Glucose basics
How to build healthy habits that actually stick
Published: Aug. 19, 2025
Updated: Aug. 20, 2025
2 min read
The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.
Successfully changing your habits and engaging in new routines is always something to be proud of. It can also be quite a challenge. What it takes is finding the right mix of tools, support, and self-awareness. That’s the first step toward building healthy habits that feel good and do good.
If you’re ready to build (or rebuild) routines that support your glucose health goals, here are a few ideas to keep in mind.
1. Start smaller than you think
We love an ambitious goal. But let’s be honest: sometimes the reason we get off track is because we go too big, too fast. Instead, think about one small change that feels doable this week. Something like:
- Adding a veggie to lunch
- Taking a 10-minute walk after dinner
- Going to bed 30 minutes earlier
Small habits build momentum. And momentum builds confidence. Setting realistic and achievable goals is a much stronger path than trying to overhaul everything all at once.
2. Your surroundings are your secret weapon
The spaces around you shape your choices more than you might think. If your pantry is packed with ultra-processed snacks, that’s what’s easiest to reach for. If your calendar has no room to breathe, self-care can be the first thing to get squeezed out.
So make your environment work for you:
- Have healthy, go-to snacks in easy reach
- Keep a water bottle near your desk or bag
- Look for natural openings in your schedule (even 15 minutes) to fit in a walk, a meal prep moment, or a wind-down routine
The idea isn’t perfection. It’s just shifting your surroundings to support the kind of choices you know you want to make.
3. Friends can make everyday habits fun
Routines are stickier when someone’s doing them with you or cheering you on. Whether it’s a walking buddy, a friend who swaps recipes with you, or someone who’s also trying to get more sleep, accountability and encouragement go a long way.
You can also ask for support in more practical ways:
- See if a partner or relative can watch the kids while you prep meals
- Trade grocery runs with a friend
- Join a local class or community group that aligns with your goals
Healthy habits don’t have to be a solo mission.
4. Knowledge leads to confidence
As you create new habits, you’re not just making different choices; you’re learning what works for you in particular. That’s a big win. The more you understand your body, your schedule, and your needs, the more personalized and powerful your routines become.
Use trusted sources to guide you. This could be your healthcare practitioner or a registered dietitian. In addition, a glucose biosensor like Stelo can help you see how your daily habits—like what you eat, how you move, how you sleep, and how you manage stress—shape your glucose throughout the day. Connecting the dots between your choices and your glucose patterns can give you the kinds of personalized insights that unlock your potential for meaningful progress.
And don’t forget to celebrate what you’ve already done. Even if you’re not where you want to be yet, every positive step is proof that you can do hard things.
Keep going
Sustaining habits for the long run isn’t just about willpower. It’s about intention, support, and self-awareness. Stelo will help you see what’s working and adjust what isn’t, so you can build the kinds of habits that last. And that’s where you start to feel not just healthier, but more in tune with yourself than ever before.
Curated & reviewed by: Maggie Crawford,
PhD, MPH
PhD, MPH
Maggie Crawford is the Senior Manager of Behavioral Science at Dexcom. She has a PhD in Public Health, Health Behavior and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
