If you have type 2 diabetes, you know your treatment costs are expensive. People with this disease spend an average of $13,243 annually on health care, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Even so, the following steps can help you control your condition, reduce your risk for complications, and lower your costs.

• Exercise regularly. Because working out lowers your blood glucose levels, it may help you reduce the amount of diabetes medication you take.

  Studies have found people who exercise for 30 minutes five or six times a week can lower blood sugar by as much as 50 points, with the beneficial effects lasting as long as 24 hours. Exercise also can help keep your blood pressure under control and raise your body’s levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, which can reduce your risk for heart disease complications, which often accompany diabetes.

• Lose weight. Losing 5 to 10 percent of your weight by cutting calories and increasing physical activity can lower your need for diabetes medication.
• Take care of your feet. People with diabetes often have problems with their feet because of poor blood flow and nerve damage. See your doctor or podiatrist if you injure your foot or have cuts or breaks in the skin.
• Monitor your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is on target, you’ll be more likely to avoid complications.
• Have regular medical care. Having the checkups your doctor recommends can help you keep any complications in check.
• Eat right. People with diabetes should eat a low-fat diet that contains a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, and chicken. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you create a specific meal plan designed to meet your needs.
• Be sure you’re taking the right medication. Ask your doctor to explain the effectiveness, safety, side effects, and cost of recommended medications.

  You may be able to reduce your costs by taking a combination diabetes drug instead of two drugs. Find out if you can take generic instead of brand-name drugs.

• Take your medication as prescribed. One study published in the journal Medical Care found people with diabetes who skipped doses of their medication had worse control of their blood sugar and a higher risk for complications.

To learn more, visit the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.

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