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November is American Diabetes Month. But did you know that approximately in North Carolina have diabetes? Even worse, the occurrence of diabetes in The Tar Heel State is far greater than the national average – and is in years to come.

Fortunately, Type 2 diabetes can be controlled by your eating habits and lifestyle. And while there are millions of people with diabetes, your treatment plan should be . Making the right lifestyle choices can delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes, and possibly delay the need for adding expensive medication to manage diabetes in the future.

If you have Type I diabetes, the right choices will help you maintain control, in addition to insulin therapy.

Here are four tips to help you manage your diabetes, stay healthy and live well.

Eat the Right Foods

If you are overweight, weight loss is the primary goal. And, contrary to popular belief, not all healthy foods taste like cardboard. A healthy diet is one of the most important aspects of managing diabetes, yet most individuals do not change their diets after receiving their diagnosis. But don’t worry, you can still eat healthy and enjoy your foods. Here’s how:

• Start with small changes. You do not need to give up all of your favorite foods at once. Making one small change a week can make a big difference in the long run.

If you are pressed for time, taking a walk during your lunch break can clear your head and provide the exercise needed to control your condition. To make this fun, ask friends or family to join you on your search for a healthy lifestyle. Getting a workout partner can hold you accountable and can also make your workouts more enjoyable.

Take any medications for diabetes as directed by your provider.

If your provider has prescribed medications, they are key to controlling diabetes and preventing complications of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes will require insulin. Type 2 diabetes can be treated with oral medications and/or insulin.

Prevent complications

Once you have been diagnosed with diabetes, there are additional exams that are recommended. For one thing, checking and controlling blood pressure control become even more important. You will need routine blood work including hemoglobin A 1 C, which measures long term blood sugar control, and regular cholesterol screening. You will need yearly special eye exams, and urine and blood work to check your kidneys. Make sure your feet are checked regularly, and volunteer to take off your shoes and socks when visiting your provider. Take any blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medication, once prescribed. Vaccines against the flu and pneumococcus are recommended.