Words Matter

Posted on November 26, 2012 by janekdickinson

I believe that words really do have an impact on us. I realize that to be consistent with what I’m about to write, I have to admit that it’s a choice to let words have an impact. But I think that impact can also happen unconsciously. And I believe that we can choose our words carefully, and that with time it can become easy to use people-centered and strength-based language. The words we use indicate what we believe and how we live.

I have written before about some of the diabetes terminology that I avoid and why. Today I read an article that has really caused me to stop and think. I’m trying to wrap my head around this: instead of using “diabetics,” the title of the article says “diabetes sufferers.” I can’t decide which is worse!! They both imply that the people are victims. It’s so not hard to say “those with diabetes” (in the case of this title). And it’s so much more strength-based and not victim-y.

A wise man told me today that “the issue is not the issue; the issue is the approach.” So if we suffer from diabetes, our approach is to suffer. Another option is to take action – regardless of how big or small that action may be. And that action may simply be to use different words.

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Texting Diabetes

Posted on November 19, 2012 by janekdickinson

Are you proactive about your diabetes? Do you take responsibility for your health? I just read an article that reported results of a poll. Nearly 80 percent of respondents say it’s their doctor’s job to keep them healthy – not just to treat them when they’re sick. And they wish there was more communication when they’re feeling OK: 70 percent of respondents say their doc has never checked on them when they weren’t sick in order to help them stay healthy.

I have to say I’m really amazed at this. And I’m speaking as a person, not as a professional. I am among the first to admit that our health care system is actually a sick care system -one that has historically focused on medicating and “healing” the sick, rather than preventing sickness in the first place. And I definitely support prevention – through education. But there is also a place for accountability. If we have diabetes, we can be accountable for our choices. We can seek education/information and then use it to take care of ourselves. If we have questions, we can ask them – and get more information/education.

Yes, it would be great if our system were set up for providers to send texts – perhaps in response to texts or emails we send them. But if we sit around and expect providers to text us proactively, what is the message? I think there is a place for this when diabetes is new, but the whole point becomes for people with diabetes to learn how to manage – make choices – independently.

Thoughts??

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Stand Up and Move!

Posted on November 14, 2012 by janekdickinson

The evidence against a sedentary lifestyle is mounting, and has been for years. And so are the opportunities to sit! More and more of us work from home, and the majority of those who don’t either drive or take public transportation to work. Cable companies boast packages with more channels, so we can sit and watch more TV. We sit and use apps on our phones, or text, or talk. We sit in front of computers for hours. We shop online.

I read this article about sitting and the risk for diabetes and other unhealthy outcomes, and thought about how much sitting I do. The article says those who sit for long periods, even if they exercise, still have a higher risk of poor health outcomes. My career is basically made up of reading and writing. And I am typically not standing up when I am doing either. In my defense, I do walk the dog a couple times a day, and I always roam around when I’m on a phone call.

Sitting too much is dangerous for our long-term health. We need to keep moving. I know I’ve written about treadmill desks and exercise balls in the past, and I need to make even more of an effort to find ways to move during my work days. On World Diabetes Day and every day, let’s make an effort to stand up and move!

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The Big Blue Test

Posted on November 12, 2012 by janekdickinson

Please participate!! The Diabetes Hands Foundation is doing wonderful work for people in need. They are trying to reach 20,000 by Wednesday, so please check it out here.

Despite my not liking (or using) the word “test” this is a great cause, and I just did it! I wish I had started spreading the word sooner, but we still have a couple days.

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Disconnected

Posted on November 6, 2012 by janekdickinson

My cell phone was stolen a week ago, and I have discovered how nice it is to be disconnected! I don’t worry about being distracted while driving; I don’t worry about the phone ringing during church or an important meeting; I pay more attention to my kids than my phone; my tendons are getting a rest from texting; and I am on time for things, because I can’t call and let someone know I’ll be late! I’m sure there are many more benefits.

We’ve been having a discussion about the “no break” aspect of diabetes in class this week. Having a break from my phone has actually made me think of how I can take breaks from diabetes. When I get overwhelmed or tired of diabetes, I tend to back off on checking blood glucose levels a bit – not completely, but a bit. I also tend to pay less attention to what I’m eating. Fortunately, over time I have gotten to the point where I don’t let these little “breaks” go long-term.

Recently I found myself overwhelmed with life in general – I just wasn’t getting into the new school year groove, for whatever reason. I backed off on blogging (you may have noticed), and that has helped a lot! I think it really is possible to find little ways to give ourselves a break – get disconnected – without being dangerous or throwing in the towel. And even if these breaks aren’t directly related to it, they have a tendency to ease things in the diabetes realm as well.

How do you disconnect?

