Today is World Diabetes Day. Diabetes patients across the world have been living amid perpetual risk of contracting the coronavirus. Diabetes is a chronic and progressive disease. The disease should be properly managed to avoid complications. Here are 10 things you can do to manage diabetes and avoid complication. Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya, Consultant–Internal Medicine at Manipal Hospitals in Bengaluru, highlights 10 things you should not do to if you have diabetes. 

.* Take a healthy diet which is low in calories and high in nutrition.

* Manage your weight as obesity or overweight may cause difficulty in managing diabetes.

* Perform exercise regularly. Exercise improves blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes, reduces cardiovascular risk factors, contributes to weight loss, and improves well-being

* Take fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.

* Eat small frequent meals as it prevents a sudden spike in sugar level.

* Select the ingredients in your diet with a low glycemic index. Most fruits and vegetables, beans, minimally processed grains, pasta, low-fat dairy foods, and nuts.

* Monitor your blood sugar at regular intervals.

* Check your feet for any cuts, swelling, or ulcers.

* Maintain oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing teeth.

* Drink enough water through the day. 

Doctor's Tip: Dr Suchismitha says diabetes is a manageable disease and that many patients with proper diet, exercise, scheduled medications, and the correct lifestyle are leading a healthy and joyful life.