Taking Charge of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) has a program called Extreme Diabetes Makeover. They have several people who don't have their diabetes under control and follow them as they make changes. There are several experts helping these people take control. I started watching the premiere episode and had to pause it.
The tears came quickly. I'm not sure exactly why I started crying. Was it knowing that I'm not alone? Sadness for others dealing with this disease? Despair? I'm still not sure. I do know, however, that there are times when I'm reading information about diabetes management (or other topics related to diabetes) that I just burst into tears.
On the positive side, I know I'm under control. My last A1c made my doctor smile (6.3). I have three friends that have daughters with Type 1 who would love for their children to have the numbers that I have. Some days I scold myself for complaining, knowing what they have to do through. Yesterday I talked to a young boy, about seven or eight years old, with Type 1 who was so jealous that I don't have to give myself shots. When he found out I don't even take oral meds, his reaction was, "Lucky!"
Some days I don't feel lucky. Some days I want to curl up in a ball and cry. Of course I know that won't do me any good. Where does that leave my family if wife/mom is hiding in the corner? How is that helpful at all? That's when we turn those tears and sulking moments into action. Today I have a goal to do something positive for the diabetes family in my community. As I've said before, those of us with diabetes are like a family. We have a connection that others can't completely understand. Whether Type 1, Type 2, or gestational, we all have the challenge of dealing with carbs and glucose readings. We all want to be healthy and live a long life free of complications.
When I first started this blog post, my plan was to vent and feel sorry for myself. What a wonderful therapy I have in blogging! Now I have a new plan! I'm not going to share yet what my plan is, but I promise to report back when I have accomplished my goal.
Ramblings of a mother of five, wife of one, and Type 2 diabetic. (formerly known as RFamHere's Ramblings)
I am just happy to see so many that are able to manage diabetes without medications. I am seeing more and more that are making the effort with exercise and nutrition and having success with it! I have gotten close, but then something causes me to stay the course on medications - insulin.
ReplyDeleteI have refused most oral medications because of the side-effects, but presently am using Metformin-XR which has been a big help with reducing the amount of insulin needed and has leveled off the requirements and stopped the weight gain to the point that I am again losing weight slowly.
These are two excellent blogs and the one before this was very well stated. Thanks.