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Treatment aim 2: To reduce other risk factors

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You are less likely to develop complications of diabetes if you reduce any other 'risk factors'. These are briefly mentioned below. Everyone should aim to cut out preventable risk factors, but people with diabetes have even more of a reason to do so.

Keep your blood pressure down
Have your blood pressure checked regularly. The combination of high blood pressure and diabetes is a particularly high risk factor. Even mildly raised blood pressure should be treated if you have diabetes. Medication may be needed to keep your blood pressure down.

Smoking is a high risk factor. See a practice nurse if you smoke and have difficulty stopping. If necessary, medication or nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine gum, etc) may help you to stop.

Do some physical activity regularly
Regular physical activity also reduces the risk of some complications such as heart and blood vessel disease. If you are able, a minimum of 30 minutes brisk walking at least five times a week is advised. Anything more vigorous is even better. For example, swimming, cycling, jogging, dancing.

Ideally you should do an activity that gets you at least mildly out of breath and mildly sweaty. You can spread the activity over the day. (For example, two fifteen minute spells per day of brisk walking, cycling, dancing, etc.)

Other medication
Depending on your age and how long you have had diabetes, you may be advised to take a drug to lower your cholesterol level, and to take a daily aspirin. These help to lower the risk of developing some complications such as heart disease and stroke.

Try to lose weight if you are overweight or obese
Excess weight is also a risk factor for heart and blood vessel disease. Getting to a 'perfect weight' for many people is unrealistic. However, if you are overweight, losing some weight will help.

Some of these lifestyle issues may not seem to be relevant at first to young children who are diagnosed as having diabetes. However, as children grow, a healthy lifestyle should be greatly encouraged for the long-term benefits.