7 Easy Daily Habits That Make Life With Diabetes Simpler

November is American Diabetes Month, making it the perfect excuse to talk about something millions of families handle every day: managing diabetes at home.

The CDC says roughly 38 million Americans have diabetes. The good news? Small, steady habits go a long way. Here's a quick, no-pressure guide.

What is American Diabetes Month?

Every November raises awareness about diabetes. It's a chance to learn how to prevent it, spot it early, and manage it day to day, whether you live with diabetes or care for someone who does. 

What are the basics of managing diabetes?

Managing diabetes comes down to these basics:

• Check your blood sugar.
• Eat balanced meals.
• Move more.
• Take medications as prescribed.
• Care for your feet and skin.
• Keep up with doctor visits.

Your care team will tailor the details to you.

7 Everyday Habits That Help

1. Check your numbers.
   
   

   Knowing your numbers is step one. Keep your meter, test strips, and lancets together in one grab-and-go spot. Our Prodigy AutoCode Blood Glucose Monitor System is an easy place to start, with Prodigy test strips and McKesson lancets to go with it. Check expiration dates so you're never caught short.

   You may also want to jot readings in a small logbook. Patterns are easier to spot (and to share with your doctor) on paper.

2. Stash some fast-acting sugar.
   
   Lows can sneak up fast Glucose tablets or gels are easy to toss in your bag, car, and nightstand. Stash a few everywhere.
   
   
3. Keep injections simple.
   
   

   Using insulin? Keep your needles and a sharps container together so the routine stays quick and safe. Our Medline 1-Quart Sharps Container is compact enough for a shelf or a travel bag. Used needles and lancets never go in the regular trash, and a sharps container protects the whole household.

    

4. Give your feet some daily love.
   
   Diabetes can dull sensation, so little problems sneak by. Give your feet a quick two-minute check every day:
   
   
   • Look for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling.
   • Moisturize, but not between the toes.
     
   • Slip into clean, dry, diabetes socks and shoes that actually fit.
   
   
5. Keep a mini first-aid kit handy.
   
   Small scrapes heal slower with diabetes, so treat them fast. A basic kit of gauze, bandages, and medical tape covers it. Not healing? Call your provider.
   
   
6. Don't forget blood pressure.
   
   Blood pressure and diabetes often travel together. A home blood pressure monitor makes checking easy between appointments.
   
   
7. Move a little, and eat well.
   
   No marathon required. Take a daily walk, swap in whole grains, add an extra veggie. Pick changes you'll actually stick with.
   

One Last Thing

Living with diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint, and nobody has to do it solo. Use this month to restock, check expiration dates, and book that overdue appointment.

Caregiver or home care provider? A quick supply check makes everyone's routine smoother. Browse our diabetes care supplies whenever you need to restock.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your diabetes plan.