Type II, or adult onset diabetes can be controlled effectively through diet, exercise, medications, and insulin. Depending on the severity of your diabetes, medicatons and diet can keep blood sugar levels under control. However, many people require insulin either through injections or through an insulin pump. There is no cure for diabetes, but it is a disease that a person can live with if they follow the regimen their doctor has prescribed.

Following a prescribed diet is essential to keeping blood sugar levels under control. A diabetic needs to check their blood sugar on a daily basis. This is done with a device that pricks the finger. A drop of blood is then placed on a special strip and inserted into an apparatus which gives a blood sugar reading. When blood sugar levels are low, there are warning signs to watch for. A person may experience shakiness, sweating, weakness, lighheadedness, hunger, paleness, confusion, or a headache. Any of these symptoms can be a sign of low blood sugar. It is important to recognize these symptoms and take appropiate measures to bring up blood sugar levels. A diabetic needs to carry either hard candies containing sugar, special glucose tablets, juice, or other beverages containinng sugar. If blood sugar levels become too low, the diabetic can lose consciousness and possibly die. Meals need to be eaten at regular intervals to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range.

High blood sugar levels can be dangerous as well. Exercise can help keep blood sugar levels in the normal range. Talk to your physician about what types of exercise are appropriate for you. Since diabetics can have serious problems with their feet, wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes with plenty of support is a must. While exercising, be aware of how you are feeling, and always carry supplements in case you experience low blood sugar. It is also imperative to wear an identification bracelet or necklace indicating you are a diabetic. If you are sick and unable to respond, this type of identification can save your life.

Your doctor will prescribe a special diet that you should follow as closely as possible. Having a good quality scale for weighing food portions is important. Take the time to measure your food. It is not always easy to guess food amounts. Also, take the time to read labels. Foods you would least expect to contain sugar often do. Fructose, sucrose, glucose, and corn syrup are just a few of the many forms of sugar you need to be aware of.

If you require daily insulin injections, you may want to talk to your doctor about an insulin pump. Some diabetics requiring more than one insulin injection per day, and who have trouble controlling their blood sugar levels have had success using an insulin pump. Talk to your physician, and find out what is best for your individual condition.