Diabetes - 4 - Condition & Symptoms

Possible Action Steps

Discuss maintaining blood glucose level in a healthy range (as measured by the blood glucose monitor and A1c test):
- Encourage individual to adhere to doctor prescribed medication as well as good nutrition objectives
- Encourage individual to pay close attention to the timing of medication, meals/snacks, and activity
Discuss maintaining blood glucose level by practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors:
- Continue to be physically active: e.g. 10,000 steps each day or 30 minutes of brisk activity (walking) at least 5 times each week
- Manage stress: don't underestimate its impact on health and well being
- Continue to not smoke (or use tobacco products) or continue efforts to quit
- Maintain good carb habits (see L3 and L3 nutrition goals)

Supporting Resources

Possible Action Steps

Together, refresh and improve diabetes IQ by reviewing all diabetes flashcards
Discus steps to make better use of office visits and improve communication with providers
Together, brainstorm the many ways and opportunities that people can deviate from their plans to live a healthy lifestyle and adhere to the doctor's prescribed medications schedule
Have individual identify the ways that are most likely to throw them off-track with blood glucose control
Together, brainstorm ways to get back on track with glucose control
Discuss the idea of relapse, and that everyone falls off the wagon sooner or later. It's normal and expected

Supporting Resources

Possible Action Steps

Identify upcoming potential threats to effective blood glucose self-management: weekends, holidays, personal financial problems, vacation, business trips, bad weather, family emergency, stressful situations, etc.
Together, develop ongoing awareness of situations that could negatively impact healthy lifestyle and blood glucose control. Discuss a plan to proactively get back on track.
Discuss the individual reactions in stressful situations and the benefits of reacting with health promoting behaviors rather than health harming behaviors (smoking, inactivity, overeating, forgetting to take medication)
Have the individual write up a plan for dealing with a situation where it will be difficult to retain positive lifestyle changes

Supporting Resources

Possible Action Steps

Supporting Resources

Flourish Topics (if licensed): "Is CAM right for diabetes?" and "Can Supplements Help Diabetes?"