Managing Your Diabetes


It is important for you to take responsibility for your day-to-day care. Your job is to keep your levels of blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol as close to the normal range as you can.

Step 1: See your provider
Your provider and diabetes care team will help you learn how to control your diabetes. Be sure to visit your provider often. Know about other tests and screenings you should have.

Step 2: Eat a healthy diet
A balanced diet is the key to a healthy diet plan. You should have your own diet plan. Work with your provider or dietician if you do not have a diet plan.

Step 3: Exercise every day
Exercise will help you keep your weight down. This helps to lower your blood sugar and gives you more energy. Always check with your provider about how much exercise you should get. If you are new to exercising, start slowly.

Step 4: Test your blood sugar
Testing your blood sugar will help you control your diabetes. Testing will also help you know if your diet, diabetes pills or insulin are keeping your blood sugar under control.

Step 5: Take your diabetes pills or insulin
Insulin shots and diabetes pills are used to lower your blood sugar. You will need insulin shots if your body has either stopped making or does not make enough insulin. Diabetes pills are used if your body makes insulin, but the insulin is not lowering your blood sugar.