Living With It
Diabetes
Tips, insights, and interviews
| Balance exercises keep muscles fit |
Taking care of diabetic hands |
Tools for keeping your feet healthy |
Taking care of diabetic hands
by David Mendosa
People with diabetes are like everyone else, only more so. This realization has been slowly growing in my mind as I began to appreciate that while we talk all the time about how those of us with diabetes need regular exercise, good nutrition, and weight control, everyone needs that too.
Even the complications of diabetes are more intense manifestations of what anyone may experience. For example, the problems that we often experience with our skin are similar to what just about everyone experiences, although maybe we experience them more often or more severely.
High blood glucose levels can sure make wound control more difficult. But I know from my own experience that even as I have controlled my blood glucose, my hands can get just as dry and cracked as they ever were. Maybe more so.
Maybe it's the typical dryness of winter. Maybe it's the special dryness where I have lived for the past three or four years. Maybe it's because I'm more active outside now. But it's certain that my hands need help.
Use those tools to care for your feet
by David Mendosa
Until recently most treatments for diabetic neuropathy have been painkillers that helped some people but not others. Even if they helped control the pain, they did nothing to reverse the neuropathy. My web page on "Diabetic Neuropathy" describes many of these treatments.
Use a walking stick for a safer, more intense workout
by David Mendosa
Hike softly, carry walking stick. Those are two of the main maxims for the trail, whether or not you have diabetes.
Balance exercises help keep muscles fit
by David Mendosa
Three people, none of whom know the others, happened to mention balance exercise to me on three consecutive days. I’ve learned to listen to coincidences like this, because the last time it happened like that, I listened and changed my life for the better.
Keep a test calendar to track your health
by David Mendosa
Many of us with diabetes feel better now than before our diagnosis. That’s probably mostly because we take better care of ourselves now and get more exercise.
But much of the reason is because we now take an active role in managing our health. We’ve learned that neither our doctors or anybody else can do that for us.
A big part of taking care of ourselves is to schedule the tests and check-ups that we regularly need. They range from daily to multi-year.