Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases affecting the body's ability to produce or use insulin, a hormone required to convert blood sugar into energy. Excess blood sugar in the body causes serious complications including diabetic shock or comma. No cure exists for diabetes, but the condition is controllable through proper treatment and lifestyle changes. The three most common types of diabetes include type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. As of 2007, 23.6 million Americans suffer from diabetes; 5.7 million Americans are unaware they are suffering from the condition, reports the American Diabetes Association. Understanding diabetic precautions is critical to prevent complications.
Foot Care
Diabetics commonly suffer from sensory loss in their feet, also known as neuropathy. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and a sensation of "pins and needles." Decreased sensation in the foot causes injuries to go unnoticed. Left untreated a small injury such as a cut or callus often turns into a diabetic foot ulcers. Foot ulcers commonly become infected; proper treatment is critical to avoid amputation. A person with diabetes should wash feet daily with lukewarm water, advises FamilyDoctor.org. Inspecting feet after washing is critical to identify problem areas. Patients should not treat calluses or bunions at home without speaking to a medical professional first. Though patients can use lotion to moisturize their feet, they should not apply it between the toes. Visiting a podiatrist for toenail trimmings and other treatments is recommended over self-treating.
Obesity
Obesity remains the leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Additional body weight increases the heart's workload and decreases the body's ability to produce or use insulin. The association adds losing 10 to 15 pounds and exercising 30 minutes a day five times a week decreases the risk of diabetes developing by 60 percent of patients. Small lifestyle changes including diet and physical activity reduces weight, resulting in decreased risk for developing diabetes. MayoClinic.com suggests checking weight on a weekly basis. The clinic points out that people who weigh themselves weekly or more have a greater chance of achieving weight loss.
Oral Care
All types of diabetics should focus on oral care, suggests MayoClinic.com. There is an increased prevalence of gum disease among people with diabetes reports the American Diabetes Association. Gum infection and other complications may lead a higher rate of tooth loss than non-diabetics. MayoClinic.com advises diabetics to brush and floss twice daily and visit a dentist twice a year. A dentist should inspect swollen, red or infected gums. Diabetes causes increased healing time; infections often prove difficult to treat and may quickly progress. Non-emergency dental procedures should be postponed if blood glucose levels are unstable, according to the American Diabetes Association.
