Tools for managing your diabetes

Food, physical activity, stress management, medication, and monitoring blood glucose are tools that can help manage your diabetes.

Food

Your body needs food to make glucose that is used for energy. Eating the right foods during the day will help to keep your blood glucose in control. Remember that food makes blood glucose go up, so controlling how much, what kind and when you eat can make a difference. Here are some tips:

• Eat three well-balanced meals a day.
• If meals are more than 4 to 5 hours apart, eat a small snack.
• Eat a bedtime snack so that your body has enough energy while you sleep.
• Do not skip meals or snacks. Your body will make up for the lack of glucose by “asking” the liver to produce extra glucose. This can make controlling your blood glucose even harder.
• Ask for help if you have questions or need advice about your food choices.

Physical activity

Physical activity is important for everyone. When you have diabetes, it helps to use up blood glucose. Physical activity also makes your insulin work better.

• Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
• Start slowly to avoid injury.
• Choose activities that you will enjoy.
• Get physical activity every day.

Stress management

Stress increases blood glucose and can cause problems with your blood glucose control.

• Think about what causes stress for you.
• Find healthy ways that help you cope with stress. Try them.
• Seek help if you need it.

Medication

There are many medications that help control blood glucose. Your doctor will choose the best medications for you if you need them. It is not unusual for your medication needs to change.

Monitoring blood glucose

Regular testing will tell you how your food, physical activity and medication are working. You can use the diabetes management plan in this content for following your blood glucose testing schedule as well as for recording your medication, food and exercise recommendations.

Related Links

Diabetes management plan worksheet

Guidelines for diabetes care

Making changes

First published: 12/01/2006
Last updated: 12/01/2006

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts