Dear Frank,
If you’re reading this, then I can only assume that you’re coming to terms with a new diabetes diagnosis.
I know that right now, you’re probably just happy to be feeling well again. You’re reluctant to show any visible signs of your condition, convinced that diabetes hasn’t changed you. But it has.
Diabetes does make you different, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The sooner you come to accept this, the easier it will be for you to manage both physically and mentally. Speaking of, did I mention just how much of a physical and mental effort diabetes can be? Don’t forget to give yourself some credit for this when you’re having a tough day.
This is your baby. The decisions you make around managing your diabetes are yours and yours alone. Don’t ever feel guilty for them. How much you decide to involve others in your diabetes and management decisions is up to you. That being said, don’t be afraid to lean on those around you. They will more than likely surprise you. You will feel far less isolated and much better supported.
This is about you, and you alone. People you speak with will want to jump in and give you their two cents worth. Ignore it. What your great aunt’s-brother’s-second cousin did to manage their diabetes certainly won’t hold any relevance to you. You’ll likely look at other people with diabetes and try to draw comparisons to what they’re doing or how they’re managing. It’s not worth it. Everyone is different. You’re on your own unique journey, and the way in which you manage your diabetes is completely up to you.
Don’t be afraid of the internet. You’ll find endless amounts of practical information here that you won’t necessarily receive from your doctor. Best of all, the majority of it comes from the community, for the community.
The internet is also a great place for peer support. There are plenty of friendly folk from all over the world online who are in, or have been in your shoes. They are accessible day and night. Best of all, you’ll get to experience this sense of community that will help you not to feel so isolated or alone in this.
I know that connecting to other people with diabetes in person is probably the last thing that you want to do right now, but let me tell you that it is just so worth it. There is nothing more uplifting than having a tribe of people who you can turn to when diabetes doesn’t play nicely. Or hearing the words “me too.”
Speak up in front of your healthcare professionals. Your diabetes team are busy people, and they will likely be pressed for time. Make it clear what you want from them. Use them to get what you need to live the best life you can. If they won’t support you, find a new team that will.
Everything and anything affects diabetes. Food. Activity levels. Stress. Hormones. Routine. Even sleep! It’s impossible to achieve perfection. You can have days where you feel you’ve done everything by the book, where you’ve done exactly the same thing you did yesterday, and still receive a completely wild result. Don’t beat yourself up over it. You can only do the best you can, while trying to live your life. Diabetes is 100% something that you fit into your life, and not the other way around.
You will have bad days. You will slip up. You will get burned out. You will go through a rollercoaster of emotions. I’d be surprised if you didn’t! It’s part and parcel of living with the condition, day in and day out. But you will get over it. You will come out the other end stronger, and more resilient.
Your biggest assets in the long term management of this condition are time and experience. With time and experience, you learn. You are always learning!
Diabetes does indeed make you different, but I can honestly say that it won’t stop you from living your life and achieving what you’d like to achieve.
With every passing day, you will be a little wiser and better equipped to live with this condition.
Diabetes Daily are running a series of ‘dear diagnosis’ letters during November. If you have your own letter that you would like to share, e-mail editor@diabetesdaily.com.
