Denial in Action
1. Not Testing
It can feel like a hassle to check your blood glucose regularly.
You may feel that you can measure intuitively what your blood
glucose is, based on how you feel. But a blood glucose meter
is a much more accurate measure of blood glucose than
feelings are.
Type 1 diabetics should test their blood sugars regularly using
a blood glucose monitor to ensure optimal blood sugars levels.
Type 2 diabetics do not need to test their blood sugars as
often as type 1 diabetics but should consult with their diabetes
specialist or family physician to determine how often to test.
To ensure that average blood glucose levels are stable, all
diabetics should have a regular A1C test done.
2. Ignoring Your Meal Plan
It can be difficult to change your eating habits and food
choices, especially if someone else is doing the food shopping
and cooking. When your doctor told you to see a dietitian,
follow a meal plan, and change your eating habits, you may
have thought to yourself:
• It’s too expensive to see a registered dietitian.
• I can’t ask my family to change what they eat. I don’t
want to eat alone or fix two meals.
• There’s no place to buy healthy food where I work.
• It’s too hard to bring my lunch.
A “diabetes diet” simply means eating the healthiest foods
in moderate amounts and sticking to regular mealtimes 5 .
Naturally rich in nutrients, low in fat and calories, a “diabetes
diet” is actually the best eating plan for everyone. A registered
dietician can also help you put together a tailored plan based
on your health goals, tastes and lifestyle.
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