If you live with a hectic schedule — social commitments, travelling across several time zones or dealing with children and their many activities — it can be easy to delay or even forget your diabetes appointments.

Although it is difficult, being both time and energy-consuming, you might find that staying on top of your appointments gives you reassurance to confidently manage your diabetes.

Making use of your healthcare team and their expertise can be invaluable, wherever you are on your diabetes journey.

Some areas you can concentrate on are:

• Visiting your doctor every three months or so
• Having an eye check once a year
• Checking your weight on a regular basis
• Having your HbA1c measured every 6 months
• Talking to your doctor about any problems you have been experiencing
• Having regular foot checks

Staying on top of these appointments may seem like a lot of scheduling and sitting in waiting rooms, but it is time well spent.

Honouring your commitment to looking after your own health is what helps you to keep up with the demands of a busy lifestyle. Making sure you are fit and well should help you get you through the most hectic days, weeks, or months. You might even find you enjoy it!