When you have diabetes, it is very important that you learn to care for yourself to control the amount of sugar in your blood. Keeping the amount of sugar in your blood as normal as possible is the best way to stay healthy. Because diabetes is a chronic condition, caring for yourself is every bit as important as the treatment you receive from your doctor and healthcare team. Ultimately, it is you who determines the state of your health.

Taking responsibility for it involves many choices, including what you eat and how frequently you exercise. It also involves testing your blood sugar to make sure your blood glucose stays within acceptable levels, an important factor in reducing your risk of serious diabetes-related complications.