Diabetes Distress

Receiving a diabetes diagnosis, for many people, can foster feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, and even guilt. Diabetes distress is very common; a factor that is considered in diabetes treatment, education, and management.

Diabetes Distress

Diabetes distress is stress that is caused by living with diabetes and it can show up in various areas of a person’s life, making it difficult to manage. Stressors can include:

·         feeling overwhelmed by having to create a new routine

·         following a strict medication schedule

·         prices of insulin

·         carb counting for every meal and beverage

·         learning how to make healthy choices

Although this is overwhelming and may be difficult to manage, there are tools that you can use to help you learn how to manage your diabetes, advocate for yourself, and support others.

Helpful Tips for Management

Using positive self talk

Using positive language alongside your diabetes care, will help you feel less distress and more confident in your ability to live a healthy life with diabetes. Accepting your diagnosis is a very difficult thing to do but may be beneficial for your physical health and mental health. Using supportive language and saying it aloud can help you during this process. For example:

“I am not a diabetic. My name is John; I live with diabetes and there is more to me than my diagnosis. I love to fish, hunt, spend time on the land, and cook dinner with my family. I can live a very healthy and fulfilling life with diabetes and continue to do the things I love with support and management”

Doing this exercise may relieve some of the health anxiety that comes with a new diagnosis and give you peace of mind.

Support groups

Attending diabetes support groups or sharing circles are a great way to connect with others who are living with diabetes. These sharing circles offer you an opportunity to learn from others, gain perspective, and build community. You don’t have to navigate your diagnosis and new lifestyle alone. There is support out there for you and opportunity for you to support others.

Exercise

Exercise signals to the brain to release feel-good chemicals called endorphins and mood boosting chemicals called serotonin and dopamine. This is helpful for:

-          Reducing stress

-          Reducing feelings of anxiety and depression

-          Promoting feelings of happiness

-          Promoting better sleep and focus

-          Increasing self-esteem and motivation

-          Balancing blood sugar levels

If you are feeling defeated by your diagnosis and overwhelmed, a nice walk can ground you and help you feel better.

Advocating for Yourself

Making healthy choices that support your health requires commitment from you but also from your family and friends. Advocating for your new lifestyle choices can feel intimidating at first but will benefit you and your circle in the long run. You have the right to ask your friends and family to respect your insulin schedule during travel and social outings, ask them to include diabetes friendly meals, and reach out for emotional support. Advocating for yourself and staying on track with your diabetes management is going to support your health and help you stay consistent.

Remember that navigating your journey, living with diabetes, is not done alone but with a care team that will support you. Your health and wellbeing matters.

For more information regarding diabetes support, please contact moma@mushkegowuk.ca