Diabetic Recipes
Yesterday, George talked about not caring. Burnout is something I think we all go through in all parts of our lives, but perhaps especially when it comes to diabetes.
I can't think of another chronic illness where the victim is in almost complete control. What I mean is that in theory, if a person with diabetes does everything "right" then everything should be OK. I'll even go out on a limb and say that people addicted to alcohol or drugs don't have as much control over their disease as people with diabetes are lead to believe they have.
High post-prandial numbers? It's your fault.
High A1C? It's your fault.
Meds not working? It's your fault.
Complications? It must be your fault.
In contrast--in-range post prandials, an A1C lower than 7 and 20 years complication free equal a high-five and "Great job!"
There is an immense amount of pressure put on people with diabetes to do right by ourselves that it's no wonder we crack sometimes. George, it's natural to sometimes say, "Screw it!". It's natural to want to have a different sense of normal...the kind of normal that doesn't include incessant carb counts and med dosing, the kind of normal that doesn't include sitting down to a meal and contemplating endless scenarios of how you'll feel if you eat XYZ. Or what might happen if you spontaneously decide to go for a walk, play a pick up game of football or even hide-and-go-seek with your kids.
Bearing the weight of always "being good," of educating people who make ignorant comments, of portraying an image of someone who is in control can be too much at times.
Diabetes is on my mind in some fashion nearly all the time. Anything you think about that much will wear even the best of us down. You have to allow yourself to take a break from uber goodness.
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December 2nd, 2008
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04-08-2008 11:47 AM EDT by Michelle Kowalski
Categories: Type 1 Type 2 Oral Meds Insulin & Pumps Food Highs & Lows Relationships Complications Emotions Real Life
Tags: burnout
Views: 785
Categories: Type 1 Type 2 Oral Meds Insulin & Pumps Food Highs & Lows Relationships Complications Emotions Real Life
Tags: burnout
Views: 785
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Michelle Kowalski, a writer, editor and photography hobbiest living in Phoenix, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in February 2005. In January 2008, as part of her quest to start on an insulin pump, Michelle learned that she actually has type 1 diabetes. (Read More)
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Well said and so very true. It's just tough sometimes and that doesn't even include the standard life stuff too. All that rolled into one makes for a "blah" feeling now and then.
thanks Michelle.
Very well said Michelle.
The responsiblity of having diabetes and being in charge of this incredibly complex disease is definitly a huge pressure. I think learning to cope emotionally is just as important (and difficult) as the physical complications. I think we underestimate that sometimes.
Thanks Michelle for your comment, I'm a 48 year old male who has had a very normal and productive life until a little over a year a go. I was one of those lucky people who contacted West Nile viris,and survived. but with saying that I developed problems such as type 2 diabetes,lupus,fybromyalgia.
I know my trying to be upbeat has gone away. I find out I am angery most of the time because family members see a drastic change in me, and are always giving me advise which is not helpful. I know they care about me,but it seems everyone thinks I must be doing something wrong. So it has been very depressing and I was normaly a very upbeat type person. I hope who ever see's this they would just listen and not play doctor.
Michelle: You couldn't have said it any better! I'm emailing this to my husband who seems to be my food police at all times. For five years, I was non-compliant, and I'm feeling the effects now. Yeah, yeah, yeah, if only...I lost weight....I exercised more...I watched eating sweets (yes, of course, that is my downfall). I'm so glad I can read everyone's blogs here and feel at home. Not that it excuses my lack of control - but it makes me feel human again, and it gives me the inspiration to say, "Wait...I do have to manage this - it is MY disease." Thanks!
You are so on target with your remarks. My pet peeve is family and friends eating big gooey deserts in front of me and saying "sorry". That sometimes makes me go off the waggon. Then it takes me days to get back to normal.
I've been fighting this disease for 10 years. I was told I had probably had it for many more years because one of my symptoms was numbness in my feet. My A1C at diagnosis was 12.4. I am only on oral medication, carb counting and exercise. I am currently keeping my A1C at 6.7 which isn't great, but it's the best I can do. I walk on the treadmill almost every day at least an hour and a half.
Right now, I am having a problem of having a reading of 114 before bedtime and not being sure how much of a snack to prevent lows in the night. Any suggestions would be appreciated.