Habit No. 1 Be Proactive in managing your diabetes

As part of my ongoing Journey with diabetes, I have been reading a brochure about managing diabetes from the American Association of Diabetes Educators, who collaborated with Dr. Stephen Covey on the project. My personal plan includes supplementing some of the nutrients that I don’t get enough of, and a little help with losing weight.
Here is how Dr Covey breaks down the first of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People With Diabetes.

With the human gifts of imagination and free will, we have the power to choose our response to any situation. Stop for a moment to consider what that means. We are free to be the creative force in our own lives.

That’s what Being Proactive means: Choosing your actions and taking responsibility for them. Many things in life are beyond our control – the weather, for instance, or what others do or say. But how we respond to those things is always within our control. You can control diabetes by responding to it proactively.

Try reading the list of 7 self-care behaviors using proactive language: “I choose to eat healthfully” instead of “I have to eat healthfully.” “I choose to be active.” “I choose to monitor my blood glucose.” As you begin to think proactively, notice your confidence beginning to grow. You are making decisions that will make things happen.

You are taking charge of your diabetes and your future. It’s your choice!