Don't treat diabetes with fear, denial
- col-bobbie-randall
- November 21, 2024
- 167
In November the pink ribbons of Breast Cancer Awareness Month have been replaced by the blue ribbons for Diabetes Awareness. There has been an increase in this diagnosis in the past decade, mainly because it is easier to diagnose. Prediabetes can be reversed. Do not ignore it.
As a diabetes educator, I once visited a hospitalized patient concerning his diabetes and his infected foot. Unfortunately, he told me he knew all he needed to know about this chronic disease and that I was wasting my time.
In a professional tone and manner, I shared some helpful blood glucose facts, and he said, “I know that.” I reminded him of this information — just in case he may have forgotten.
The man never changed his story. He said he knew all he needed to know, but his body language told me something different. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and asked me if I had anything better to do. He tolerated me for only a few minutes, then he rolled onto his side, which left me talking to his back. He was in denial.
The adage, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink,” ran through my head. If this man knew all there was to know about diabetes, then how did he end up in the hospital with blood sugars out of control and an infected foot?
Diabetes is a very misunderstood disease. Just when someone believes they know all they need to know about diabetes, something new is discovered and treatments change. I suspect my patient learned diabetes self-care years ago and failed to stay current with his treatment options.
I have talked to truck drivers, beauticians, house wives, factory workers, engineers, accountants and everyone in between about their blood sugar levels. A lot of them think they have better things to worry about than their own health.
Many people dealing with diabetes have witnessed someone in their own family experience the complications of this genetic disease. A daughter cried as she remembered her mother going blind. A grandson sadly remembered his beloved grandpa losing a leg. Needles and test strips bring unpleasant memories and fears.
Countless patient stories are sad; some are downright frightening. People fear diabetes. They know their lives will be affected by this disease. It is this fear that leads many to denial.
The first step in dealing with diabetes is admitting it exists. Recognizing and treating uncontrolled blood sugars can lead to control. Knowing and accepting a prediabetes diagnosis can put this disease in remission.
Health professionals want to aid and assist people with diabetes. They teach people how to control daily glucose readings. When the numbers are too high or too low, the complications take hold, and the adverse conditions can get worse.
If you or a loved one deal with diabetes, do not ignore it. President Roosevelt said, “The only fear we have to fear is fear itself.”
Bobbie Randall is a registered, licensed dietitian. Email her at bobbierandallrd@gmail.com.