Diabetes Control

 Total diabetes control is something commonly overlooked by the media, doctors, dietitians/nutritionist, etc. See there are many different facets to controlling diabetes and eliminating diabetic complications-psychological, diet and nutrition, exercise and physical activity, medications and other accessories, and medical care/treatments.

All too often one component of diabetes control is focused on while the others lay waist side instead of all the components being focused on simultaneously. This is when an individual with diabetes will have a real chance preventing diabetic complications and reversing many of the other complications associated with diabetes.

When all areas of diabetes control are being implemented, it creates a synergistic effect more powerful than one or two areas alone. I know it is easier said than done for most people. Controlling diabetes for some people goes way above just changing their diet and being more active.

A lot of people suffer from mental and emotional addictions to food. Some people have mental roadblocks setup about exercising. Some people are just plain afraid to do anything. If your mind is not right then you are not going to take action on the advice your doctor gave you about exercising, the dietitians diet plan, or follow any plan for that matter.

The simple fact is diabetes is an emotional journey as much it is a physical journey. People need help in all areas in order to make their diabetes control efforts a success and so that they can continue on their path of living a long healthy life.

Steps You Can Take to Gain Control of Your Diabetes Get Your Mind Right!-talk to positive and supportive family, friends, or spouses. Notice I said supportive and positive, yes, not all family and friends will steer you in the right direction. Also consider a therapist (aka shrink), they can help you work through some of your internal issues that may be preventing you taking action or staying on track.

Support & Help-this again goes back to positive and supportive family, friends, and a therapist. Also you can consider using online communities and forums as great places to meet and share your situation with other like you. This can only build your confidence and your mental muscle to help you do what you need to do.

Have a Plan.-A man with a plan, well is just a man not doing anything! Start small, set 1-3 month goals and then weekly and then daily goals. Too many people set these big yearly goals that the mind cannot grasp at that moment, especially if you have a ways to go.

Be specific in your planning-what date, what time, where, with whom, etc. Another thing to mention, think about WHY you need to do some of these things (e.g. to feel better, to get of medications, stop worrying about my health, to look better, etc.)

Think about emotions you will feel once you reach a goal. How will it feel to lose 20 lbs? (e.g. satisfaction, accomplishment, relief, happiness, etc.) Also think about the “what if I don’t” (e.g. If I don’t lose 20 lbs I will have to stay on these expensive medications, I will fell horrible, my blood sugar levels will be horrible)

Proper Nutrition-it is not so much about dieting, because let’s be honest diets really don’t work and hardly anyone ever sticks to them in the long-run. Eliminate processed and simple carbs, restrict complex carbs, and beef up on the protein, enjoy healthy fats, plenty of vegetables and occasional seasonal fruits. Allow for food vacations-holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions. But don’t go crazy on these days.

Exercise and Physical Activity-not that hard my friend just get up and move. Do things you like-walking, swimming, tennis, weight training, aerobics, etc. There are dozens of things you can do to get that heart pumping, just choose one or two and then mix other activities in down the road. Again start small-15 minutes 3x/wk then as you progress add minutes and add more days.

Medical Care/Treatment-get to your doctor for regular check-ups and blood work. It is the only way to know if you are improving. You may need medications adjusted or discontinued if you are following your plan. You may need referrals to other specialist and many other things that your doctor can do for you in caring for your diabetes. Just make sure your doctor is knowledgeable in proper diabetes management and care. Not all are!

Medical Accessories/Tools-things like a quality blood glucose monitor, diabetic socks, blood pressure monitor, etc. Any equipment or tool that you specifically need to monitor, prevent, and improve your health. Diabetes control does not have to run your life but it is all about changing the way you do little things in your life. It is all about taking small steps to achieve a big goal which is better health.  

If you are ready to finally gain control of your diabetes and eliminate the worry of diabetic complications then click here Stop messing around with your health and take action now. Daniel Solomon is a registered dietitian and expert in diabetes nutrition and diabetes control who has help countless diabetics with their blood sugar control. http://thediabetesauthority.com/