For many people with diabetes, treatment involves:
- Following the healthy eating plan (diabetes diet) that you and your healthcare provider or dietitian have created.
- Engaging in physical activity for a total of 30 minutes most days. Ask your healthcare provider which activities are best for you.
- Taking your medicines at the same time each day.
- Checking your blood glucose every day. Each time you check your blood glucose, write the number in your record book.
Your specific treatment plan will depend on which type of diabetes you have. Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes eating a healthy diet, exercising, and taking insulin. Treating type 2 diabetes involves living a healthy lifestyle and monitoring blood glucose levels; if lifestyle changes are not enough, medication may be necessary.
(Click Diabetes Treatment for a more in-depth look at this topic. This article also describes common symptoms of hypoglycemia.)