Living with diabetes can feel overwhelming, but the right daily habits can make managing your condition much easier.
Here are some essential steps to help you take control of your diabetes — and your health.
Eat healthy, balanced meals
Your diabetes meal plan should include the same foods that are good for everyone: low in fat, salt, and sugar, and high in fiber — like beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
This helps you maintain a healthy weight, stabilize your blood sugar, and prevent heart disease.
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Get regular exercise
Daily physical activity helps your body use insulin better and gives you more energy.
It can be walking, biking, swimming, dancing — even gardening or cleaning counts.
Aim for 30 to 45 minutes at least three times a week. Always consult your doctor before starting a new routine.
Take your diabetes medication every day
Whether you’re on insulin or pills, taking your medication consistently is crucial.
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Medication helps regulate your blood sugar, but works best when combined with healthy eating and physical activity. Never skip a dose — even when you’re sick.
Test your blood sugar every day
The best way to know how you’re doing with your diabetes management is to test your blood sugar.
Some people test once a day, others multiple times. Your doctor will guide you on how often to test.
Common times include before meals, at bedtime, and sometimes overnight.
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Keep track of your readings
Use a notebook or app to record your blood sugar numbers daily. Include what you eat, how much you exercise, and how you’re feeling.
These notes help your doctor fine-tune your treatment plan and give you insight into how your body reacts to different factors.
Don’t skip meals
Skipping meals, especially if you take insulin or pills, can lead to dangerously low blood sugar.
Try to eat at the same times every day and stick to consistent portions. Several small meals may be better than one or two large ones.
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Always carry a snack
Being active or going too long without food can drop your blood sugar. Always carry a quick snack, like a piece of fruit or some milk.
Also, wear a medical ID card or bracelet indicating you have diabetes — it can be life-saving in an emergency.
Store your insulin correctly
If you use insulin, keep it in the fridge — but never in the freezer or in hot places like your car’s glove compartment.
Keep it out of direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures and light can damage the insulin and make it less effective.
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Learn to inject insulin properly
Insulin isn’t available as a pill — it must be injected.
Your doctor will show you how and where to give yourself the shot, such as your arms, hips, or thighs.
Use your own needles and dispose of them safely. Don’t worry — most people find the shots less painful than expected.
Know the extra tests you may need
In addition to daily blood sugar checks, you may need to test your urine for ketones, especially if you’re sick or your blood sugar is high.
A hemoglobin A1c test every three months shows your average blood sugar level and helps your doctor assess your long-term control.
This article is based on information from WebMD.