New Year's is a perfect time to reflect on the year past and the year ahead. The beginning of the year is a natural time to start new habits and set goals for the year to come. If you have diabetes, here are some ideas to focus on when making your New Year's resolutions for 2019.

See your doctor regularly

Talk to your podiatrist, endocrinologist, or general practitioner to come up with a plan for how many visits you should make to the doctor's office each year. If your diabetes is well managed, most physician's recommend a doctor's visit every 3-6 months for a regular checkup including blood work such as an A1C test (see below). If your blood sugar is higher, a doctor may recommend a visit every 3 months.Make sure to talk with your doctor about what he or she recommends for your individual needs.

Know your numbers

A great goal to incorporate into your New Year's resolutions is lowering your hemoglobin A1C. This number shows your average blood glucose level for the previous three months. Keeping your A1C in check is one of the best ways for your doctor to tell if your diabetes is managed well.If you don't know your A1C, ask your doctor to give you more information. Keeping track of your A1C can help you make better-informed decisions about your health.

Plan healthy meals

The best way to make sure you eat healthfully is to plan out and prepare your meals in advance. That way, you know exactly where and when your next healthy meal is coming from. It also keeps you on track with eating constantly throughout the day. Consistent eating helps keep your blood sugar stable, prevents you from overeating, and sets you up to make healthy choices.

Add exercise into your routine

Every little bit helps when it comes to exercise! If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of adding exercise to your day, here are some great ways to sneak it in:

• Park a few blocks away from your destination to add in a quick stroll.
• Get outside! Being outdoors can make exercise seem effortless. A quick walk around the block, gardening, or even a swim at your local pool can be fun and get your cardio in.
• You can stretch before you even get out of bed. Set aside 2-3 minutes every morning for a quick few stretches to wake your body up.

Manage your stress

While we often think about the physical aspects of health, emotional health is equally as important and connected to physical health. Stress can have a massive impact on your health and wellbeing. Something to keep in mind when you're making your resolutions is prioritizing your health above all else and cutting out things that bring you lots of stress. You'll feel happier, and your body will thank you too.From all of us at Siren, have a safe and happy new year!Disclaimer: Foot ulcer symptoms may vary from individual to individual. Please consult with your doctor before pursuing any type of treatment.[comment]