Many people with diabetes live healthy and full lives. By following your doctor’s instructions and eating right, you can too.

Here are the things you’ll need to do to keep your diabetes in check:

Follow your meal plan — eat often; eat lots of whole grain foods, fruits, and vegetablesGet moving — try to be active for at least 30 minutes on most days

Test your blood sugar — Keep track of your blood sugar levels and talk to your doctor about ways to keep your levels on target. Many women report that their blood sugar levels go up or down around their period. If you’re going through menopause, you might also notice your blood sugar levels going up and down.

Take your diabetes medicine exactly as your doctor tells you.

Talk to your doctor about other things you can do to take good care of yourself. Taking care of your diabetes can help prevent serious problems in your eyes, kidneys, nerves, gums and teeth, and blood vessels.