Achieving your treatment goals
It is likely that the aspects of your lifestyle that put you at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes have been with you for a very long time and these old habits can be hard to kick. It is important to be proactive about managing your condition and the one of the key factors will be your level of motivation. The first step is having the knowledge that will enable you to be fully involved in managing your own diabetes care. You will then be on your way to becoming your own expert so you can continue living the life you choose. The following points outline the ways you can try to achieve your treatment goals so that you can take control of your diabetes.
Speak to your diabetes healthcare team to find out the safest and most effective way to achieve your goals for managing diabetes.
Take any medication your healthcare team give you, such as tablets for lowering blood glucose, blood pressure or blood fats (cholesterol).
Create treatment goals that are realistic and achievable.
Follow a healthy diet and take regular exercise. This will help control your weight and maintain healthy levels of blood glucose, blood pressure and blood fats (cholesterol).
Take simple steps as opposed to drastic measures. You don't need to run marathons. Getting off the bus one stop early or cutting out a mid-morning snack can have a positive impact on your diabetes.
Focus on something that motivates you to achieve your treatment goals, such as taking part in a sport or spending more time with your children or grandchildren.
Keep a record of how different foods and activities make you feel. This will help you recognise how your habits need to change.
Check your blood glucose levels regularly so you can see the impact of different foods and activites on your blood glucose level and keep track of how well you are managing your diabetes.
Learn as much as you can about your diabetes. Becoming your own expert will help to put you in control of your condition, as opposed to your diabetes controlling you.
The best diabetes links, forums and blogs.
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