Participate in personalised care planning by working with your doctor to talk about and decide on the best treatment for you. Research shows this may improve your health.

Obesity can increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, depression, breathing problems and early death. Obesity can also affect your social life and sexual function. Losing weight, or avoiding gaining weight, can help improve your health.

Symptoms of EPI include stomach pain, weight loss, and diarrhea. EPI often happens when you have another medical condition like cystic fibrosis. You can prevent EPI by drinking less alcohol, eating healthy, and not smoking. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

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 people do not take their medication as prescribed by their health care provider. There are many ways to encourage people to take their medication, including encouragement by health providers, family and friends, but these do not always lead to improvements. More research is needed on this topic.

It can be difficult to keep track of all of your medications, particularly if you are taking multiple prescriptions. Any medication is dangerous if not taken properly. Keep your schedule simple, put your pills in easy-to-use packages, and set reminders to help you better manage your long-term medication. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your medication.

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.

People living with chronic conditions may be more likely to feel depressed. Finding purpose and meaning in life can help to bring you happiness. This resource has suggestions about how to do so, such as participating in community activities and connecting with nature.

People with diabetes are at higher risk for peripheral artery disease which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Help prevent peripheral artery disease: manage your blood glucose levels and exercise regularly.