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November and Diabetes

Posted on November 1, 2012 by janekdickinson

Today is the first day of Diabetes Month. The American Diabetes Association calls it “American Diabetes Month” and the National Diabetes Education Program calls it “National Diabetes Month.” The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation calls it National Diabetes Awareness Month, and today, in particular is T1Day. No matter how you slice it, though, it’s a month to focus on diabetes. Better yet, it’s a month to focus on living a healthy and full life with diabetes.

November 1st is a great day to start paying attention – especially for those of us who participated in Halloween festivities recently :). Perhaps we’ll start a diabetes management habit this month – checking blood glucose, getting enough sleep, taking medications on time, making different food choices, being active – or perhaps we’ll re-start some healthy habits.

It’s also a good time to think about what motivates us and act on that. Set some goals – perhaps plan for having a healthy holiday season. I have some large projects that I’m planning to hammer out this month. I can make all sorts of excuses, but the truth is that I want to get them done and it’s my choice to do so. Diabetes Month is also a good time to prevent diabetes. If you are at risk for diabetes, or know someone who is, perhaps you could share some information about prevention.

Happy Diabetes Month, everyone! What are you going to do with yourself this month?

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Diabetes and Food

Posted on October 26, 2012 by janekdickinson

Diabetes is a public health crisis. The number of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes is increasing every day. Most people are not willing, interested, or in some cases able to follow a low- or no-carb meal plan. The important things are variety, moderation and eating in a way that’s healthy, safe, enjoyable and do-able for you.

People are getting mixed messages: documentaries on the dangers of protein; news specials on sugar as poison, and so on. The bottom line is we all could probably eat fewer calories and make healthier choices. We can throw out words like “diet” and “should” and “can’t” and replace them with words that make us feel strong and successful.

I believe we would benefit from putting less emphasis on food in general: enjoy meals in the company of people who make us happy. Prepare food in healthy ways, and then focus on living.

If people get this message when they are first diagnosed with diabetes, they might have a better chance for success in the long-run. Do what works for you – just do it safely, with support, and without stress.

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Body Image

Posted on October 17, 2012 by janekdickinson

I had the great fortune of watching the video BirthMarkings this morning. It brought on many thoughts for me. Some related to my after-kids body, and some related to diabetes.

I realized that I often comment about the changes that resulted from my being pregnant and having kids. I call the blob that sits over the c-section scar “the shelf.” I poke fun at my distorted belly button that got all stretched out and then ended up kind of weird-looking. But the truth is, I wouldn’t trade any of it for my amazing, beautiful, brilliant kids. And I wish they had never heard me joke or complain about it. And I won’t do it going forward.

As far as diabetes, there are countless body image topics. Overuse of insulin injection (and pump infusion set) sites can cause scarring and lumps. (This is why we rotate sites.) In some cases, atrophy causes indentations. Many people with diabetes deal with overweight and all the self-image concerns that go along with it.

I think the most important thing for those of us who manage diabetes each day, is to love ourselves and find a positive place for all of it. Rather than focusing on what we don’t like about our bodies, we can work on accepting our bodies and taking care of our bodies. Maybe they won’t ever look like a super model, but we can exercise because it helps manage blood glucose, and because it protects our hearts, and gives us energy and clears our heads.

We can be motivated by spending time with loved ones (maybe those babies whose amazing bodies changed our own) or by something else completely. Regardless, we don’t have to worry about what anyone else is thinking or seeing. Not easy, but true.

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New Diabetes Education Standards

Posted on October 8, 2012 by janekdickinson

A task force of diabetes professionals has developed and published the brand new National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support. This version of the standards emphasizes communication between all members of the patient’s health care team, and putting the patient at the center of the team. These are not new ideas, but perhaps they needed to be reinforced.

I couldn’t help predicting, as I read about the new standards, that the next time the national standards for diabetes education and support are revised and updated, the task force will include people living with diabetes. These will be non-health care professionals or “lay” people, as they are called; however, they (you) are the ones who are at the center of the health care team. You are driving the way diabetes education and support are shaped and delivered, and diabetes health professionals need to hear your point of view.

If you had been on the task force this time around, what suggestions would you have offered for the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support?

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Diabetes Art Day

Posted on October 5, 2012 by janekdickinson

There is a wonderful, new-ish tradition called Diabetes Art Day. This year Diabetes Art Day took place on September 24th and I missed it. But that’s ok, because having just viewed all the art submissions, I realize that I’m not creative enough to take part anyway! Seriously, there are some amazing diabetes artists out there.

When you have a few minutes, check out the slide show with all the diabetes art. You can see the art from 2011 and 2010 as well. And starting in 2013, Diabetes Art Day will be on the first Monday in February. What a fun and positive tradition. Maybe I will put something together by then. Will you?

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