The American Diabetes Association says we have three choices for living with diabetes. Here’s my take on those choices:
Manage it. Yes! We have many tools and resources available to help us manage and live well with diabetes. Check out the Diabetes Online Community. Get in touch with a diabetes educator. Find a health care provider who’s a good fit and gives you the information, support, and guidance you need to successfully manage your diabetes. For me, managing diabetes means checking blood glucose levels (now using CGM), taking insulin, exercising, and making food choices to keep my blood glucose in a range that gives me energy to live my life. It also means managing stress and getting enough sleep so that it’s possible to make those healthier choices.
Thrive in spite of it. While I truly believe in thriving, I don’t think of it as being in spite of diabetes. I think of it more as thriving with diabetes. Diabetes is just one little part of me. It may take a lot of thought, planning, and action; however, it’s still just one part of me and not the most important part. I thrive with diabetes because I want to live my life to the fullest. I realize that sounds cheesy, and I honestly stand by it.
Support those living with it. There are many ways to support people living with diabetes. Family members can be informed and aware and don’t (or stop) nag(ging). Find out what is helpful, and what is not. Communicate openly. People with type 1 diabetes can support those with type 2 diabetes by asking questions, getting informed, welcoming them into the social media space, and not ever referring to having “the kind that’s not my fault.” No one is to blame for having diabetes. Everyone, everywhere, can support people living with diabetes by changing the attitudes and language around diabetes. Take away the shame and judgment and replace it with acceptance.