Dealing with complications
Many people worry about complications when they learn they have diabetes. It’s important to remember, though, that many people with diabetes are able to live long, healthy, happy lives.
People with diabetes have a greater risk for some other health problems, such as heart disease. Problems with your eyes, nerves, and kidneys can also arise.
However, complications are not inevitable. Even if you already have some complications, it’s not too late to make changes to prevent them from worsening Healthy coping means not living your life in fear. Healthy coping also does not mean living life recklessly. It is important to take action to reduce your risk for complications.
So, try not to give up. It’s important to stick to your diabetes care plan to help keep your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.
Coping with fear
Even if you are afraid of what is happening, the last thing you want to do is stop taking care of yourself. That will only make things worse. Take the following steps, and you may find that you’re dealing in a healthier way with the fear you are feeling.
Try to identify just what it is that makes you afraid:
- Learn the facts about the risk of long-term complications from diabetes.
- When your fears threaten to become too scary, remind yourself of the facts.
- Stick to your diabetes care plan – it can benefit you in powerful ways.
Personal stories about complications
Coping with guilt and depression
One of the hardest things to deal with when complications develop is the sense of failure, or of “if only.”
Complications do sometimes happen when you do not follow your diabetes care plan closely enough. But, they may also occur even if you did do the right things. So, it’s important to deal with the guilt and depression you may be feeling in a positive way. Depression is common among people who have diabetes, but most kinds of depression respond well to treatment.
The following tips may help you cope with guilt feelings or depression.
- First, recognize that complications of diabetes are not always as serious today as they may have been in previous decades. It may be possible to detect signs of complications much earlier now. That can mean earlier treatment and possibly better results.
- If your “blue” moods won’t go away and are affecting your ability to take care of your diabetes, get help. Depression is real and needs treatment. Treatment can consist of medication, counseling, or a combination of both.
- Start taking action to manage your health in ways that are more positive. Feelings of depression are often linked to feeling powerless. Following a healthy meal plan, being more active, and engaging in stress-relieving activities are steps that can help.
- Work even harder to keep your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. When your blood glucose levels are high, it can lead to mood changes that might result in depression.
In summary
Complications are no longer an inevitable outcome of having diabetes. However, they can occur, especially when you are not careful about managing your diabetes. It’s important, though, not to give up if you start to have complications. Instead, look at it as a wake-up call. Renew your pledge to take care of yourself and start taking action today to stay on track.
