DIY (Do It Yourself) can be applied to just about anything. Perhaps your car’s brakes are malfunctioning, or your bathroom sink has stopped up. Whatever your problem may be, there is sure to be a tutorial online for you to brush up on.

While that may be the case, men and women with diabetes need to keep some things in mind before embarking on a large home or car project. Because diabetics’ bodies do not function in the same way as typical bodies, the exertion and strain required by most DIY projects may be too much for those with diabetes.

Keeping Yourself Safe

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep yourself safe when embarking on large-scale home projects. With a little bit of foresight and mindfulness as you work, you can make sure your body is functioning optimally and keep yourself from danger.

#1. Scale Heights With Caution

Unexpected crashes in blood sugar can cause dizziness and vertigo. While this may not be a huge problem if you are simply walking about, being struck by a sudden attack of dizziness could prove extremely dangerous if you are on a high ladder, roof, or other elevated surface.

To prevent anything from happening, make sure you eat a robust, healthy meal before you begin your project and keep your body well hydrated.

#2. Keep a First Aid Kit on Hand

Not all DIY projects run the risk of incurring injury, but some requiring the use of a saw, hammer, or drill do. In these cases, an accidental swipe of a power tool could prove fatal—or at least extremely damaging to your nerves and tissue.

Because diabetics do not heal as quickly, a single injury can do far more damage than it would in a typical body. This could lead to tissue or nerve damage. Additionally, many men and women with diabetes take blood thinners as part of their daily pill regimen, which makes a small cut a potential disaster. To prevent either of these things from happening, keep a first aid kit close by and use it the moment an injury occurs.

#3. Use the Buddy System

Avoid completing DIY projects while you are home alone. If you do not live with someone else, have a friend over to talk while you work, or invite a family member for dinner in exchange for some help. This way, if something does happen, you will have someone to help you or notify the paramedics.

#4. Don’t Take On More Than You Can Handle

Although the lure of saving money and customizing your home or vehicle is strong, do not take on any more than you can realistically handle. If your blood sugar is prone to acting up, you should not be working on your roof. If your A/C went out and you are susceptible to sun stroke, do not attempt to fix it yourself.

Having diabetes does not mean you cannot complete home projects yourself; however, before taking on any new project, make sure your blood sugar is stable, your environment is safe, and your whereabouts and intentions are known.