Diabetes Mellitus: 10 Things you must do to avert crises

Diabetic crises are horrible experiences which no one wants to pass through because they are pretty difficult to manage. In order to avert diabetic crises from coming up regularly there are things the patient must do at all times; they include:
1. Regular medical check-ups: You are advised to visit the clinic or hospital regularly for your medical check-ups. Your blood sugar level should be monitored to ensure that the drugs/food regime is achieving the desired objectives. The fasting blood sugar random blood glucose should be monitored. Your eyes should also be checked for signs of retinopathy.
2. Take your drugs: It is advisable that you take your drugs regularly. This helps to put your blood sugar under control, and your compliance could add about 20 years to your life span. If on insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drugs they should be taken as and when due. You should see a doctor before adjusting the dosage of your drugs.
3. Take your food regularly: You must take your food regularly as mapped out by your dietician. At least you should take frequent small meals to maintain normal blood level of glucose supply. The right proportion of the various nutrients should as well be maintained; approximately carbohydrate 50%, protein 15% and fats 35%.
4. Take some sugar with you: When you are outdoors you must take some cubes of sugar or fruit juice with you. Should you over work yourself and notice some signs of hypoglycaemia you should quickly dissolve a few cubes in your mouth or drink the fruit juice.
5. Have your diabetic card: You should own a diabetic card which should carry information concerning your condition, address, next of kin and address, your doctor and his address or phone number, etc. should there be an emergency they would easily be reached.
6. Inform your doctor: If you must take any drug for other conditions your doctor, nurse or pharmacist has to be informed that you are on diabetic drugs. The reason is that some drugs are incompatible with your drugs: they may either reduce the potency of your drugs or increase their effects thereby putting you in danger.
7. Treat every illness: Every illness must be treated on time. You should see your doctor when you are ill because illnesses can reduce your immunity or give you more stress that could worsen your health condition.
8. Personal hygiene: Proper attention should be paid to your personal hygiene. You should particularly keep your feet clean and tidy with mild soap and antiseptic at all times to prevent infection. Your feet should be kept away from cuts and scratches so they don’t get infected.
9. Know your signs and symptoms: You must be familiar with the signs and symptoms of impending crisis. When there is reduced blood sugar, some of the signs you experience are tremor, hunger, headache, nervousness, sweating, confusion, etc. Then for excess blood glucose some of the signs are abdominal pain, vomiting, dry tongue, air hunger, reduced reflexes, etc.
10. Know about diabetes mellitus: You should seek information concerning your condition and what you must do to help yourself. You are also encouraged to join diabetic association where you can get adequate information and help.