Diabetes is a disorder that requires self-care and a willingness to take personal responsibility for its control on a daily basis. With diligence and a positive attitude, most people can lead a full, active life.

Below are some important steps to managing diabetes: 

• Create a food, medication and activity plan that works for you.

• Stick to your plan. Work with your doctor and dietitian to change it when necessary.

• Speak with a dietitian about a diet that you can follow. Discuss the foods you like and dislike, any religious or ethical restrictions, and so on. If you don't speak up, the dietitian won't be able to best assist you.

• Buy low-fat cookbooks and cookbooks written specifically for people managing diabetes.

• Lose weight if you are overweight. Losing weight can make a big difference in your treatment plan. Many people are able to eliminate or reduce the amount of medication needed once they take the weight off.

• Join a gym, join a softball team, sign up for karate. Exercise and activity are essential to all of us and extremely important for a person with diabetes. Find a sport or exercise that you enjoy, something that will motivate you to keep at it.

• Find a way to be more active that is convenient and enjoyable. If you join a gym, pick one that is close to home or work so that it’s not a struggle to go.  Find a friend to exercise with so you’ll both stay on track. Take care to plan your eating and medication around your exercise.

• Make your life more active. Get up and walk around at work if your job is sedentary, climb the stairs, walk to the store.

• Wear a medical identification bracelet. It is vital that you be identified as having diabetes in case of a medical emergency.

• Speak to your doctor if you are planning a long trip. Crossing time zones can throw your medication/eating schedule out of whack. Diabetics can travel safely without restrictions, but first learn how to best handle it.

• Be prepared. Always carry a snack with you. If you take insulin, carry concentrated sources of glucose such as hard candy.

• Keep glucose meter strips in their original container. They are less likely to deteriorate.

• Feel free to eat out in restaurants, but watch what you are eating. Avoid large portions. Share a dessert rather than eat a whole one yourself. 

• Drink a glass of wine if you enjoy it, but don't overdo it. The American Diabetes Association recommends that women should have no more than one alcoholic drink per day; men may have up to two drinks.

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. People with diabetes have twice the risk of heart disease as the rest of the population and can't afford the extra risk of smoking.

• If you stick to your diabetes program religiously but still have significant spikes in your blood sugar, speak with your doctor.

• Keep abreast of medical developments. Contact the American Diabetes Association for updates in research, new monitoring devices and so on.  

If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.