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Understanding Diabetes: A Guide to Managing Your Health
Learn how to take control of your diabetes for a healthier future!
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-term condition where blood sugar levels become too high because the body does not make enough insulin or can’t use it properly. Insulin helps keep blood sugar at a healthy level. Without proper management, diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, and kidney disease (Diabetes, n.d.; What is Diabetes, 2025).
Types of Diabetes
•Type 1 Diabetes: The body stops making insulin, requiring daily insulin. Usually develops in children or young adults and cannot be prevented (WHO, n.d.).
•Type 2 Diabetes: The most common type, where the body doesn’t use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar. Often preventable with a healthy lifestyle (WHO, n.d.).
•Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after birth but increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later (WHO, n.d.).
Managing diabetes through healthy eating, exercise, and medication can help prevent complications and keep you feeling your best (What is Diabetes, 2025).
What is the a1c test?
What is the a1c test?
Monitor Your Blood Sugar & A1C
Checking your blood sugar regularly helps manage diabetes and prevents complications. The A1C test measures your average blood sugar over 2-3 months.
Why A1C Matters:
✔ Identifies prediabetes (A1C 5.7% - 6.4%)
✔ Monitors diabetes & tracks treatment progress
✔ Helps adjust your diabetes care plan
A1C Goals:
•Most adults: Below 7% (your goal may vary)
•Testing frequency: At least twice a year if controlled; more often if treatment changes
Keeping your A1C in your target range lowers the risk of heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve problems (What is Diabetes, 2025).
Take Control of your Health
Healthy eating
A balanced diet helps keep blood sugar under control. the diabetes plate method makes meal planning simple:
½ plate non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, spinach, carrots)
¼ plate lean protein (chicken, fish, tofu)
¼ plate healthy carbohydrates (whole grains, starchy vegetables, fruit)
tips for healthy eating:
✔ eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins
✔ space meals evenly throughout the day—avoid skipping meals
✔ watch portion sizes & avoid eating too much of one type of food
smart snacking: choose protein, fiber, and healthy fats to help control blood sugar:
fruit with cheese or nuts
hummus with veggies
nut butter with apple slices (what is diabetes, 2025)
Stay Active
Regular activity lowers blood sugar, improves energy, and reduces stress. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week.
Ways to Stay Active:
Aerobic Exercise: Walking, biking, swimming
Strength Training: Lifting weights, resistance bands
Flexibility & Balance: Stretching, yoga
Simple Ways to Move More:
✔ Take the stairs instead of the elevator
✔ Park farther away & walk more
✔ Do housework at a faster pace
Talk to your doctor before starting new activities (What is Diabetes, 2025).
Medication management
Managing diabetes may involve healthy eating, exercise, oral medications, or insulin. Your treatment plan depends on your body’s needs, and it may change over time to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.
Your doctor may prescribe one medication or a combination to help control blood sugar levels. It’s important to ask questions, understand how your medication works, and stay open to changes in your treatment plan. If you use insulin, it's important to understand how it works.
Insulin has three key factors:
Onset: How long it takes to start lowering blood sugar
Peak: When it works at its strongest
Duration: How long it keeps working
Types of Insulin:
Rapid-acting: Starts working in 15 minutes, peaks at 1 hour, and lasts 2-4 hours
Short-acting: Begins in 30 minutes, peaks at 2-3 hours, and lasts 3-6 hours
Intermediate-acting: Takes 2-4 hours to start, peaks at 4-12 hours, and lasts 12-18 hours
Long-acting: Works steadily for 24 hours with no strong peak.
Complications & Warning Signs
Diabetes Complication:
DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis)
DKA is a dangerous condition that happens when your blood sugar is too high for too long, causing a buildup of harmful ketones in your blood. If not treated, it can lead to a coma or even death.
Warning Signs:
Extreme thirst and dry mouth
Frequent urination
Feeling very tired or weak
Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
Fruity-smelling breath
Confusion or trouble focusing
Emergency Action:
DKA is serious and can be life-threatening. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
Learning Videos
Watch more Diabetes educational videos here
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-tv/diabetes-kickstart.html
Additional Resources & Support
Managing diabetes is easier with the right information and support. Explore these trusted resources for education, meal planning, and community support:
American Diabetes Association (ADA) – Expert advice, meal planning tips, and support programs - https://diabetes.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Diabetes Resources – Prevention strategies and management tools - https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/index.html
Local Diabetes Education Programs – Check with your healthcare provider for programs near you.
Online Support Groups & Communities – Connect with others managing diabetes for encouragement and shared experiences.
You are not alone
With the right knowledge and support, you can manage diabetes and live a healthier life. Small changes make a big difference, and you have the resources to take control of your health.
Talk to your doctor about finding a diabetes educator. You can also visit the link below to explore the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists' nationwide directory to locate educators near you.
https://www.adces.org/program-finder
