Monitor your blood glucose regularly - good blood glucose control can prevent or delay the onset of most of the diabetes-related complications. A desirable blood glucose range for most people is 80 to 120 mg/dL before breakfast, 180 mg/dL or less, 2 hours after meals and 100 to 140 mg/dL before bedtime.

Check your A1C levels - also known as HbA1c or glycosylated haemoglobin level. This test provides a "picture" of how well your diabetes has been controlled over a period of 2-3 months. Ideally all diabetics should have this measurement at least annually if not more frequent. Good diabetic control is assumed at levels of 7 per cent or below.

Monitor your blood pressure regularly - tight blood pressure control can be essential in preventing heart problems latter on. High blood pressure often occurs in diabetes and since it has no symptoms it is very important to measure your blood pressure routinely at least every three months. Blood pressure levels for a person with diabetes should be kept ideally at less than 130 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic.

Monitor your cholesterol levels - Your doctor should check your cholesterol levels at least once a year. You can help control your cholesterol levels by maintaining a healthy eating plan with regular exercise and if you smoke, stop!! Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and even more so for diabetics.

Next >> Guide to Choosing a Glucose Meter

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