breaking bad habits

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Breaking bad habits

When dealing with a chronic illness, especially one like diabetes

<http://www.diabeteshealth.com/> that requires 24/7 attention, it's easy to

take shortcuts and fall into bad habits. Ask yourself the following

questions to find out if you might be drifting into a few diabetes bad

habits:

Haven't changed your lancet since Bush was president? Hopefully that isn't

the case, but a running joke in the diabetes online community is " You mean

you're supposed to change those? " I used to change my lancet so rarely that

I'd end up using a dull instrument for days or weeks on end, but I've found

that changing it more often helps me draw blood more easily, less painfully,

and with far fewer germs.

Relying solely on how you feel to judge your blood sugar

<http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/monitoring/blood-sugar/> level? When

I guess my blood sugar before I test, I'm often not far off the mark. So in

the past, especially when I've been low on test strips, I've gone by how I

feel instead of using the cold hard facts on my blood sugar meter. That's a

bad idea. It's important to actually test your blood sugar because feelings

can be way off. For me, it's easy to confuse a low

<http://www.diabeteshealth.com/browse/complications-and-care/low-blood-sugar

/> blood sugar with an adrenaline surge or nerves because I shake and get

that fluttery feeling with both. We've all been surprised at an extreme low

or high when we test. The only way to ensure safety is to test.

Think that cheesecake slice has only 50 carbs? You'll probably end up

wondering what happened when your blood sugar skyrockets or plummets after

indulging. How many of us have thrown a package away without remembering to

look at the carbs per serving? Instead of " eye-balling " carbs, take the time

to look up the amount of carbs so that you can avoid rollercoaster blood

sugar effects. Most restaurants have the information available, and, while

it's true that even these numbers aren't foolproof, it's worth taking the

time even if you are a self-proclaimed carb-guessing master.

Haven't moved from the sofa since you made those resolutions in January?

It's gorgeous outside in many areas, so now is a great time to get some

fresh air and walk, jog, or ride a bike. My husband and I love to go to a

nearby park and play Frisbee or throw around a ball. Now is the best time to

change your workout habits. An expensive gym membership is not

required--just let nature be your playground.

Eating too many processed high-carb munchies? Is there anyone who isn't

guilty of that one? Try shopping at the farmer's market. You'll likely be

amazed at what you find there. My local outdoor market offers lots of

low-carb goodies like spicy pickles, fresh veggies, dips, artisan cheeses,

and olives. It's fun to try new things. These markets are usually reasonably

priced, and they keep me from getting bored.

Putting off that doctor appointment? We are all busy, and no one enjoys

doctor appointments. Although seeing so many different doctors and

specialists is time-consuming, finding an issue early can save you from

unnecessary suffering. I've felt silly for waiting before, especially when a

diabetes-related worry turned out to be nothing.

Managing diabetes can be overwhelming and easily lead to bad habits. Try

working on your bad habits one at a time. I know I am. We are worth it!

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