Being a diabetic is not simply a matter of suffering from a disease, it involves an entirely different way of life. In general, the diabetic has to plan activities more carefully than a normal person and to do this successfully needs to learn as much as possible about the disease. He has to understand how the body controls blood sugar and the effects not only of insulin and other drugs, but also of exercise, illness and different foods. Nevertheless, it is important that diabetics do not let the condition rule their lives. Provided they follow the simple rules and procedures they have been taught, few activities will have to be restricted and they will be able to follow active and productive lives.

If you are a diabetic, the following guidelines should prove useful to you in coping with your disease so that you can lead a normal life.

1] If you plan to go on a long walk or partake in some vigorous sport, you need to make sure by eating extra food beforehand that your blood sugar level does not fall low that you pass out.

2] Regular mealtimes are important: if you miss a meal or a meal is delayed, eat some sugar or a biscuit to restore blood sugar level. It is useful always to carry sugar lumps or sweets with you. Your blood sugar level may also fall if you have taken too much insulin by mistake and again some sugar will restore it to normal.

3] Make sure that friends and associates know that you are diabetic and understand that you cannot take irregular meals or drink or go on binges. They should know, too, the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), faintness, sweating and paleness, unsteadiness and disturbed behavior that may resemble drunkenness, so that they offer sugar and sent for medical help should your blood sugar level drop.

4] Avoid operating machinery or driving unless you have eaten in the previous two hours.

5] Children and those particularly prone to hypoglycaemic attacks should carry or wear a bracelet giving details of their conditions and instructions for treatment in an emergency.