Before I was diagnosed, I didn't even know what diabetes was.

Now I know a lot about it and how to manage my type 1 diabetes.
I also found out that while some treatments for type 1 and type 2 are different, some are the same. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, diet and exercise make a huge difference, as does maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.

For example, I'm a huge steak lover, which isn't a bad thing especially since I make sure I eat lean cuts. What's really important for me to manage my diabetes is to be aware of the carbohydrates (or starches) that I eat - things like pasta, bread, cereals, potatoes, fruits. The starches that we eat turn into sugar in the blood. I try to make sure that the starches I eat are healthy choices - like whole grains and fruits and veggies - because they tend to take a little bit longer to break down into sugar. I need to balance the starches in my food with my activity and my insulin. With type 2 diabetes, spreading healthy carbohydrate consumption throughout the day is a big help.

As far as exercising, touring and playing my music is a real workout in itself. But I still get in some push-ups and sit-ups. And I run and play baseball whenever I can. In type 2 diabetes, exercise is also very important. Exercise helps your body use the sugars from your food better – and it helps your body respond to insulin better (whether it is insulin made by your body or injected into your body). In fact, exercise is healthy for everyone – even if they don’t have diabetes.

When I last saw the doctor, she gave me a booklet describing some important aspects of diabetes – hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis.

Here are a few things I do to stay on top of my diabetes:

  • I watch what I eat and how much activity I’m getting
  • I regularly check my blood sugar level
  • I adjust my insulin dosage accordingly

I use Bayer's CONTOUR® blood glucose meter, which I personalize to match my lifestyle.

Bayer's New CONTOUR® meter


With two levels of testing, Bayer's CONTOUR® meter can be personalized to focus on information important to you.
Learn more about Bayer's CONTOUR® meter.
Bayer CONTOUR(r) Meter

A place just for kids, like you, who have diabetes. It will help simplify your life with helpful tips and tools such as:

Exercise

Whether you run, swim or walk, it all helps burn off sugar in your blood. Which is why it's smart to keep active.
Learn more

Diet management

Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you can help control you blood sugar by eating properly.
Learn more