Monique Marais outlines both the physical and emotional highs and lows of living with diabetes.
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Living with diabetes is a complex and multi-faceted journey marked by triumphs and tribulations. On one hand, advancements in medical care and self-management strategies enable you to navigate the condition with greater ease, allowing for moments of normalcy and resilience. The successes, whether mastering blood glucose control, completing a challenging workout, or simply enjoying a favourite meal, foster a sense of accomplishment and hope.
However, the lows can be debilitating: the relentless monitoring, the guilt and shame tied to food choices, the ever-present fear of complications, and the emotional toll of living with a chronic condition. The rollercoaster of emotions, coupled with the physical demands, can leave you feeling drained, isolated, and uncertain about their future.
It’s important to know the risks involved with hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia.
Hyperglycaemia
Hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose) can pose significant risks to your health, particularly if left untreated or poorly managed. Here are some potential risks:
Hypoglycaemia
On the other hand, we have hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) which poses significant risks, especially if severe or untreated. Here are potential risks:
Emotional highs and lows
Just as you can experience highs and lows with your blood glucose levels, you can also experience highs and lows emotionally. Diabetes can significantly impact your mood, leading to emotional fluctuations and challenges.
Managing your well-being can be a continuous challenge, requiring constant vigilance in monitoring blood glucose levels, making careful dietary choices, and navigating decision fatigue.
Additionally, managing weight gain and coping with the emotional strain of maintaining control over diabetes can be overwhelming. Balancing these responsibilities often takes a toll, both physically and mentally, as you strive to manage your condition as effectively as possible.
It’s important to understand that throughout this journey, you may experience fluctuations in both your emotional well-being and blood glucose levels. However, by continually educating yourself about the condition and its management, you will be better able to recognise potential risks and concerns early. This proactive approach empowers you to take preventative actions, helping you to address issues before they escalate into crises.
Emotional coping strategies
Empower yourself by adopting effective coping strategies to manage the emotional and physiological highs and lows associated with diabetes. Some helpful techniques include:
- Practicing mindfulness and relaxation methods.
- Engaging in regular exercise and physical activity.
- Building and maintaining social support networks.
- Seeking counselling or therapy when needed.
- Participating in diabetes education and self-management programmes.
- Utilising stress management strategies, such as deep breathing exercises or yoga.
- Connecting with others who are living with diabetes for mutual support and shared experiences.
These strategies can help enhance resilience and improve overall well-being in managing the condition.
Commitment and vigilance
Living with diabetes is undoubtedly a lifelong journey that requires commitment and vigilance, but it’s a manageable condition. By adhering to a prescribed treatment plan, making informed lifestyle choices, and prioritising both physical and mental health, you can effectively manage your diabetes and lead a fulfilling life.
Consistent monitoring, healthy eating, regular exercise, and a strong support network all contribute to better health outcomes. Furthermore, taking care of your mental well-being is equally important, as stress management and emotional resilience play a significant role in overall health.
With the right approach and mindset, diabetes can be controlled, allowing you to live well and thrive. By implementing a positive outlook, and connecting with resources, we believe you will have more positive experiences than negative ones. Good luck on your journey and remember that you are not alone.
MEET THE EXPERT
Monique Marais is a registered social worker at Care@Midstream sub-acute, specialising in physical rehabilitation for the past 11 years. She has a passion for the medical field and assisting people to understand and manage their diagnoses and the impact on their bio-psychosocial well-being.
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