Following self-care practices help those living with diabetes avoid hospital visits and serious health complications. Self-care practices that should be implemented into your daily routine include eating healthy, staying physically active, monitoring your blood sugar levels appropriately, utilizing your medications appropriately if prescribed, and practicing healthy behaviors that reduce your risk of diabetes complications such as a diabetic coma.

Other Self-Care practices include but are not limited to:

• Attending annual eye exams
• Caring for your feet (checking for lesions and sores daily)
• Reporting any numbness or tingling to your healthcare provider immediately
• Practicing good oral hygiene
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Maintaining sexual health (increased urination can be a sign of complications)
• Reducing Stress
• Talking with your support group to help you stay motived
• Developing healthy coping skills (Everyone struggles at some point in life. Don’t let life’s struggles jeopardize your health in a negative way.)