The main goal is to keep blood glucose within a relatively normal range to prevent problems such as heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness.

Diabetes is a long-term problem, so you will need to make lifestyle changes and learn to monitor your condition by:

• Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight
  
  
• Getting regular physical activity and reducing stress levels
  
  
• Taking any diabetes-related medication prescribed for you
  
  
• Not smoking and only drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all
  
  
• Regularly checking your blood sugar
  
  
• Consulting your doctor and other relevant health professionals
  
  

Dr Susanna Holt (PhD, dietician)