Each day you wake up, you are forced to live your life through the lens of diabetes. For instance, you must be extra cautious about the food you consume and the medications you take, according to the Zietchick Research Institute. The good news, though, is that you don’t have to live life as a diabetic alone. Here is a guide on what you need to do to make the most of your life on a daily basis in spite of your diabetes.

First, note that diabetics have a greater likelihood of experiencing physical complications. For this reason, you need to take extra precautions to avoid many of the issues that come with diabetes. For example, try to shed unnecessary body weight by exercising, and avoid smoking. Also, be sure to incorporate vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and complex carbohydrates into your diet to maintain adequate health. All of this can help you to manage your blood’s glucose levels and thus help you to avoid experiencing numbness or tingling in your feet, hands, legs, and arms. This tingling is a sign of nerve damage, which can impact your muscle strength, sexual response, and digestion.

Second, be sure to consult with your doctor to monitor any changes in your medication. For example, let’s say that you may need to take medication for cholesterol or high blood pressure. Your doctor will make sure that these medicines don’t interfere with your blood’s sugar levels. Also, if you have to take steroids, make sure that you have a doctor monitor you, as these drugs are known to cause problems with people’s sugar levels.

Finally, make sure that you surround yourself with a strong support system as you attempt to manage your diabetes. Family members and friends can encourage you to stabilize your physical health and help you to remain emotionally healthy in the years ahead.