On the 14th of November marked “World Diabetes Day.” A remarkable one hundred years since the discovery of insulin.
In brief overview diabetes is a chronic condition which results in high blood glucose, meaning that there is too much sugar in blood. Which is why it is often referred to colloquially as having “high sugars”. The condition is control through the monitoring of blood glucose, diet, exercise and the possibly taking insulin. There are two subtypes of the condition type 1 and 2, normally attributed to when the condition is diagnosed.
The theme this year was access to health care for the condition, which is still sadly different depending where in the world geographical or socioeconomically you find yourself. However, I believe that there is still a need for awareness regarding the condition and the management thereof.
Like many chronic conditions, those affected often report feeling controlled by the condition and having their life changed as a result. While yes changes regarding life style will result from the condition, it is thought that through changing your relationship with the condition, not only would you be able to take control back of your life but you would also be able to experience greater levels of subjective happiness.
Less frequently spoken about are the mental health impacts of this condition. These being anxiety, low self-esteem and possible depression. Uncontrolled or deranged sugar levels can result in feelings of being out of control, panic or even anxiety. It is thought that the low self-esteem can be directly related to the way in which you relate to the condition, if one were to see it as something which has taken away from your life it is easy to see how you might feel less than before. However, if you were to see it rather as adaptions you would have to make in your life, and that it does not affect your worth as a person, you may experience less impact on yourself esteem.
Diagnosis of any chronic condition requires management from a multidisciplinary approach. Your general medical practitioner to make the diagnose and to suggest medical management strategies. A dietician to assist with dietary and lifestyle changes, and not to be neglected, a mental health professional to assist in the acceptance of the diagnosis and to assist with any challenges in this regard along the way.