Experts say most people with diabetes should try to keep their blood glucose level as close as possible to the level of someone who doesn't have diabetes. The closer to normal your blood glucose is, the lower your chances are of developing damage to your eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

In people who don't have diabetes, the normal range is about 70 to 120. Blood glucose goes up after eating, but returns to the normal range 1 or 2 hours later. Blood glucose targets for most people are 90 to 130 before meals, and less than 180 one to two hours after the start of a meal. Check with your doctor about the right range for you.

It may be hard to reach your target range all of the time. But the closer you get to your goal, the more you will reduce your risk of diabetes-related problems and the better you will feel. Every step helps.

Do four things every day to lower high blood glucose:

• Follow your meal plan.
• Get regular exercise.
• Take your diabetes medication.
• Check your blood glucose.