Many people avoid the long-term problems of diabetes by taking good care of themselves. While others tend to take things lightly and as a result, fall prey to long-term complications. Here are 10 things you should do to manage your diabetes effectively. 

1. Eat a balanced meal.^1​

2. Eat the right portions of healthy foods including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat containing foods.^1​

3.  Eat foods that have less salt and fat content.^1​

4. Get at least 30 minutes of activity/exercise on most days of the week.^2​

5. Keep an exercise schedule.^2​

6. Stop smoking , if you can’t do it on your own, seek help from friends, family and other non-smokers  who can help you.^3​

7. Take medicines the way your doctor tell you.²  Aspirin has been used to prevent the primary and secondary cardiovascular events in diabetic individuals.^4​

8. Check your feet everyday for cuts, blisters, red spots and swelling. Call your doctor right away about any sores that won’t heal.⁵​

9. Brush your teeth and floss everyday to avoid problems with your mouth, teeth or gums.^6​

10. Check your blood glucose the way your doctor tells you to.²

References:

1. Available from: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Diabetes_Basics/hic_Diet_and_Diabetes/hic_
Diabetes_and_the_Foods_You_Eat Accessed on November 15, 2022
2. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963 Accessed on November 15, 2022
3. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/10-ways-to-eat-well-with-diabetes/ Accessed on 14th November, 2022
4. Available from: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/suppl_1/s72 Accessed on November 15, 2022
5. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes/4-steps. Accessed on 14th November, 2022
6. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tips-eat-well Accessed on 14th November, 2022
7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20045803 as accessed on 14th November 2022