MANAGING DIABETES
Okay, I’m taking my medicine. What now?
Medicine is just one part of a diabetes care plan.
Have you gotten used to your diabetes treatment? You’re taking your medicine just like your health care professional says? Great, keep up the good work!
But it’s important to remember that there’s more to diabetes management than medicine. Now’s the time to think about what else you can do to help make your diabetes care plan successful.
Build your diabetes care team
You’ve probably already begun this step. But just in case, remember there are a lot of different health care professionals you may want on your team who can help you on your journey. Together, they form part of your diabetes care team. Your team may include:
Be sure to work closely with them. Stay involved, especially with your primary doctor. They’ll help you create a personalized diabetes care plan that can help get you to your goal and keep you there. If you’re not sure where to find each member, ask your primary doctor for help.
Eat right
This is a big one. When you eat healthy, you help manage your weight, blood glucoseBlood glucoseThe main sugar found in the blood, and the body’s main source of energy. levels, blood pressure—even your mood. Work with your diabetes care team to create a meal plan that’s right for you. It will likely include a variety of foods from all food groups. Be sure to ask how you can add your favorite foods to your meal plan, so you can enjoy what you eat.
Get Eye Exams
Diabetes can affect your eyes. Get regular eye exams by an optometrist or ophthalmologist—the kind where they dilate your eyes to check to see if blood glucose has damaged any blood vessels. Get this done every year, or as often as your eye care provider advises. You can ask your health care professional for an Amsler grid to screen for vision changes. For some eye conditions, an Amsler grid may help identify changes to your vision.
Check your feet
People with diabetes can develop foot problems. Check your feet every day. And have your doctor check them once a year or more often if needed.
Download Foot Care for People With Diabetes
Track your blood glucose
Your doctor may want you to track your blood glucose. That’s because it tells you how high or low your blood glucose is, how things like exercise and stress affect it, and how well your medicine is working. You and your diabetes care team will decide when and how often you should check your blood glucose. Talk to your health care professional if tools like a continuous glucose monitor might be right for you.
Download Staying on Track: Your Guide to Tracking and Monitoring Your Diabetes
Reach out for support
Feeling stressed or upset? Your family and friends may be happy to listen and help. Maybe join a support group where you’ll meet other people with diabetes. Chances are they will understand what you’re feeling. They can share ways they manage stress and cope with diabetes. You are not alone!
Test your knowledge
Which of the following is NOT a part of good foot care for people with diabetes?
Correct!
Sorry, that's incorrect.
It’s fine to wear leather shoes, as long as they fit well and don’t pinch or rub your feet the wrong way.
