Is there a lesson to be learned from being diagnosed with diabetes? If so, what is the lesson needed that has created an epidemic of diabetes in this country and the world today? Can this epidemic be slowed?Currently over 20 million people in the United States have diabetes. At least 95% of those 20 million people have Type 2 diabetes, or the type associated with obesity and resistance to the insulin produced by the body. Type 1 diabetes accounts for the other 5% of people with diabetes, is usually diagnosed in children and is an autoimmune disease that stops insulin production in the body. Both conditions produce high blood sugars, and require daily vigilance regarding diet, exercise, and paying special attention to your physical body. Diabetes currently accounts for over $100 billion in annual healthcare expenditures in the U.S. and accounts for 28% of the medicare dollars spent each year.
I have had Type 1 diabetes for 36 years now, which I believe qualifies me to discuss what is learned from living with diabetes. When I was diagnosed with diabetes I was devastated. I was given the task of finding joy in my life differently than most people that I knew. Like most 12 year olds, I wanted to “fit in” and be like my peers. Over the years I have had many lessons from diabetes that keep repeating. Some lessons apply to any chronic illness, and some are specific to diabetes.
The first lesson from diabetes is: You are unique and must accept yourself, and love yourself for who you are to stay healthy. When you accept that your body has special needs and that you can adjust your life to fulfill those needs, your life improves. If you feel sorry for yourself and neglect your health needs, you will suffer.
The second lesson from diabetes is: Self discipline is good and can be done with joy, without suffering. Our society often says that “spontaneity is fun” and “discipline” is a drag that leads to suffering. Yet self discipline is required to practice and learn new skills. To graduate from high school, first you must have the self discipline to get out of bed and show up for class. To hold a job you must have the self discipline to develop a routine where you can get to work on time, cooperate with your boss, and complete your work as expected. Self discipline is an important part of life, and achieving your goals.
To change your attitude about self discipline regarding food you must ask yourself, “What is missing from my life that I refuse to eat in a disciplined way? Is there another reason that I eat unhealthy foods?” Carbohydrates can have a calming effect and produce a sense of relaxation. If a person is overly stressed or has difficulty sleeping, they may overeat in an attempt to release stress. People with diabetes must learn new ways to nurture themselves to relax.
The third lesson from diabetes is: You are more than your latest blood sugar level. Most physicians value patient blood sugar levels over general patient well being. Patients are often told to worry about complications if they run high blood sugars, which can create fear, guilt, anger and long term stress.
The rate of depression among people diagnosed with diabetes is MUCH higher than the general population. Patients must be helped to become less fearful and not suffer over an occasional high blood sugar. When patients hate to check blood sugar levels because the numbers are always “too high” or “bad”, patients stop checking blood sugar levels. If every test affects self esteem, then there is a problem. Blood sugars are information and must be used to help patients accept their own needs.
The fourth lesson from diabetes is: Never, absolutely never, give up on deciding to love your life living with diabetes.
While some people with diabetes may be cured by loosing weight, discontinuing medications or changing their diet, most people will spend many years learning the lessons of diabetes. When people with diabetes decide that life is good and that they are grateful to be alive, managing diabetes gets easier. It's all attitude!
How can life be sweet even if you must take medications, watch your diet, and love your body? See what you choose to focus on in your life. Fill up your life with loving people, creative activities that you love, speak about life and yourself with joy.
The fifth lesson from diabetes is: Get help, stay motivated and surround yourself with support.
Let other people know that you have diabetes, don’t hide it or be embarrassed by the diagnosis. A wonderful way of living with diabetes is by being a diabetes D.I.V.A, which stands for Disciplined, Informed, Visible, and Active.
Create a support system of people who support the fabulousness of YOU, and help you maintain your goals to love life fully. It can be challenging to stay motivated to live a healthy lifestyle unless you surround yourself with people who share your value for good health. If all your friends love to spend social time eating sweets or drinking alcohol, then is that supporting YOU? Weight Watchers has weekly meetings to keep people motivated to follow a healthy diet. Find a doctor that you feel comfortable with and who encourages your efforts, avoid dreading going to a cranky doctor.
The sixth lesson of diabetes is: To enjoy your body by being active, keeping food and activity in balance.
Find an activity that you love, such as swing dancing, yoga, tai chi, power walking with a friend, jazzercise, dog training, gardening, biking as you watch sports on TV, or even massaging your feet. Figure out what you enjoy, and find a way to do it daily. Set yourself goals for time spent being active in a way you enjoy (lesson #2) .
The seventh lesson of diabetes is: To love all types of food without being overly attached to one type of food, and don’t feel denied.
When we are overly attached to something then we suffer without it. Some foods become a type of addiction for people. If I believe that I have no control over how I eat, or am being controlled by cravings, it is time to get help. Identify beliefs about food that are controlling your behavior. Take your power back to look at your beliefs and habits. Examine your attachments to certain foods and decide what you can let go of or adjust.
So what are the lessons that our country needs to learn to slow down this epidemic of diabetes?
1. Love and accept your body needs, avoid feeling sorry for yourself, perfection is not an option.
2. Practice self discipline with joy, and be patient while working toward your goals.
3. Set goals, don't suffer over one blood sugar, send yourself positive messages about your health.
4. Love life, celebrate life, never give up on loving life.
5. Get help and create a network to support your goals for good health.
6. Enjoy being active daily.
7. Love food without extreme attachment
Bringing these lessons into your life now will decrease your risk on developing diabetes. Learn the lessons now. Pass it on.
Namaste, Anne
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