You can manage diabetes by making changes to your lifestyle. This includes:
Eating a healthy diet
Staying active and maintaining a healthy body weight
Taking your medications regularly to help keep blood sugar levels normal
Maintaining your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels in the healthy range
Your doctor will also arrange for you to under go regular screening of your eyes, feet and kidneys. This will pick up early complications.
With proper care, many people with diabetes live long and well.