Your Life With Type 2 Diabetes

You’ve taken a lot of steps towards leading a healthy, active life with diabetes. You’re keeping a close eye on your blood sugar levels, choosing the right foods, and being physically active. You probably also know that it’s important to quit or cut down on smoking or drinking alcohol. Not only can these lifestyle changes help you manage your type 2 diabetes, they can help your overall health and reduce your risk for future complications.

Testing your blood sugar

It’s very important for people with type 2 diabetes to control their blood sugar levels as well as possible. By testing (also called monitoring) your blood sugar, you can be aware of how your physical activity, meals, or insulin therapy affects your blood sugar.

Since your body’s needs change at different times of the day, testing can give you essential information. Depending on your blood sugar levels, you may need to make adjustments to your daily routine and the amount of insulin you need. It is a good idea to keep a record of your blood sugar levels (fasting blood glucose, post-meal glucose levels and A1C) and share them with your doctor. Talk with your doctor about the best time to check your blood sugar. To help keep all of your records in once place, download and print the Blood Sugar Diary.