Diabetes Talking

Question:

  Jill,   We all cycle through good and bad times.  It is important, at least for me, to be realistic with my goals and changes.  Sometimes I can do very well for long periods.  Sometimes, I just have to be myself and be just a little out of control.   My advice would be to not ignore your diabetes but to increase your control slowly.  Never just go without insulin or thinking about what is required.  We can relax sometimes and allow that extra food or relax our regimine just a bit.  As long as we don’t let that trend take us off the deap end.   You are lucky that your SO cares and is trying to help.  Sit down and talk and meet part way.  Work together.  Good luck.

Response:

Jill , I know it’s real hard sometimes.  For me, it’s watching what I eat.  I’m on a pump so it doesn’t affect my BG much since I dial in a bolus but it sure has affected my weight.  I just take things one day at a time.  If I go one day and do what I should – exercise, test, watch what I eat – that’s a success. I just try not to get too down on myself when I don’t do everything I should.  It’s a fine line between too much guilt and not caring enough to take care of yourself. I think you’re lucky to have a SO that cares so much.  I know it can be annoying sometimes when people push you – there have been some comments on the "diabetes police" here recently – but you have to try to remember they are doing it because they care and to be strong enough to tell them to back off (lovingly) when they are too far out of line. Anyway, just hang in there.  We all know how hard it is and appreciate all the effort it takes just to maintain status quo with this disease.  Good Luck and take care. Lynn

Response:

I have been living with diabetes (type I) for the past 13 years (since I was 11). Even though I am extremely aware of the consequences, I have found it very difficult to stick with a diet and exercise program.  I have in the past few years had some improvement in bg testing frequency, but sometimes I slack off.       This problem is causing some amount of conflict with my significant other because he feels angry and depressed that his attempts to encourage me or "fix" this problem have been unsuccessful.  I have told him that it takes time (esp for me) to change bad habits to good ones.  However, he does not accept this. I feel terrible and I know that I’m the one that has to create this change myself.   I would like to hear from those who are experiencing or have experienced this problem and any solutions they may have found.     Thanks,     Jill Miller

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