10 Ways to Control Your Diabetes [Tips & Resources]

When diagnosed with diabetes, it may feel intimidating to know where to start and how to control diabetes. Most people are aware that if they don’t take control of their diabetes, they can experience complications which can result in lost work days, hospital admissions, heart, eye and/or kidney problems, and even amputation of a foot or leg.

The good news is that newer medications and insulins, easy-to-use and accurate blood glucose meters and continuous glucose monitors, and other devices like insulin pumps can make controlling your diabetes easier than in the past.

Managing diabetes on a daily basis takes patience, because sometimes even if you eat right, take your medications as prescribed, lead an active lifestyle, and follow your healthcare professional’s directions, you can still experience ups and downs in your blood sugar levels. Knowing how to control diabetes is a life-long journey. Your blood sugar levels will not always be perfect, but you can still remain healthy and free of complications by prioritizing a healthy lifestyle and working closely with your healthcare team.

The following information can help you get started in controlling your diabetes:

• Different Types of Diabetes
• Why Controlling Diabetes is Necessary
• 10 Ways to Control Diabetes
• How to Manage High and Low Blood Sugar
• Resources for Diabetes Education

Different types of diabetes

The three most frequently seen types of diabetes are type 1, type 2. and gestational diabetes.

Knowing how to control diabetes starts with understanding the type of diabetes you have and any other health conditions that may affect your diabetes care plan. The treatment regimen for controlling each type of diabetes is slightly different, but all focus on balancing meals, medication and/or insulin, and physical activity since each of these influence blood sugar levels.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in children, but it can be diagnosed at any age. In type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition causes the body to destroy insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, glucose in the bloodstream skyrockets and causes symptoms such as:

• Excessive thirst and urination
• Lethargy
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid breathing

Controlling type 1 diabetes is a bit different from other types, as those with type 1 diabetes no longer make insulin and are dependent on taking insulin through daily injections or an insulin pump in order to survive. Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes an insulin regimen along with frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels to treat high and low glucose. Accurately counting carbohydrates at meals and factoring in physical activity levels can help you and your healthcare provider tailor insulin doses to your body’s needs.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body’s inability to efficiently make or respond to insulin. Lifestyle factors such as excess weight and a lack of physical activity can contribute to insulin resistance, while age, genetics, and other factors may slow the amount of insulin released by the pancreas, causing an increase in blood sugar levels.

Symptoms of type 2 can come on slowly, often over the course of years. This may include:

• Lethargy
• Blurred vision
• Dry, itchy skin
• Frequent thirst and urination
• Sores that do not heal

Many of these symptoms can be managed and future complications can be reduced if you understand how to control type 2 diabetes through small, daily actions.

Treatment for type 2 diabetes focuses on controlling glucose levels through diet and exercise. It may also include oral and injectable medications (and/or insulin). After improvements to diet and lifestyle, some people are able to discontinue or delay the need to take glucose-lowering medications.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, since hormone changes can affect how efficiently the body uses or makes insulin. It is typically diagnosed during the second half of pregnancy, although women with risk factors are screened and may be diagnosed earlier in their pregnancy.

Understanding how to control diabetes during pregnancy is important in reducing the risk of complications to mother and baby. An endocrinologist or certified diabetes educator will monitor the baby closely and provide women with a specific treatment plan to maintain tight blood sugar control. The mother’s blood sugar levels will continue to be monitored by a healthcare professional after the baby is born and over the next few years to check if they’re in a healthy range and to determine if further treatments are needed.

Diabetes due to other causes

In some instances, diabetes may be due to other causes. This includes rarer forms caused by genetic mutations on a single gene (monogenic), or diseases or chemicals that affect the pancreas (pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or treatments with glucocorticoid medications).

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK), genetic testing can help diagnose forms of monogenic diabetes like neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) or maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) after an initial diabetes diagnosis. The treatment of MODY and NDM can include oral or injectable medications, or some people with MODY may be able to manage blood sugar levels through modifications to diet and physical activity.

Why controlling diabetes is important

Taking care of yourself and your blood sugar is important for good health and wellbeing, no matter what type of diabetes you have. When your blood sugar is under control, you decrease your risk for complications, and in the case of gestational diabetes, avoid complications for both you and your baby.

Controlling type 1 or type 2 diabetes can lead to short-term and long-term benefits, including:

• Feeling good with a high level of energy.
• Being able to enjoy work and/or school and perform as expected.
• Decreased incidence of diabetes complications.
• Financial savings of costs for extra doctor’s office visits, lab tests or hospitalizations.
• Decreased need for additional medications or medical treatments.

Controlling gestational diabetes can lead to short-term and long-term benefits, including:

• Better health for the baby including a healthy birth weight.
• Preventing low blood sugars in the baby after birth.
• A normal delivery without complications.
• Helping to prevent type 2 diabetes in the baby later in life.
• Better health for mom.

