If you’re like most people who rely on a car to get around, you know the importance of keeping the car in good running condition. You schedule regular maintenance on your car, such as changing the oil and checking the brakes. Shouldn’t you set aside as much time and care to monitor the thing you rely on most of all — your body? Maintenance is even more important for people with diabetes. Here are some tips for a regular maintenance routine.

Take control of your care.
A "checkup" often is thought of as visiting your health care provider, and while it’s true that you need regular visits with a primary care provider, your health is really up to you, each and every day. So it’s essential to combine self-care with a thorough annual or semiannual checkup.

Diagnose your diet; evaluate your weight.
To fine-tune your eating plan, it’s best to seek advice from a registered dietitian who is experienced in nutrition therapy for people with diabetes. If your weight exceeds your recommended weight range, losing weight can improve how your body responds to insulin. Your dietitian can help design a weight loss plan that works for you. A dietitian is available to help you at Diabetes Control for Life™, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, through instant chat. Contact our dietitians now.

Exercise regularly.
Exercise has multiple benefits. It can help you improve blood sugar control, maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk for heart disease, and improve your sense of well-being.

Schedule blood sugar testing.
Determine and follow a schedule for blood sugar testing with your physician or dietitian. Use blood sugar testing to help you see how food, medication, and physical activity impact your blood sugar levels.

Maintain your medication schedule.
If you are among the many people for whom diet and exercise alone are not sufficient to control your diabetes, you should make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding oral medications or insulin.

Understand aspirin therapy.
Aspirin therapy may be helpful, not only in people with diabetes who have had a heart attack, but also in people with diabetes who are at high risk for future heart disease. This includes men and women with risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure. Discuss the use of aspirin with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you.

Stop smoking.
In addition to its other well-known health dangers, smoking increases the risk of many diabetes complications, including heart disease. When you stop, your risk drops right away.

Get the right exams.
Be sure you visit your doctor regularly for recommended exams and screenings, and for guidance on medication adjustments, as well as your eating and exercise plans. A yearly checkup can help you maintain the thing you rely on most of all — your body.

To get a checklist of important medical exams, download the Must-Have Medical Exams PDF (103KB).