We’ve all been there. One postponed doctor appointment here, an unchanged lancet there. Because diabetes is such a time-consuming condition, it can be easy to take a few shortcuts in your care plan. Unfortunately, these seemingly helpful time-savers can develop into bad habits–ones that make managing your diabetes more difficult in the long run. To help you get back on track, we’ve rounded up the top 6 bad diabetes habits and replaced them with good ones. Though it may take a little longer than 21 days to totally change, there’s no reason you can’t start now! Bad habit: You put off doctor appointments Why it’s bad: No one likes going to the doctor, and trying to schedule time for an appointment often seems like more trouble than it’s worth. However, skipping or postponing your checkups means you’re missing out on crucial tests, such as an A1C measurement and foot exams. How you can change: The American Diabetes Association recommends people with diabetes see their doctor at least twice a year, though people who are newly diagnosed may benefit from a checkup once every three months. Talk to your doctor to find out what kind of schedule is right for you. Bad habit: You can’t remember the last time you changed your lancet Why it’s bad: Blood glucose testing has come a long way in the last few years. Most lancets are so small and efficient that they can be used more than once. While it may seem faster and cheaper to reuse the same one week after week, your lancet will eventually become dull, germy, and less effective. How you can change: While the jury is still out on exactly how often you should change your lancet, doctors recommend using a new one either everyday or every time you test. Bad habit: You don’t use a blood sugar log Why it’s bad: Monitoring your blood sugar is one of the most important ways you can keep your diabetes under control and prevent complications. Dangerously low glucose levels can lead to fainting and insulin shock, while blood sugar that is too high for too long can result in kidney failure, heart disease, and nerve damage. By keeping a blood sugar log, you’ll be able to notice patterns in your sugars that help you prevent extreme highs and lows. An up-to-date logbook can also help your doctor provide better treatment at your next diabetes checkup. How you can change: Start keeping track of your blood sugars every time you test. Not a fan of a pencil and paper? Try the mySugars log at My Diabetes Home. There, you can enter your sugars at your computer or on the go with your tablet or smartphone. Bad habit: You estimate too much when counting carbs Why it’s bad: Think there’s only 20 carbs in that slice of pizza? Think again. Even carb-counting whizzes are guilty of under- or overestimating the number of carbohydrates in a meal. If your numbers are off by too much, you’ll likely suffer the consequence of high or low blood sugar after you eat. How you can change: For the most accurate carb measurement, read the nutrition labels on your food before you chow down. If you’re eating out, read up on a dish’s carb count before you go. Many restaurants offer a nutritional breakdown of the entire menu online. Bad habit: You don’t make time for exercise Why it’s bad: According to WebMD, regular exercise can help you manage your blood sugar, burn fat, build muscle, reduce stress, and sleep better. Being sedentary, or staying on the couch, is linked to obesity, heart disease, and even cancer. How you can change: Start small. Begin by setting an attainable goal for yourself such as walking during your lunch break every day or going to the park instead of watching TV after dinner. All it takes is 30 minutes, five days a week to see benefits. Bad habit: You skimp on sleep Why it’s bad: When you aren’t getting enough zzzs, it’s harder for your body to break down glucose. This makes managing your diabetes much more difficult. In addition, sleep deprivation can lead to cravings and an increased appetite, making it harder for you to turn down fatty and sugary snacks. According to the American Heart Association, people who are sleep deprived eat an average of 550 extra calories each day. How you can change: The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. If you’re clocking in fewer, it may be time to rethink your schedule. If you have difficulty falling or staying asleep, talk to your doctor for help.