Changing Your Perspective

Action Plan for Diabetes by Darryl E. Barnes, MD

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CHAPTER 3 | Planning Your Lifestyle

publisher: Human Kinetics

Changing Your Perspective

How many times have your heard someone say in conversation, "Well, look at it this way . . .,"-and found that their words gave you a new and sensible perspective on an issue? I have been in many of these situations, and I have been able to come up with many solutions to problems as a result. I would like to offer you a different way to look at how you can go about planning for a healthier lifestyle.

We all know that we have existed in the past, and all that we have done in the past affects us in the present. And the things we do in the present will come to pass and therefore affect our futures. Although this sounds obvious, we often question how things have evolved that have led to our current situation, without taking into account our past actions. For instance, we may ask, "How did my health get so out of hand?” Some of my patients gain insight into their own situation by thinking about their lives in this way. I ask them to think of themselves as three different people: their past, present, and future persons.

Table 3.2 Sample Goal-Setting Chart

Long-term goals	Short-term goals, level 1	Short-term goals, level 2	Short-term goals, level 3	Short-term goals, level 4
1. Glucose control	See health care team for recommendations	Measure blood glucose 1 to 2 times per day(for oral hypoglycemic agents)	Decrease calories in daily diet from 1,800 to 1,600	Stick to 1,600 calorie diet Exercise 5 to 7 days per week
2. Lose 10 pounds	See health care team for recommendations	Increase frequency of walking from 4 to 5 days a week	Eat fewer calories (as above)	Stick to 1,600 calorie diet. Exercise 5 to 7 days per week
3. Run 5K race	See health care team for recommendations	Substitute jogging or running for walking one day a week	Walk for 20 minutes 4 to 5 times per week	Sign up for the local charity 5K. Run 30 minutes 5 to 7 days per week