If you pay attention to your diabetes and keep your blood glucose under control, you can avoid most diabetic complications for an entire lifetime! That requires taking care of yourself.

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If you have type 1 diabetes, you are well aware that you must take daily insulin to control your blood sugar.

The insulin can be delivered either by pump or through injections.


The food you eat - particularly the carbohydrates - increases your blood glucose levels, so your doctor may want you to know how many carbs, calories, and fat grams you should eat daily.

Together with your doctor and diabetes educator, create a healthy eating plan just for you.


People with type 2 diabetes can control their disease though a careful diet of low-fat meals, high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; by losing excess weight; by exercising regularly; and by taking medication.

Exercise and diet are also very important for those with type 1 diabetes.


Approximately 85 percent of people with diagnosed diabetes take either medication or insulin to control their diabetes; 12 percent take both.

Some also take medications to control their cholesterol and blood pressure.


Brush twice a day, floss once a day, look for early signs of gum disease, and see your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.