Beating Diabetes

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

If you're one of the 17 million people in the United States with diabetes, you already know that carefully monitoring your blood sugar is critical to your health. In fact, by keeping your blood sugar as close to normal as possible, you lower the risk of long-term problems including damage to your nerves, eyes, kidneys, heart and blood vessels. Here are a few more simple things you can do every day to help keep your diabetes in check:

• Exercise or be active at least 30 minutes a day
• Check your blood glucose every day, and record your number in your journal
• Brush and floss your teeth every day
• Control your blood pressure and cholesterol
• Eat at least three meals each day about four to five hours apart — a small snack at bedtime may also help
• Eat at the same time each day
• Do NOT skip meals
• Pay close attention to the amount of carbohydrates you eat since they significantly affect blood glucose levels
• Take your medications as directed
• Don't smoke

For more information, visit the official site of the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org. And pass it on! Together we can continue to fight diabetes.

St. Joseph Hospital Diabetes Education Program: 260-425-3393.