After having the
intervention with James who was definitely in denial, I have been
reading more about denial. The reactions of being diagnosed with
diabetes can cause anger, a feeling of being overwhelmed, and being
scared – all at the same time. Other reactions include fear,
grief, depression, and denial and finally acceptance. It is
important to remember that each person may react differently. Do not
attempt to apply a one-size-fits-all conclusion to this, as you will
be wrong more often than right.
I have seen some people
bypass all of the above and start managing diabetes immediately.
Some of the above then happen later and can be very dramatic. A
person I knew did this and had none of the above, but two years later
blew up at his diagnosing doctor, really asked him why he had not
done any education, and was so angry that nothing his doctor said was
getting through to him. Three days later he was back to near normal
and would not talk about it. I don't think he has accepted his
diabetes and may have been in a form of denial all along, but I have
only suspicions.
That is one reason I was happy to see this blog on the Mayo Clinic page. The list some items about denial that I have
not seen before, and for that I am thankful.
#1. Denial
takes many forms and if often difficult to understand as denial. The
following are just some of things that many give you a clue (#'s 2 to
5).
#2. "I
have a mild case of diabetes; I only have to take one pill."
Even your health care provider may have told you that you have a
"mild case" of diabetes, giving you the mistaken impression
that the disease isn't serious.
#3. "I
hate diet drinks; I won't give up my soda." Often times,
this doesn't refer to the occasional soda drink. It refers to 80
ounces or more of regular soda — or sometimes milk — a day. When
you continue to consume large quantities of carbohydrates, you may be
in denial, thinking complications can't happen to you.
#4. "I've
had diabetes since I was young and can do what I want now that I'm
going off to college." Be careful with this, as an attitude
of rebellion can be denial.
#5. "I don't
need to test my blood sugar." You may neglect to test your
blood glucose levels as suggested by your health care provider,
thinking that you can tell what your blood glucose level is by how
you feel.
For your health, it is
important that you reach the point of accepting diabetes as a fact of
your life. Fight for your health. Set realistic goals, make a plan,
and ask for help from health care professionals. Regardless of how
you start your journey, it is important to move forward and accept
the challenge of managing your diabetes. Your emotions will get in
the way, if you let them, and prevent you from accepting your diabetes.
I hate to say this, but
once the diagnosis is made, it will not go away. Yes, it is possible
with changes in lifestyle and food plans that type 2 diabetes can be
managed with nutrition (diet) and exercise, but if you don't stick to
a regimen, diabetes will return. Even though doctors declare that
diabetes is progressive, it is only people that do not manage
diabetes that causes diabetes to be progressive. Type 2 diabetes is
a lifelong, chronic disease that can lead to complications of left
untreated and unmanaged.
Instead of being
secretive about your diabetes, tell your friends and family how they
may assist you. Things in your life have changed and you need
support if a support group exists near you.
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