A Glimpse Inside the Life of a Diabetic

Before I shed some light on the prevention, management, and cure for diabetes, I feel that it would be nice to give you a glimpse into the life of a person living with diabetes. If you are a diabetic or live with someone who is, then this may sound familiar to you.

Diabetes affects every aspect of a person's life, and in most cases his/her family as well. A diabetic must carefully manage his diet, exercise, sleep patterns, work routine, stress levels, medication, doctor visits, blood glucose monitoring, and if required, insulin injections. Overall, this requires an extremely balanced lifestyle, which in this day and age is practically impossible. Managing relationships and educating friends and family also becomes a part of this routine.

An insulin dependent diabetic usually wakes up about an hour earlier than most people, in order to check his glucose level, adjust the insulin dosage, and have a healthy breakfast. Planning the day is crucial if it involves long commutes, meetings, exercise, or late nights. If travelling is involved, regulating insulin patterns becomes a problem due to the different time zones. Dashing out of meetings also becomes an issue if the diabetic is conducting the meeting or is too embarrassed to ask for a break in order to find something sweet to eat. A day that isn't planned well can lead to a state of hypoglycemia (rapid drop in glucose level). If exercise is also part of the day, then maintaining a safe glucose level during the entire exercise is crucial, as this could also lead to a rapid state of hypoglycemia. When unscheduled meals or a late night is planned , a diabetic usually carries an insulin pouch with him (sometimes a glucometer) and injects himself after he has ordered a healthy meal that may last him through the night, if, in any case, food/drink isn't available.

Educating family and friends about the symptoms, diet, and latest developments in diabetic care is necessary. A common misconception is that diabetics are not allowed to consume anything sweet. A diabetic's insulin/sugar levels aren't regulated, therefore either the glucose level is higher than the insulin level, or the other way around. The body of a non-diabetic is able to regulate itself, as external insulin isn't required.

Living with diabetes is a daily challenge for both the diabetic and his/her family. Getting depressed or feeling low about this will not help in improving the glucose levels, in fact it may get worse. Each challenge carries with it a seed of success, by which we learn moderation, self-discipline, stress management, pain management (no more fear of needles), and assist others in living a more balanced and harmonious life.

Every experience in our life teaches us a great lesson. Do you have a friend or family member who is struggling from diabetes? Are you a diabetic? What have you discovered about yourself? Feel free to send in your comments/experiences etc.

Visit the Dino's Words of Wisdom blog to learn more about my journey of self-discovery.