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Managing type 2 diabetes requires constant vigilance to keep your blood sugar level under control. Staying healthy also means steering clear of some common pitfalls, many of which are the product of long-held bad habits. Here are six mistakes that you can learn to avoid.

Slideshow: Type 2 Diabetes Overview
Mistake #1: Not Taking Control of Your Condition

“You are your own doctor 99.9% of the time,” says Andrew Ahmann, MD, director of the Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center at Oregon Health & Science University.

You’re the one in charge, so it’s your job to watch your diet, exercise, and take your medication on schedule.

Understanding how diabetes works will help you make better decisions about how to monitor and manage it. Sign up for a class or a support group on coping with diabetes. Ahmann says these are excellent but underused resources: “Not enough patients seek them out, and not enough doctors send their patients to them.” Not only do these resources offer essential information, but they also bring together people who have the same challenges, giving them a place to meet and talk with each other.
Mistake #2: Expecting Too Much Too Soon

One of the biggest hurdles in controlling your blood sugar is sticking to your eating and exercise habits for the long run.

“Most people expect something dramatic is going to happen right away,” says endocrinologist Preethi Srikanthan, MD, assistant clinical professor of medicine at UCLA. “But it has taken them a decade or two to get to this point, and it will take a while for them to even get to that initial 5%-10% reduction in weight.”

Expecting too much to change right away is a mistake – and so is doing too much before you are ready. When it comes to exercise, take small steps, says Ahmann says. If you do more than you can tolerate, you may quit, or do too much and hurt yourself. So start off slowly and ease into the habit.

Be sure to talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you aren’t already active. They can help you set realistic goals and plan a routine that’s safe and effective.
Mistake #3: Going It Alone

“One error that people make when it comes to exercise is that they try to do it without help from other people,” Ahmann says.

Not only do spouses, partners, friends, and family members make great exercise buddies, but they are also terrific cheerleaders. So don’t hesitate to ask a loved one to help you stick to your medication schedule or eat a healthy diet.
Further Reading:

Slideshow: Blood Sugar Control and Insulin
Slideshow: Control Your Blood Sugars
Why should people with diabetes test their blood sugar levels?
Checking Blood Glucose Levels
Does Eating Sugar Cause Diabetes?
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Numbers
How the Blood Sugar of Diabetes Affects the Body
See All Blood Sugar (Glucose) Topics

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How Well Are You Living With Atrial Fibrillation?
How to Help a Loved One With Diabetes
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S.M.A.R.T. Goals: Weight Loss With Type 2 Diabetes
Lose Weight With Help From Your Health Insurance

Mistake #4: Neglecting Other Problems

Many people are dealing with depression and stress in addition to diabetes.

People with diabetes are twice as likely to be depressed, and an estimated 1 in 3 people with diabetes have symptoms of depression. The lethargy common to depression can be so discouraging that you might give up your efforts to take care of your diabetes. Not only will that make your diabetes worse, it may also intensify your depression, creating a vicious cycle.

“You need to recognize depression and work with it,” Srikanthan says.

Depression and stress can also have a negative effect on blood sugar levels. Constant stress may increase hormones that hamper the ability of insulin to do its job. So, Ahmann says, doing “anything to reduce stress will improve your blood sugar.”

The good news: Exercise helps relieve stress, and there’s evidence that meditation and massage will benefit blood sugar levels, Ahmann says.
Continue reading below...

Mistake #5: Misunderstanding and Misusing Medications

Ahmann says many of his patients think medications are more powerful than diet and exercise, which is a common misconception. In many cases, type 2 diabetes can be controlled by a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise without the need for medication. But for many people, medication can be helpful, too.

Among those who do require medications, Ahmann sees one mistake that stands out.

“It’s surprising how many people miss doses,” he says.

Getting off track with your meds is a quick way to wreck your blood sugar level, Ahmann says, so “you need to be honest with your [health care] provider that this is an issue.” Your doctor might be able to change your dosing schedule to one that better suits you.
Mistake #6: Making Poor Food Choices

When it comes to food and blood sugar, the big mistake is not the single candy bar that you couldn’t resist, Srikanthan says. It’s persistent unhealthy eating habits -- what you eat over and over again -- that have a worse effect on your blood sugar.

“People think it’s a one-time diversion, but no, it’s a consistent problem that affects your test results,” she says.

The two biggest hurdles, Srikanthan says, are calories and carbohydrates. You have to control both to keep your blood sugar level steady.

“Try to be aware of what’s going into your mouth,” she says.

That means keeping a diet diary to keep track of what you’re eating and drinking, and always reading nutrition labels so you know what’s in the food you’re choosing.

Not eating on a regular schedule is another common food mistake. Make time for breakfast, and eat regular meals during the day, so you don’t lose control and overeat in the evening.
Further Reading:

Slideshow: Blood Sugar Control and Insulin
Slideshow: Control Your Blood Sugars
Why should people with diabetes test their blood sugar levels?
Checking Blood Glucose Levels
Does Eating Sugar Cause Diabetes?
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Numbers
How the Blood Sugar of Diabetes Affects the Body
See All Blood Sugar (Glucose) Topics

Top Picks

6 Serious Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
How Well Are You Living With Atrial Fibrillation?
How to Help a Loved One With Diabetes
Diabetes Warning Signs and Risk Factors
Type 2 Diabetes & Weight Loss: Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals
Lose Weight With Help From Your Health Insurance

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