November is Diabetes Awareness Month and the numbers are staggering. Nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes and another 86 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

his hits close to home as my Mom has diabetes. Since being diagnosed last year, she has worked hard to turn her lifestyle completely around. She’s dropped over 50 pounds and by following some of the tips below, is managing her diabetes! If you’re looking for some tips and great products to manage your diabetes, read below!

Healthy Oral Care Habits

Nearly 50% of American adults suffer from various forms of gum disease and don’t know it. Diabetes slows the body’s natural healing process, and as a result, your chance of problems associated with gum disease increases. Visiting your dentist twice a year is the best way to maintain good oral health and treat problems early.

• Use fluoride toothpaste twice a day to fight cavities.
• Floss every day to disrupt and remove stubborn plaque.
• Brushing teeth alone misses 75% of your mouth, leaving millions of germs behind. Adding a therapeutic mouthwash to your daily routine is essential to maintaining proper oral care.

Products to Check Out: LISTERINE^® ULTRACLEAN^® Dental Floss and LISTERINE^® ULTRACLEAN^® Mouthwash

Skin Care Tips

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes can affect every part of the body, including the skin. To address skin-specific needs, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Clean and Dry. Ensuring that skin is always clean and dry helps prevent fungal growth and harmful bacteria from developing into infections. Try a gentle body wash.
• Keeping skin hydrated with a moisturizing body lotion or cream helps relieve the itch associated with dry skin while preventing irritation and cracking.
• Check and Treat. Checking skin daily for cracks, and treating problems straight away, helps prevent infections.

Products to Check Out: LUBRIDERM^® Daily Moisture Fragrance-Free Lotion

Watch Out for Wounds

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetics can be at higher risk for wound problems due to potential issues with reduced skin sensation, blood circulation and the body’s natural defense system. Immediate wound care treatment is extremely important for people with diabetes, because an infection can lead to serious health problems.

• Wash your hands thoroughly, stop bleeding by applying pressure, and clean cuts and scrapes with mild soap and water. Pat dry with a sterile gauze pad.
• Antibiotic ointments such as NEOSPORIN^® First Aid Antibiotic Ointment can help prevent bacterial infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns. Follow the package directions and your doctor’s instructions.
• Cover the wound with a bandage, making sure it extends a half-inch beyond the wound. Check product label and warning before applying – some covers might not be appropriate for you if you have diabetes. Then select a tape or wrap to comfortably hold your dressing in place without damaging your skin upon removal.

Products to Check Out: NEOSPORIN^® Original Ointment and BAND-AID^® Brand Adhesive Bandages

A Sweet Option

For people with diabetes who must control their blood sugar levels through careful monitoring of carbohydrate intake, no-calorie sweeteners such as SPLENDA^® No Calorie Sweetener can offer a sweet alternative to full calorie sweeteners.

• On-the-go. People with diabetes can use low- and no-calorie sweeteners to sweeten products such as beverages, yogurt, whole-grain cereals and fruit without adding all the calories and carbohydrate of sugar.
• Managing weight. When used in place of sugar, low-and no-calorie sweeteners can help decrease the amount of carbohydrate and calories found in foods and beverages, which may help with weight management and blood glucose control.

Products to Check Out: SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener Products

I’m a big fan of Johnson & Johnson’s site HEALTHY ESSENTIALS®, where you can save money on the great products above.

Disclosure: This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS^® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

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