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 Many doctors used to take a "watch and wait" approach with diabetes, especially when the patient's blood glucose levels (the amount of sugar in the blood) were not severely elevated above normal. Now we understand that damage (to your kidneys, heart, eyes, and blood vessels throughout your body) can begin to occur from diabetes even when blood sugar levels are only slightly higher than normal. That is why it is very important to make changes to lower your blood sugar and improve your health from the moment you learn that you may be at risk for diabetes, have pre-diabetes, or have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Learning that you have diabetes can be scary. The great news is that by keeping your blood sugar levels in your target range, you can minimize or even prevent the damage that diabetes can cause over time to your body. There are a lot of steps you can take to help keep your blood sugar under control. Some of the most important include:
Lifestyle changes (healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight loss, quitting smoking) – important for everyone Self-monitoring of your blood sugar and regular check-ups with your health care provider – important for everyone with diabetes Oral medications (pills) – if prescribed Insulin injections – if prescribed
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