01 · Start here
You do not have to figure this out alone
With type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin well or does not make enough. Insulin helps blood sugar (glucose) enter your cells for energy. Too much sugar can stay in your blood.
Your care plan brings together food, activity, medicines when prescribed, and follow-up. It also protects your heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves, and feet. Start with one doable step and ask for support.
02 · Make it yours
Know your plan and your medicines
Use the worksheet to record your medicines, instructions, monitoring plan, and next appointment. Ask what each medicine is for, how to take it, possible side effects, what to do after a missed dose, and how to get refills.
Take medicines as prescribed. Do not change or ration them on your own. Tell your team if you cannot afford them. If you use injections, ask someone to show you the technique, storage, and safe disposal of needles.
03 · Understand your numbers
Make a monitoring plan that fits you
Ask whether you need to check glucose at home, which device to use, and when to check. Not everyone has the same monitoring needs. Ask for your personal target range and what readings should trigger a call.
A meter gives a reading at that moment. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) shows trends. The A1C blood test reflects average glucose over about three months. Ask what your A1C goal is and when to repeat the test.
Write a useful record
If asked to monitor, note the date, time, reading, and context such as meals, activity, symptoms, or illness. Share it as your clinic directs.
Check the units
Meters may display mg/dL or mmol/L. Have your care team write the units and your targets on the plan; do not compare different units as if they were the same.
Use your meter safely
Wash and dry your hands before testing. Follow your device instructions. Do not share your meter or finger-pricking device with another person.
04 · Build everyday habits
Keep foods you enjoy; make a workable plan
Ask a dietitian or diabetes educator to help fit meals to your culture, budget, schedule, and medicines. For meals such as rice or roti with dal and vegetables, ask how portions and meal timing can fit your personal plan. Choose water or unsweetened drinks when they fit your plan.
Ask which activities are safe for you and start gradually. If your medicines can cause low glucose, ask how meals, activity, alcohol, or fasting affect that risk. Tell the team about foot pain, limited movement, sleep problems, stress, or difficulty getting food.
05 · Be prepared
Know what to do about low blood sugar
Insulin and some diabetes medicines can cause low glucose. Signs can include shakiness, sweating, hunger, dizziness, or confusion. Ask if you are at risk and carry the fast-acting glucose your team recommends.
Below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L): the 15–15 rule
For an adult who is awake and can swallow safely: take 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate, wait 15 minutes, and check again. Repeat if still below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). Glucose tablets or gel: use the label amount for 15 grams. Follow your team’s individualized plan.
After recovery
When back in your target range, have a snack or meal with carbohydrate and protein. Report lows to your team; do not change medicines yourself. If symptoms do not improve after treatment, get emergency medical help. Do not drive yourself.
06 · Plan before illness
Have a sick-day and high-glucose plan
Ask for written instructions for illness: when to check glucose or ketones, which medicines to continue or temporarily change, how to stay hydrated, and when to call. These instructions depend on your medicines and health.
Thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, or blurry vision can occur with high glucose. Contact your team for readings above your agreed limit or symptoms that concern you. Do not take extra medicine unless your written plan says to.
07 · Protect the whole you
Feet, eyes, kidneys, and heart matter too
Check your feet every day, including between the toes. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if needed. Wear protective shoes and socks. Call your care team promptly for red, warm, or painful skin, or a cut or blister that is not starting to heal.
Ask when you need foot exams, an eye exam, kidney blood and urine tests, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, dental care, and vaccines. Your care team sets the schedule based on your health.
08 · Your next conversation
Ask for support and a clear next step
Bring your medicine list, questions, and records your team requests. Ask about diabetes education, a dietitian, language support, and help paying for medicines or supplies. Tell the team if diabetes feels overwhelming.
Confirm your next appointment and how to get help after hours. Before leaving, explain the next step in your own words so your team can check that the plan is clear.
Put the guide into practice
Questions to bring to your care team
- Which first step matters most for me?
- Do my medicines put me at risk for low glucose?
- What are my glucose and A1C goals?
- What is my written sick-day plan?
- Which checkups are due, and where can I get help with cost?
Put the guide into practice
Use the matching diabetes worksheet to bring medicines, monitoring, everyday goals, sick-day questions, and follow-up together. Your care team fills in personal targets and action instructions.
Sources behind this guide
General health references are listed below. National service links and schedules appear only for your selected country.
- Type 2 DiabetesNIDDK / NIH
- Managing DiabetesNIDDK / NIH
- Insulin, Medicines, & Other Diabetes TreatmentsNIDDK / NIH
- Healthy Living with DiabetesNIDDK / NIH
- Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)NIDDK / NIH
- Treatment of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)CDC
- Managing Sick DaysCDC
- Diabetes & Foot ProblemsNIDDK / NIH
- Preventing Diabetes ProblemsNIDDK / NIH
- Blood Glucose Monitoring DevicesFDA
- Unconsciousness — first aidMedlinePlus / NIH
- Low blood sugarMedlinePlus / NIH
- DiabetesWorld Health Organization
- Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition