People with diabetes can expect to live active, independent and vital lives if they make a lifelong commitment to careful diabetes management.

Key elements in diabetes management

Education: Diabetes education is an important first step. All people with diabetes need to be informed about their condition.

Physical activity: Regular physical activity helps your body lower blood glucose levels, promotes weight loss, reduces stress and enhances overall fitness.

Nutrition:
What, when and how much you eat all play an important role in regulating blood glucose levels.

Eating a balanced diet is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your health.
Limit the amount of unhealthy fat you eat, such as saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol
Cut calories
Limit sweets

Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight is especially important in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Lifestyle management: Learning to reduce stress levels in day-to-day life can help people with diabetes better manage their disease.

Blood pressure: High blood pressure can lead to eye disease, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, so people with diabetes should try to maintain a blood pressure level at or below 130/80. To do this, you may need to change your eating and physical activity habits and/or take medication.

Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Type 2 diabetes is managed through physical activity and meal planning and may require medications and/or insulin to assist your body in controlling blood glucose more effectively.

Always ensure that you see a doctor before taking any medications for diabetes