More than 29 million Americans suffer from diabetes. One of the best ways to prevent the disease from progressing to the point of serious complications or life-threatening illness is to effectively manage it. Many, however, don't know where to begin in getting a handle on their diagnosis. Below, the primary care providers at the Mayer Clinic in Fairbanks, Alaska, share four tips to help you manage your diabetes.

How to Manage Your Diabetes

1. Educate Yourself

First and foremost, educate yourself about your disease. Talk to your family doctor, ask questions, seek out internet references, and read books on the subject. If you've been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, you will need to inject yourself with insulin to maintain your health; be sure you've met with your doctor and received thorough instructions on how to do this. If you've been diagnosed with Type 2, discuss with your doctor the best ways to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and a good diabetic diet, as well as how to test your daily glucose levels.

2. Know Your Body

With a diabetes diagnosis, you are going to have to check in with your body on a regular basis. Plan to have your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol checked on a routine basis. These numbers will tell you not only how your blood sugar is doing, but how your heart is doing as well. Heart problems go hand in hand with diabetes, so staying on top of potential problems before they start is crucial to your long-term health.

3. Make Positive Lifestyle Changes

Change does not happen overnight. Be easy on yourself, and institute small changes as you're able. Your doctor will tell you what type of diet and exercise plan is right for your particular situation. In general, a diet lower in calories with plenty of vegetables and no sugar is preferred, as is regular cardio exercise, working your way up to 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

4. Visit Your Doctor Regularly

Make your appointments ahead of time so they seamlessly integrate into your routine. In addition to the A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol testing mentioned above, you'll also want to have your weight and feet checked, as these are two other areas where potential complications show up early. Most importantly, find a doctor you can trust — someone you are comfortable asking questions and airing your concerns. This can make all the difference in your approach to managing diabetes.

The doctors at the Mayer Clinic are here to help no matter where you're at in your journey with diabetes. Since 2006, they've been providing primary care services to clients across Fairbanks and the surrounding areas. Call (907) 457-5050 to schedule an appointment.