Managing Diabetes - It's Not Easy, But It's Worth It. November is National Diabetes Month!
Millions of Americans struggle each day with managing their diabetes. The National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has established this year's National Diabetes Month theme as Managing Diabetes - It's Not Easy, But It's Worth It. Focusing on the importance of managing diabetes, this month-long education and awareness campaign will highlight diabetes-related health problems, as well as the struggle people living with diabetes face and that they are not alone.
The Importance of Self-Management
- Research has shown that managing diabetes as early as possible can help prevent diabetes-related health problems such as kidney disease, vision loss, heart disease and stroke.
- Self-management behaviors include maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, making healthy food choices and taking medications as prescribed.
- Diabetes self-management education and support can improve quality of life, increase healthy coping skills and decrease diabetes-related distress.
Have a Plan and Set Goals
- Many people struggle with diabetes. Making changes in how you care for your health is all a matter of trying and learning.
- Take baby steps and set realistic goals based on what’s important to you.
- Small changes – such as walking for 15 minutes twice a day or replacing sugary drinks with water – are small steps that can go a long way to help you manage your diabetes.
Build Your Support Team
- If you are having trouble coping with the demands of diabetes, ask for help. Having a network of support from family, friends and your health care team can help you stay on track with your diabetes plan.
- Diabetes can be overwhelming. It is a hard disease to manage alone.
- You are the most important member of your health care team. Learn as much as you can about your disease and talk to your diabetes care team about how you can best care for your diabetes to stay healthy.