Work Smarter, Not Harder

Caring for diabetes is hard work. It demands your time and your attention.  It can start to feel as if diabetes is managing you, rather than the other way around. 

You can learn to work smarter, instead of harder.  Here are some ideas: 

• Establish a routine for when you test, eat, and exercise.  It may sound boring, but if you don't have to think about everyday things, you'll have more time for what you want to do. 
• Think through a plan for your day before you go to bed or when you get up.  Include when you will do the things you want for your diabetes. 
• Learn about the foods and meals that you often eat at home or in restaurants.  This can help you make choices when choosing a meal or buying groceries. 
• Keep all of your blood sugar testing supplies near where you test.  If you have everything together, you can do the test more quickly. 
• Incorporate exercise into things that you are already doing.  Ten minutes of activity three times a day every day has benefits for your health.  For example, can you park further from the door?  Can you walk one place instead of ride?  
• Take your medicines at about the same time each day and at the time they will do you the most good.  For most diabetes medicines, this is before meals.  Ask your pharmacist about when to take each of your medicines. 
• Take time for yourself.  Stress only makes caring for yourself and your diabetes harder.  Spend time each day doing something that you enjoy or that brings you peace and comfort.

Article written by Martha M. Funnell, MS, RN, CDE

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