5 Ways Diabetes Changes One’s Life

If one has diabetes, they are probably aware that this condition is more than just proper exercise and diet. As a matter of fact, a lot of people who do not have this chronic disease don't know that this condition can impact every single aspect of life. And there are many ways it can lead to havoc when it comes to their emotions. Here is how this condition can impact one's emotions.

5 Ways Diabetes Impacts People's Emotions

1. They Are Constantly Graded

Among the most crucial things an individual with this condition needs to do is to test their blood glucose on a regular basis. But every result on the glucometer is an overwhelming grade. That specific grade is basically telling whether they are doing things right or not. Those who take insulin are constantly trying to assess the carbs in the food and the activity levels and insulin doses. Not to mention the added stress when a relative, friend, or a loved one sees the result which leads to an additional dose of judgment.

2. This Condition Can Be Scary

These people know that the scariest thing is the daily fluctuation of blood glucose levels. Others may assume that they are having low blood glucose since they skipped lunch. But in people without this condition, the body automatically balances their blood glucose levels in order to stop true hypoglycemia. In those with diabetes true hypoglycemia might be very scary. It begins with mild shakiness and sweating, but in no time they might feel like their body is shutting down.

3. It's a 24/7 Condition

Blood glucose might rise from a stressful day at the office. It can even interrupt one's life at most unusual and important times, for example in the middle of the night, getting their children ready for bed, or during a presentation at work. As a matter of fact, even healthy activities such as exercise might mean that one has to work harder to maintain their blood glucose in a healthy and safe range. It is really a 24/7 condition.

4. They Are Constantly Defending Themselves

These people do not expect the whole world to be informed about their disease just because they have it. However, the whole world seems to feel entitled to lecture, shame, and blame them. The most common thoughts are: “Hm, she is not fat, how come she has diabetes?” or “She ate too much candy, didn’t she?”. These kinds of thoughts, comments, and inaccurate jokes are pretty hard to ignore.

5. There Is Constant Pressure to Be Ideal

The pressure to be ideal along with the long-term fear of losing one's own toes, vision, etc. is not really inspiring. On the contrary, it is exhausting and terrifying. And even if one has ideal insulin doses, maintains the ideal diet, and does the ideal exercises, that still does not guarantee them a life of ideal blood glucose. There is much more to living with this chronic condition than just exercising and dieting. This is a daily chore for the rest of my life. Those who have it should bear in mind that their emotions matter. This means that it is okay to feel angry, frustrated, and exhausted at times. But at the end of the day, they need to realize that no matter what, they are stronger than their disease.