It’s a brand New Year! Now’s the time when people take their time to reflect on the past and come up with resolutions planning to do something better this year. For most people, diabetic or not, exercise and diet are what they resolve on. People rush to buy gym memberships and promise to themselves that they’ll not overeat. But it’s often easier said than done. As the year progresses, resolutions are forgotten in no time and people get back to their usual schedule.
The SMART New Year’s Resolution
So let’s make this New Year’s Resolution different. Instead of just having a resolution in our minds, let’s set SMART Goals for the New Year. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, specify a particular Action, are Realistic, and completed in a certain amount of Time.
To start with, it is very important to set up a realistic goal. If you tell yourself that you will do 90 minutes High-Intensity Training workouts, but have never exercised in your life, it would be unlikely that you’d achieve your goal. That would be plain unrealistic.
To set a SMART goal, focus on what you can really accomplish. With a hectic lifestyle that most Indians nowadays have, it is almost impossible to work out daily. So instead of setting a goal of working out daily, you could practically set a goal of exercising 5-6 days a week, depending on your fitness and after consulting your doctor. Something as simple as brisk walking for 30-40 minutes can help you with your health.
SMART Goals for Diabetes
See your doctor as per schedule
This is one of the simplest things any diabetic should do. We can’t stress how important it is to visit your doctor for a check-up, no matter how well you feel. Always talk to your doctor and ask him how often should you come to check your A1C levels. Your A1C is the best indicator of your average blood glucose, and your number speaks to the amount of control you have managed to rein in over your own diabetes. At your check-up, your doctor should take a look at your feet, monitor your blood pressure and weight, and give you prescription diabetes medications, if needed.
Know and keep your numbers in check
Always make sure that you know your numbers which include A1C, your blood pressure and cholesterol. During your next visit, ask your doctor what these numbers mean and how can you improve on them. Also, do keep your doctor informed about your health goals, any new exercises or diet that you have undertaken for the new year. Your doctor may suggest you changes so that you can accomplish your goals more effectively.
Know the medications you take
Make sure you know all the medications you take for diabetes as well as exact instructions for the same. Also, make a list of all non-diabetic medications including Ayurvedic or other medicines you consume and let the doctor know about it. This is because non-diabetic medications can affect the blood glucose level as well as may react with diabetic medications which may cause you harm.
Set Reminders for Check-ups and Tests
Diabetes affects various different parts of the body. So it is very important for you to get yourself tested periodically for other sub-specialties. Set a reminder for visiting the podiatrist (foot doctor) for comprehensive foot exam every year. Visit your ophthalmologist for your yearly eye exam. See your dentist twice a year and make sure you let them know that you have diabetes. You should ask your diabetologist what check-ups and tests you need to get done and when.
Get Moving
Any form of physical activity is good for your health. As mentioned above, you may start slow and aim to exercise at least 5 days a week. If you want to undergo rigorous training, always consult your doctor before doing so. Your doctor may help with an exercise program that is most suitable for you depending on your health.
You can do this!
Finally, it’s all up to you. Don’t stress yourself too much about your resolution. Make it a point to focus on resolutions that last a lifetime. Lifestyle changes, like getting a move on it, setting goals for your exercise, and marking it on your calendar will help you make a strong commitment to yourself. Find and surround yourself with the right people to help support you. Friends that are energetic and positive, and motivate you to find the energy within yourself from day to day are the best ones to have around.
Have a Happy and Health New year!