Everything you need to know about diabetes management is in this section. Together with your health care team and information found here you’ll have the tools to maintain your health. You will also find information here about diabetes complications.
Managing type 1 diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is a life-long condition that requires proper management, including diet, medications, lifestyle choices, doctor visits, and monitoring the disease for complications. As such, managing type 1 diabetes can be challenging to both those who have it and the people who care for them.
Type 1 diabetes is managed with:
- Insulin replacement through lifelong injections or use of an insulin pump
- Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and a good understanding of the what the values means
- Learning the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and how to manage both
- Following a healthy diet and eating plan
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Keeping blood glucose levels as close to target range as possible
- Effective communication and follow-ups with your diabetes healthcare team
Learn more about managing type 1 diabetes here.
Managing type 2 diabetes:
The aim of management of type 2 diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels as close to the target range as possible, to prevent both short and long-term complications. While much of the day-to-day work comes from you, your healthcare team (doctor, specialists, dietitian, and pharmacist) are essential in proper management of your diabetes.
Tips to help manage type 2 diabetes include:
- Take your medications as prescribed
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet, including non-starchy vegetables, fruits, whole-grains, and lean proteins. Avoid unhealthy fats, sugars, processed foods and simple carbohydrates.
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- Engage in exercise daily
- Monitor your blood sugar and/or blood pressure at home, as indicated by your doctor
- Understand the potential complications from diabetes, and how to prevent and manage them
- Gain support from your family, friends, or community/online support groups
Learn more about managing type 2 diabetes here.
Managing blood sugar:
A main priority for people living with diabetes is managing blood sugar. It is important to ensure your blood sugar levels are within target, and to avoid both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
It is important to check your blood sugar level, because it will:
- Determine if you have high or low blood sugar at a given time
- Show you how lifestyle, foods, exercise and medication affect your sugars
- Help you and your healthcare team make lifestyle and medication changes
Learn more about managing blood sugar here.
Managing complications:
It takes work to get your diabetes under control, but it is definitely worth it. If diabetes is left untreated or improperly managed, diabetes can lead to several different complications.
Diabetes can affect nearly every organ in your body, including the:
Learn more about managing and preventing complications here.
Diabetes Management Articles
Key facts on diabetes and bladder controlWhether it’s a constant urge to urinate or leaks when you least expect it, bladder control issues are a common complication of diabetes that’s not often discussed.
Risk factors and warning signs for diabetes-related eye damageThere is a strong link between diabetes and eye damage (also known as diabetic retinopathy). That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes
Management of hearing lossIf you have been noticing that your hearing is not as sharp as it used to be, you’re not alone. Read this article to find out more about hearing loss and what to do if you suspect that you may have hearing loss.
Diabetic stomachGastroparesis, also known as “delayed gastric emptying” or “diabetic stomach” is a disorder of the digestive tract that causes food to remain in the stomach for a period of time that is longer than average.
Tips for maintaining a healthy body weightThere are many things people with diabetes can do to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Read this expert blog to learn about tips for maintaining a healthy weight.
5 ways to overcome barriers to weight lossPeople with diabetes often face several barriers to weight loss, but with the right support and strategies, these challenges can be identified and overcome.
The impact of sunlight and time changes on blood sugar levels: what you should knowThe amount of sunlight a person is exposed to can affect their risk of diabetes. If you already have diabetes, it can affect your management of the condition. Daylight saving time (DST) can also affect your blood sugar.
10 tips to manage diabetes complicationsThere are many things you can do to prevent diabetes complications, including making sure your blood sugar is at target, and seeing your diabetes healthcare team regularly. Read this expert blog to discover 10 tips to manage diabetes complications.
Taking a holiday with diabetesTaking a holiday with diabetes can be a great break, and being prepared ahead of time usually helps make travel go more smoothly.
Take charge of your kidney healthAre you aware that nearly 50% of people living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) related to their diabetes? Left untreated, this can lead to kidney failure.
