Managing diabetes doesn’t have to be difficult, but for many people, the condition can weigh heavily on them mentally and emotionally, if not physically. This is especially true right after receiving a diagnosis of diabetes. As folks ponder a future of changed diets and lifestyles, monitoring blood sugar levels, and otherwise taking care of their condition, some may retreat into themselves or experience depression, anxiety, or a sense of malaise.
While all of those feelings are understandable, they don’t do people with diabetes any favors. And negative emotions about diabetes don’t need to drag you down either if you take a positive and proactive approach that finds the silver lining in the “cloud” of diabetes.
Setting SMART Goals
One of the best things that people with diabetes can do is to set achievable goals that can give them purpose, confidence, and a sense that they control their condition rather than the other way around. These goals should focus on the changes necessitated by diabetes.
Nurse and type 2 diabetic Michael Hattori, who is studying to become a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, advocates an approach he calls making “SMART” goals:
- Specific: Don’t just say, “I’m going to get more exercise.” Instead, say, “I’m going to exercise three times per week.”
- Measurable: Your goal should be concrete. Instead of saying, “I’m going to walk,” say, “I’m going to walk for ten minutes every day.”
- Attainable: Don’t set yourself up to fail by setting an unreachable goal. While pushing yourself is good, be realistic based on your health or inclinations.
- Relevant: Make your goal a meaningful one. That meaning can come from improving your health, bringing you joy, or trying something new.
- Time-bound: Set a time frame within which to achieve your goal to keep yourself accountable.
Reaching Your Blood Sugar Goals With Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Setting and achieving SMART health-oriented goals for yourself can do wonders for you physically, mentally, and emotionally. When it comes to your goals for managing your diabetes, one of the smartest things you can do is keep your blood sugar levels in check through Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM).
CGM is a tested, approved, and easy-to-use transceiver device that helps those with diabetes stay in control of their condition and their lives without the need for inconvenient and burdensome finger-pricking multiple times a day.
If you have recently received a diagnosis of diabetes, ask your doctor about CGM and contact us today to see if you qualify for CGM and access our guide to continuous glucose monitoring.