Diabetic patients can and should do several things to help themselves manage their condition and symptoms, but professional care is also necessary. Patients must learn what makes their blood sugar levels rise or drop, and how to control these levels. Some foods can affect blood sugar levels significantly, so controlling food intake is important. It’s just as important to control portion sizes and calorie intake, and coordinating meals and medications can help many patients. There are a lot of things patients can do, and regular exercise, regularly checking blood sugar levels, and taking medications are among them. All that can seem like a lot to remember to do, but a professional can help with this and create a comprehensive diabetes treatment and management plan for you. This plan will factor in your lifestyle needs in addition to your health needs, as well as every other big and little thing you can do to help manage the condition and its symptoms. Also, the professional will help you monitor your blood glucose levels, prevent health complications, refer you to specialists like a podiatrist, and do much more for you. If you need a prescription or a prescription refill, such as one for a medication like metformin, the doctor can provide that too.