Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCheck Your Blood SugarCare for Your FeetEat a Diabetes-Friendly DietGet ExerciseTake Medication as PrescribedStop SmokingKeep Your Blood Pressure Under ControlPay Attention to Oral HealthSchedule Kidney TestsCheck Your CholesterolHave Regular Eye ExamsStay PositiveFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Check Your Blood Sugar
Care for Your Feet
Eat a Diabetes-Friendly Diet
Get Exercise
Take Medication as Prescribed
Stop Smoking
Keep Your Blood Pressure Under Control
Pay Attention to Oral Health
Schedule Kidney Tests
Check Your Cholesterol
Have Regular Eye Exams
Stay Positive
Frequently Asked Questions
Proper diabetes care can reduce the risk ofcomplications. It’s important to pay attention to both physical needs and mental health when managing diabetes. Read on to learn more about 12 specific actions to stay healthy as you manage diabetes.
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High blood sugar in diabetes contributes to a host of potential complications, so keeping your blood sugar controlled is essential.Checking blood sugarcan be done in different ways, from lab tests drawn at your healthcare provider’s office to checking your blood sugar at home.
Complications of Uncontrolled DiabetesControlling diabetes is important, since high blood sugar can lead to the following complications:Nerve damage, especially in feet (neuropathy)Foot ulcersSkin and gum diseaseDiabetic eye diseaseKidney diseaseCardiovascular diseaselike heart attack and strokeSexual dysfunctionTwo potentially life-threatening complications of very high blood sugar arediabetic ketoacidosis(DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).
Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes
Controlling diabetes is important, since high blood sugar can lead to the following complications:Nerve damage, especially in feet (neuropathy)Foot ulcersSkin and gum diseaseDiabetic eye diseaseKidney diseaseCardiovascular diseaselike heart attack and strokeSexual dysfunctionTwo potentially life-threatening complications of very high blood sugar arediabetic ketoacidosis(DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).
Controlling diabetes is important, since high blood sugar can lead to the following complications:
Two potentially life-threatening complications of very high blood sugar arediabetic ketoacidosis(DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).
Blood sugar levels can also be checked at home using a blood sugar monitor, called aglucometer. Not everyone with diabetes needs to check blood sugar at home, but those taking certain diabetes medications like insulin are recommended to check blood sugar at home.Your blood sugar is usually checked before meals and at night before bed.
What to Do If Your Blood Sugar Is HighYour healthcare provider will give you a plan on what to do if your blood sugar is high. For example, if you are taking insulin, you may need to give yourself additional insulin. If numbers are consistently high, your medications and/or dosages may need to be changed.Always discuss any concerns you have about your blood sugar with your healthcare provider. And only make adjustments to your insulin dosing under your provider’s supervision.
What to Do If Your Blood Sugar Is High
Your healthcare provider will give you a plan on what to do if your blood sugar is high. For example, if you are taking insulin, you may need to give yourself additional insulin. If numbers are consistently high, your medications and/or dosages may need to be changed.Always discuss any concerns you have about your blood sugar with your healthcare provider. And only make adjustments to your insulin dosing under your provider’s supervision.
Your healthcare provider will give you a plan on what to do if your blood sugar is high. For example, if you are taking insulin, you may need to give yourself additional insulin. If numbers are consistently high, your medications and/or dosages may need to be changed.
Always discuss any concerns you have about your blood sugar with your healthcare provider. And only make adjustments to your insulin dosing under your provider’s supervision.
What to Look for on Daily Foot ChecksSince diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet, you may not notice that an injury has occurred or an ulcer is starting. Look closely for the following:Discolored skinBroken skinBlistersDeep cracks in the skin, which can be prone to infectionRedness and swelling around the toenails (paronychia), which can be a sign of infectionDrainage of liquid or pusIf you have any concerns, let your healthcare provider know.
What to Look for on Daily Foot Checks
Since diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet, you may not notice that an injury has occurred or an ulcer is starting. Look closely for the following:Discolored skinBroken skinBlistersDeep cracks in the skin, which can be prone to infectionRedness and swelling around the toenails (paronychia), which can be a sign of infectionDrainage of liquid or pusIf you have any concerns, let your healthcare provider know.
Since diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet, you may not notice that an injury has occurred or an ulcer is starting. Look closely for the following:
If you have any concerns, let your healthcare provider know.
One of the most important ways to keep your diabetes under control is to eat adiabetes-friendly diet. It doesn’t have to be a bland and restrictive diet, but it does mean cutting down on carbs. Things to avoid include:
In a diabetes-friendly diet, there are still lots of delicious options. Chooselow-glycemic-indexfoods. These foods have carbohydrates that are digested more slowly and are high in fiber:
Dietary changes, along with exercise and weight loss when indicated, can help significantly reduce blood sugar. Some people are even able to put type 2 diabetes intoremissionthis way.
The Surprising Benefits of Oatmeal for Diabetes
Another important step to controlling blood sugar and managing weight is staying active. Everyone should aim for 150 minutes of physical activity weekly.
Activities to try include:
In addition to helping control diabetes,exercisehas benefits for heart health, mood, and muscle and bone health.
Medications are a big part of a diabetes care plan, and for many people with diabetes, they are essential for blood sugar control. Diabetes medication may includepills, injectable medications, and insulin.
Your healthcare provider may recommend medications like statins for cholesterol management, aspirin for the prevention of stroke and heart attack, and blood pressure medications.
Taking your medications as prescribed is one of the best ways to keep your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure under control.
How Often to See Your Healthcare ProviderDepending on how well your diabetes is controlled, you should see your diabetes care provider every three to six months. Those who are working to get their blood sugar under control will need a hemoglobin A1c measured every three months.
How Often to See Your Healthcare Provider
Depending on how well your diabetes is controlled, you should see your diabetes care provider every three to six months. Those who are working to get their blood sugar under control will need a hemoglobin A1c measured every three months.
Smoking has many harmful effects on the body, and it’s especially important for people with diabetes to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. One of the reasons is that smoke exposure increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, and people with diabetes are already at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
In addition, nicotine actually increases blood sugar levels and can lead to type 2 diabetes. Note that when you quit smoking, your blood sugar levels can decrease and your medication requirements may change.
Diabetes and high blood pressureoften go hand in hand. Having both conditions drastically increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. About 80% of adults with diabetes also have high blood pressure, and blood pressure should be treated to a goal of less than 130/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury).
High blood sugar in diabetes can increase your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and infection. Diabetes results in excess sugar in the saliva,dry mouth, and poor wound healing.
To keep your mouth healthy, follow oral hygiene steps, including:
Diabetes is the top cause of chronickidney disease. One-third of people with diabetes also have kidney disease.Controlling blood sugar is important to prevent the development and progression of kidney disease in diabetes.
Kidney disease doesn’t cause any symptoms in the early stages. Your healthcare provider will monitor your kidney function with regular blood testing at scheduled visits as part of your diabetes care plan.
High cholesterol is another condition that occurs with diabetes, drastically increasing heart disease risk. There is evidence that the cholesterol medication known asstatinsimprove survival, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in those with diabetes.
Another complication of diabetes is eye disease, which can lead to vision problems and even blindness. In the short term, high blood sugar can cause blurred vision, but over time, high blood sugar can cause the following:
Don’t ignore any eye symptoms like new floaters, flashes of light, or other vision problems. People with diabetes should see an eye care specialist for a dilated eye exam at least once per year.
A diagnosis of diabetes can bring anxiety about complications, side effects from medications, frustration about controlling blood sugar, and feelings of deprivation around dietary changes. Depression is common in people with diabetes, which is a treatable condition with medication and talk therapy.Signs of depression include the following:
Call a helpline or seek medical attention right away if you have thoughts of suicide. Dial988to reach the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
Summary
Diabetes can cause a host of complications from head to toe, including depression, eye disease, dental disease, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and diabetic foot ulcers. Paramount to diabetes care is controlling blood sugar, but it’s just as important to identify and treat these potential complications.
A comprehensive diabetes care plan includes attention to possible complications, with regular visits with your healthcare provider for screening and medication management.
A Word From Verywell
A diagnosis of diabetes is life-changing. It can be stressful to keep track of your medication and blood sugar monitoring, as well as making lifestyle changes to avoid complications and to improve your condition.
Know that you’re not in this alone. Your healthcare provider can offer information and advice on ways to start achievable lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, exercise, and smoking cessation.
Checking blood sugar at home requires a glucose monitor, testing strips, a small needle called a lancet, and alcohol wipes. After washing and drying your hands, place a fresh testing strip into the glucose monitor. Then clean the skin of a finger pad with an alcohol wipe. Use the lancet to prick your finger, and squeeze your finger to bring out a drop of blood. Collect the blood on the testing strip. The monitor will report your blood sugar level. Be sure to dispose of the lancet in an appropriate container.Learn MoreHow to Use a Glucometer
Checking blood sugar at home requires a glucose monitor, testing strips, a small needle called a lancet, and alcohol wipes. After washing and drying your hands, place a fresh testing strip into the glucose monitor. Then clean the skin of a finger pad with an alcohol wipe. Use the lancet to prick your finger, and squeeze your finger to bring out a drop of blood. Collect the blood on the testing strip. The monitor will report your blood sugar level. Be sure to dispose of the lancet in an appropriate container.
Learn MoreHow to Use a Glucometer
Learn MoreDiabetic Foot Ulcers
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20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Diabetes complications.American Diabetes Association.What is the A1C test?American Diabetes Association.The big picture: Checking your blood glucose.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Your feet and diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes meal planning.MedlinePlus.Glycemic index and diabetes.Riddle MC, Cefalu WT, Evans PH, et al.Consensus report: Definition and interpretation of remission in type 2 diabetes.Diabetes Care1 October 2021; 44 (10): 2438–2444. doi:10.2337/dci21-0034American Heart Association.American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Get active.Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, et al.2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA guideline on the management of blood cholesterol: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association task force on clinical practice guidelines.Circulation. 2019;139:e1082–e1143. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000625.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Your diabetes care schedule.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and smoking.Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al.2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on clinical pr.Hypertension. 2018;71:e13–e115. DOI: 10.1161/HYP.0000000000000065.MouthHealthy. American Dental Association.Diabetes and dental health.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetic kidney disease.American Heart Association.Cholesterol medications.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetic eye disease.Holt RI, de Groot M, Golden SH.Diabetes and depression.Curr Diab Rep. 2014;14(6):491. doi:10.1007/s11892-014-0491-3American Psychiatric Association.What is depression?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Monitoring your blood sugar.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Diabetes complications.American Diabetes Association.What is the A1C test?American Diabetes Association.The big picture: Checking your blood glucose.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Your feet and diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes meal planning.MedlinePlus.Glycemic index and diabetes.Riddle MC, Cefalu WT, Evans PH, et al.Consensus report: Definition and interpretation of remission in type 2 diabetes.Diabetes Care1 October 2021; 44 (10): 2438–2444. doi:10.2337/dci21-0034American Heart Association.American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Get active.Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, et al.2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA guideline on the management of blood cholesterol: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association task force on clinical practice guidelines.Circulation. 2019;139:e1082–e1143. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000625.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Your diabetes care schedule.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and smoking.Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al.2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on clinical pr.Hypertension. 2018;71:e13–e115. DOI: 10.1161/HYP.0000000000000065.MouthHealthy. American Dental Association.Diabetes and dental health.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetic kidney disease.American Heart Association.Cholesterol medications.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetic eye disease.Holt RI, de Groot M, Golden SH.Diabetes and depression.Curr Diab Rep. 2014;14(6):491. doi:10.1007/s11892-014-0491-3American Psychiatric Association.What is depression?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Monitoring your blood sugar.
MedlinePlus.Diabetes complications.
American Diabetes Association.What is the A1C test?
American Diabetes Association.The big picture: Checking your blood glucose.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Your feet and diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes meal planning.
MedlinePlus.Glycemic index and diabetes.
Riddle MC, Cefalu WT, Evans PH, et al.Consensus report: Definition and interpretation of remission in type 2 diabetes.Diabetes Care1 October 2021; 44 (10): 2438–2444. doi:10.2337/dci21-0034
American Heart Association.American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Get active.
Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, et al.2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA guideline on the management of blood cholesterol: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association task force on clinical practice guidelines.Circulation. 2019;139:e1082–e1143. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000625.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Your diabetes care schedule.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and smoking.
Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al.2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on clinical pr.Hypertension. 2018;71:e13–e115. DOI: 10.1161/HYP.0000000000000065.
MouthHealthy. American Dental Association.Diabetes and dental health.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetic kidney disease.
American Heart Association.Cholesterol medications.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetic eye disease.
Holt RI, de Groot M, Golden SH.Diabetes and depression.Curr Diab Rep. 2014;14(6):491. doi:10.1007/s11892-014-0491-3
American Psychiatric Association.What is depression?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Monitoring your blood sugar.
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