6 Years of Diabetes | Lessons Learned
Today (4th July) marks 6 years since my diabetes diagnosis and I thought I'd write a post about some of things I've learned along the way. I'm attempting to put a positive spin on my condition with this post, instead of dwelling on the negatives!
I've learned:
1. Not to let it control my life. Whilst it is important for me to look after myself, type 1 diabetes can be quite demanding, however if I get too 'trapped' in managing my sugars and trying to do everything right it can consume my life which is not good for my mental well-being. Essentially it's a full time job that requires my attention 24/7 but sometimes I've just got to live my life like an average human being and that means if I want to go out for cocktails with my friends I can and I will, and I won't let diabetes stop me.
2. I can eat everything I want to. I don't have to eliminate sweet treats from my diet I just have to be more cautious. As long as I (try) calculate the correct amount of carbohydrate in the food and give myself the right dose of insulin, I can eat everything you do. Everything.
3. Sometimes no matter how hard you try your sugars will not co-operate. This is not a reflection of my ability to manage my blood sugar levels; sometimes it's simply out of my control. I can do everything I'm supposed to in my health care routine and my sugars may still be too high or too low. Too many factors contribute to a changing blood sugar so it's difficult to get things right.
4. My blood sugar levels affect my moods. This is one I've learned, and one my family and friends have too. And sometimes I have to explain why I'm irritable, bitchy and angry. It's not your fault, nor mine exactly. When my blood sugar levels are high, I'm very irritable and I want to be left alone (read: be delicate and patient with me). When I'm low, I feel sad, confused, scared and disorientated.
5. To be a bit better at maths. I only got a C at GCSE, so it's not exactly my strong point, but diabetes care includes adding up the carbs of food and calculating the amount of insulin required referring back to your individual insulin-to-food ratio.
6. I will never get a good nights sleep. Never.
7. Someone will ask me a diabetes related question basically every day.
8. Pizza will always spike my blood sugars. So do chips and all that good stuff.
9. I'm more mentally/emotionally stronger than I used to be. God I have to be to be able to manage this condition.
10. I love to exercise. My love of exercise, specifically running started about 5 years ago. It's useful for maintaining my blood sugar levels (it helps lower them) and it means I can eat a lot. It helps with my overall health (obviously), my mental health and my weight, which are all factors of being able to manage my condition more efficiently.
So, there's 10 things I've learned since being diagnosed 6 years ago!
I've learned:
1. Not to let it control my life. Whilst it is important for me to look after myself, type 1 diabetes can be quite demanding, however if I get too 'trapped' in managing my sugars and trying to do everything right it can consume my life which is not good for my mental well-being. Essentially it's a full time job that requires my attention 24/7 but sometimes I've just got to live my life like an average human being and that means if I want to go out for cocktails with my friends I can and I will, and I won't let diabetes stop me.
2. I can eat everything I want to. I don't have to eliminate sweet treats from my diet I just have to be more cautious. As long as I (try) calculate the correct amount of carbohydrate in the food and give myself the right dose of insulin, I can eat everything you do. Everything.
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| *Happy Diaversary to me* |
3. Sometimes no matter how hard you try your sugars will not co-operate. This is not a reflection of my ability to manage my blood sugar levels; sometimes it's simply out of my control. I can do everything I'm supposed to in my health care routine and my sugars may still be too high or too low. Too many factors contribute to a changing blood sugar so it's difficult to get things right.
4. My blood sugar levels affect my moods. This is one I've learned, and one my family and friends have too. And sometimes I have to explain why I'm irritable, bitchy and angry. It's not your fault, nor mine exactly. When my blood sugar levels are high, I'm very irritable and I want to be left alone (read: be delicate and patient with me). When I'm low, I feel sad, confused, scared and disorientated.
5. To be a bit better at maths. I only got a C at GCSE, so it's not exactly my strong point, but diabetes care includes adding up the carbs of food and calculating the amount of insulin required referring back to your individual insulin-to-food ratio.
6. I will never get a good nights sleep. Never.
7. Someone will ask me a diabetes related question basically every day.
8. Pizza will always spike my blood sugars. So do chips and all that good stuff.
9. I'm more mentally/emotionally stronger than I used to be. God I have to be to be able to manage this condition.
10. I love to exercise. My love of exercise, specifically running started about 5 years ago. It's useful for maintaining my blood sugar levels (it helps lower them) and it means I can eat a lot. It helps with my overall health (obviously), my mental health and my weight, which are all factors of being able to manage my condition more efficiently.
So, there's 10 things I've learned since being diagnosed 6 years ago!
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