Goals For Diabetes
When you want to conquer your diabetes, you have to make some goals or targets to achieve success. You define your goals with the help of your doctor or diabetes educator. There are one or two long-term goals. To achieve long-term goals you have to work on many short-term goals on day to day basis. These goals should not be abstract or non-specific. You need to make specific and realistic goals. Write down your goals on a paper or diary where you can see them frequently and keep reminding yourself about your goal so that you don’t steer away from your mission. Here are some examples of long-term and short-term goals for diabetics.
Long term goals:
- HbA1c = 5.5%
- Prevent complications due to diabetes
Short term goals:
- Fasting blood glucose =100mg/dl
- Post meal blood glucose 130 mg/dl
- Walk 30 min daily
- BMI < 25
- BP <130/80
- Total Cholesterol < 160mg/dl
- LDL < 100mg/dl
Always make your goals specific and clearly tied to a timeline. For example: “I’ll lower my HbA1c by 1% in 3 months.” A clear time frame keeps you motivated. Without deadlines, goals often get delayed with the thought, “I’ll start tomorrow.”
Create goals that are achievable based on your current condition. Saying “I’ll look like a model in 3 months” is unrealistic and discouraging. Instead, try “I’ll lose 10 pounds in 5 months.” Realistic goals build confidence and help you stay committed over time.
Write down your meals, sugar readings, exercise, sleep, and moods daily. This helps you track your progress and notice patterns. For example: “Ate rice at lunch, sugar spiked in evening.” Weekly reviews keep you focused and motivated.
Celebrate every small success to stay motivated. After meeting a weekly goal, treat yourself—a movie, a new shirt, or a dinner out. A reward boosts your morale and helps turn healthy habits into a lifestyle. Always set your next goal after celebrating the last one.
