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Like most diabetics, I know the importance of diet and exercise to lower your blood sugar levels. But, one valuable and overlooked factor in managing diabetes is spirit.
The way I see it, having diabetes is like owning a pet dog. Try training a dog with negativity. It doesn’t work. The dog will growl at you. They respond better to positive gestures, and so does diabetes. If you're feeling confident, you’ll take more interest in caring for your diabetes. It won’t offer you it’s paw, like the dog. But a good outlook will give you more energy, a better spirit, and lower blood sugar numbers.
Negative emotions can play a troubling roll in diabetes management. If you don’t believe me, try this. Next time you’re in a rotten mood, test your blood sugar. I’ll bet it’s higher than you expected. It’s diabetes way of growling at you.
Below is a list of positive lessons I've learned from diabetes. I read it every time I want inspiration or a spirit-lifter. This list can do the same for you. 1. I’m Stronger Than I Think: When the doctor told me I had diabetes, the voice inside my head said, “You can’t handle this.” Thirty years later, I can say, “The voice in my head was wrong.” It hasn’t been easy, but few things in life are. I stepped up to the plate and took a swing and hit some foul balls, but so do professional baseball players. The key is don't quit. Step back up to the plate and take another swing. By being strong and persistent, a home run is in your future.
2. I’m in Control:
If I eat a large plate of spaghetti and experience high blood sugar, I can choose what road to take. I either say, “Oh well, I messed up, might as well have those chocolate chip cookies.” Or I could say, “Wow, I messed up, but remind myself that chocolate chip cookies don’t make me happy – feeling well does. So, I go down another road and reach for cheese and nuts instead. We never stop learning how to drive and will take a wrong turn. The important thing is to keep driving. 3. There’s No Such Thing as “The Perfect” Diabetic: When you have diabetes, the pressure to be perfect is strong. Checking your glucose every day and having an A1C test every three months is challenging. Diabetes is one big test. Just because you don’t pass one doesn’t make you a failure. There will be hurdles. Some of these obstacles may even be beyond your control. It’s easy to burn out under all this fuss. Do your best, learn from your mistakes, and don’t give up. 4. Self-Esteem Means a Lot: Unfortunately, doctors can’t prescribe a bottle of confidence. One thing that helped me in managing diabetes was gaining self-assurance. Diabetics who feel alone and misunderstood, often don’t take care of themselves. They stop taking medicine and eat emotionally. Because of low self-esteem, they don’t think it’s worth the effort. When my self-worth is at a positive level, I care more about my health. The resentment of the effort it takes to keep up with diabetes fades. I’m worth it - and so are you. 5. Celebrate Your Achievements: When you lose weight, lower your A1C or have a day of great glucose numbers, reward yourself for a job well done. It doesn’t have to be a food-related or costly reward. Here's a few suggestions to get you started
So, that’s my list of the positive lessons I learned from diabetes. Why not make one of your own and watch it grow? See what you’ll discover. The best part about this list is that you can apply it to any challenge in life – not just diabetes.
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AuthorDiane Bell was diagnosed with diabetes over 30 years ago. While writing articles for an online support group she was inspired to start blogging and spread the unique way she views diabetes. Categories
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