Taking a SMART Approach To Diabetes Self-Care

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.

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If you are not insured, or have a high deductible health insurance plan, you can still purchase the Freestyle Libre Reader and Sensors at extremely competitive prices. Prices starting as low as $99 per month

*Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings when you suspect readings may be in accurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.

Reference 1: Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care. 2, FreeStyle Libre 14 day User’s Manual

Indications and Important Safety Information

FreeStyle Libre and FreeStyle Libre 14 day Flash Glucose Monitoring systems are continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices indicated for replacing blood glucose testing and detecting trends and tracking patterns aiding in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy adjustments in persons (age 18 and older) with diabetes. The systems are intended for single patient use and require a prescription.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Remove the sensor before MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or diathermy treatment.

WARNINGS/LIMITATIONS: Do not ignore symptoms that may be due to low or high blood glucose, hypoglycemic unawareness, or dehydration. Check sensor glucose readings with a blood glucose meter when Check Blood Glucose symbol appears, when symptoms do not match system readings, or when readings are suspected to be inaccurate. The system does not have alarms unless the sensor is scanned, and the system contains small parts that may be dangerous if swallowed. The system is not approved for pregnant women, persons on dialysis, or critically-ill population. Sensor placement is not approved for sites other than the back of the arm and standard precautions for transmission of blood borne pathogens should be taken. The built-in blood glucose meter is not for use on dehydrated, hypotensive, in shock, hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state, with or without ketosis, neonates, critically-ill patients, or for diagnosis or screening of diabetes. When using FreeStyle LibreLink app, access to a blood glucose monitoring system is required as the app does not provide one. Review all product information before use or contact Abbott Toll Free (855-632-8658) or visit www.freestylelibre.us for detailed indications for use and safety information.html. . FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are trademarks of Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. in various jurisdictions. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2018 Abbott. ADC-09691 vLO 10/18

*The FreeStyle LibreLink app and the FreeStyle Libre 14 day reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 app and the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol and when your glucose alarms and readings from the system do not match symptoms or expectations

‡‡‡Based on the sensor being replaced once every 14 days, and scanned at least once every 8 hours.

§§§Glucose readings are not available during 1-hour warm-up, when sensor is too hot or too cold, when you see an error or "LO" or "HI" message, or no current glucose reading