Tips on Diabetes Self-Management

How can I reduce after-meal spikes in blood glucose?


My blood glucose is spiking after meals. What steps should I take?

Keep a food diary for several days, noting the foods and amounts you eat. Also write down the amount of insulin or other diabetes drugs you take and when you take them relative to your meals. Look for patterns in your records to guide you in making changes to your mealtime routines.

Learn more about blood glucose monitoring here.


How can I tell if my blood glucose is spiking after meals? Show Tip


Will my health insurance cover the cost of an HbA1c test? Show Tip


What HbA1c goal should I aim for? Show Tip


What are some precautions I should take when bicycling? Show Tip


How will bicycling affect my blood glucose? Show Tip


I’m thinking of buying a bicycle. What factors should I consider? Show Tip


What are some guidelines for proper stretching? Show Tip


What is the best way to prepare for stretching? Show Tip


How should I go about choosing a piece of exercise equipment? Show Tip


I’d like to begin walking for exercise. Where should I start? Show Tip


How much exercise should I aim to do? Show Tip


What should I wear to a yoga class? Show Tip


How can I find a yoga class that’s right for me? Show Tip


How much fluid should I be taking in during exercise? Show Tip


What type of exercise should I do if I’m trying to lose weight? Show Tip


When is the best time to exercise? Show Tip


How can I be sure I’m exercising at the appropriate level of difficulty? Show Tip


How can I improve my balance? Show Tip


What should you do if you have ketones in your blood or urine? Show Tip


In what types of situations should I check my urine or blood for ketones? Show Tip


I have gastroparesis. Is there any way to treat this condition? Show Tip


What symptoms should you look out for if you think you may have autonomic neuropathy? Show Tip


How often should a health-care provider examine my feet? Show Tip


What is one simple step you can take to reduce your chance of foot injuries? Show Tip


Drugs for erectile dysfunction have not worked for me. Are there any other options? Show Tip


What are some ways to decrease my risk of impotence? Show Tip


Is erectile dysfunction a normal part of getting older? Show Tip


What steps should I take if I think I have a urinary tract infection? Show Tip


Is there anything I can do to avoid getting a urinary tract infection? Show Tip


Start here if you're new to diabetes

New to diabetes? Find out everything you need to know.

Start with Diabetes Basics


Diabetes and the Downturn
Find out about organizations and programs that can help with health-care expenses during tough times.

Keeping Active With Diabetes and Arthritis
Exercise can help control both diabetes and arthritis. Here’s how to get started and stay injury-free.

How Much Do You Know About Indigestion?
Learn what you can do to prevent indigestion, as well as when to seek medical help.

Complete table of contents
Get a FREE ISSUE
Subscription questions

Flip Flap Yum!