Does type 2 diabetes take up a lot of space in your life?

In this next part of the conversation with Cindy, she talks about the fact that, like it or not, diabetes is a ‘disease of the family’ because everyone needs to adjust in different ways.  This may not be the case for you but if it is, how do you deal with any guilt you might have over changing what is put on the table, changing habits that have become routine over the years and feel like they are set in concrete, decisions about eating out or with extended family and friends? 

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This comes back to understanding how you got here to this place of difficult-to-control blood sugar. For many, it started years before you ever knew there was a problem.  When you are finally diagnosed, you might have felt like it all came out of the blue. 

1. The first thing to do is to accept the situation you are in.  Refusing to do so will lead to resistance.  Resistance leads to a dead end road with nowhere to go at the end.  You can’t go around it, over it or under it.  Surprisingly, when you accept your situation for what it is, all the resistance vanishes.  From acceptance, you can move to forgiveness.  Forgiving yourself may be the most difficult thing you do but, when you do it, you can truly move forward. 

2. The second thing to do is to realize that if what you have been eating is unhealthy for you, it’s unhealthy for your family.  A change in what you and your family eat, sleep quality, physical activity and more will help all of you live longer, healthier lives. 

3. Third, have some family meetings to talk about what you are going through, why you need to make these changes and listen to what your family members have to say.  They probably won’t like it.  They’ll want the food they’ve always eaten and might complain, a lot.  No one likes change and as we know, there is only change.  Talk about what will work for each of you.  Consider making agreements and hold each other to them.

Diabetes has a big impact on you AND your family and friends.  The usual routines need to be modified or completely changed.  It’s not easy but good communication skills and a healthy dose of acceptance and forgiveness for yourself and others will go a long way to supporting you in managing or reversing your diabetes.

Dr Elaine

Download my free 30 Day Guide to Manage or Reverse Type 2 Diabetes 

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition.

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