Developing a Diabetes Game Plan It's a lot of work, but the first step is getting started – and you can do it.

As a nurse I often hear, “I know what needs to be done, I just don’t know how to do it,” or “I won’t be able to do it.” The “it” is behavior change – a major component of controlling diabetes.


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists seven behaviors – healthy eating, physical activity, monitoring blood sugar, taking medications as prescribed, good problem-solving skills, healthy coping skills and risk-reduction behaviors – which result in good blood sugar control, reduce complications and improve quality of life. If you’re asking, “How do I do it?” let’s get started!



Do you have a game plan? Is it the right plan for your unique needs? Does it include things you like? Write your plan down, and put it somewhere visible as a reminder.

Set the right goals. Before creating a plan, you have to decide what you want to accomplish. Make goals specific and something you can do. A goal of better blood sugar control should include specific steps to get you there – such as meeting with a dietitian to learn about carbohydrates or walking 30 minutes five days a week. When you accomplish a goal, reward yourself (with something other than food).

Does your diabetes team have all the right players? Diabetes management and sports share similarities. On the court, a basketball team has five players. Each player has a unique role – a specialty – that contributes to the success of the team. The team works together, supports and develops strategies to accomplish their goals. Along the way, changes are made if goals aren’t being reached. The team works when the right players are in the right positions. If one is missing, or not playing a position where his strength lies, the team isn’t as strong and the outcomes not as favorable.