Diabetes: Living with Diabetes - NYC Health

Health

Promoting and Protecting the City's Health


Health TopicsNeighborhood HealthEmergency Prep


Living with Diabetes

Getting your blood sugar under control is important – but not enough. It’s also important to control blood pressure and cholesterol. Diabetes is a serious disease – but you can still live a long and healthy life! Here’s what you need to know.

Things You Can Do to Stay Healthy

To lower your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol:

Be physically active.

Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity (such as a brisk walk) at least 5 days a week.

Get off the bus or subway a stop early and walk the rest of the way.

Walk during your lunch break.

Put on some music and dance.

Do household chores such as vacuuming and mopping.

Eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight.

Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Eat less fat, sugar, and salt.

Drink water or try seltzer or diet drinks instead of sugar-sweetened soda or juice.

Limit candy, sweets, chips, and fried food.

Cook more meals at home.

Other things you can do:

Check your blood sugar at the times your doctor recommends.

Keep your feet clean and dry. Wear comfortable shoes. Look at your feet every night for sores.

Brush and floss your teeth every day.

Limit candy, sweets, chips, and fried food.

Quit smoking — call 311 for free help or talk with your doctor.

Publications

Living Well with Diabetes:

Insulin and Diabetes (PDF)

Working With Your Pharmacy (PDF)

Where to Begin (PDF)

See Your Doctor Regularly (PDF)

Your A1C (PDF)

Keeping up with Your Medicines (PDF)

Living with Diabetes (PDF)
Other languages:Español | 中文 | Русский

Diabetes Checkbooks (PDF)

Other Languages: 中文 | Русский | Español

Additional Resources

Diabetes Main Page

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes FAQ

Diabetes & Children

Gestational Diabetes

The New York City A1C Registry