How to develop a diabetes game plan

If you are a diabetic and you are finding it difficult todevelop diabetes game plan, then don't worry as here is how to get started. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists seven behaviors, healthy eating, physical activity, monitoring blood sugar, taking medications as prescribed, good problem-solving skills, healthy coping skills and risk-reduction behaviors, which result in good blood sugar control, reduce complications and improve quality of life, U.S. News reported.

Gina Gavlak, the Diabetes Program Development Coordinator, said that if people have a gameplan, which is right for their unique needs and includes things they like, then they should write the plan down and put it somewhere visible as a reminder. She added that right goals should be set. Before creating a plan, one should decide what he wants to accomplish. The goals should be specific and something one can do.

Gavlak noted that a team approach improves diabetes management because each provider works with you on areas they have received extensive training in, adding that diabetes self-management is a continuous learning process and so these steps should be followed: first learn, then apply what you learned, then evaluate effectiveness, then make changes as needed and repeat.

She added that diabetics should surround themselves with people who will motivate, encourage and want to help them succeed and be actively involved. She suggested that "if your plan isn't working, if you don't understand something or if you can't or won't do something, share this with your team. Keep communication open, and make decisions together."