Why Women with Type 2 Diabetes Struggle to Prioritize Their Health—and How to Change That in 2024
As the new year approaches, many of us set intentions to take better care of our health. If you’re a woman managing Type 2 diabetes, you might already have plans to eat healthier, exercise more, or get your blood sugar under control. But let’s be honest—by the third week of January, those goals often fall apart.
Why does this happen? Despite knowing how important it is to care for our health, life often gets in the way. Work demands, family responsibilities, stress, and even how we think about health can make it difficult to stick to healthy habits.
Understanding why we struggle to prioritize long-term health and learning ways to shift our mindset can help you make this year different. Let’s dive into the challenges and strategies to stay on track.
Why Do We Avoid Prioritizing Long-Term Health?
Even though most women know that eating right, exercising, and managing stress are key to controlling blood sugar and preventing complications, many still struggle. Research and experts suggest three main reasons:
- Immediate Needs Feel More Important Than Future Risks
Psychologists call this “temporal discounting.” It means we value the present far more than the future. For example:- Enjoying comfort foods or skipping exercise feels good now.The future benefits, like lower A1C or preventing complications in 10 years, feel far away.
“We fix problems we have now instead of trying to prevent future ones.”When you’re stressed or busy, fixing what feels urgent—like getting through the day—often wins over long-term plans. - Health Improvements Feel Slow and Uncertain
With diabetes, lifestyle changes like eating healthier or exercising don’t always bring immediate results. Unlike medications that can lower blood sugar quickly, habits take time to show benefits. This can make it hard to stay motivated. - Life Circumstances Can Be Overwhelming
Women often juggle multiple roles: caring for kids, managing a household, working full-time, and looking after aging parents. If you’re also dealing with financial stress or emotional burnout, investing energy into your health can feel impossible. As Christopher Dye, DPhil, professor of epidemiology at Oxford University, explains:
“Long-term thinking comes more naturally to those with stability and resources.”
For women facing challenges like stress, lack of time, or financial worries, staying healthy can feel like a luxury rather than a priority.
The Importance of Bringing the Future into the Present
When you think about your health, it’s important to “bring the future into the present.” In other words, instead of focusing on far-away risks, you can focus on the immediate benefits of healthy habits.
For women with Type 2 diabetes, small, consistent actions can lead to:
- More energy each day
- Fewer cravings for unhealthy foods
- Better sleep and mood
- Feeling more in control of your health
By shifting your mindset to notice these daily wins, you’ll find more motivation to keep going.
5 Strategies to Prioritize Your Health in 2025
Here are practical, achievable steps you can take to focus on your health, stay consistent, and feel better throughout the year:
1. Set Tiny, Achievable Goals
Most people fail because they set goals that are too big and unsustainable. Start small:
- Walk for 10 minutes after each meal. This can help lower post-meal blood sugar levels and boost energy.
- Swap one unhealthy snack for a healthy one, like nuts or an apple.
- Spend 5 minutes stretching or practicing deep breathing before bed.
These small wins add up, and success will motivate you to keep going.
2. Focus on Immediate Benefits
Instead of focusing on long-term outcomes like “avoiding complications,” focus on how healthy habits make you feel now:
- Exercise boosts your mood, reduces stress, and gives you energy.
- Eating balanced meals helps you avoid energy crashes and cravings.
- Staying hydrated improves focus and reduces fatigue.
When you connect actions to how you feel today, staying consistent becomes easier.
3. Make a Plan for Challenges
Life gets busy, so it’s important to plan for obstacles. For example:
- If you know you’re too tired to cook at night, prepare healthy meals on weekends or use simple recipes with minimal effort.
- If you struggle with emotional eating, keep healthy snacks readily available.
- If exercise feels overwhelming, choose activities you enjoy, like dancing, yoga, or walking with a friend.
Having a plan helps you stick to your goals even when life gets tough.
4. Track Your Progress and Celebrate Small Wins
Keep track of the small actions you take, like walking more or eating balanced meals. Use a journal, phone app, or simple checklist. Celebrate when you notice improvements:
- “I slept better after walking yesterday.”
- “My blood sugar was lower this morning after I ate a balanced dinner.”
Every positive step deserves to be celebrated! Focusing on progress, not perfection, will keep you motivated.
5. Build a Support System
You don’t have to do this alone. Surround yourself with people who understand your goals and encourage you.
- Join a group for women managing Type 2 diabetes. Sharing experiences and challenges can help you stay accountable.
- Talk to your family and let them know how they can support you—like joining you for walks or cooking healthy meals together.
- Work with a health coach or healthcare provider who can guide you through your journey.
Why 2025 Can Be Different
This coming year doesn’t have to be like every other year. By understanding why it’s hard to prioritize your health and taking small, intentional steps, you can create real, lasting change.
Remember:
- You don’t have to be perfect. Small, consistent actions make a big difference.
- Focus on the immediate benefits of healthy habits, like more energy, fewer cravings, and better sleep.
- Lean on a support system, celebrate progress, and be kind to yourself along the way.
Taking care of your health now means a better quality of life today and in the years to come. You have the power to take control—one step at a time.
Your Challenge for the New Year
This January, choose one small action to focus on for three weeks. It could be walking for 10 minutes each day, swapping out sugary drinks for water, or trying a new, healthy recipe. Write down how it makes you feel and celebrate your progress!
Health isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about building habits that work for you. Let 2025 be the year you prioritize your health and see the difference it can make.
References
- Callari, M. (2024). Why Do People Struggle to Prioritize Their Long-Term Health? Medscape. Retrieved from medscape.com.
- World Health Organization (2023). Healthy Lifestyle Guidelines. Retrieved from who.int.
- American Diabetes Association (2023). Type 2 Diabetes and Physical Activity. Retrieved from diabetes.org.
