Taking insulin

You might need to give yourself insulin shots or use an insulin pump. Insulin helps move sugar from your blood into your cells so your body can use it for energy.

There are different types of insulin. Some types work fast, and others last longer. Some people use more than one type. Your doctor or diabetes educator can show you how to use insulin the right way.

Always follow your doctor’s directions. They might change your insulin type, dose, or when you take it. Keep your insulin stored the right way and check the expiration date.

Eat healthy

Eating healthy helps control your blood sugar and keep your weight in a good range.

Your doctor, nurse, or dietitian can help you make a meal plan that works for you. You do not need to give up any specific foods completely. Try to include:

• Vegetables

• Fruits

• Lean meats or other healthy proteins

• Whole grains

• Low-fat or fat-free dairy

Be active

Being active helps your body use insulin better.

Ask your doctor to help you make an activity plan. It should fit your age, health, and the types of activities you like.

Start slow. Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days. You can break it into shorter times, like three 10-minute walks. Try to get at least 150 minutes of activity each week. You can use an app or watch to track your progress.

Check your blood sugar

Your doctor will tell you how and when to check your blood sugar. This shows if your sugar is in a healthy range. If it is, you are managing your diabetes well.

You may use a device called a continuous glucose monitor. It checks your blood sugar regularly during the day and night. It can make testing easier. Ask your doctor about other new tools that can help you manage your diabetes.

Your doctor will also tell you what numbers are too high or too low. Call them if your blood sugar is often out of range.

Learn the signs of low blood sugar like sweating, shaking, or confusion so you can treat it quickly.

Your doctor may tell you to check your blood sugar more often when you are sick. This is called a “sick day plan.” It tells you what foods, medicines, and supplies to keep at home. It also says when to check your blood sugar, when to change your medicine, and when to call your doctor or go to the emergency room.

Keep one copy of your sick day plan in a safe place at home. Share copies with your family and close friends.

If your blood sugar is too high or too low often, your doctor may suggest changes to your diet, activity level, or medicine.

Check for ketones

Sometimes, you’ll need to test for ketones in your urine. Your doctor will give you test strips and show you how to use them.

Ketones happen when your body burns fat instead of sugar. This is called ketosis. If your test shows ketones, call your provider right away.

Some people use special monitors to test for ketones in their blood. Ask your doctor if this is right for you.

Take care of yourself

Having diabetes can lead to other health problems like foot, eye, heart, nerve, and kidney issues. You can help prevent them by keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range and taking good care of yourself.

Your care plan will include:

• Checkups. Go to all your regular checkups. Your doctor will examine you. They will check your feet, blood pressure, and weight.

• Other exams. Get full eye, foot, and dental checkups every year. Take off your shoes at every visit so your doctor can check your feet.

• A1C tests. These tests check your average blood sugar over 2 to 3 months. You’ll get them at least twice a year. If you use a glucose monitor, your doctor will also check your results.

• Lab tests. You’ll get blood and urine tests to check your kidneys and cholesterol.

• Quit smoking. If you smoke, ask for help to quit. Smoking makes diabetes problems worse. Do not use vapes or e-cigarettes.

• Vaccines. Get a flu shot every year. Ask your doctor about other vaccines, like for pneumonia, shingles, hepatitis B, COVID-19, and RSV.

Treat stress and depression

Everyone goes through hard times. Living with diabetes can add more stress. It can make you feel many different emotions.

When you have diabetes, feeling stressed or sad can affect your blood sugar levels.

If you’re having a hard time coping, talk with your doctor. They can help or connect you with someone who can.

It may also help to join an online support group. Your doctor can give you a list of good ones.

To learn more

Reach out for support when you need it. You can:

• Talk with family and friends.

• Join a support group online or in your area.

• Visit the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org, call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383), or chat online.

• Talk with a counselor if you need more help.