My Action Plan to Control My Blood Sugar

Three questions about my blood sugar control to ask my health care provider:

1. What is my hemoglobin A1c goal? _______

2.     What is my blood sugar goal before meals when self-testing using
        a blood glucose meter? _______

3.      What is my blood sugar goal at bedtime when self-testing using a
         blood glucose meter? _______

Three things I will work on over the next three months to control my blood sugar:

1. ___________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________________

Note:  Select things that you really want to do.  Here are two examples:
1. I will walk briskly around my neighborhood with a friend for 20 minutes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:00 p.m.
2. I will eat the three vegetables included in my daily meal plan.

The people who can help me do these things (e.g., friend, co-worker, health care provider):

1. ___________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________________

My three main reasons to keep my blood sugar in a good range:

1. ___________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________________

Note:  Your goals will change over time, so be ready to change your current plan or write out a new one at least every three months.  Then place your action plan where you will see it often.  Do it today!

Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control . . .
Tips to Maintain Blood Sugar Control

Set Goals You Can Reach

• Break a big goal into small steps.  If you plan to increase your physical activity, start by taking one 5-minute walk three times a week.  Then try walking longer or more often.
• Make changes that you can stick with for the rest of your life.  If you want to lose weight and keep it off, be active and limit portion sizes.  Don't just go on a "diet."

Create a Plan to Deal With Diabetes

• Think about all your reasons for staying in control of your blood sugar.  Make a list and post it where you see it often.
• Figure out what can tempt you to slip up when it comes to blood sugar control.  Decide now how you will handle these events next time.
• Reward yourself for staying in control.  Rent a movie, buy a plant, or spend time with a friend.
• Ask for a little help from friends and family when you're down or need someone to talk to.

Manage Setbacks

• Admit that you've slipped.  Learn what you can from it.
• Don't be too hard on yourself.  A setback is not the end of the world.