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Reducing Risks

Reducing Risks
Diabetes complications can be stopped with good preventative care

By Theresa Garnero

There are several healthcare services that are recommended on a regular basis that can reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications:

• Annual eye exams
• Routine medical follow-up appointments
• Regular dental exams
• Daily foot checks
• Stopping smoking
• Flu vaccinations
• Daily baby aspirin use (if approved by your doctor)

This self-care behavior is like the car maintenance schedule of diabetes management. Certain tests need to be done at specific times to prolong the life and efficiency of your car, and likewise, your body.

Visit these resources for key information on reducing your diabetes-related risk:

Preventing Diabetic Eye Disease

• The Top 10 Ways to Avoid Losing Your Vision to Diabetes
  
• The Importance of Diabetic Eye Care (Video)

Diabetes and Dental Problems

• Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
  
• Diabetes Dental Tips

Recognizing Foot Problems

• How to Check Your Feet
  
• What to Expect From Your Podiatrist (Video)

Preventing Cardiovascular Disease

• Smoking Cessation
  
• What You Need To Know About Heart Disease (Video)

Diabetes and Flu Shots

• About the Flu and Influenza Vaccine
  
• Who Should Not Get Flu Shots

<< GO BACK TO THE SEVEN SELF-CARE HABITS INDEX <<

SOURCE:

1 - American Association of Diabetes Educators. AADE 7 Self-Care Behaviors. (Accessed 2/19/08).