Learning how to control diabetes can help you experience fewer complications, such as:

• Missed school or work days due to illness.
• Frequent hospitalizations.
• Diabetic eye disease requiring surgery or laser treatment.
• Diabetic neuropathy which can include pain in feet and hands.
• Kidney disease leading to the need for dialysis.

It may take time, effort, and patience on your part, but you will be able to better enjoy life when you learn how to control diabetes. Start with small changes you can stick with in your daily routine to work towards healthy blood sugar levels and lifestyle choices. If it still feels intimidating, meet with a certified diabetes educator to learn how to balance your life with the time needed to control your diabetes.

10 ways to control diabetes

1. See your doctor

If you’re new to diabetes, ask your doctor what type of diabetes that you have been diagnosed with and their recommended treatment plan.

During an appointment, take your shoes and socks off so your doctor can examine your feet and quickly identify any spots that could lead to an infection. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, like what your A1C result is, and compare it to your last visit. You can also ask if a referral to an endocrinologist would be appropriate if you’re having trouble getting your blood sugar under control. And lastly, attend follow up appointments with your doctor as scheduled.

2. Get educated

Meet with a certified diabetes educator to learn how to manage your diabetes. They are diabetes specialists who can provide assistance in the day-to-day details like:

• Monitoring your blood sugar
• What to eat
• How to care for your diabetes on sick days
• Other areas of diabetes self-care

Note: You may need a referral from your doctor based on your insurance plan.

3. Try new technology

Learn about new blood glucose meters, continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, mobile apps, and other technology to make controlling your diabetes easier. Some products will even send your blood sugar readings to your smartphone or smart watch for viewing and tracking trends. A diabetes management app can also help you to keep an accurate blood sugar log and spot patterns.

4. Eat smart

Take time at the supermarket to read labels and make sure to include fruits and vegetables into your meal plan. Carbohydrate counting is an easy meal planning method that helps you work favorite foods into your meal plan. When reading labels, look at the Total Carbohydrate line and also try to choose the high fiber options.

For more tips on optimizing your diet, read our diabetes meal planning guide.

5. Get moving

Physical activity is important in controlling diabetes, and even walking 10 minutes after each meal has been shown to improve blood sugar. Exercise has a beneficial impact on insulin resistance by improving insulin sensitivity and moving glucose into your muscles where it is used for energy. You don’t have to “burn” or “shred” to improve blood sugar with activity, just start moving.

6. Test blood sugar and take action

Monitor your blood sugar as recommended by your doctor and keep a blood sugar log. With type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and those with type 2 diabetes who use insulin, checking your blood sugar will be recommended throughout the day to control blood sugar levels.

Recommendations for blood sugar testing for people with type 2 diabetes who do not inject insulin can vary. However, testing before and after meals can help you learn how different foods affect your blood sugar. Don’t treat what you think may be a low blood sugar without testing first, as symptoms of a high and low blood sugar can be similar.

When you identify an out-of-range-blood sugar reading, take action. If you are experiencing unexpected high blood sugar levels, call your doctor for treatment recommendations. If you have a low blood sugar, treat it right away with 15 grams of fast acting carbohydrates to raise blood sugar levels and check your blood sugar after 15 minutes. Untreated high or low blood glucose can lead to the need for emergency care, so don’t wait until you land in the hospital. The sooner that you take action, the better.

7. Be mindful

Stress management is an important part of controlling diabetes. Stress can increase blood sugar, even when you are following your meal plan, taking medication as directed, and exercising. If needed, seek out a therapist, join a yoga class, or discover mindfulness activities. Find a way to wind down and decompress on a daily basis.

8. Seek support

Get support from friends, family, and co-workers. Don’t keep your diabetes a secret. Friends and family can support you by listening, choosing restaurants with healthy options when you dine together, sharing resources, and more. Join an in-person or online diabetes support group and ask for help or a listening ear when you need it.

9. Manage costs

Learn about your insurance coverage for diabetes supplies and medications by calling the 800 number on the back of your insurance card. Your insurance may specify a specific brand of diabetes supplies or a specific distributor. If you have a high deductible, you may save by choosing an affordable product and paying out of pocket. If you can’t afford needed supplies, it will be hard to control your diabetes. Managing diabetes costs can be complicated so we’ve put together a list of resources and financial aid programs to help you get started.

10. Stay well

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes over the age of two get a flu and pneumonia shot. If you do get sick, make sure to continue to take your medication and/or insulin, and check your blood sugar more frequently.

If you are not able to eat, sip on clear liquids such as ginger ale, Sprite, broths, or try Jell-O or popsicles. These should all be regular drinks or foods containing sugar and not the diet version, so that you can still have carbohydrates and calories on board. Sometimes illnesses can raise blood sugar levels higher than normal.

Notify your doctor if you have two blood sugar readings greater than 250 mg/dL, or if you are not able to keep food down, so they can provide further treatment recommendations.

