The new year is a time for setting goals and resolutions. If you have diabetes, what are your New Year’s resolutions? There are many different things that we could recommend to help you with your diabetes management in 2022. Here are just a few to use as inspiration!
New Year’s Resolutions for People with Diabetes
Drink More Water
Drinking more water is a healthy habit we should all be adding to our New Year’s resolution list. When you have diabetes, staying hydrated is especially important. Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go and make sure to drink plenty of fluids each day. Aim for at least 80 ounces of water per day.
Track Your Blood Sugar Levels
If you’re serious about managing your diabetes in 2022, you need to start tracking your blood sugar levels more often. This will help you see patterns and trends over time and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Exercise More Often
A regular exercise routine is crucial to staying healthy, whether you have diabetes or not. Exercise can help improve how your body responds to insulin and reduce blood sugar levels naturally. Make an effort each week to get in at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day (even if you have to split it up into three 10-minute increments throughout the day). Talk with your health care professionals to determine what exercise options might be best for you. They can help you determine what aerobic exercise options might be best for you to reach your health goals or achieve weight loss.
Schedule Your Annual Dilated Eye Exam
According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss in people 18–64 years old. And there are no obvious signs or symptoms. But the great news is an annual routine eye exam could prevent 95% of vision loss caused by diabetes.
Visiting your eye doctor’s office annually is just one of many easy New Year’s resolutions for people with diabetes.
Plan More Nutritious Meals
Managing your blood glucose levels is all about eating the right foods in the right amounts. That’s why we recommend planning ahead and cooking more healthy meals at home. There are lots of diabetes-friendly recipes out there to help get you started. As a general rule, try to have a mix of protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates and healthy fats at each meal. Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
Don’t Overlook Your High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a silent killer in the diabetic community. But it’s also one of most controllable risks for heart disease when you have diabetes because 80% of American adults with high blood pressure don’t have their condition under control. If your blood pressure is high, work with your health care team to get it under control in 2022.
Quit Smoking
Smoking cigarettes is bad for your health, plain and simple. If you have diabetes, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health.
Monitor Your Oral Hygiene More Closely
Bad breath, or halitosis, is mostly caused by gum inflammation and/or tooth decay. And that’s something people with diabetes are more prone than others because of blood sugar fluctuations throughout the day. Make sure you’re brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day to prevent cavities, gingivitis or gum disease. And if you’ve noticed that your breath is extra bad lately, see your dentist for an oral exam.
Practice Better Glucose Management
In order to effectively manage your diabetes in 2022, you need to be proactive about glucose management. That means testing your blood sugar levels regularly and taking action when they’re too high or too low. It also means being aware of the foods that impact your blood sugar levels and adjusting your diet as needed. If you’re struggling with self-management of your glucose levels, work with a registered dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan that works for you.
What Are Your New Year’s Resolutions?
People with diabetes can have a healthy and happy new year by making some simple New Year’s resolutions. What are your goals and New Year’s resolutions for the coming year? We hope these tips will help you start off the new year on the right foot. Remember to always consult with your health care professional before starting any new exercise routine or dietary changes. Happy New Year!