Managing your diabetes

• How to manage your diabetes
• Step 1: See your doctor
• Step 2: Eat a healthy diet
• Step 3: Exercise every day
• Step 4: Test your blood sugar levels
• Step 5: Take your diabetes pills or insulin
• Important tests and screenings
• Urine and blood tests
• Eye exam
• Foot exam
• How can you take care of your feet?

How to manage your diabetes

When you have diabetes, caring for yourself every day is very important.
You can help your body stay healthy by keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol in a healthy range.

Here are simple steps to help you manage your diabetes.

Step 1: See your doctor
Your doctor and care team can help you learn what to do each day.
Visit your doctor regularly and ask about any tests or checkups you may need.

Step 2: Eat a healthy diet
A healthy eating plan helps keep your blood sugar stable.
Work with your doctor or a dietitian if you need help making a plan.

Try to eat:

• Non‑starchy vegetables
• Lean proteins (like chicken, fish, eggs or plant‑based proteins)
• Healthy carbs such as fruits, whole grains and low‑fat milk
• Less added sugar
• Healthy fats
• Fewer processed foods
• Water or drinks with no calories
• American Diabetes Association’s guidelines

Step 3: Exercise every day
Being active can help lower your blood sugar and give you more energy.
Ask your doctor how much activity is safe for you.
Start slowly and build up over time.

Step 4: Test your blood sugar levels
Checking your blood sugar helps you see how well your diabetes plan is working.
Write down your numbers and bring them to your appointments.

Step 5: Take your diabetes pills or insulin
Diabetes pills and insulin help lower your blood sugar.
You may need insulin if your body does not make enough.
Your doctor will decide which medicine is right for you.

Important tests and screenings

Your doctor will check three main things, often called the “ABC’s” of diabetes:

• A1c –Shows your average blood sugar over 3 months
• Blood pressure – Helps prevent heart and kidney problems
• Cholesterol - Measures fats in your blood that can affect your heart

These tests help find problems early.

Urine and blood tests

Your doctor may check how well your kidneys are working.

Common tests include:

• A urine test to look for protein.
• A blood test to check how well your kidneys filter waste.

These tests are often done once a year.

Eye exam

Diabetes can affect your eyes, but eye problems can often be treated if found early.

A full eye exam can check for:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts

Getting eye exams regularly can help protect your vision.

Foot exams

Your doctor should check your feet at each visit.
High blood sugar can cause nerve damage, called neuropathy.
This may cause:

• Numbness
• Trouble feeling pain or temperature
• Sores that heal slowly

How to take care of your feet

• Wash your feet in warm water every day and dry them well
• Check your feet for sores, blisters or redness
• Tell your doctor right away if you see any problems
• Use lotion on your feet (but not between your toes)
• File corns and calluses gently
• Cut toenails straight across
• Never walk barefoot
• Wear socks and shoes that fit well

These steps help keep your feet healthy and can prevent serious problems.

Staying on track

Regular exercise, healthy eating and keeping up with your tests can help you stay healthy and avoid complications.

Talk with your doctor about a schedule that works for you.