My options

There are a number of different ways in which you can keep your diabetes under control and avoid some of its more serious complications. No one option provides a total solution and your healthcare professional may recommend that you combine preventative lifestyle changes with appropriate medication.

Using medicines
Medicines can help you stabilise the sugar levels in your blood.

If you have Type 1 diabetes, you will need regular insulin injections for the rest of your life in order to keep your glucose levels normal.

If you have Type 2 diabetes, you may be prescribed one or more different medicines to enable your body to make better use of the insulin available and help control your blood glucose level. Some diabetes medicines can also help reduce the risk of complications such as heart disease and stroke.

Find out more about how medicines fit in.

Other medical options
Monitoring your blood sugar with a special diabetes testing kit is an important part of managing diabetes. Your doctor or diabetes specialist nurse will suggest how often you should check your blood sugar levels.

If you have high blood pressure or your doctor is worried that your diabetes might lead to heart problems, you may also be prescribed high blood pressure medication to protect your heart and kidneys. You may also be prescribed medication to lower your cholesterol.

Lifestyle changes
In the longer term, making some changes to your lifestyle – especially if you are currently overweight, not eating well or in need of exercise – can help you keep your diabetes in check.

• Eating a healthier diet, including lots of fibre-rich food and fresh fruit and vegetables can help you stabilise your blood sugar levels. This can also make a real difference to your cholesterol and blood pressure.
  
  
• Losing weight will help your body to make the best use of the insulin available to it.
  
  
• Getting regular exercise can also help you reduce your weight. Aerobic activities such as swimming, cycling and brisk walking can all make a difference.
  
  
• Looking after your feet is important because diabetes can reduce the blood flow to them. This involves simple things like checking at night for cuts, sores and infections and wearing properly fitting shoes.