Living with diabetes on a daily basis is challenging as it is. From the constant pokes with a needle to the monitoring of blood sugar levels, to counting carbs and more.
It is a never ending process, even when you are sleeping, chances are you’re dreaming of something diabetes related, or get woken up from a low or high blood sugar. Every once in a while, you probably just wish for a break from it all.
While unfortunately, you can’t necessarily take a break from diabetes, as much as you want to, you can change the way you think about things in a more positive light. When we dwell on the negativity that comes with the disease, it tends to take us over. In time you will notice that you no longer wake up happy, you instead wake up to the thought of doing everything to manage your diabetes all over again, like an endless cycle.
You May not have Control over Diabetes, But You Control Your Mind
I’m not a professional by any means, nor do I live with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) myself, but I am a mother of two children with type 1 diabetes. While the effects of what is happening in their body do not directly affect my body, I am still responsible for teaching these two kids how to live a happy, full life, despite the fact they have a chronic condition that will always be with them.
This is a huge responsibility! How they manage their diabetes when they are adults will be a direct impact of what I teach them during the years they are with me. Sure teaching them all the basics and necessary skills on how to test their blood sugar, count carbs, give insulin, etc. is all VERY important, their mental health and inner dialogue on having diabetes is also very important.
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With that being said, I’ve decided years ago when my son was first diagnosed to not dwell on what we cannot change or control. Instead, we are responsible for our own thoughts. Yes, I was upset and heartbroken that this was his new ‘normal’ but the pity party didn’t last forever. Living that way was no way to live at all. We look at each new day as a blessing, as a chance to go off and achieve our goals that we didn’t get the chance to do the day before.
My point to all this is that you may not be able to control aspects of having diabetes or diabetes itself, but you control your mind and the way you think. Here’s a fun way to distract yourself and others around you about what having diabetes really means. It’s a fun step to create a light and entertaining attitude about diabetes in general. When things are tough and challenging, being able to laugh can reduce stress.
For those of you who like the medical statistics side of things, laughter decreases the stress hormones in your body. It triggers the release of endorphins which are responsible for the well-being and feel good sensations you get. And in some cases, endorphins have been known to relieve pain temporarily. So there you have it! Take some time and laugh today! Decrease your stress levels and since stress has been proven to increase blood sugar levels, maybe you’ll even decrease your blood sugar levels as well.
So You know You’re a Person with Diabetes When………………………
- You can play connect the dots on your fingers
- A juice box has saved your life
- A naked shower is something you celebrate
- You have a different meaning for the word “GUSHER”, not just the fruit snacks.
- Being hungry because your high has a totally different meaning.
- Your friends and family can locate you by the trail of test strips you leave behind.
- Go take a shot, doesn’t mean alcohol!
- When your T1 kid is chewing his nails and you wonder if they have carbs in them.
- You cut yourself and you use that as an opportunity to test yourself because you can’t waste blood.
- You wear your organ on the outside of your body.
- Your math skills are off the hook!
- You wake up the next morning from a low aftermath and it appears that a thief has ransacked your kitchen.
- You don’t know what a butter compartment is? You mean the insulin compartment right?
- When someone yell’s that’s BS but you’re confused how it’s blood sugar?
- Your friends come to you asking if you think they have diabetes.
- When you have an amazing ability to SWAG and I’m not talking about your style!
- You can’t go away for an overnight trip without 3 bags.
- When you hear someone use the word “bolus” or “basal” and you feel you have found your people…
- You haven’t slept a full night of sleep in who knows how long……
- You hear a friend talking about an insurance issue, and you guide them step by step on how to get it approved easily.
- When most people burn calories after exercise and you have to consume calories….
- You know your pharmacist by name and even exchange Christmas Cards
- When you see the word “HI” and know it’s not the meter saying Hello!
Do you have any good ones to add to my list? I’m sure there are so many more out there that I haven’t come up with yet. Let me know by responding in the comments below!
TheDiabetesCouncil Article | Reviewed by Dr. Jack Isler MD on May 27, 2020
