A Way to Get Started
Check your Checklist
Not only does "writing it down" serve as a checklist and reminder to me, but it also gives me something to cross-off; making me feel as if I've accomplished something. I suppose I can get over-zealous and write down even small details like "brush teeth", so checking that item off may seem a bit cheap, but the sense of satisfaction I feel from seeing a list of completed tasks is undeniable. It also makes me want to see even more completed items on the next list. I've learned how to trick myself in a way that helps me to accomplish more and feel good even if I don't get everything done that I expected.
The influx of information and technology we have experienced in the world today makes almost everything we do into a complex process. Our world has become one of specialists instead of masters due to this level of complexity. It is no wonder that even the most expert people in their fields need help in remembering all of the steps necessary to achieve success. There is overwhelming evidence that using simple checklists can dramatically reduce mistakes or omitions in any process.
Managing Diabetes is no different. The are many elements that you must take into consideration when choosing a maintenance plan. Making yourself a checklist that is specific to your needs is necessary but here are some basics on which to build your plan. Remember, always speak with your Doctor or Certified Diabetes Educator before stating any program.
Check-up Checklist (Things to be aware of or talk to your Physician about at check-ups)
Did you know that the simple act of recording something increases the liklihood for success in changing your outcome? It has been shown that patients given a pedometer to wear and asked to log their results increased their overall physical activity and patients who set daily goals had an even higher increase. Check out this article from the Wisconsin Medical Society it gives some very encouraging statistics.
If you are interested in learning more about checklists, I suggest that you check out a book by Atul Gawande, The Checklist Manifesto. Gawande, a professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, talks about the efficacy of checklists and how Dr Peter Pronovost, a critical-care specialist at Johns Hopkins Hospital, created an ICU checklist that after 18 months of use had saved 1,500 lives and about $175 million in care costs. The results are more proof that even the most established experts can benefit from a well-designed checklist.
It is the aim of MiYDiabetes to help you and your caregivers the necessary tools to create and maintain the optimal plan for you! Let us know what you need to help you reach your diabetic health goals.
