When You Have Diabetes, Use This Checklist

If you've just been told you have diabetes, don't be disheartened. With proper treatment and some adjustment to your lifestyle, you can manage diabetes and lead a healthy life

Here’s what to do:

Check Your Blood Glucose Often

Man testing his blood glucose levels with a glucometer

Together with your doctor, set your blood glucose goals.
Keep a diary of your blood glucose readings especially if you are on insulin.

Keep All Appointments with Your Doctor

Doctor measuring the blood pressure of a patient

Take your diabetes pills or insulin on time.
Bring your blood glucose diary when you see your doctor.
Let your doctor know what other medicines (including traditional Chinese medicines) you take.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Healthy salad of spinach, figs and cherry tomatoes beside a glucometer

Have regular meals and don’t skip meals.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
Exercise (e.g. brisk walk, jog, swim or cycle). Aim for at least 150 - 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity every week.
Have enough rest. Sleep seven to eight hours every night.
Learn to relax and reduce stress.

Related: Stay Active with Diabetes

Plan for Sick Days

Woman in bed with a bad headache

Look out for symptoms of high blood glucose, low blood glucose or ketones and know how to manage them.
Wear a medical identification tag such as a medical bracelet.
Carry small packets of sugar or sugary snacks (e.g. raisins or candies) with you.
Your doctor will help you set blood glucose goals. Write them in this table to remember them.

Time	Plasma Blood Glucose Values for Adults with Diabetes (mmol/L)	My Blood Glucose Goals
Before a meal (fasting)	Less than 4.0 to 7.0
2 hours after a meal	Less than 10.0
HbA1C	Less than 7%