Ten Easy Tips for Developing Good Diabetes Habits

[Cindy Riley]

Honestly, people are just like water and electricity: we like to follow the path of least resistance. What does that mean for managing and controlling diabetes? It means that we like to settle into comfortable routines. We want to "figure things out" and then put them on cruise control. Isn't that true?

My advice today is to use the power of routines to your advantage. The following tips are diabetes management ideas that can become good healthy habits that can save you time, frustration, and hopefully long-term complications.

1 .Whenever you get a high blood sugar reading on your meter that you have no explanation for, wash your hands and test again. Often, you simply have some residue on your hands. Treating yourself for high blood sugar when you're not truly high can be a scary thing. Make it a habit to double check.

2. Store your glucose meter where it will remind you to use it. For example, if you know the next time you'll need to test will be at lunch, put your tester inside your lunch sack, or at the table where you'll sit down to eat, or on your car seat if you're going out.

3. Find a dentist who aggressively reminds you when it's time for your six-month (or more often) check up. Diabetics are more prone to gum disease, so it is essential to take care of your dental health. But find a dentist who will take over this responsibility so you don't have to worry about it.

4. Always, always, always choose shoes that breathe. Avoid plastic or waterproof shoes that make your feet perspire more and encourage fungal growth. Sandals can be a good choice if you're careful to avoid cuts or other injuries.

5. Air your shoes out in direct sunlight. This simple habit can inhibit fungal growth in your shoes. Also, avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row.

6. Store juices, hard candies, or glucose tabs where you can get them quickly in the case of a low blood sugar. You should have quick-acting sugars in your car, in your desk, in your purse/business bag, and in your gym bag.

7. Establish a few stand-by low-carb meals that you like to eat. Make it a habit to always have the ingredients for those meals on hand. That way, when you're having one of "those" days when you can't seem to bring your blood sugar down, you know you have something healthy to eat for dinner.

8. At the end of each day when you take off your shoes, take a minute or two and check your feet for any cuts, scrapes, blisters, or swelling. This is extra important for anyone suffering from neuropathy.

9. Develop a good support team in addition to your medical healthcare team. Make it a habit to check in regularly with your spouse, your parents, a good friend or someone who understands what it takes to properly manage diabetes. Tell your support team what goals you're working toward to increase your accountability.

10. Be gentle on yourself when things don't go perfectly. Diabetes is impossible to control perfectly every day. There are going to be setbacks. Don't get discouraged. Learn a little each day about what works for you. Then move forward.

[LeRonald Fleming]

Hi Cindy, Read Your Blog - Thanks You For The Info. Some Members In My Family Have Diabetes . My Sweet GrandMother Had Diabetes . Very Good Info To Know: