Blood glucose monitors:
Most blood glucose monitoring equipment will be covered by insurance. The exception to this is more advanced systems such as continuous blood glucose monitoring equipment. Most people find these invasive technologies unpleasant however so these are much less common than the conventional blood glucose meters. Noninvasive technologies are being developed such as the bloodless glucose monitor, but they are still being tested and not widespread yet.

Blood glucose monitors and testing strips are required to provide documentation in their packaging. Read through these manuals/documents carefully as there may be important information included.

Some blood glucose monitors may not function optimally at certain altitudes, temperatures, or humidity. Check the documentation that came with your blood glucose monitor for the requirements of your personal monitor.

Some monitors may be required to be cleaned regularly to function accurately.

Blood glucose testing:
If pricking your fingertip is too painful, you can try using the side of your fingertip. If it is still too painful, do some research on new glucose monitors that include tools to make it easier to test using other parts of the body. Keep in mind however that these monitors may be more expensive and also that drawing blood from other parts of the body may be more difficult.

Wash your hands thoroughly with light anti-bacterial soap then dry your hands completely before testing. Some sources suggest using alcohol to clean your fingertips, but keep in mind that this can cause dryness and cracking of the skin.

Most diabetics should test at least once a day. Testing frequently allows you to see exactly how your diet and lifestyle affect your blood glucose level and gets you more comfortable regularly maintaining acceptable blood glucose levels.

Blood glucose testing strips:
When purchasing new blood glucose monitors, keep in mind that a cheap monitor may have expensive strips. These add up if you are testing your blood sugar level frequently. Like a cheap printer with expensive cartridges, it is not always obvious what the total expense of a new glucose monitor will be.

Cheaper third party strips are usually available for most monitors.

Always make sure to check the compatibility for strips you are purchasing to make sure they will work with your monitor. This is especially important for third party manufactured strips.

Diet:
Eat lots of non-starchy vegetables like spinach, artichokes, and Brussels sprouts and low-sugar fruits like citrus fruits and apples.

Choose whole grain products over white flour products.
When eating meat, always choose the leaner cuts like loins or chicken breasts. Avoid eating the skin on poultry.

Get used to examining ingredient labels for sugars, salt, fat content etc. This should be a regular habit for diabetics.

Eat small portion sizes regularly throughout the day. Eat at approximately the same time each day. These steps help regulate a consistent and stable blood glucose level. Keep a free glucose monitor around to monitor your levels while you eat.

Dental care:
Diabetics are typically more prone to gum disease and other oral problems than non-diabetics. Because of this, it is very important to have regularly scheduled dental checkups. Personal oral hygiene is also very important, which includes regular gentle brushing and flossing.

Exercise:
Avoid overly strenuous exercise because it can elevate your blood sugar level and also increase blood pressure. Focus on light cardio as it will help you lose weight and is not too strenuous.

Try to exercise at the same time everyday to make it easier to maintain a routine that makes it easier to manage your blood sugar level.

Eye care:
Over 40% of diabetics in the United States have had some form of retina damage caused by diabetes. Other debilitating problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma are also commonly caused by diabetes. Because of this, it is very important to have regularly scheduled eye care check ups.
Fad diets: Fad diets can be very risky for diabetics. Though it varies from case to case and which diet specifically is being addressed, the safest bet is to stick to the options that have already withstood the test of time: lots of non-starchy vegetables, low sugar fruits, whole grain products, lean meats, small portions, etc. It's important to keep a glucose monitor on hand to keep your blood sugar levels in check. To get a free glucose meter, you can sign up with Diabetic Connect for free supplies.

Foot care:
There are two major problems that make it very important for diabetics to take care of their feet. The first causes nerve damage, which decreases sensitivity in the feet. This sensitivity includes sensation responses to thinks we take for granted like temperature or pain. This makes it incredibly important for a diabetic to regularly inspect their feet for sores or other wounds that they may not have noticed due to the decreased sensitivity. The other major problem related to feet and diabetes involves hindered blood flow to the feat. This causes infections to manifest more rapidly as well as a slowing down of the healing process in general. Together, these two problems compound each other as one makes you more likely to develop feet problems and the other makes you less likely to detect them.

Always wear non-restrictive footwear that fits well. Try to wear shoes with proper ventilation and avoid shoes that your feet get sweaty in. Avoid being barefoot outdoors. Cotton socks are also the safest bet. Sandals are great when the temperature is appropriate. The idea is to avoid constricting your feet and also inhibit fungal growth. Air out your shoes in the sun to discourage fungal growth.

Losing weight is obviously helpful for all diabetics, but it also helps lessen pressure and strain on the feet.

Remember to wash your feet with soap when you bathe.
Hydration:
It is very important to stay hydrated in general, but for diabetics it is double important. Being dehydrated can compound the process of managing your normal blood glucose levels. Everything in our bodies becomes more concentrated when we are lacking in fluids. This includes blood sugar. Your readings may be inaccurate if you are not properly hydrated.
Synthetic sweeteners:
Not all synthetic sweeteners are the same. When consuming diet drinks or sugar-free gums with artificial sweeteners, do research on the product and sweeteners used to see how it affects people with diabetes.
Some sugar free products use artificial sweeteners that in essence still raise your blood sugar level. That is why it is imperative to research any non-sugar product before regularly consuming it.
Some sugar free products are known to cause cancer. Others may increase your appetite. None of them have nutritional value.