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huge amount of interest in the subject of diet. There are new, old, protein, high carbohydrate, low carbohydrate, you name it diet plans. Dietitians in the field of diabetes care have been advocating the importance of diet in the control of blood sugars for a long time. Diets may come and go but the significance of diet in the quality of life for persons with diabetes is absolutely crucial. By establishing healthy eating habits the person with diabetes is more in control than the person who eats unplanned. Diet is a major behavioral issue for patients with diabetes. A dietitian plays a key role in the diabetes care team.

3. Exercise

While your at the book store the only other "self-help" section that may be as large as the diet section is the exercise isle. There are many great books on exercise. Turn on the television after new years and your likely to be bombarded by an array of exercise gizmos and gadgets that promise to make you lean, muscular, and feel "energized. The only thing they won't do is motivate you to get off your tush and do the exercises regularly and incorporate it as a regular habit in your lifestyle. This is without a doubt a behavioral issue. The exercise physiologist is another important member of the diabetes care team.

4. Medication Management

The role of medication management - whether it be insulin or oral medication - is a behavioral issue. The patient who understands the role of medication in controlling diabetes and is able to take medications in a sound and systematic way is better able to control blood sugar levels. Patients must be motivated to understand the significance proper medication management plays in their overall health. The doctor can prescribe medicine but it is up to the patient to take it as prescribed unless the patient is in hospitalization or under the care of someone who is giving the medication(s). Persons with diabetes must be motivated to work with their physician in finding a medication plan that helps them attain the best control possible.

Obviously behavior and motivation play an important role in the level of success with which a person with diabetes will manage their diabetes. But how do we encourage persons with diabetes to become motivated and take their care seriously? This is an age old problem of being able to lead the horse to water but being unable to get him to drink. How then do you motivate the unmotivated? The person who just does not seem to care or who has tried everything but just keeps

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