Knowledge is Power: Learn How to Live Well with Diabetes November 5, 2015 If you have diabetes – and nearly 30 million Americans do – it's important you take an active role in your own health care. You can reduce your risk of complications by actively working with your health care team to keep your blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure under control. "Diabetes will need your attention for the rest of your life, and you are a very important part of developing a treatment plan and determining your outcome," said Amy Sinnwell, a nurse and diabetes educator at UnityPoint Clinic. To manage your diabetes, the American Association of Diabetes Educators points to seven key self-care behaviors: healthy eating being active monitoring taking medication problem solving healthy coping reducing risks By being diligent, you can lower your risk of long-term health complications associated with diabetes, such as nerve damage, kidney failure and heart attacks. Learn more about diabetes education at UnityPoint Health. Helpful Resources Diabetes Health Library Three Steps to Managing Your Diabetes Breaking Down Diabetes: Types, Symptoms and Causes (infographic) 15 Surprising Tips for Diabetics that Can Help Everyone Helping Diabetic Children Remember the Treatment Plan Gestational Diabetes Explained Is Diabetes Causing Your Sleep Problems? Weighing in on Obesity and Chronic Disease (Infographic) 10 Ways to Protect Your Feet Top 5 Causes of Non-Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers (and How to Prevent Them) Patient Stories Virginia's Story: Overcoming Diabetes Hurdle Together Chris Receives Support to Lose Weight and Manage Diabetes Sharon Learned Ways to Change her Life Juvenile Diabetes: Brenna's Story Talk to Your Doctor Use our find a doctor tool to make an appointment, and talk to your doctor about how you can reduce your risk for diabetes.