Do Not Let a Diabetes Diagnosis Get You Down

Finding out that you have a chronic condition can be a huge shock to the system. Adding to the unwelcome news that you have a health condition for which there is no cure is the reality that diabetes management means making lifestyle changes, some of which may be dramatic depending on your current day-to-day activities.

For some it may be difficult getting used to this new normal and learning how to manage diabetes. Denial or anger would not be surprising responses. Nor would feeling a range of emotions, including anxiety, depression and even hopelessness, that can impede your diabetes management.  You may even feel your self-confidence slipping, knowing you have a chronic condition, which sets you apart from others not experiencing this life-changing situation.

You also may feel you are to blame for getting diabetes if you do not exercise or are overweight.  However, it may be that you have no control over getting the disease because your body does not use insulin well. Also, factors such as heredity and even race and ethnicity can increase your chances of getting the disease.

Talking to someone you trust to share your feelings can be helpful. Even keeping a diary to track your emotions and in which you can record and celebrate your successes in coping with the disease can boost your feelings. A diary also can help identify connections between how you feel physically and emotionally.

You also want to be as informed as possible on how to manage diabetes.  Understand your new responsibilities and what diabetes management will require. Get all the necessary information to make informed decisions.

Ways to cope with depression

The CDC reports that people with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have depression than people without diabetes. Only 25% to 50% of people with diabetes who have depression get diagnosed and treated. But treatment—therapy, medicine, or both—is usually very effective. And without treatment, depression often gets worse, not better. [1] Getting support from family or friends or other people who have had similar experiences may also help.

CDC notes that symptoms of depression can be mild to severe, and include:[2]

• Feeling sad or empty
• Losing interest in favorite activities
• Overeating or not wanting to eat at all
• Not being able to sleep or sleeping too much
• Having trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Feeling very tired
• Feeling hopeless, irritable, anxious, or guilty
• Having aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
• Having thoughts of suicide or death

Diabetes management guidelines for reducing stress

Stress over learning you have a chronic disease may be compounded by concern over the costs of medications and worry about developing diabetes-related complications.  Heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage and vision loss are other serious conditions that can develop from having diabetes. Things you can do to lower stress include:

Try to remain positive:  It is easy to focus on the negative when things challenge or trouble you. But it is important to find good in each area of your life. Focusing on the good can boost your spirits during the bad times.

Find stress-reducing activities: You can lower your stress through meditation and yoga. Good self-care also can include going for walks, getting a massage, relaxing with a good book and focusing on a hobby.

Build a support system: Your support system can include family and friends who know about your condition and how to help you if you experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can result in confusion, shakiness, headaches, and even loss of consciousness).  They should be advised of medicines you take and the foods you eat to help you if you have a problem.

Talk to your healthcare providers: Share your feelings and anxiety with your healthcare providers.  You may be concerned about developing other diabetes related complications and the financial impact of treating the disease as it relates to paying for insulin, medications, and other supplies. You also may be worried about maintaining your new daily regime.  Your healthcare team can help problem-solve these issues or refer you to other providers who can. [3]

Exercise daily: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. The American Diabetes Association recommends getting 150 minutes of exercise a week.

Pace yourself: Do not try to make all changes at once. You already have patterns that dictate certain aspects of your life – the foods you eat, how much you exercise, time spent on outside interests. Rather than making radical changes, manage your diabetes with small changes to gradually adapt to your new management guidelines.

Take time to do things you enjoy: Give yourself a break. Make time each day to do something you really love to do. Plan something with a friend or a family member or work on a project that engages your mind and your creativity.

Once you accept your situation and understand that you can continue to thrive, you will be on the right path toward enjoying a productive, full life with few complications.

Hashtags:

#diabetes #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetessupport

[1] “Diabetes and Mental Health,” CDC, Accessed October 3, 2024.  ttps://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/mental-health.html

[2] “Diabetes and Mental Health,” CDC

[3] “10 Tips for Coping with Diabetes Distress,” CDC, Accessed October 3, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/diabetes-distress/ten-tips-coping-diabetes-distress.html