How to manage high and low blood sugar

When living with diabetes, most people will experience events of hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, or hyperglycemia which is high blood sugar. An out-of-range blood sugar can occur even when you do your best to control your diabetes. Knowing how to control diabetes in the event of a high or low blood sugar outside your target range can help keep you healthy.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia means your blood sugar level is lower than normal. If your blood sugar drops to 70 mg/dl or below, you need to take immediate action to raise your blood sugar. Causes of hypoglycemia include being late with a meal, taking too much insulin or medication or being more active than usual.

Symptoms of low blood sugar may include:

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Hunger
• Feeling shaky, sweaty, or clammy
• Rapid heartbeat

Some people become irritable and/or confused along with a variety of other symptoms, and some people may have no symptoms at all.

If you experience these symptoms, test your blood sugar to confirm that it is low, since high blood sugar can have some of the same symptoms. If your blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor says that your blood sugar is low, but you are not having any symptoms, test your blood sugar again.

Here’s what you can do to raise low blood sugar:

• If the person is alert and can speak, give them 15 grams of rapid-acting carbohydrate such as ½ cup regular soda, 3 glucose tablets, a tube of glucose gel, a Glucose Revival necklace or a small fruit juice box. Wait 15 minutes and retest their blood sugar. If their blood sugar is coming up, continue with a snack or meal. If it is not, retreat with another 15-gram serving of a rapid-acting carbohydrate, and retest again in 15 minutes. Repeat as necessary.
• If the person is not alert, do not put anything in their mouth due to choking risk. People with type 1 diabetes often carry glucagon in the event of severe hypoglycemia. Administer glucagon via injection or nasal spray and roll them onto their side and call 911.

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia means your blood sugar level is higher than normal. In the event of an unexpected high blood sugar over 250 mg/dl, it’s important to take action to prevent complications. Causes of hyperglycemia include not taking enough insulin or medication, stress, pain, eating a large meal, infection, problems with an insulin pump infusion set and more.

Symptoms of high blood sugar include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Blurred vision
• Feeling tired
• Dry skin
• Increased hunger
• Frequent infections

Minimizing time spent above your target blood sugar range can help you feel your best and help prevent damage to body systems that are sensitive to high blood sugar levels. If you have two unexpected blood sugar readings higher than 250 mg/dl, notify your doctor. You should not exercise if your blood sugar is over 250 mg/dl. Those with type 1 diabetes should also test urine ketones.

What to do to lower high blood sugar:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Adjust medication or insulin per your doctor’s recommendations.
• Check your insulin pump infusion set site and change infusion set if needed to ensure insulin is being delivered properly.
• Be careful with your diet and be accurate with your carbohydrate counting. However, don’t skip meals.

Like life, diabetes has highs and lows, but you can take steps to help bring levels back into your target range. Keeping blood sugar levels within your target range can help you feel better, have more energy, and minimize the risk of complications. Talk to your healthcare provider about your target blood sugar range and specific treatments for hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia to be better prepared to take action when blood sugar levels run high or low.

Resources for diabetes education

Learning how to take care of your diabetes is an ongoing process as your life changes, your body ages, and your lifestyle shifts. Seeking the advice of a healthcare professional that specializes in diabetes education can be a great way for you to continue to learn new tips, make adjustments, and navigate new medications or technology that can make managing diabetes easier.

Professional resources

A certified diabetes educator (CDE) can give you one-on-one coaching on what to eat, how to treat high and low blood sugars, how to take care of your feet, manage sick days and more. Visit the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators website to find a CDE near you.

Most hospitals, some doctors’ offices, and county health departments also offer diabetes education, whether in a class format or individual meeting. Your pharmacist can also be a good resource to help you learn more about your medication and/or insulin, and many pharmacists also have a CDE credential.

Some doctors’ offices have a pharmacist that provides diabetes education. Check with your healthcare provider, insurance provider, or local health department to find the best option that suits your needs.

Online resources

There are also websites run by professional organizations like the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and online magazines focused on diabetes care like Diabetes Forecast and Diabetes Self-Management that offer professionally reviewed content if you’re looking to do more research online. Some CDEs also offer videos on YouTube to learn about diabetes topics in a fun format, like Diabetes Every Day.

Like any other topic, there are also social media groups, blogs, videos, and other websites run by individuals with diabetes who share their experience online. Although they may offer advice on what diet, tools, or lifestyle works for them to manage their diabetes, discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your healthcare provider first as there is no one-size-fits-all method to controlling diabetes.

Knowing how to control diabetes starts with partnering with your healthcare team, learning how to manage high and low blood sugar, and adopting new habits, lifestyle choices, treatments, or technology to help you maintain stable blood sugar levels. Learning how to manage diabetes can feel overwhelming at first, but once you have your routine in place, it will become habit. Taking care of your diabetes will allow you to feel your best and prevent complications. Just remember that you can control your diabetes; it does not have to control you.