WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE DIABETES
Care of the feet
A great deal of emphasis is placed on foot care for the diabetic because there is danger of gangrene—a condition in which tissues actually die—if the feet are neglected. This is because diabetes often results in poor circulation, especially in the feet and legs. Diabetics over 45 should be particularly careful about carrying out the following foot-care measures:
Wash the feet daily with soap and water, then dry thoroughly.
Massage daily with lanolin, rubbing from the toes to the knees.
Raise yourself on your toes 20 times, twice a day.
Treat ingrown toenails
Have your toenails cut carefully by someone other than yourself, preferably a chiropodist, who must be told that you are a diabetic.
Wear shoes that are comfortable and wide enough not to rub against the feet.
Stockings should be washed daily, and should be free of imperfections that may irritate the skin.
What to do for diabetic acidosis
Call your doctor. Until he arrives, go to bed and keep quiet and warm. Drink a cup of warm soup or broth every hour.
Change to an emergency diet consisting of milk and crackers and either poached eggs on toast and cocoa or any bland vegetables you can tolerate. These feedings should be taken about every two hours.
Take insulin. Get the required dosage from the doctor over the phone. If he cannot be reached, take 20 units of regular insulin at once and 10 to 15 units every six hours until the urine is clear or shows only traces of sugar.
If improvement docs not come rapidly and your doctor cannot be reached, go to the nearest good hospital by taxi or by ambulance— or by your own car, if you have someone to help you.
Every diabetic should always carry an identification card.
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