Tips for Managing Diabetes

Have diabetes or know someone who does? Help take control by following the tips below.

Monitor your health every day and visit a doctor regularly.

Check your blood glucose every day.
Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel great.
Brush and floss your teeth twice daily.
Check your feet for tenderness and open sores.
Inform your doctor about changes in your vision or if anything feels out of the ordinary.

Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

Being active helps burn calories and strengthens your heart.
Staying active also helps keep blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.

Eat healthy to control your weight and ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs.

Staying active also helps keep blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.
Eat fruits and vegetables of all colors to ensure that you are getting a variety of vitamins.
Eat whole grains, dried beans and other fiber-rich foods.
Choose liquid cooking oils (rather than solids) and lean meat – such as chicken and fish.
Avoid sugary or salty drinks.
Avoid fried or fatty foods.

Smoking raises your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol.

Smoking raises your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol.
Quitting smoking reduces your chances of heart attack, stroke and other diseases.

Tips based on clinical guidelines and best practices from the National Diabetes Education Program, the American Diabetes Association and the Mayo Clinic.

Did You Know?

Overall, the risk of death among people with diabetes is about twice that of people without diabetes of similar age.²