While self management is difficult, these seven steps help break down the process and show clear areas where goals could be made.

1. Healthy Eating

One of the most important steps to take to improve diabetes control is making smart food choices. By adhering to healthy eating habits, you can better maintain a healthy weight and optimal blood glucose level which makes managing your diabetes easier. Start by taking a look at Healthy Eating 101 to get started! Want to learn how to make the right changes in your diet–check out diabetes education classes and food education classes to become familiar with looking at nutritional facts and knowing how they affect you.

2. Being Active

Regular physical activity is important to maintain for everyone, with or without diabetes. When trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle to better manage diabetes, staying active is a key component. This is especially important when trying to reduce the risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. Check out these easy 5-minute videos that you can complete to help you start moving!

3. Monitoring

The best way to track your personal progress is by monitoring your daily blood glucose levels, A1C, cholesterol, and weight. These numbers are all ways to measure progress in managing your diabetes. Log into Iowa Diabetes Portal and use the myNumbers tool to track these numbers online. This tool makes it easy to share your progress with your doctor!

4. Taking Medication

Taking medications is a vital component in keeping your diabetes manageable. Adhering to medication instructions is crucial when managing your diabetes, since your medications can help maintain your optimal numbers as well as keep medical costs down.

5. Problem Solving

Given that everyone’s diabetes is unique, you’ll likely have to have to know how to deal with different problems in many situations. Speak with a diabetes educator to make a plan about how you will deal with any future problems calmly and safely.

6. Reducing Risk

To reduce any unnecessary risks in dealing with diabetes, be sure to take the proper precautions. This includes, but is not limited to, quitting smoking, knowing the facts about your medications, and getting regular eye, dental, and foot exams.

7. Healthy Coping

Diabetes can be a challenging disease to deal with, as it is a progressive disease. Speak with diabetes educators or a psychologist to learn the best ways to deal with your frustrations and keep your body and mind on a positive path.

Summary Managing your diabetes can be overwhelming at times, but by following these steps and getting the help you may need can keep you on the right track!

Disclaimer: Any information provided is not intended as medical advice. Iowa Diabetes is not responsible for any information from third parties.