New research shows that if you have high blood sugar, you might be more at risk for cognitive decline as you age. Whether or not you have diabetes, it is important to keep your blood sugar under control.

There are three main types of fat: unsaturated, saturated and trans fat. Unsaturated fats can help improve cholesterol levels and lower inflammation and are found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds and fish. Trans fats are common in fast foods, and can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other chronic conditions.

Talk to your doctor about diabetes medications. Consider your treatment goals, age, weight, health conditions and other medications when deciding if a drug is right for you.

Neuropathy is the medical term for nerve damage, a common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Controlling blood sugar, taking care of your feet and pain management are three treatment priorities.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about type 2 diabetes in this resource. Help prevent diabetes: eat a healthy diet and limit fat, salt and alcohol, control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and do not smoke.

Use this risk calculator to find out your risk for type 2 diabetes and see if you should be tested. Many people with diabetes have no symptoms. Speak to your doctor if you notice diabetes symptoms such as unusual thirst, the need to pee a lot, lack of energy, blurred vision, tingling or numbness in your hands or feet.

Women with diabetes have double the heart disease risk as men with the disease. Women with diabetes should take care to avoid heart health risks like obesity, high cholesterol and physical inactivity.

People with diabetes have a higher risk of foot ulcers. Infected foot ulcers can lead to complications, including amputation. Pressure-relieving casts can help speed healing. More research is needed on the benefits of other treatments, like blood sugar control, different types of dressings and wound care.

Red meat and processed meat may increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. For a healthy diet, reduce your intake of red meat and avoid processed meat. This resource answers other questions about the report.

Exercise can help people living with diabetes improve their blood sugar, fitness, and well-being. To exercise safely, check your blood sugar before you start exercising, watch for signs of low blood sugar while exercising, and check your blood sugar again after you are done exercising.

If you have diabetes and want to become more physically active, first discuss your plan with a health professional. Once you have the go-ahead, start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you are exercising. Other tips to help you get started include: creating a list of potential exercise options that you enjoy and increase your heart rate, staying hydrated, and carrying a carbohydrate snack in case your blood sugar drops.

Yoga is a gentle form of exercise that combines mediation, breathing, and different poses. It can help improve blood sugar control, flexibility, nerve function, blood pressure, and quality of life. Get started by taking an intro level class led by a qualified professional and seeking advice from your health care provider. Videos and online tutorials also allow you to practice yoga at home.

The development of foot ulcers is a common issue in people with diabetes. Practicing good foot care and getting your feet checked regularly by a health professional such as a doctor or a podiatrist can help with prevention. If you do develop a foot ulcer, treatments may include protective dressings, medication, special shoes, and surgery.

There is class of type 2 diabetes medication that can improve blood sugar control and also lead to weight loss. Depending on the exact medication and dose, weight loss could be 3 to 5.5 pounds, or more if you are actively trying to lose weight.

Diabetes can lead to nerve damage and poor blood circulation. This can cause skin sores on your feet. Proper diabetes management and foot care can prevent this. Inspect and wash your feet daily, and be careful when trimming your nails.

Prevent type 2 diabetes: maintain a healthy weight, exercise, eat healthy and avoid smoking. Choose whole grain foods and 'good fats' from nuts, seeds and oils. Avoid sugary drinks and red or processed meats.

If you have diabetes and depression, managing one can positively impact the other. Manage both conditions together through diabetes self-management programs, psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes, and collaborative care.

Use this diagnostic tool to find out how well you (or a loved one) are living with diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain) range from numbness to severe pain. Some evidence suggests alternative treatments may help with pain such as exercise, capsaicin skin cream or dietary supplements such as alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.

Many studies have shown an association between foods with a high glycemic index and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes or heart disease. Try to choose foods with medium or low glycemic index such as bran cereals, kidney beans, wheat tortillas, skim milk, peanuts and carrots. This resource provides other examples.

Dietary supplements are unlikely to help treat diabetes and some may be harmful. Chromium, ginseng and cinnamon are somewhat promising options but further study is needed. Discuss any medications or herbal supplements with your doctor before taking them.

Magnesium deficiency is linked to insulin resistance. This can lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Beans, seeds and bran are good food sources of magnesium. Choose more of these foods to help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Poor circulation, nerve damage, and skin dryness are common complications in diabetes patients. Quitting smoking, regular foot exams and wearing properly fitted shoes are all important ways to prevent complications.

Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. Control your weight, exercise regularly, quit smoking and abstain from alcohol to help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) include sweating, shaking, anxiety, and dizziness. You might also get a headache or feel tired. Hypoglycemia is most common among people with diabetes, however some medications can also affect blood sugar.

The ADIPOQ gene controls a hormone that helps with fat breakdown. People who carry a variant of this gene are at increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Choose a lower-fat diet with higher levels of unsaturated fats and get more physical activity to avoid weight gain.

Healthy (unsaturated) fats can improve your heart health and reduce your risk of diabetes. These fats can be found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. Omega-3 fats from fish can reduce your risk of fatal heart disease.

A recent study in children found lowering sugar intake also lowers the risk of metabolic syndrome - improving blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The authors suggest cutting down on sugar will also benefit adults.

Soft drinks may significantly increase your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. They may also affect your bone health.

People with type 2 diabetes who do not take insulin can monitor their blood sugar levels at home. More research is needed to find out if self-monitoring of blood sugar helps prevent diabetes-related illnesses.

Eating fiber helps reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease and eases digestive issues, such as constipation. Increase your fiber intake by eating whole fruits, whole grains, beans and raw vegetables.

Some studies show that people who eat whole grains (which contain bran and fibre) may be less likely to develop type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Choose whole grains and be sure to check food labels at the grocery store because not all foods with a ‘whole grains’ label are healthy.

If you have heart disease or have had a stroke, strongly consider exercise as part of your treatment process. Evidence has shown exercise is just as effective as drug treatments for treating heart disease and prediabetes and more effective after a stroke.

If you have any of the components of metabolic syndrome (increased blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess body fat around the waist, abnormal cholesterol levels), aggressive changes to your lifestyle may be required to either delay or prevent serious health problems.

Get tested for diabetes if you are over 45 years old. People who are overweight, have high blood pressure, a family history of diabetes or other risk factors should get tested earlier. Early detection of diabetes may help you avoid using medication.