7 Simple Self-Improvement Strategies for People with Diabetes

There are many ways to approach self-improvement, and nothing is one size fits all. For people with diabetes, there are even more factors to consider. This guide focuses on ways those with diabetes can become their best selves physically, mentally, emotionally, and more.

1. Set Realistic Expectations

For someone with diabetes, getting healthier is about more than diet and exercise. Whatever goals you set for self-improvement, remind yourself to be realistic and set small, achievable milestones. Change can also take time, especially when it comes to lowering your A1C levels or losing weight. Remember that progress won’t happen overnight, and your body needs fuel—including carbs—to function properly.

2. Begin an Exercise Routine

Exercising is a great checklist item for your self-improvement plan. Regular physical activity is healthy for your mind and body and can help manage diabetes. However, learning how your body handles exercise is essential for choosing the right fitness plan. As Diabetes.org explains, exercise can lower blood sugar and increase insulin sensitivity. Everybody is different, and knowing how yours responds will help you plan the best exercise regimen.

3. Work with Your Healthcare Team

Every individual should have a good relationship with their doctor. For people with diabetes, a supportive healthcare team is even more critical. That’s why finding a new primary care doctor matters if you’re not receiving the support you need. You might visit with a handful of experts in addition to a primary care physician, too. Ask for referrals and read reviews before making an appointment.

4. Clean Up Your Sleep Habits

Good-quality rest is the ultimate accomplishment in self-improvement. Plus, the Sleep Foundation confirms that diabetes relates to sleep more intricately than you might think. People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to deal with insomnia and poor sleep quality. While better sleep won’t cure diabetes, managing your blood sugar and getting enough rest are mutually beneficial.

5. Set Healthy Boundaries

An often-overlooked element of self-improvement is learning to set healthy boundaries. Setting different types of boundaries — including physical, mental, emotional, time, and more — can help you feel your best. Very Well Health elaborates that boundary setting can help you avoid burnout and create balance, two things that are crucial for a healthier life. Those boundaries can also reduce stress, which is positive for both physical and mental health.

6. Go Into Business (for Yourself)

If the daily grind is stressing you out, or a brilliant business idea keeps you up at night, going into business for yourself could be the ultimate in self-improvement. Even a career pivot can shake things up in a good way. If you decide to start a business, online resources simplify the process. For example, online business formation gets your company started quickly. Entrepreneurship is challenging but worth the effort. If business ownership isn’t your jam, earn a degree to advance your career prospects. Remote programs make it easy to earn your bachelor of science in education while working and tending to your health. From early education to elementary and higher degrees, you can find the right remote program to achieve your goals.

7. Enjoy a New Hobby

Picking up a hobby is healthy in many ways. A new hobby can challenge your brain and body and even produce something useful or enjoyable. Hobbies like cooking, gardening, meditation, or spending time outside also support your physical self-improvement goals. But any activity that “stretches” the brain, notes Psychology Today, is good for cognitive well-being. Self-improvement might be hard to measure, but feeling better about yourself and your life is one side effect. Following the parts of this guide that speak to you can help you set and reach healthy goals. From improving your health to banishing stressors, it’s all doable, one step at a time.