Diabetes

novo nordisk®

Diabetes

MANAGING DIABETES

Okay, I’m taking my medicine. What now?

patient with doctor

Medicine is just one part of a diabetes care plan.

Have you gotten used to your diabetes treatment? You’re taking your medicine just like your doctor says? Great, keep up the good work! 

But it’s important to remember that there’s more to diabetes management than medicine. Now’s the time to think about what else you can do to help make your diabetes care plan successful.

Build your diabetes care team

You’ve probably already begun this step. But just in case…remember there are a lot of different doctors you may want on your team who can help you on your journey. Together, they form part of your diabetes care team. Your team may include:

diabetes care team chart

Be sure to work closely with them. Stay involved, especially with your primary doctor. They’ll help you create a personalized diabetes care plan that can help get you to your goal and keep you there. If you’re not sure where to find each member, ask your primary doctor for help.

plate of food

Eat right

This is a big one. When you eat healthy, you help manage your weight, blood glucoseBlood glucoseThe main sugar found in the blood, and the body’s main source of energy. levels, blood pressure—even your mood. Work with your diabetes care team to create a meal plan that’s right for you. It will likely include a variety of foods from all food groups. Be sure to ask how you can add your favorite foods to your meal plan, so you can enjoy what you eat.

eye health diabetes green

Eye health

Diabetes can affect your eyes. Get regular eye exams by an optometrist or ophthalmologist—the kind where they dilate your eyes to check to see if blood glucose has damaged any blood vessels. Get this done every year, or as often as directed by your doctor.

check foot with doctor

Foot health

People with diabetes can develop foot problems. Check your feet every day. And have your doctor check them once a year or more often if needed.

Download Foot care for people with diabetes

blood sugar monitor

Track your blood glucose

Your doctor may want you to track your blood glucose. That’s because it tells you how high or low your blood glucose is, how things like exercise and stress affect it, and how well your medicine is working. You and your diabetes care team will decide when and how often you should check your blood glucose.

Download Staying on track: Your guide to tracking and monitoring your diabetes

diabetes support

Reach out for support

Feeling stressed or upset? Your family and friends may be happy to listen and help. Maybe join a support group where you’ll meet other people with diabetes. Chances are they will understand what you’re feeling. They can share ways they manage stress and cope with diabetes. You are not alone!

Test your knowledge

Which of the following is NOT a part of good foot care for people with diabetes?

Correct!

Sorry, that's incorrect.

It’s fine to wear leather shoes, as long as they fit well and don’t pinch or rub your feet the wrong way.

You may also like:

Staying “on course” when dining out

Restaurants and diabetes can be tough together. How about a few ways to stay in control with a menu in your hands?

A body in motion stays in motion

How to start and stick with your diabetes activity plan.

Caring for your heart when you have type 2 diabetes

Heart health and diabetes management go hand-in-hand—here are some ways for you to stay on top of both.

Continue

You are now leaving the NovoCare® Education and Resources for Diabetes website

Clicking “Continue” below will take you to a website to which our Privacy Policy does not apply. Links are provided as a public service and for informational purposes only. No endorsement is made or implied.

Continue