DIABETES AND THE

“LONG HAUL!”

AVEON HEALTH

Diabetes Experts

       Depending on how long you have been diagnosed with Diabetes, you may or may not have come to the realization that Diabetes is not a sprint, but, rather, a marathon!  While it is pretty much self- evident that such measures as a better Diet and more Exercise must be immediately implemented, the fact that there are additional long range goals that need to become part of your life pattern is also one that need be considered.  There are several important considerations when establishing these goals, including but not limited to:

1)             Make Your Goals Specific – Both in their Nature, Scope, and Duration.

2)            Ensure that the Goals are Achievable – Reaching “too far” will not only prevent Achievement, but will invoke Frustration as well.

3)            Make Sure Your Goals are Realistic – Again to avoid Frustration.  This might be accomplished by breaking major, long reaching Goals down into manageable increments.

 

4)            Make Your Goals Measurable – As a result, your Goals should relate to measurable areas such as Weight or A1C levels.

5)            Set a Realistic Timeline for Your Goals – If we set our Timeline too far down the road we may be apt to become discouraged and give up.

Now that we have the foundation for setting Goals, we can take a look at some of the Goals we should probably be considering.  These include, but are not limited to:

1)            Journal Your Blood Sugar Levels – There are several advantages to this activity, including keeping track of how different foods you are eating may affect your Levels.

2)            Keep Your Eyes Healthy – A big step in the right direction here is to have an Eye Exam at least yearly!

3)            Maintain a Healthy Weight – As well as proper Diet, this can be achieved by controlling such things as sleep and stress.

4)            Manage Chronic Stress – This may take both a concentrated effort and some major life changes.

 

5)            Prevent Foot Problems – Issues you may have to deal with include:

• Ulcers/Sores
• Nerve Damage
• Poor Blood Flow

The Ultimate issue, of course, would be amputation.

6)            Stop Smoking – Not only does Smoking make you more susceptible to Type 2 Diabetes, it also adversely affects such issues as Poor Blood Flow, Heart Disease, and Eye Problems!

As you can see, once you have determined that you are, in fact, a Diabetic it is important that you acquire a lifestyle that will enhance your chance for as normal of a life as possible.  It will, no doubt, take some effort, but the results will be well worth the time and effort you have devoted to it!

This Blog was written, in great part, with information gleaned from the following sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/living-better-with-type-2-diabetes/long-term-goals-everyone-with-type-2-diabetes-should-make