- With Mayo Clinic diabetes educators
Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.
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Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.
Nancy Klobassa Davidson and Peggy Moreland
Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., B.S.N, C.D.E
Nancy Klobassa Davidson is a registered nurse who has worked in diabetes education for 17 years. She is a certified diabetes educator (C.D.E.) and is currently in graduate school working on a Master of Science in nursing (M.S.N.) and health care education.Nancy works with adults who have type 1, type 2 and other forms of diabetes. Nancy is coordinator of the Diabetes Unit's intensive insulin therapy program within the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Nancy has worked extensively with insulin pump therapy and continuous interstitial glucose sensing.
Peggy Moreland, R.N., M.S.N.
Peggy Moreland is a certified diabetes educator (C.D.E.) in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.Peggy graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing and Health Care Education from the University of Phoenix and is a member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the American Diabetes Association. A certified diabetes educator (C.D.E.), Peggy enjoys working with patients to set and achieve diabetes self-management goals.
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Living with diabetes blog
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Aug. 14, 2012
Getting motivated: How to do it
By Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.
What does it take to get motivated? That's a tough question. A motivation to lose weight, for example, might be a wedding, a high school reunion, or fear of dying from a heart attack. I'm more motivated to clean my house when I know that I'll be hosting guests.
As diabetes educators, we often hear people say that they just don't have time to test their blood glucose, take their diabetes medication, and do other similar important self-care tasks. I can't possibly imagine the amount of time it must take to have good diabetes control, but I do wonder about the dire consequences awaiting those who "don't have the time" or just don't want to.
I realize that there are many other factors involved, such as fear of low blood sugar, financial concerns or peer pressure. Anger at having diabetes, depression, denial, and other such emotions can also be obstacles to managing diabetes.
Often it's just lack of diabetes education. We most often hear "I don't feel sick, so why do I need to do ____?" But diabetes is different from other chronic diseases. You may feel just fine at first. Unlike other chronic diseases, 99 percent of diabetes management is self-care. Daily decisions about what to do or not do with regard to diabetes self-management affect quality-of-life now and in the future.
So, what can you do when you need to get motivated for better self-care? Here are some ideas to get you started.
Join a diabetes support group
Whether you're new to diabetes or have had diabetes for several years, it helps to share your experiences with others and learn from their experiences. A support group is a great place to exchange tips. And a support group is just that — they're there for you to lean on when you need support.
If there isn't a diabetes support group near you, start one. You are not alone!
Identify personal diabetes goals
Make sure your goals are SMART — specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-limited.
Make a list of the health benefits of good diabetes control
Some of these benefits include:
- Stable blood glucose readings — avoiding widely fluctuating blood glucose levels
- Reduced risk of complications such as blindness, kidney disease, heart attack, problems with your feet, and the list goes on
- Increased energy
- Clearer thinking
Surround yourself with people who encourage and motivate you
- Family, friends or both
- Healthcare professionals — work with your healthcare provider and diabetes educator
- A support group, weight-loss group or both
- An exercise buddy
No doubt about it, diabetes is challenging and time-consuming to manage. Pat yourself on the back! Please share with us and others your tips for staying motivated.
Have a good week.
Peggy
10 comments posted
April 26, 2013 8:04 a.m.
I have just be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. At 59, I was to begin immediately to be as healthy as I can. I'm looking for a book that tells me just what to eat for each meal. Right now, I'm not looking for variety or menues, just "x amount or protein, x friuit, etc." Once I adapt to that, I'll look for variety. Do you have any suggestions? Linda
- Linda
March 20, 2013 3:13 p.m.
Luly: So sorry you are overwhelmed. Is there a diabetes class or support group that you can attend? Work closely with your healthcare team. Once your blood glucoses are under control you will feel much better.
- Nancy and Peggy
March 19, 2013 8:39 a.m.
I have known for a few months the word"diabetic".Didn't want to hear it..I wear hearing aids, so it was easy to shut out, until I test my blood sugar. Staring me in the face..Got to get a handle on it. Seems at times I am punishing myself for having diabetes.Grab something sweet without respect of what I know..Need prayers and some common sense here!Not a great food lover,veggie and healthy stuff..
- Charles
March 11, 2013 4:25 p.m.
newly diagnosed had a huge scare tested at 414 type 2 totally overwhelmed
- luly
January 1, 2013 5:45 p.m.
fellow diabetics, my dr. never explained anything, But i should have gotten extremely educated on my own, i figured if he wasnt talking about it must not be to big deal.IT IS A BIG DEAL, NOW I HAVE A PARALYZED STOMACH from sugar killing the nerve for my stomach, IT IS NO WAY TO LIVE PLEASE MANAGE YOUR SUGAR NUMBERS. I HAVE TO EVEN LIQUIFY MOST OF WHAT I EAT.IT IS SUCH A DRAG, AND PAINFUL TOO, SO PLEASE CHOOSE FOODS WHILE YOU CAN STILL CHOOSE :( I HAVE BEEN LIVING THIS WAY FOR OVER A YEAR>>>>YOU WANT NO PART OF IT
- kaycee
December 12, 2012 2:35 a.m.
Hi I was diagnosed predebetic last year. A lot of discipline and managing life style critical to control sugar level. I lost 7kg, and feels better each day. All I am doing , a right diet and exercise. Am not on medication. It is possible, tell yourself you want to do it for yourself.all has to do with the mind. Pls be encouraged, we can do it.
- Bee
October 26, 2012 2:43 p.m.
Often teens and young adults think they are invincible and won't get complications of diabetes. You're in a hard spot, mom. I would recommend a behavorial counselor, if your daughter will go? Good luck.
- Nancy and Peggy
October 20, 2012 9:26 p.m.
I need help with my daughter. she is now 20. Type 1 ever sence she was 4. She will not test her blood, take her insulin, eats what she wants. Please help me her a1c is 13. I need to get thru to her.
- sandra
September 26, 2012 2:42 a.m.
I share your concerns and know first hand of the pain,depression,low selfworth,withdrawing from people also the ones you love.Only i see this from the otherside of the street i am the husband of the person you most fear of becoming.First before i go on let me say "In no way shape or form would i change any part of my life EXCEPT for my wifes diabetes"I am not conplaining,--nag nag nag as she says to take meds,blood sugars ,Dr.'s visits ect.the pain is so great standing to make a sandwich is almost to much.So she cries because i must now make the meal"I am no wife,cant even make dinner for you,you deserve better".I keep reasuring her she is my life and what i want.The mental pain or phiscal which is greater?"B" is on dialysis now three times a week[4 1\2]hours each.Is very tired and sometimes sick when she comes home so she goes to bed .Transplant cannot happen until she loses weight. can't lose weight because to much pain to exerise.has lost 3 toes on one foot \ one toe and 2\3 of the bone in the other.celolitis ,lyhphadema and nuropathy in both legs from the knee down(no feeling only needle sticks).lense implants both eyes from cat.and too many ulsurs to remember on legs and feet.To Me, not only because she is my wife,but i think it takes a speacal person to have all this pain and problems and still keep going.A strong beleiaf in God and the will to want to live, is what she has.So think of the people that want to help and must stand by and watc
- Daniel
September 24, 2012 1:29 p.m.
Ordinarily, we would think of fear as a negative emotion -- and one to be avoided. But in the case of my Type 2 diagnosis, the fear of developing the dreaded complications of diabetes was/still is a good motivating factor. No way do I want to end up blind or have to be on kidney dialysis or have my feet or legs amputated. There are so many reasons to get going on good control, and the risk of horrifying complications is at the top of my list. Thank you for your educational and caring blog!
- Linda
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