Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term (chronic) condition. Managing it may mean making some tough changes. Your health care team can help you.

You'll need to balance your medicine with diet and activity. This will help you manage your type 2 diabetes. You will also need to check your blood sugar often. And you'll work with your doctor to prevent complications.

Ask your team about a service called diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES). Diabetes experts advise that all people with diabetes participate in an individually appropriate DSMES. You will learn skills to help you better manage your diabetes and find support when you need it. This service should be provided at diagnosis, yearly, or when you're not meeting treatment goals.

You may take pills or give yourself insulin shots for diabetes. Or you may use both. Take your medicines or give yourself insulin at the right times. This will help you control your blood sugar. Think about ways that will help you remember to take your medicines the right way every day. Ask your doctor or care team for ideas.

You may only take pills for your diabetes now. But this may change. Over time, most people with type 2 diabetes also need insulin or other injections.

A healthy diet helps control the amount of sugar in your blood. It also helps you stay at a healthy weight. Or it helps you lose weight, if you're overweight. Extra weight makes it harder to control diabetes.

Your care team will help you create a plan that works for you. You don't have to give up all the foods you like. Have meals and snacks with:

• Vegetables.
• Fruits.
• Protein foods such as meats, poultry, seafood, beans, nuts, and tofu.
• Whole grains.
• Dairy products.

Replace sugary drinks with water or low-calorie or no calorie drinks when possible. Don't have foods with added sugar.

Being active helps lower your blood sugar. Activity helps your body use insulin to turn food into energy. It also helps you manage your weight.

Ask your doctor to help you make an activity program that's right for you. Your program is based on your age, general health, and types of activity you enjoy. Start off slowly. But aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise or activity each week. Start with 30 minutes a day. Exercise in 10-minute blocks. Don't let more than 2 days go by without being active.

As you manage your diabetes, it's essential to recognize the significant role that sleep plays in your overall health. Quality sleep is not just about feeling rested. It can directly impact your blood sugar levels and diabetes management. Here are some sleep tips:

• Aim for 7-9 hours. Most adults need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Try to stick with a regular sleep schedule.
• Be consistent. Going to sleep at the same time every night and waking up at the same time each day, including on the weekends, trains your body to be ready for the proper amount of sleep each night.
• Routine. Create a relaxing pre-bedtime routine that you do every night to help prepare you to fall asleep. Try reading a book, doing gentle yoga, or taking a bath. One thing to leave out of your routine is screens. The blue light emitted from phones, computers, and even TVs can disrupt your body's ability to produce melatonin. This is a hormone that helps you sleep.

A regular part of your care may be to check your own blood sugar. Or you may only need to check your blood sugar from time to time. Your doctor will tell you how to check your blood sugar at home. Checking it tells you if your blood sugar is in your target range. Having your blood sugars within the target range means that you are managing your diabetes well.

If your blood sugar levels are too high or too low, your doctor may suggest changes to your diet or activity level. They may also adjust your medicine.

Your doctor may also tell you to check your blood sugar more often when you are sick.

When you have diabetes, you may be more likely to get other health problems. They include foot, eye, heart, nerve, and kidney problems. You can help prevent these problems by controlling your blood sugar and by taking good care of yourself. Your doctor, nurse, diabetes educator, and others can help you with:

• Checkups. You should have regular checkups with your doctor. At those visits, you will have a physical exam that includes checking your feet. Your doctor will also check your blood pressure and weight. Take your shoes off before your appointment starts to be sure your feet are checked. Be sure to bring the records of your blood sugar tests. Ask your doctor if there are new or better ways to check on your blood sugars.
• Other exams. You'll also need eye, foot, and dental exams at least once each year or as advised.
• Lab tests. You will have blood and urine tests:
  • Your doctor will check your hemoglobin A1C at least twice a year. This blood test shows how well you have been controlling your blood sugar over 2 to 3 months. The results help your doctor manage your diabetes.
  • You will also have other lab tests. For example, tests can check for kidney problems and abnormal cholesterol levels.
• Smoking. If you smoke, you will need to quit. Smoking makes it more likely you will get complications from diabetes. Ask your doctor about ways to quit. Also don't use e-cigarette or vaping products.
• Vaccines. Get a yearly flu shot. And ask your doctor about vaccines to prevent pneumonia, shingles, COVID-19, RSV, and hepatitis B.

Most people have challenges throughout their lives. Living with diabetes can increase your stress. Feeling stressed or depressed can affect your blood sugar levels.

Tell your doctor if you are having trouble coping with diabetes. They can help or refer you to other doctors or programs.

Know where you can get help. You can try the following:

• Support. Ask family and friends to support your efforts to take care of yourself. Or look for a diabetes support group nearby or online. See the Support for Your Health Journey at diabetes.org/tools-resources for more information.
• Counseling. Talk with a social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other counselor.
• Information. Contact the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org or 800-342-2383. The Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists at www.diabeteseducator.org/living-with-diabetes is another good source.