If you've had diabetes for a while, you know that the day-to-day management of your condition is critical to your health. You also know that it can be challenging. The key to success is maintaining your motivation.

Here are some common obstacles that you may have encountered and tips for getting beyond them.

Eating Right
Work with your healthcare provider to create a meal plan that helps you control your blood glucose levels. The right foods also may help you lose weight and lower your risk of heart disease. Here are some tips:

• Track what you eat. If you're counting carbohydrates, keep a small conversion chart with your food diary and carry it with you.
• Stock healthy foods. Fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foods can help you reduce fat in your diet.
• Stay focused. Start with one change -- include a small salad and low-calorie dressing with your dinner two nights this week. Next week, use whole-grain bread for your sandwiches instead of white bread.
• Talk with a registered dietitian. A recent study found that this helped people with type 2 diabetes lose more weight, take fewer medications and feel better than those who didn't seek help.

Getting Physical
Regular physical activity helps control your weight and blood glucose levels and reduces your risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that being active improves stamina, flexibility, circulation and lung capacity.

• Schedule activity. Making an appointment with yourself to exercise may help you stick with it. Aim for 30 minutes each day -- at one time or in 10-minute segments.
• Pursue a passion. Fitness can be more enjoyable if you go dancing or join a local softball team. Walking the dog counts too! Remember to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise plan.

Watching Blood Sugar
You can reduce your risk for developing kidney, eye and nerve problems by keeping your blood glucose near normal levels.

• Test regularly. It's the only way to know what your levels are.
• Find what works. If you dislike your testing procedure, ask your provider about other test kits. Most blood glucose meters are simple to operate, accurate and virtually painless.

Teaming Up

• Get checkups. Your primary car physician plays an important role, but seeing an ophthalmologist and internist, as well as a podiatrist and dentist, is critical. Early complications of diabetes may go unnoticed, but regular visits to specialists can help identify problems before they become serious.
• Reach out. Ask questions and request written information to take home. You also can ask your primary care provider for help finding a registered dietitian or other specialist.

Join Our Free Seminar
"Diabetes: What You Need to Know and What You Can Do"
May 7, 2–4 PM. Please call 1-888-4GW-DOCS to register.

To find out more about the Senior Advantage program, please call 202-715-4263 or visit www.gwhospital.com and click on Senior Advantage.

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