1. Burn Off the Extra Weight: Many diabetics are either obese or significantly overweight. Consequently, these same individuals often struggle with their blood sugar (glucose) levels. Shedding the extra weight through exercise and better diet could help keep your glucose levels in check.

2. Keep Tabs on Your Blood Sugar Level: This one is really important, as spikes in glucose can be quite problematic for diabetes sufferers. Because of this fact, twice-daily blood sugar checks should be part of a diabetic’s daily routine.

3. Replace Carbs with Fiber: It’s easy to lose track of how much carbs you consume during the day. While excessive carb intake isn’t recommended for anyone, it’s something that should be of especially high concern for diabetics. Instead of chowing down on items like white bread, cereal and pasta, opt for high-fiber products such as green vegetables, fruit, beans, and whole grains.

4. Stay Active: Regular physical activity is essential for getting rid of extra weight, and can also prove useful for reducing stress and keeping cholesterol levels and blood pressure under control. Walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, swimming and tennis are all activities that can burn off excess bounds without wearing out your body.

5. Get Some Sleep: Well-rested diabetics tend to fare better when it comes to maintaining a balanced diet and healthy glucose levels.