Ashley & Emily
Diagnosed 2003

Diabetes Management


An overview and resources for daily diabetes management.

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What is diabetes?


Diabetes is a disease characterized by high blood sugar. Although there are different types of diabetes, in all cases, a person with diabetes is unable to produce the right amount of insulin needed in order to regulate their blood sugar levels. Learn more about each type below:

  • Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Approximately 5–10% of people with diabetes have type 1.1
  • Type 2 diabetes can be caused by multiple factors, and may be referred to as “adult onset” or “non-insulin-dependent” diabetes.
  • Prediabetes occurs when you have a blood sugar level that is higher than normal, and can often lead to type 2 diabetes unless action is taken to prevent it.
  • Gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy for those who do not already have diabetes. Blood sugar levels typically return to normal after the baby is born.

Whether their sugar levels are too high or too low, people with diabetes may experience some of these common diabetes symptoms:

  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Sweating, chills, and clamminess
  • Blurred vision
  • Excessive thirst
  • Nausea

Learn more about
Diabetes

Diabetes diagnosis


Receiving a diabetes diagnosis can be overwhelming. From the initial shock to understanding the lifestyle changes ahead, it’s normal to feel a range of emotions —but you’re not alone on this journey. With the right support and resources, taking charge of your diabetes can become a manageable part of your everyday life.

Our diabetes community has valuable advice for people who have just been diagnosed. If you’re a parent or caregiver with a newly diagnosed child or newly diagnosed teen, your experience may be different. For more info, check out our resources for parents and caregivers, which include handy guides you can provide to your child’s babysitter, teacher, or coach. 

Key terminology


Understanding common words and phrases related to diabetes can make communicating with friends, family, and healthcare professionals easier. Some important terms to know include: insulin, an A1C test, and Time in Range.

Check out our diabetes glossary for more common diabetes-related words and phrases. 
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Managing diabetes


While learning how to effectively manage your diabetes can seem like a daunting — even impossible! — task at first, you’ll find that practice makes perfect. Understand that trial and error is to be expected, so remember to be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate the changes in your lifestyle. Keeping up with your care plan prescribed by your healthcare provider is the first step, and don’t be afraid to try out different therapy options to find the one that works best for you.

Treatment options


With the right treatment, people with diabetes can go on to live happy, normal lives. The two main types of diabetes treatments are multiple daily injections and insulin pump therapy.

  • Multiple daily injections (MDI) is a common diabetes treatment that involves manually injecting yourself with insulin several times a day, typically in the evening and before meals.
  • Insulin pump therapy involves receiving doses of insulin throughout the day via an insulin pump, a small device that delivers the insulin through a thin, flexible tube called an infusion set.

Thanks to the evolution of technology, there are also more advanced treatment options available for people living with diabetes than ever before! Check out some of the latest below:

  • Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) refers to a small sensor device that you wear to measure and track your sugar levels and their trends. While a CGM alone may not be enough to manage type 1 diabetes, a healthcare provider may prescribe it for non-insulin-dependent patients.
  • Smart insulin pen systems, or smart multiple daily injections (also known as Smart MDI), combine a Bluetooth®-enabled smart insulin pen, CGM, and injection port to help you calculate the right insulin dose to take at the right time.
  • Automated insulin delivery systems are made up of an insulin pump, CGM, and smart algorithm that links the two devices together, allowing them to communicate with each other to help manage your blood sugar levels throughout the day.
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Daily diabetes management


Whether you’re a parent, student, athlete, world traveler, or even an actor, diabetes doesn’t have to hold you back. By crafting a healthy lifestyle, you can help keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range and continue to live your life the way you want. From carb counting to travel planning, we have some resources designed to help guide you on your journey.

Nutrition


What does nutrition and diabetes look like? When it comes to eating, you do need to be more mindful of what you put into your body. Having a well-rounded meal plan can help with blood sugar management, so that may mean taking vitamins and supplements to ensure you get enough nutrients.

Carb counting is another big part of learning how to eat with diabetes.

Don’t forget, success starts with making smart choices when grocery shopping.
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Nutrition

Exercise and sports


Exercise can help you control your diabetes. If your preferred method of exercise consists of sports, then you should explore how various sports have different effects on your blood sugar. You may be surprised to know that there are many athletes living with diabetes — they are able to do anything, from running marathons to participating in the Olympics!

Travel


Traveling with diabetes is absolutely possible, but does require a bit more planning ahead. If you’re headed to the airport, you’ll need to know how to get your diabetes devices and supplies through TSA.

If you’re traveling with an insulin pump, check out our travel checklist for items to remember to take with you.
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Travel
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Diabetes community and support


Connecting with others who understand the challenges of living with diabetes can help you feel less alone and more empowered in your journey. The diabetes community is a powerful group that offers valuable support, encouragement, and shared experiences.

Learn more about
#MedtronicChampion community

General diabetes management resources


Find more tips, tools, and resources on our website: