Little things can make or break us! There is a time to stand still and a time to flee, a time to choose, and a time to avoid. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, paying attention to the little things in life can make a huge U-turn in terms of your health.

There is a time to refrain from the baked goods aisle in the grocery store, and a time to spend in the produce aisle. Every shopper has fallen into the snare of compulsively buying sweets and junk food, which we know leads to destruction of our health. Dangers are all around us. We are surrounded by food day in and day out. We are reminded that delicious but unhealthy foods are at our fingertips when we watch television, go to the mall, or even attend a church picnic.

This week, the local store in a nearby town started their close-out sale. There were many bargains to behold, and the temptation to just buy whatever at 50 percent off was tempting. However, I restrained myself and did considerably well in choosing healthy products such as whole grain breads and pastas, cereals, beans, fruits, and lean meats. Even though the produce and most of the dairy was sold out, the savings were huge, and this one shopping trip will help our family budget for weeks to come.

Taking time to read labels on products is a little thing that will help your health in the long run. Are you noticing the sodium, sugar, carbohydrates, cholesterol, and calorie counts? Are you are buying nutritional foods -- or unhealthy, processed foods?

For the diabetic, many little things can impact the health. I’ve learned that having oatmeal for breakfast lowers cholesterol and keeps blood sugar levels under control. My diabetic husband Don and I have oatmeal many a morning. Being active and taking time to take a daily walk is also important.

Ice cream is a summer-time favorite for many people. However, a little thing such as exchanging a bowl of ice cream for a sugar-free pop is a great idea. It satisfies that sweet craving and is low in calories. They have a minimal impact on blood sugar, too!

Sitting down to eat at the kitchen table is yet another little thing that helps the waistline. Taking the time to focus on what you are eating instead of mindlessly eating while watching TV can be a huge. Taking the time to chew your food thoroughly and appreciate each bite helps.

It is wise to change up little things in recipes, too. In baking, use applesauce or canned 100% pumpkin puree to reduce the calories in cakes, cookies, or other desserts. Reducing the amount of sugar in a recipe by a quarter of what it calls for can also make a huge impact on your waistline (for example, use 3/4 cup sugar instead of a full cup). Cutting back on dessert toppings, like glazes, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce, can also help.

Swapping out white breads and white pastas for whole grain versions has significantly helped our waistlines and improved our health. What seems to be just a little thing has become a huge thing for our family over the past 7 months.

Sleep can be a little thing as well! Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep is essential for weight control. You simply aren’t snacking  when you are awake. Plus, sleep can help you lose weight because you will be more alert to make wiser decisions.

When at a restaurant, the little things can add up quite quickly. Choosing broiled, baked, or boiled entrees over fried can be a big calorie changer. Skipping extras other than the main meal -- like appetizers and the bread basket -- helps, too. Drink healthy, low-cal beverages like water with optional added lemon, unsweetened tea, or non-fat milk or low-fat milk in place of a sweet, high-calorie beverage. This one swap can decrease your calorie intake by 300 calories or more. Many times, we get refills, and that really adds up if we didn’t choose wisely.

A small thing like a coupon can help in the grocery line and in the pocketbook. When you have a family member with diabetes, there are increased costs for medications and health products, and every little saving does count.

Cutting calories to reduce weight may seem small, but is actually a huge thing for a diabetic. Replacing big portions with smaller meals can help. For some people, eating several small meals is more satisfying than eating three large meals. Replacing a huge entree with a bean salad and a piece of fruit can provide you with a fabulous source of vegetarian protein and fiber. It will keep you full and prevent dangerous spikes in blood sugar.

Adding spinach or other darkly-colored greens to lettuce salads benefits you greatly. Greens replenish your body with antioxidants, vitamin K, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. And they also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that act like sunscreen for your eyes and guard against macular degeneration. They're good for bone and cardiovascular health, too. Iron in spinach and other greens is good for hair and nail health and strength.

Choosing dark chocolate rather than milk chocolate can provide health benefits as well. Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, a type of antioxidants, and a small daily dose may help lower your blood pressure, improve blood flow, and boost your overall heart health -- more little things that can deliver a health payoff.

Eating meals on a regular schedule is another little thing that can have a huge impact on blood sugar levels. I remind my husband many times to eat at least something even if he isn’t hungry when he doesn’t eat again six hours after a meal.  Keeping blood sugar steady is important if you are diabetic.

Sadly, I’m reminded of a 8-year-old girl who lives near me. Just weeks ago, she  received the news that she has type 1 diabetes. Her blood sugar level was well over 500 when she was tested and retested. She became extremely tired and exhausted. She now takes 6 to 8 insulin injections daily, and has to closely monitor her blood sugar around the clock. It is a nightmare for the family. They are learning more about diabetes each day and have learned quickly how to care for their daughter.  It has become an entire family life-style change for each family member, and they are all eating healthier now, and all are losing weight, and struggling with added costs to their young family.

There are also little things you can do to protect yourself from diabetic emergencies. My husband always wears a special alert necklace that notes he is diabetic. Keeping a list of medications in your wallet may also be helpful in an emergency situation. Changes to your eyes, feet, and other body parts are important little things to keep in mind.

Are you using little things to make or break you? You control whether all of these little things will improve, protect, or destroy your health. The choice is yours!