Take control of your type 2 diabetes treatment plan with these 6 rules
(BPT) – Today, nearly 28 million Americans have type 2 diabetes and another 86 million are at risk for developing it, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many people who have been newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will make dietary and lifestyle changes, but they may be unaware of the psychological barriers associated with the condition.
“When I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I can’t say I was surprised, because both sides of my family have a history of diabetes,” says Dr. Phil McGraw, renowned author and host of the top-rated Dr. Phil show, who has lived with the disease for more than 25 years. “According to the American Diabetes Association, there are risk factors many people can’t control like family history, personal history, age and more. Instead of blaming themselves for developing type 2 diabetes, people should focus on taking positive steps forward and working with their healthcare provider to create a treatment plan.”
The lifestyle changes associated with type 2 diabetes care — including managing diet, exercise and medications — may seem overwhelming, but these are often important components of treating the disease. The American Diabetes Association notes that understanding the psychological obstacles can help people with type 2 diabetes work more effectively with their healthcare providers to better manage the disease.
“Everyone who has type 2 diabetes is different, but my treatment plan works really well for me, and I can go about my daily life spending less time thinking about my condition,” Dr. Phil says. “I’ve always had a very positive outlook when it came to my diagnosis, and I believe that my treatment plan is a reflection of that. There is no cure for diabetes, but my healthcare provider and I have found ways to manage it.”
Dr. Phil has teamed with AstraZeneca for the ON IT Movement, an awareness campaign that seeks to empower adults living with type 2 diabetes to make a personal commitment to living a healthier life. At the core of the ON IT Movement are Dr. Phil’s “6 Rules to Get ON IT,” which he explains in videos on www.OnItMovement.com:
1. Move forward. “Tackle your type 2 diabetes head on,” Dr. Phil says. “Don’t waste time on feeling guilty or overwhelmed.”
2. Get educated. Explore resources to learn more about your disease. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to work with your healthcare provider.
3. Build a team. “No one should try to do it alone,” Dr. Phil says. Pull together a team of people who can help you stick to your treatment plan, which can include your doctor, spouse or partner, children, friends, coworkers, gym trainer and anyone else you need.
4. Replace bad habits. Recognizing bad habits isn’t playing the blame game; you’re taking charge. Think about the aspects of your lifestyle you need to change, and begin replacing bad habits with good.
5. Make a plan. Set goals for yourself and formulate plans for how you will achieve each one.
6. Stick to it. “Don’t give up, ever!” Dr. Phil says. Learn strategies and adopt tools to help you stick to your plan. Programs like the ON IT Movement can help you learn how to change your everyday habits and find ways to stay on track with your goals.
“I’ve seen people struggle to take the first step toward living a healthier life with type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Phil says. “By taking charge, getting support and educating themselves, people with type 2 diabetes can successfully overcome their challenges and learn how to better manage their health.”
To learn more about the ON IT Movement, visit www.OnItMovement.com.
3230203 Last Updated 4/16