Embrace Progress, Not Perfection: A Fresh Take on Blood Sugars
If you’ve ever caught yourself staring at your glucose meter in frustration, you’re not alone. Many people living with diabetes get stuck chasing “perfect” numbers - but here’s the truth: perfection isn’t the goal, progress is.
It’s time to stop beating yourself up for every out-of-range reading and start celebrating the steps you’re taking toward better control.
The Real-Life Wake-Up Call
Not long ago, one of our patients shared that she was feeling discouraged because her blood sugars were averaging around 165. She compared herself to others who seemed to have their numbers “under control.”
But what she didn’t mention at first was that just a few months earlier, her average was closer to 200. That’s a huge improvement - nearly a 35-point drop in her average blood sugar.
When we asked, “Why are you frustrated when you’ve made such amazing progress?” she paused. She realized she hadn’t even noticed how far she’d come.
And honestly, a lot of us fall into the same trap.
Why Chasing Perfect Blood Sugars Doesn’t Work
Diabetes isn’t a straight-line journey. Blood sugars fluctuate for so many reasons - stress, sleep, hormones, illness, meals, even weather changes. Trying to make every number perfect is not only unrealistic, it’s exhausting.
Perfection-focused thinking can lead to:
- Frustration and burnout
- Ignoring real progress
- Feeling like you’re “failing” when you’re not
Instead, shifting your mindset to progress over perfection helps you stay consistent, positive, and motivated for the long run.
Progress Looks Different for Everyone
Progress could mean:
- Fewer highs or lows throughout the day
- Lower average glucose over time
- Improved time-in-range
- Learning how certain foods affect your blood sugar
- Feeling more confident managing diabetes on your own
Every improvement, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
Focus on the Trend, Not the Moment
If one reading looks off, zoom out. What does your week or month look like overall? That’s where progress shows up.
Remember - one “bad” number doesn’t erase your effort or success. What matters most is your overall direction.
Your Wins Count - Every Single One
Managing diabetes is about learning, adjusting, and improving. Every step forward, every lesson learned, and every day you show up for yourself is progress.
You’re not striving for perfection - you’re building consistency, confidence, and control. And that’s something to be proud of.
So the next time you check your meter or CGM, remember: your numbers don’t define your worth. What matters most is the effort you’re putting in, and the progress you’re making one day at a time.
Final Thoughts
Perfection is impossible - progress is everything. The real victory lies in showing up, learning, and taking action.
Every small win adds up to big change. So take a breath, acknowledge how far you’ve come, and keep going. You’re doing better than you think.
