Movitation | Having a Plan | Living w/ Diabetes
Having a Plan
Change isn‘t easy for anyone. It takes a long time to create new habits; however, these new habits can make the difference in the long term quality of your health. It is very important for you to understand that only you can determine your success or failure, especially when it comes to your nutrition and physical activity.
In order to create change, you need to work toward a goal. If you want to reach that goal, then you need a plan. Your plan will not be foolproof. We all make mistakes. You have to allow for flexibility and slip-ups. Once you make a mistake, you need to move on rather than dwelling on the mistake.
Try to anticipate your weaknesses. For example, if you know you have a hard time making it through the work day without a snack, then keep a healthy treat (like an apple) in your desk. If you plan ahead, then you will be more likely to succeed.
You can also ask yourself where you are having problems changing. Make a list of all the things that you need to change and then create action plans for each of those goals. Don't forget to ask yourself why you want to make those changes. If you believe that it's important, then you are more likely to make it a priority.
Finally, understanding why healthy lifestyle habits are important will ultimately make the difference in your behavior.
Did you know that lowering your blood glucose levels can also lower the possibility that complications will develop? These complications include blindness, skin infections, heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney damage. Even minor improvements in average blood glucose levels can have an enormous impact on long-term health. No one is asking you to be perfect, but you must be willing to change.
Other benefits of healthy diabetes management may include having more energy, less occurrence of mood swings, better sleep, fewer visits to the emergency room, and fewer hospital stays.
For more information on managing diabetes go to our Managing section.
