Managing Diabetes

Living with diabetes means taking care of your body every day. Whether you have type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, good management helps you feel better, avoid complications, and live a full life. Managing diabetes doesn’t have to be hard—you just need a plan and the right support.

What Does It Mean to Manage Diabetes?

Managing diabetes means keeping your blood sugar (glucose) levels in a healthy range. It also includes:

• Eating the right foods
• Staying active
• Taking medicine or insulin if prescribed
• Checking your blood sugar often
• Watching for signs of other health problems
• Working closely with your healthcare team
  
  

Taking small steps every day can lead to big results over time.

Riverside offers comprehensive self-management programs to help you manage your diabetes, reduce the impact it can have on your life and prevent complications. Education is available in both group and one on one settings. Learn more by exploring our Diabetes Services classes and educational resources.

Keeping track of your blood sugar is one of the most important parts of managing diabetes.

Why it's important:

• Helps you know how food, activity, and medicine affect your blood sugar
• Helps you and your doctor decide if changes are needed
• Helps prevent serious problems like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)

When to track:

• Before and after meals
• Before bed
• When you’re sick or stressed
• Before or after exercise

How to track:

• Use a glucose meter or a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)
• Write down your numbers in a notebook or app
• Set reminders if needed

Talk with your care team about your target range and how often to check.

Eating well helps keep your blood sugar steady throughout the day. You don’t need a special “diabetes diet”—just healthy eating habits.

Smart eating tips:

• Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables (like broccoli, spinach, peppers)
• Include lean protein (like chicken, turkey, eggs, tofu, or beans)
• Choose whole grains (like brown rice, oats, whole wheat bread)
• Limit foods with added sugar, white flour, or fried oils
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks or soda
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Understand carbohydrates:

• Carbs raise blood sugar, so it's important to watch your portions
• Learn which foods are high in carbs (bread, pasta, fruit, milk)
• Balance carbs with protein and fiber for better control

You can meet with a registered dietitian or diabetes educator to help build a personalized meal plan.

Medications

Many people with diabetes need prescription medications to help control their blood sugar. These medicines help your body make insulin, use insulin better, or reduce the amount of sugar in your blood.

Types of Diabetes Medications:

Oral medications (pills):

• Some help your body use insulin more effectively (e.g., metformin)
• Others help your body release more insulin or lower sugar after meals
• Most are taken once or twice a day, with or without food
  
  

GLP-1 receptor agonists:

• These medications help lower blood sugar and support weight loss
• Some are injected weekly, others daily
• They slow digestion, lower appetite, and improve insulin response
• Examples include Ozempic®, Trulicity®, Mounjaro®, Victoza®, and Rybelsus® (oral)
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SGLT2 inhibitors:

• Help your kidneys remove extra sugar through urine
• Also benefit heart and kidney health
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DPP-4 inhibitors:

• Help the body release more insulin after eating
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Note: Medication plans are personalized. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medications based on your blood sugar levels, lifestyle, and other health conditions.

Tips for Medication Success:

• Take your medications as prescribed, even if you feel fine
• Use a pill organizer or set reminders to stay on track
• Talk to your doctor about any side effects
• Bring a list of your medications to every appointment
• Ask about cost-saving options or assistance programs if needed