- 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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Jan. 8, 2013
Diabetes: Tips for developing healthy habits
By Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.
It's that time of year again — time for New Year's resolutions. The holiday parties are over, and the increased shopping and travel and dining out are behind us. I like January because it's a time for recovery.
If you're like me, you may feel a little guilty about your past month's eating habits. In addition, the weather is colder here, and the thought of going outside to enjoy a nice long walk went by the wayside for me.
A healthy outlook for a person with diabetes largely depends on how well you manage your blood glucose. You've probably been told to eat healthier, exercise more, test your blood sugar and see your health care provider on a regular basis.
I'd like to share some tips from a Mayo Clinic brochure, My Road to Better Health with Diabetes:
Move daily to increase energy and feel better
Increasing physical activity helps improve your blood sugar control and reduces the risk of heart disease and nerve problems. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five days per week. If it's cold outside, consider walking indoors, around your house or at a department store or mall.
Eat a healthy diet
Choose healthy carbohydrates, fiber-rich foods, lean meats and good fats. Watch portion size! Have healthy snacks available in case you get the munchies. If I really, really want a treat, I have to get in my car and go to the store to buy it, because I don't keep treats at home. It makes me think twice, and I usually go for a healthier fruit snack option at home, instead.
Relax daily
Yes! It's January, and we can hopefully take a breather from holiday stress. Stress can raise blood sugar. Take time for yourself each day, and do something that you enjoy such as reading a book or working on a hobby.
Maintain good health by taking time for prevention
Healthy lifestyle choices may decrease your chances of developing complications from diabetes.
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
- Don't smoke or use other kinds of tobacco.
- Take your medications and insulin as directed.
- Wear a medical alert identification (ID).
- Know your numbers — A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight.
Sleep enough to wake up renewed and refreshed
This can make it easier for you to control your blood sugar.
Discover meaning and purpose in your life
You can live a happy, healthy and full life with diabetes. Look for education opportunities to help you manage your diabetes. Make time to do things that bring you joy, and explore new ways to have fun.
Don't stress yourself out with resolutions! Decide on one goal. And make your goal SMART:
- Specific: What are you going to do?
- Measurable: How will you track your progress?
- Achievable: What steps will you take to make this happen?
- Realistic: Can you see yourself doing this?
- Time-framed: When will you do this?
Have a happy and safe new year!
Peggy
11 comments posted
March 22, 2013 1:59 a.m.
Nice post !! Thanks for all the good information provided on diabetes..
- Beloit Health System ( beloithealthsystem.org )
February 19, 2013 3:07 p.m.
Eggs are a good source of protein; especially the whites. I asked a dietitian this question and her response was she recommnends people can eat up to 3 egg yolks per week. (this is for individuals that don't have to worry about cholesterol issues)
- Nancy and Peggy
February 11, 2013 1:30 p.m.
Thanks for all the good tips on goal-setting. Re: the goal to eat a healthy diet -- how freely can a diabetic use eggs? I read an article on a diabetes website stating, "Go ahead & enjoy eggs -- they're so packed w/ nutrition & so lo-carb that they're a great food for diabetics." Is this true? (I've asked before but got no response.) Thanks again!
- Linda
February 6, 2013 1:37 p.m.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes? I thought if you take insulin you were type 1 and type 2 was maintained by diet.
- Nancy
January 28, 2013 3:29 p.m.
Barbara: Your doctor started you on metformin early which is good. Your A1c is 5.8% which is excellent and means that your diabetes is under excellent control.
- Nancy and Peggy
January 28, 2013 3:24 p.m.
Hello, Andy. Type 1 diabetes is controllable. Hopefully your mom is working closely with her provider and a diabetes educator. All the things I mentioned in this particular article is good for ALL of us! Since your mom has type 1 diabetes she needs insulin straight away. Take care!
- Nancy and Peggy
January 23, 2013 12:13 a.m.
Do this really help in maintaining diabetes...my mom is type 1 diabetic and I am really scared for her. It has been diagnosed last month. I dont know what to do how to do...I love my mom alot...
- andy
January 20, 2013 12:44 p.m.
Hi, I'm confused!For 4 years I've been on ONE metformin a day.Yesterday my Mom turned 93.I had 2 pieces of cake and 3 hours later my sugar was seventy nine? My a1c is 5.8 Any ideas?
- Barbara
January 18, 2013 9:24 a.m.
Thank you for the great series of articles! As a 50 year old man, recently diagnosed as "pre-diabetic", I am jumping into the lifestyle with exercise, diet, diabetes classes, and daily blood monitoring. I look at this diagnosis as an oportunity to live a healthier life. Keep the good infomation coming!
- Dennis
January 16, 2013 7:45 p.m.
thanks for all these information, i am a diabectic my a1c is 6.7 my resolution this is is worry less although sometimes i my blood sugar stands at 180 for the highest. many times i get confused with the good carbs the bad a certain fruits we do need a lot of help with deases
- vallery
January 10, 2013 1:22 p.m.
Great column......thank you. A shot in the arm for the New Year! I have one goal for the new year: to get my body moving -- a tough change but it's key. My sugars are good, my A1C is good (6.9), I take my meds right + multivitamins & I eat a very healthy diet -- but it's not enough. I'm not losing weight because I don't move enough. Thanks for all the support & practical tips. Diabetes is a tough diagnsis to swallow -- it's scary & life-changing. It's just as emotionally challenging as it is physically challenging. We need all the help we can get!
- Linda
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