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Seven Keys to Managing Diabetes
November 14, 2025
November is recognized as National Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about the daily habits that can make a lasting difference in managing diabetes. Living well with diabetes involves more than blood sugar checks or medications. The Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists identifies seven essential self-care areas that empower individuals to take control of their health.
Healthy eating is the foundation of diabetes management. Choosing a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats helps balance blood sugar and maintain energy. No single eating plan works for everyone, but learning portion sizes, understanding food labels, and finding satisfying options are key to long-term success.
Being active supports nearly every aspect of diabetes care. Regular movement improves blood glucose levels, strengthens the heart, reduces stress, and boosts mood. Even short periods of walking, stretching, or light activity throughout the day add up. The goal is consistency and finding activities that are enjoyable and sustainable.
Monitoring involves keeping track of blood glucose levels to see how food, activity, stress, and medications affect the body. Reviewing these numbers helps identify trends and guides treatment decisions. For those using continuous glucose monitors, measures like “time in range” can provide valuable insight into daily patterns.
Taking medication as prescribed is vital for keeping blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol in target ranges. A medication plan may include pills, injections, or insulin. Keeping an updated list of all medications, including supplements, and talking with a pharmacist or provider about side effects or challenges ensures the plan remains safe and effective.
Healthy coping is another critical part of diabetes care. Managing a chronic condition can be emotionally demanding, and it’s common to feel frustrated or discouraged. Support from family, friends, or peer groups helps reduce stress and strengthen motivation. Finding healthy ways to relax, such as exercise, journaling, or hobbies, can improve both emotional and physical health.
Reducing risks means taking preventive steps to protect long-term health. Regular checkups, vaccinations, and screenings for eyes, kidneys, teeth, and feet help detect problems early. Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1C within target ranges lowers the risk of complications.
Finally, problem solving prepares individuals to handle unexpected challenges, such as changes in schedule, illness, or stress that affect blood sugar control. Having a plan and knowing how to adjust meals, activity, or medication can prevent emergencies and help maintain stability.
Mille Lacs Health System is proud to support patients managing diabetes through education, technology, and personal guidance. Jayme Westling, PharmD, BC-ADM, serves as the MLHS Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She also leads the Diabetes Support Group, which meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Key Contributor Conference Room on the Onamia campus. If you cannot attend in person, email diabetes@mlhealth.org to request virtual access to the meetings. For any questions, contact Jayme Westling at 320-532-2337.