7 Smart Strategies for Managing Type 2 Diabetes

When you have type 2 diabetes, your body can’t use insulin properly. As a result, sugar builds up in your blood — which can greatly affect the rest of your body. High levels of blood sugar increase your risk for many serious complications. These include heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, teeth and gum problems, and eye disorders. The good news: There’s a lot you can do to lower your chances of developing complications. Start by taking these seven smart steps to keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible:

1. Work with a dietitian, who can help you plan balanced meals and snacks that are low in sugar, salt, and fat, and high in grains, fruits, and vegetables.
2. Ask your doctor about an exercise program that’s right for you. Begin gradually and work up to 30 minutes on most days of the week.
3. Take diabetes medicine or insulin injections as prescribed by your doctor.
4. Check your blood sugar levels regularly with a blood glucose meter. Also, keep a daily record of your blood sugar test results. Review these results with your doctor to make sure your diabetes is under control.
5. Lose excess weight — and keep it off. Besides following your meal plan and exercising, make smart food choices, limit portion sizes, and eat meals and snacks about the same time every day. Even losing a small amount of weight can keep your blood sugar closer to normal.
6. Schedule regular checkups at least twice a year so your doctor can check your blood pressure and cholesterol. It’s also important to have kidney disease screening tests at least annually and a hemoglobin A1c test at least twice a year. Visit your dentist at least twice a year and your foot doctor and eye doctor at least once a year.
7. Kick the habit. If you smoke, now’s the time to quit. That’s because people with type 2 diabetes who smoke have a higher risk than those who don’t smoke for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney disease, nerve damage, heart attack, and stroke. Talk to your doctor about the best way to kick the habit for good.