If you have a history of diabetes and are visiting a physician for the first time, you should have a complete physical exam as well as a discussion about your current blood glucose control, the presence of any diabetes complications and your ongoing diabetes care needs.

Diabetes is a chronic condition, meaning that once you are diagnosed, it’s there to stay. But with regular medical care and optimal blood glucose control, you can live a long, healthy life.

Many people still make a fair amount of insulin when they are first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, so their initial treatment may focus mainly on decreasing insulin resistance. However, a person’s treatment may change over time as his degree of insulin resistance or ability to produce insulin changes.

If something has happened in your life that has affected how you care for your diabetes, let your healthcare provider know. Remember that your healthcare providers are there to help you create a plan that will work for you, not to judge you on your ability to carry out a particular plan.

Ask your healthcare providers for any money-saving tips they may have, and tell them if you cannot afford the drugs or other products they recommend.

If you’re having a rough time, or your feelings are keeping you from caring for yourself or doing the things you enjoy, consider seeking out support from others who have diabetes.

If lifestyle changes alone don’t bring your blood glucose, as well as your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, into target range, drug therapy may be necessary.

Performing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week and/or at least 90 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise a week is recommended.

Fat should make up no more than 30% of your total energy intake, and most of that fat should be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated.

Limiting the amount of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol you eat and engaging in an increased amount of physical activity can help to lower your blood cholesterol levels.

Your cardiovascular risk factors should be assessed by your physician at least once a year.

High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and uncontrolled blood glucose levels all place you at risk for heart disease. Carrying extra weight around your waist also raises your risk of heart disease, and smoking doubles your risk of developing heart disease.

If your new job will mean a big change in your daily schedule or activity level, speak to your doctor before you begin to discuss how and when any changes in your diabetes self-management regimen should be made. If possible, adopt your new schedule before you actually start your new job so you can see what effect, if any, it has on your blood glucose levels.

Working with a registered dietitian can be helpful in fine-tuning your carbohydrate-counting skills. Carefully reading nutrition labels on food products and measuring portions will also help you to meet your carbohydrate goals.

Yes — during periods of stress, the body releases so-called stress hormones, which cause a rise in blood glucose level. If stress becomes chronic, high blood glucose can also become chronic.

Meals that are high in fat may contribute to prolonged elevations in blood glucose after eating.