Diabetes and your general health

Taking care of your general health is as important as taking proper care of your diabetes.

Immunisation and vaccination

All the vaccinations and immunisations normally recommended are safe for people with diabetes.
If you are travelling abroad check with your GP or travel agent if any extra vaccinations are required.
You are advised to have a flu vaccination at no charge if you have diabetes, are over 65 years of age and/or have certain other medical conditions. A flu vaccination is available at the surgery during October and November each year.
Your diabetes may be temporarily disturbed after any vaccination or travel immunisation. If you check your blood sugar levels you may need to test more often for a few days and increase your dose of tablets or insulin.
If you have increased your dose of tablets or insulin after immunisation, remember to reduce the dose back to your usual amount when you are feeling better and your blood sugar levels have fallen.

Dental care

Tell your dentist that you have diabetes
Regular dental checks are important for your health
Go for dental treatment early as dental infections may disturb your diabetes balance
Dental treatment may upset your diabetes control temporarily, particularly if you find visits to the dentist stressful
If you need a general anaesthetic, this should be dopne in hospital
A painful mouth (particularly poorly fitting dentures) may prevent you eating properly. This can lead to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia)
There is no special financial help for dental care for people with diabetes

Family planning advice

Diabetes does not affect your ability to become pregnant provided your blood sugar levels are well controlled. If you are planning to have children, ask for advice before becoming pregnant.

The contraceptive pill does not suit all women with or without diabetes and may not be advised in the following circumstances.

If you are older
If you smoke
If you are overweight
If you have high blood pressure or a family history of this
If you have heart or circulation problems or a family history of them

Low dose combined contraceptive pills may be used in the short term. You will need to keep a check on your blood sugar levels and have regular blood pressure tests. Low dose progestogen-only pills may be used. The coil (intra-uterine contraceptive devices or IUD) can be used provided you have no history of pelvic infections Barrier methods (caps, condoms) are safe for women with diabetes. Condoms or sheaths also provide protection against AIDS. Women with diabetes can be sterilised and men with diabetes can have a vasectomy.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

During their reproductive years women are protected against heart disease by the present of the hormone oestrogen. As the menopause approaches oestrogen production slows down and the protection it provides against heart disease and brittle bones (osteoporosis) is reduced.,

HRT can be offered to you. If one type of HRT does not suit you, another can be tried. You should ask your family doctor and team for advice on HRT. You will need to monitor your blood sugar levels carefully. If you are treated with insulin, your dose may need adjusting. HRT may increase the risk of breast cancer for some women.

Looking after your heart

Diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels in your blood are linked with heart disease in both men and women. Problems found early can usually be treated with small changes in your lifestyle. Ask for advice on your diet, activity levels and exercise.

Screening

Women with diabetes should have cervical smears and breast screening (mammography) arranged through their family doctor in the same way as other women. Men with diabetes should discuss impotence and prostate problems with someone in their diabetes care team when appropriate.