Getting motivated: How to do it
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/getting-motivated/MY02199
- 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
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