment.

5. Talk to your doctor about vaccines. Patients with diabetes have a higher risk of getting certain illnesses, and vaccines can help to prevent these.

Another important tip is to pay attention to your feet. Diabetes can reduce blood flow to the feet and damage nerves, which can lead to serious problems. If you have a diabetic foot ulcer, see your doctor right away. Contact the office of Dr. Sammy A. Zakhary — call the office in Glendale, Arizona, at (623) 258-3255 for an appointment today.

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