People with diabetes need to manage the number of calories and carbohydrates they eat each day. 

Healthy eating Includes

Exercise is important for weight loss and blood sugar control. Even small increases in physical activity can make a difference.

People with pre-diabetes or diabetes should try to exercise for 20 to 30 minutes at least three times a week. Even greater benefits come from exercising 20 to 30 minutes on most days of the week.

Activities include:

• Doing yard work or house cleaning that raises your heart rate
• Walking
• Swimming or water aerobics

Exercise classes can be enjoyable and motivating when done in a group. Having a coach or instructor can also help prevent injuries. Group classes are often available at local hospitals, community centers, senior centers, and adult education programs.

Check with your insurance provider to see if you qualify for the Silver Sneakers program. This program gives adults age 65 and older free access to participating fitness centers.

Medicare covers one visit each year with a diabetes educator. A healthcare provider must provide a referral. The educator can teach you how to manage blood sugar and help you create a self-management plan.

Common questions to ask a diabetes educator include portion sizes and healthy food choices. A tool called the glycemic index may be helpful. It ranks foods based on how quickly they raise blood sugar levels.

Severe or ongoing stress can raise blood sugar levels. While stress cannot always be avoided, learning how to manage it is important. These tips may help:

• Avoid placing unnecessary pressure on yourself.
• Set aside time for activities you enjoy.
• Stay positive and focus on what is going well in your life.
• Talk with someone you trust about what is causing stress.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity can reduce stress.
• Practice simple relaxation techniques, such as listening to calming music, doing breathing exercises, or meditating.

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of illness and death in people with diabetes. Healthcare providers will check for risk factors that can increase the chance of heart disease, such as:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Being overweight
• High cholesterol
• Family history of heart disease

Preventing and managing heart disease risk in older adults with diabetes is very important. These steps include:

• Losing weight if needed.
• Increasing physical activity.
• Taking statin medications for high cholesterol, if recommended.
• Quitting smoking. Stopping smoking provides many health benefits, especially for people with diabetes.

Diabetes can damage blood vessels and reduce circulation. People with diabetes are at high risk for serious foot problems, which can sometimes lead to amputation. Proper foot care is very important. You should: 

• Check your feet every day 
• Take care of your toenails. If you need help, see a podiatrist (foot doctor) 
• Have your healthcare provider examine your feet at least once a year

 Using a small hand mirror to look at the bottoms of your feet each day can help you find problems early. Nerve damage from diabetes may prevent you from feeling injuries. 

Contact a healthcare professional right away if you notice sores, ulcers, discoloration, or any other changes in your feet. 

Diabetes can damage blood vessels and affect circulation in the eyes. An eye exam is recommended at least once a year. 

An ophthalmologist can detect problems early, when more treatment options are available.

Older adults with diabetes are at higher risk for depression. Depression can make it harder to enjoy life and manage diabetes. If you feel sad or hopeless for more than two weeks, it is important to seek help. Other signs of depression may include:

• Trouble sleeping, concentrating, or remembering
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Sudden weight gain or weight loss
• Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy

If you notice any of these symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider. Treatment can help you feel better sooner.

Memory and thinking problems are more common in older adults with diabetes. Tell your healthcare provider if: 

• You notice memory problems 
• Others have expressed concern about your memory 
• You are having difficulty managing daily activities (for example, balancing a checkbook or taking medications) 

Your healthcare provider may perform memory testing and review your medications.

Older women with diabetes have a higher risk of urinary incontinence. 

Talk with your healthcare provider. They can help find a treatment plan that works for you.

Several factors can increase the risk of falls in older adults with diabetes. These may include medication side effects, loss of sensation in the legs or feet, low blood sugar, or vision problems.

It is also important to check the home for fall hazards, such as poor lighting, loose rugs, or clutter.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have experienced a fall.

Diabetes can cause pain due to poor circulation or nerve damage. Inform your healthcare provider about any pain you experience, especially if it interferes with daily activities or quality of life. 

Pain should not go untreated.