Your diabetes management is unique to you. It looks different for everyone, depending on many factors. However, there are parts of diabetes management and treatment that apply to everyone, such as healthy eating, physical activity, taking prescribed medications, checking your blood sugar, managing stress and regular check-ins with your healthcare provider.
Diabetes management and treatment at a glance
| Type of Diabetes | Main Goal | Key Management Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 Diabetes | Replace the insulin your body no longer makes, and keep blood sugar with target range to reduce risk of complications | Insulin therapy, glucose monitoring, healthy eating, physical activity, stress management, diabetes technology (CGM, insulin pump) if recommended, regular follow-up with healthcare providers |
| Type 2 Diabetes | Keep blood sugar with target range to reduce risk of complications | Healthy eating, physical activity, weight management, blood sugar monitoring, medications and/or insulin, stress management, diabetes technology if recommended, regular follow-up with healthcare providers |
| Prediabetes | Delay or prevent type 2 diabetes through healthy-promoting lifestyle behaviours | Healthy eating, physical activity, stress management, weight management, regular follow-up with healthcare providers, medication if recommended |
| Gestational Diabetes | Maintain healthy blood sugar levels for parent and baby during pregnancy | Healthy eating, physical activity, stress management, blood sugar monitoring, medication or insulin if needed, regular prenatal care |
Check out the sections below to learn more about treatment for different types of diabetes.
Managing Type 1 Diabetes
People living with type 1 diabetes need insulin every day because their body no longer produces insulin.
Key self-management actions:
- Take insulin and other medication as prescribed.
- Monitor blood sugar regularly.
- Consider diabetes technology, such as a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or insulin pump.
- Follow a healthy eating pattern. Check out the balanced food plate to get started.
- Be physically active regularly.
- Manage stress and emotional well-being.
- Work closely with your diabetes care team, which may include your family physician or nurse practitioner, diabetes educator, registered dietitian, endocrinologist, pharmacist, foot care specialist, eye care specialist, and a mental health professional.
For Parents and Caregivers
As children grow, families often navigate changing routines, increasing independence, school and social activities, and the transition of diabetes responsibilities from parent to child. Ongoing support and education can help make this transition smoother. Check out Kids, Teens and Diabetes to learn more.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can often be managed through a combination of health-promoting lifestyle habits and medication. Keeping blood sugar within your target range can help lower the risk of long-term complications.
Key self-management actions:
- Eat healthy meals and snacks regularly.
- Be physically active.
- Monitor blood sugar as recommended.
- Take prescribed medications and/or insulin.
- Manage stress and emotional well-being.
- Attend regular appointments with your healthcare team. Your family doctor or nurse practitioner may be your primary point of contact; however you may be referred to a diabetes educator, registered dietitian, endocrinologist, foot care specialist, eye care specialist, or a mental health professional.
Managing Prediabetes
Prediabetes means blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Making healthy behaviour changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
What You Can Do
- Follow a healthy eating pattern such as the balanced food plate.
- Increase physical activity gradually toward 150 minutes per week.
- Discuss weight management goals with your healthcare provider.
- Make small, sustainable lifestyle changes that fit your routine.
Managing Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and requires careful blood sugar management to support the health of both parent and baby.
Healthy Eating
- Eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day.
- Include lower glycemic index foods such as whole grains and legumes.
- Consult a registered dietitian if possible.
Physical Activity
- Aim for regular physical activity, as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Walking after meals may help manage blood sugar levels.
Monitoring and Medication
- Check blood sugar as recommended.
- Some people may require insulin or medication during pregnancy