As an endocrinologist at Crystal Run Healthcare, I see many patients with diabetes. One of the most common reactions when someone is told that they are diabetic is to wonder, “What did I do wrong?” I urge patients to stop blaming themselves and start taking control of their diabetes, and their life. Here are the top 10 things you can do to get started:
 

1. Check your blood sugars every day. It reminds you that you have diabetes and keeps you “accountable” to yourself in the same way that a dieter is accountable to the scale.

2. Identify areas in your diet that you can improve. How many carbohydrates are you eating with each meal? Do you pay attention to fiber content? Portion size?

3. Realize that you don’t have to deprive yourself of the foods you enjoy. Small portions and occasional sweets are OK (make it the exception and not the rule!)

4. Start an exercise program. The goal is 30min of anything you enjoy, at a pace that breaks a sweat, 5 days each week. However, get started with just 10-15min of walking a couple of times each week and increase as tolerated.

5. Set small, reasonable goals for weight loss. Don’t ever say, “I’m going to lose 100 pounds.” Start with the goal of losing 10 pounds in 2 months. Once you achieve that, tackle the next 10 lbs. You’ll be surprised how motivating it is to reach multiple small goals.

6. Take your medications every day. In the long run, it will lead to less medications and better outcomes.

7. See your doctor regularly, especially if you have “fallen off the wagon.” Sometimes my most meaningful visits of the day are with patients who haven’t been taking their medications, dieting, exercising or checking their blood sugars. These visits are an opportunity to “start over” and motivate patients for a better tomorrow. And don’t worry – your doctor won’t be mad at you!

8. Brag about your successes. Tell your family and friends what your Hemoglobin A1c is, how much weight you’ve lost, and how much better you are feeling.

9. Build a support network for the tough times. Diabetes is difficult to live with. Everything you do effects it – what you eat, how active you are, stress. Start identifying people you can depend on to help you through the difficult times.

10. Above all, remember that you are in control of your diabetes. Your diabetes is not controlling you.