What You'll Find Here

This page answers the questions seniors ask most often about diabetes — how to manage it day to day, what to watch for, and when to call a doctor. If you were recently diagnosed or are supporting someone who was, these answers cover the practical things you need to know right now.

The information here is meant to help you understand your condition and have better conversations with your healthcare team. Every person's diabetes is different, so your doctor or diabetes educator may give you guidance that looks different from what you read here — that's normal and expected.

Key Takeaways

  • Type 2 diabetes means your body has trouble using insulin to control blood sugar, and it often develops slowly over years without symptoms.
  • Checking your blood sugar at home, taking medication as prescribed, and eating consistent meals are the three main ways you control diabetes day to day.
  • Blurred vision, tingling in your feet, and cuts that heal slowly are signs of diabetes damage — tell your doctor about any of these right away.
  • A blood sugar reading above 300 or below 70, along with dizziness, confusion, or chest pain, means you need emergency care when ready.
  • Your doctor should check your eyes, feet, and kidneys at least once a year to catch problems early.

What Does It Mean If My Blood Sugar Is High?

High blood sugar means your body is not moving glucose (sugar) from your bloodstream into your cells efficiently. Over time, high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves, which is why diabetes can lead to vision loss, kidney disease, and foot problems if it is not managed.

A single high reading is not an emergency, but a pattern of high readings means your current plan — your diet, medication, or activity level — needs adjustment. Write down your readings for a week or two and bring them to your doctor. They may increase your medication dose, suggest changes to your meals, or refer you to a diabetes educator who can walk through your routine with you.

How Often Should I Check My Blood Sugar at Home?

How often you test depends on your type of diabetes and your treatment plan. If you take insulin, your doctor will likely ask you to test several times a day — usually before meals and at bedtime. If you take other medications or manage with diet alone, you may test less often or not at all at home.

Ask your doctor exactly when and how often to test, and ask them to show you the right way to use your meter. Many people get inaccurate readings because they are not washing their hands first, not using enough blood, or not coding their meter correctly. Your pharmacist can also watch you test and give you feedback.

What Should I Eat, and What Should I Avoid?

There is no single "diabetes diet." Instead, the goal is to eat meals that keep your blood sugar steady throughout the day. This usually means including protein (chicken, fish, eggs, beans), healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocado), and vegetables at each meal, and limiting foods that spike your blood sugar quickly — sugary drinks, white bread, pastries, and candy.

Portion size matters as much as what you eat. A serving of carbohydrates is roughly the size of your fist, and a serving of protein is about the size of your palm. A diabetes educator or registered dietitian can show you how to build meals that work for your schedule and your tastes. Many insurance plans cover at least a few visits with a dietitian if your doctor refers you.

Why Do My Feet Hurt, and Is It Related to My Diabetes?

Diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet, causing tingling, numbness, burning, or sharp pain. This is called diabetic neuropathy, and it usually develops slowly over years. Some people feel pain; others feel nothing at all, which is actually more dangerous because they do not notice cuts or blisters that can become infected.

Tell your doctor about any new foot pain, numbness, or tingling. They will test your feet to see if nerve damage is present. In the meantime, check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, or red spots, especially between your toes and on the bottom of your feet. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well, and see a podiatrist (foot doctor) if you have corns, calluses, or thick toenails — do not try to treat these yourself.

When Should I Go to the Emergency Room?

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have any of these signs: blood sugar below 70 with shakiness, sweating, or confusion; blood sugar above 300 with nausea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing; chest pain or pressure; sudden vision loss; or severe headache with stiff neck. These can be signs of a blood sugar emergency or another serious condition that needs when ready care.

If you are not sure whether something is an emergency, call your doctor or nurse hotline first. Many healthcare systems have a phone line you can reach 24 hours a day. It is better to call and be told it is not urgent than to wait and have a small problem become serious.

What Should I Ask My Doctor at My Next Visit?

Bring a list of questions and your blood sugar log (or a photo of your meter's memory). Ask: What is my target blood sugar range? How often should I test? Do I need to adjust my medication? What warning signs should I watch for? When should I see a specialist like an eye doctor or podiatrist? What should I do if I miss a dose of medication?

Also ask about your A1C test result — this is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar over the past three months. Your doctor should check this at least twice a year. Ask what your target A1C is and whether your current plan is getting you closer to that goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can diabetes go away, or will I have it forever?

Type 2 diabetes can improve significantly with weight loss, regular activity, and healthy eating, and some people reach a point where they no longer need medication. However, the underlying condition usually remains, so blood sugar can rise again if you return to old habits. Type 1 diabetes cannot go away because the pancreas no longer makes insulin. Talk with your doctor about what remission or improvement might look like for you.

Is it safe to travel with diabetes?

Yes, with planning. Bring twice as much medication and testing supplies as you think you will need, in your carry-on bag if you fly. Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace. Keep a list of your medications and your doctor's contact information. If you cross time zones, ask your doctor how to adjust your medication schedule. Pack snacks in case meals are delayed.

Why does my blood sugar go up even when I have not eaten?

Stress, illness, sleep loss, and hormones can all raise blood sugar without food. This is called the "dawn phenomenon" if it happens in the early morning. Your liver releases stored glucose when your body is stressed or fighting infection. If this happens often, tell your doctor — they may adjust your medication or suggest ways to manage stress and sleep.

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes means your pancreas stopped making insulin, usually because of an autoimmune condition. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults and requires insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes means your body makes insulin but cannot use it well. It develops slowly, usually in adults, and is often managed with medication and lifestyle changes before insulin is needed.

Do I need to see a diabetes educator, or is my doctor enough?

A diabetes educator (a nurse or dietitian trained in diabetes care) can spend more time teaching you how to test, adjust your diet, and solve problems than your doctor usually can. Many people benefit from at least a few visits, especially when newly diagnosed. Ask your doctor for a referral — many insurance plans cover these visits.