You can help to prevent or slow down problems that are caused by diabetes (diabetes mellitus). Following your diabetes plan and taking care of yourself can reduce your risk of serious or life-threatening complications.

What actions can I take to prevent diabetes complications?

Medical appointments and vaccines

Schedule and keep yearly physical exams and eye exams. Your health care provider will tell you how often you need medical visits depending on your diabetes management plan. Keep all follow-up visits as told. This is important so possible problems can be identified early and complications can be avoided or treated.

• Every visit with your health care provider should include measuring your:
  • Weight.
  • Blood pressure.
  • Blood glucose control.
• Your A1C (hemoglobin A1C) level should be checked:
  • At least 2 times a year, if you are meeting your treatment goals.
  • 4 times a year, if you are not meeting treatment goals or if your treatment goals have changed.
• Your blood lipids (lipid profile) should be checked yearly. You should also be checked yearly for protein in your urine (urine microalbumin).
• If you have type 1 diabetes, get an eye exam 3–5 years after you are diagnosed, and then once a year after your first exam.
• If you have type 2 diabetes, get an eye exam as soon as you are diagnosed, and then once a year after your first exam.

It is also important to keep your vaccines current. It is recommended that you receive:

• A flu (influenza) vaccine every year.
• A pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccine and a hepatitis B vaccine. If you are age 65 or older, you may get the pneumonia vaccine as a series of two separate shots.

Ask your health care provider which other vaccines may be recommended.

Lifestyle

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider. By avoiding nicotine and tobacco:
  • You will lower your risk for heart attack, stroke, nerve disease, and kidney disease.
  • Your cholesterol and blood pressure may improve.
  • Your blood circulation will improve.
• If you drink alcohol:
  • Limit how much you use to:
    • 0–1 drink a day for women who are not pregnant.
    • 0–2 drinks a day for men.
  • Be aware of how much alcohol is in your drink. In the U.S., one drink equals one 12 oz bottle of beer (355 mL), one 5 oz glass of wine (148 mL), or one 11⁄2 oz glass of hard liquor (44 mL).

Taking care of your teeth

People with poorly controlled diabetes are more likely to have gum (periodontal) disease. Diabetes can make periodontal diseases harder to control. If not treated, periodontal diseases can lead to tooth loss. To prevent this:

• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss at least once a day.
• Visit your dentist 2 times a year.

Managing stress

Living with diabetes can be stressful. When you are experiencing stress, your blood glucose may be affected in two ways:

• Stress hormones may cause your blood glucose to rise.
• You may be distracted from taking good care of yourself.

Be aware of your stress level and make changes to help you manage challenging situations. To lower your stress levels:

• Consider joining a support group.
• Do planned relaxation or meditation.
• Do a hobby that you enjoy.
• Maintain healthy relationships.
• Exercise regularly.
• Work with your health care provider or a mental health professional.

Where to find more information

• American Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.org
• Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists: www.diabeteseducator.org

Summary

• You can take action to prevent or slow down problems that are caused by diabetes (diabetes mellitus). Following your diabetes plan and taking care of yourself can reduce your risk of serious or life-threatening complications.
• Follow instructions from your health care providers about managing your diabetes. Your diabetes may be managed by a team of health care providers who can teach you how to care for yourself and can answer questions that you have.
• Know your target range for your blood sugar (glucose), and check your blood glucose levels as often as told. Your health care provider will help you decide how often you should check your blood glucose level depending on your treatment goals and how well you are meeting them.
• Your health care provider will tell you how often you need medical visits depending on your diabetes management plan. Keep all follow-up visits as directed. This is important so possible problems can be identified early and complications can be avoided or treated.