Avoiding health problems

If you’ve been told you have type 2 diabetes, you’re probably worried about what might happen to you. One thing that you should always keep in mind: it may be a serious disease, but millions of people with type 2 diabetes live long, healthy, and full lives.

You can, too.

Step 1: Take action

You’ll have to be your own personal caretaker. It starts with self-monitoring. Take control of your blood sugar level by:

• Healthy eating.
• Getting enough exercise.
• Taking all of your medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Step 2: Get the BIG picture

A big part of managing your type 2 diabetes is staying informed.

• Be aware of your body mass index (BMI) to find out if you need to lose weight.
• Keep track of your blood sugar levels.
• Concentrate on the ABCs of managing type 2 diabetes.
• Keep learning! The more you know, the better decisions you’ll be able to make for your health!

Step 3: Problems you can avoid

When your blood sugar level is too high, the excess sugar can cause damage to different parts of your body. But if you work with your health professional to manage your type 2 diabetes, you may be able to decrease your risk for health problems such as:

• Eye damage.
• Heart disease and stroke.
• Nerve damage.
• Kidney disease.

By taking charge of your type 2 diabetes, you’ll be taking control of your health. Talk to your health professional about other ways you can best manage your type 2 diabetes.