If you have diabetes, you know how important it is to manage your condition every day. You also know that it can be challenging. The key to success is maintaining your motivation.

Make the Right Choices
To stay on track with your diabetes management plan, consider these tips:

• Eat healthful foods. Aim for a balanced diet low in fat, cholesterol and sugar.
• Lose weight. Obesity increases the body’s resistance to insulin and contributes to heart disease, blood vessel disease and many other health problems.
• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise helps control your blood sugar level and reduces your risk for heart disease. To make sure you are getting the exercise you need, schedule activity into your day. Make a plan for regular activity and stick with it. Talk with your physician about the fitness options that are best for you.
• Limit or avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol can severely lower blood sugar in some people with diabetes, and alcohol can interact with certain diabetes medications.
• Quit smoking. Smoking damages and constricts blood vessels, increases cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and raises the risk for nerve damage and kidney disease. It is one of the most unhealthy habits a person with diabetes can have.

Stay Motivated
It may help to think of your plans to manage diabetes as a journey. If you have patience, you will get better at caring for yourself. Take it one day at a time. When you get off track, forgive yourself and keep moving forward. If you need help reaching your goals or managing your blood sugar, talk with your physician.

It’s a Team Effort
You do not have to face the challenges of diabetes alone. Turn to your health care team for support — that is why they are there. When you need help with meal planning, see a registered dietitian for support. Similarly, your foot care specialist, eye doctor or dentist can help identify potential problems before they become serious. Ask your physician to help you set goals and track your progress. Also, do not forget about family and friends. They can be a source of strength when you are feeling weighed down. By turning to others for help, you can work to improve your health and live your life to the fullest.