How to Manage Diabetes with Diet and Exercise

Use your diabetes meal plan. If you do not have one, ask your health care team for one.

Eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, chicken or turkey without the skin, dry peas or beans, whole grains, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese.

Keep fish and lean meat and poultry portions to about 3 ounces (or the size of a deck of cards). Bake, broil, or grill it.

Eat foods that have less fat and salt.

Eat foods with more fiber such as whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta.

Get 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Brisk walking is a great way to move more.

Stay at a healthy weight by using your meal plan and moving more.

Ask for help if you feel down. A mental health counselor, support group, member of the clergy, friend, or family member who will listen to your concerns may help you feel better.

Learn to cope with stress. Stress can raise your blood glucose. While it is hard to remove stress from your life, you can learn to handle it.

Stop smoking. Ask for help to quit.

Take medicines even when you feel good. Ask your doctor if you need aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you cannot afford your medicines or if you have any side effects.