When you have diabetes, a lot of changes have to be made. You may be upset by all these changes. You may also fear that diabetes will cause you serious health problems. This can make you sad, angry or depressed. Most people grieve over what they have to change to take care of themselves. If everything seems too difficult, you may even want to deny you have diabetes. Acting like you don't have diabetes is a big mistake.
How to Cope.
Everyone deals with diabetes differently. You may need time to find out what helps you. Here are some ideas that have helped others:
* Set goals, but don't expect perfection. Breakdown all the things you do to control your diabetes into small steps. Some people become discouraged when they focus too much on the final outcome. Instead celebrate when you achieve even a few steps toward your final goal.
* Learn how to relax-Diabetes can cause stress. Good stress reducers are moderate exercise, deep breathing, thinking about pleasant places or enjoying a hobby. Plan time to relax every day and your diabetes control may improve.
* Share your feelings with your medical team and family. Don't assume other people know how you feel. Talk about your concerns to find ways to handle them better. You may handle things better once an understanding person listens.
* Join a support group-Many people find diabetic support groups helpful. No one understands your struggle better than someone who also has diabetes. Support groups can also expose you to new diabetes management ideas.
* Keep a journal-Sometimes writing down your thoughts relieves some of the pressure. Just seeing your concern in black and white may help you find new ways to deal with them.
Sometimes our family or friends do not support us as well as they could. You may have to be firm about sticking to your diabetes management plan. If you are serious about your diabetes, others will become more serious too. Remember, you cannot do a good job caring for others if you don't take care of yourself first.
Learn More about Managing Diabetes at Diabetes101
GAINESVILLE, Ga.-Learn more about successfully managing diabetes at Diabetes 101, Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Georgia Mountains Center in Gainesville.
Area physicians, nurses, diabetes educators and nutritionists will lead workshops on topics such as carbohydrate counting; new treatments; preventing heart, kidney and eye disease; diabetes in children; men's and women's health issues; exercise and weight loss; modifying recipes and much more. Programs are designed for people with prediabetes, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and their family and friends. The sessions will take place throughout the day from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., with lunch included. The registration fee is $10 per person; $15 after September 19. Call 1-888-DIABETES (34223837) to register or for more information.
Debbie Wilburn is County Agent/Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Hall (770)535-8290 and the Forsyth (770)887-2418 County Extension Service.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/9/172147