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Updated: Oct. 29, 2026

It is important to remember who has the responsibility to manage diabetes. Diabetes management can only be done by the person who has the disease. Your family, doctor, diabetes educator, or nutritionist are members of the healthcare team who can advise you. Training in self-management is important for the treatment of diabetes. Talk with your doctor about how you can learn more about self-management.

There's a lot to consider to manage your diabetes. How you care for yourself every day can make a difference in how you feel and how successful you are in preventing the complications of diabetes. There are seven important self-care behaviors to manage diabetes. They are:

It's natural to have mixed feelings about your diabetes management and experience highs and lows. It is important to recognize these emotions as normal and take steps to reduce the negative impact they can have on your self-care.

Having diabetes doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite foods or stop eating in restaurants. In fact, there's nothing you can’t eat! But you need to know how foods you eat affect your glucose levels and then make the right adjustments.

Being active has many health benefits that impact your diabetes management like lowering cholesterol, improving blood pressure, lowering stress and anxiety, and improving your mood.

Insulin, pills that lower your blood sugar, blood pressure medication, cholesterol-lowering medication, or a number of other medications may work together to lower your blood sugar levels, reduce your risk of complications and help you feel better.

Checking your glucose (sugar) levels regularly gives you vital information to help you make decisions about your diabetes.

By understanding the risks that cause negative outcomes and taking actions to prevent them, you can lower your chance of having diabetes-related complications.

Everyone encounters problems with their diabetes management. You can't plan for every situation you may face, but there are some problem-solving skills that can help you prepare for the unexpected ─ and make a plan for dealing with similar problems in the future.

Source - Self-Care Tips (ADCES7) 

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program

The Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program empowers individuals with diabetes to navigate self-management decisions and activities. The program can help you improve your blood sugar levels to prevent or delay complications, avoid emergency care, and save you money on healthcare costs. DSMES can also help you lower your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

To participate in this program, individuals are required to have a formal referral that is signed by the provider treating their diabetes. The referral confirms the diagnosis, cites the need for DSMES, and provides authorization for initial and follow-up sessions.

Only about half of South Carolinians with diabetes have taken a diabetes management class, yet education is one of the most effective tools for living well with diabetes.

Possible Complications

You may have heard people say they have "a touch of diabetes" or "your sugar is a little high." These words suggest that diabetes is not a serious disease. That is not correct. Diabetes is serious, but you can learn to manage it!

Taking good care of yourself and your diabetes can help you feel better. It may help you avoid health problems caused by diabetes, such as:

Diabetes & Heart Disease

People with diabetes have twice the risk of heart disease. The longer you have diabetes, the higher your risk.

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Diabetes & Oral Health

Poor oral health is often referred to as the "sixth complication of diabetes."

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Diabetes and Tobacco Use

Diabetics who smoke are three times more likely to develop heart disease and/or require amputation.

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Diabetes & Cancer

Nearly 1 in 5 people with cancer also has diabetes. A cancer diagnosis can disrupt your diabetes management plan.

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