Accepting Your Diabetes Diagnosis

Have You Accepted Your Diabetes Diagnosis?

I was diagnosed with diabetes at the tender age of two, so I don’t remember life without it. By the time I was seven or eight, you’d think I had come to terms with the condition, right? However, acceptance and coming to terms with a chronic illness aren’t just functions of time. They require a profound internal mindset shift.

Many of us living with diabetes sometimes forget to bolus or administer insulin before meals. What causes this? I believe it stems from a deeper issue: a lack of full acceptance of our condition. Subconsciously, we might think, “This sandwich (or whatever we’re eating) won’t affect my blood sugar. Maybe this time my pancreas will function normally.” But it doesn’t.

Working toward full acceptance of your diabetes doesn’t mean you’ll never struggle with managing it. Diabetes is unpredictable and can behave differently even when you follow the same routine. However, acceptance means making wiser choices and not engaging in a daily subconscious battle against reality.

Here are some ways acceptance can improve your life:

1. Consistent Self-Care: Accepting your condition can lead to more consistent self-care routines, such as regularly checking your blood sugar levels and administering insulin as needed.
2. Reduced Anxiety: Acceptance can reduce the anxiety and stress that come with denial and resistance, allowing you to approach your diabetes management with a clearer and calmer mind.
3. Improved Health: By fully embracing your condition, you’re more likely to follow your treatment plan, leading to better overall health and fewer complications.
4. Enhanced Quality of Life: Acceptance allows you to focus on living your life to the fullest, rather than constantly battling with the reality of your condition.
5. Better Emotional Well-Being: Coming to terms with diabetes can improve your emotional well-being, helping you to feel more in control and less overwhelmed by your diagnosis.

If you find yourself struggling to fully accept your diabetes diagnosis, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to conquer this challenge so you can live a more empowered and fulfilling life with diabetes. Reach out if you’re ready to embark on this journey toward acceptance.