Your guide to managing diabetes

More than 38 million people in the United States —about 11.6% of the population — are living with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fortunately, experts say many people can manage their diabetes by combining regular monitoring, healthy habits and consistent medical follow-ups.

“Diabetes isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition,” says Nicole Heding, a virtual primary care nurse practitioner at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. “Your target blood sugar (A1C), medications and daily routines should be as individual as you are. The key is finding a plan you can stick with and relying on your care team to help keep you on track.”

Tips for managing diabetes:

Make a goal

Heding recommends starting with an A1C test and asking your health care provider to help you set a personal goal. The American Diabetes Association suggests an A1C target below 7% for adults, but the goal can be higher or lower depending on age, heart health and other factors.

Be consistent with readings

Patients who use finger-stick meters should record fasting and post-meal readings at least a few times each week. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide real-time feedback and trend lines, helping patients spot patterns and avoid dangerous highs or lows.

“A CGM can reveal what’s really happening when you feel shaky mid-afternoon or groggy after breakfast,” Heding says.

Build healthy routines

Physical activity is a powerful way to lower your blood sugar. The CDC advises at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, each week. Strength training twice weekly improves insulin sensitivity, too. Eat fiber-rich vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats, and limit sugary beverages and refined carbs.

Use diabetes tools to your advantage

Roughly half of adults with diabetes need medication to manage their condition, whether it’s daily pills like metformin or injectable insulin. Newer GLP-1 receptor agonists can lower A1C and aid weight loss, but they are only effective when paired with lifestyle changes. Heading also urges patients who take insulin to discuss smart pens or pump therapy, which deliver precise doses and integrate with CGMs.

Prioritize your mental health

Living with diabetes can feel overwhelming, and depression is nearly twice as common in people with the condition. Heading urges patients to reach out to a health care professional if they notice mood changes, fatigue or loss of interest in daily activities.

Check-in with your health care provider

Regular follow up is key for diabetes management, which is why seeing a dedicated virtual primary care provider can be super convenient – especially for chronic disease management. Plus, consistently seeing the same health care provider online allows them to get to know your health history and what works best for the management of your diabetes.

Take a free online quiz to learn your risk for diabetes or find a virtual primary care provider in Illinois or Wisconsin.