Scared... angry... alone... frustrated… guilty... shocked... depressed... indifferent... You might have a difficult time believing and accepting that you have diabetes. Feeling sad, scared or even angry is OK. When people first learn of their diabetes they may have one or more of these feelings. We all handle situations differently.
Sharing your feelings with family and friends may be helpful. It is normal to have these feelings even after you have had diabetes for a period of time. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator about your feelings. Or contact your local Canadian Diabetes Association Branch, and ask about a local support group.
Take action
- Create a supportive network
- Talk with your family and friends about the ways they can support you;
- Find a mentor -someone with diabetes who will help you learn through sharing their knowledge and experiences.
Continue to do important activities:
- Think about the things you enjoy doing -playing with grandchildren, visiting relatives, golfing, gardening;
- Ask your doctor what changes you need to make to continue doing these activities. Focus on positive feelings:
- Celebrate your successes even if they seem like small steps to you;
- Do things that give you a sense of choice, freedom, and do not interfere with managing your diabetes.
- Learn as much as you can about managing your diabetes -we often fear the unknown. Read up on diabetes -keep informed.
Why should I be active?
Being active is one of the most positive things you can do to improve your overall health and:
- lower your blood sugar;
- lower your blood pressure;
- help you lose weight or maintain your weight;
- improve your heart and lung health;
- improve your well being;
- improve your muscle tone and strength.
Keep active every day. Activity does not mean having to run a marathon. It's doing the things you enjoy -gardening, biking or walking. Other ideas for activities include swimming, cross-country skiing, dancing, bowling, curling, golf and using your stationary bike or treadmill.
Whatever form of activity you choose... enjoy it! . . . and keep it up all year! Before starting a new activity, discuss your plans with your doctor. Begin with a comfortable amount of activity. Start slowly and gradually. Try to work up to 20 to 45 minutes of non-stop activity at least three times each week.
Take action
- Pick a time when activity would fit most comfortably into your day. Early morning? After lunch? Evenings?
- Include family and friends whenever you can.
- Be more active at work by:
- Delivering messages by hand instead of by phone.
- Getting off the bus a stop or two sooner.
- At lunch time take a walk or run an errand.
- Be more active at home by:
- Doing stretches while you watch TV.
Information from the National Diabetes Center of Canada
