Ask Dana: Keep Your Diabetes Goals Going Past January and Make Your New Diabetes Health Habits Last All Year
by IDS Director of Technology and Applied Research, Dana Roseman
- QUESTION
Dear Dana,
I want to focus more on my health goals this year and build better habits for my diabetes. I always start strong, but I struggle to keep things going. How do I actually make changes that last the entire year?
Natalie Bower
San Diego, CA
- ANSWER
Dear Natalie,
Good for you, 2026 will be the year for permanent change.
The key is to narrow your focus and goal to something that can be achieved. Stay clear of lofty goals like “having an A1C in the 5’s” or “Losing 50 pounds.” Instead, pick one or two specific habits that will make a difference in your health.
You can set a goal to check your CGM before each meal or walk 10 minutes after dinner. You might decide to try new diabetes technology or go grocery shopping for healthy meals at the same time each week. Choose something very specific and realistic. With these goals, you will create solid wins that will give you momentum.
Once you set your specific goal, link it to habits you already have in your day.
For example, if you want to take a quick after-dinner walk, go as soon as you put the last dish in the sink. If you want to pre-bolus, time it as you walk into a restaurant or as you preheat the oven. The easier a habit is to start, the more likely it is to become automatic.
As you already know, diabetes demands a lot of attention. It can help to track your progress with your new habits.
Choose a simple way to monitor and measure your change.
You might keep track of fewer highs after dinner or avoid rage boluses after meals. Set a time during the week to check in with your progress and consider any changes you might need with your goals. If something isn’t working, it’s not a failure; it’s just more information.
Reconsider your goal and consider adjusting it. A flexible mindset is one of the strongest predictors of sustained habit change.
Finally, make sure you have support for your healthy habits and intentions.
Find family, friends, co-workers or health professionals who can help support you. Technology can also be a good support with reminders, notifications and monitoring apps that can help remind you of your goals and keep track of your achievements.
Start with one meaningful change, but make it simple.
Add it to an existing routine and monitor your adherence and success. You’ll be surprised by how quickly these small changes help you achieve your health goals; you will see change not just in your blood sugars but in how confident you feel managing your diabetes.
If you need more individualized guidance in setting health goals and achievable diabetes outcomes, connect with our team here at IDS!
