We encounter diabetes more often as we grow older. In the United States, almost one-fifth of adults over 60—8.6 million people—have diabetes. But thanks to advances in medical science that have helped us better understand how to manage and treat the disease, people with diabetes can stay active, fulfilling lives as long as they keep their blood sugar under control and take these simple precautions from the American Diabetes Association.
• Be sure to get your flu shot every year. Coming down with the flu is especially risky for people with diabetes. Flu shots provide six months of protection, so get your shot as early in the fall as possible. It also makes sense to be vaccinated against pneumonia.
• Make an appointment for a regular eye exam. Visit an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, specialists who can dilate your eyes to detect signs of retinopathy. It’s not enough to have your eyeglass prescription tested by an optician.
• Check your feet every day. Make it an everyday habit to look at your bare feet for red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.
• Take good care of your teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and visit your dentist for a check-up and cleaning twice a year. Many of the steps that doctors recommend to help manage diabetes—exercising, giving up smoking, reducing the amount of alcohol you drink—are the same for anyone trying to lead a healthier life—and the benefits are the same. Manage your diabetes wisely, and you’ll feel more active and energetic.
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For more information about living well with diabetes, consider signing up for a free e-mail newsletter from the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes E-News Now, featuring the latest information about diabetes, is published weekly. To sign up, visit www.diabetes.org and sign up for your e-newsletter.
