7 Ways to Cope with Diabetes

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1. To Know Diabetes Doesn't Define You

Far too often, I see people trying to define themselves by their illnesses. As someone who has seen the eating disorder recovery scene as well as the chronic autoimmune disease scene, I have to say, I'm tired of people defining themselves by their illnesses. We are not our illnesses. Similar to how I wasn't my eating disorder and I'm not my chronic autoimmune illness, neither are you your diabetes. These illnesses are simply illnesses, and they do not make us who we are today.

Defining ourselves by our illnesses stems from not seeing our identity in Christ. If you struggle to see your identity in your illness, return to the Lord and ask Him to help you see your true identity in Him (Colossians 2:9). God can help you refrain from making your illness your identity or the center of your life. Continue to pray to Him and seek out support in the comfort of His love.
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2. You Didn't Cause Yourself to Develop Diabetes

Illnesses are part of the fall of mankind, and it is not our personal shortcomings that have caused us to develop an illness. Sadly, many people like to say that diabetes is caused by someone’s weight or eating habits; however, this is not true. Diabetes can happen to anyone of any body size and of any lifestyle background. Practically, when someone has diabetes, their pancreas is not working correctly, which causes their blood sugar to go haywire anytime they eat or randomly. Therefore, know that it is not your fault that you have diabetes.

Diabetes is caused by genetic and environmental factors, not by your choices. While there are many things we can do to prevent diabetes, sometimes prevention alone isn't enough to keep ourselves protected from developing an illness. Sadly, sometimes it simply happens, and there is nothing we can do to fight it. As you are coping with your diabetes diagnosis, be gentle with yourself and know that it is not your fault that you have this diagnosis. Your weight or lifestyle choices didn't cause you to develop this illness: your pancreas is just having a tough time with things.
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3. To Know There Are Treatment Options

The good news is that diabetes does not mean you are automatically on a countdown clock. There are treatment options, most of which you can do yourself. Changing your diet, adding extra vegetables, getting exercise every day, drinking plenty of water, managing stress, and getting enough sleep are a few ways you can help yourself manage your diabetes. Your doctor can also prescribe medication, such as insulin, if needed. If your doctor does prescribe medication, make sure you take it correctly and follow your doctor’s instructions. It is important to take your medication at the same time every day to ensure it is working correctly.

In all honesty, I have trouble keeping up with all of my medicine, so I purchased a pill organizer. Go to a grocery store or a pharmacy and pick out a color you like. Then, when you get home, you can organize your pills for the week, and since they are separated by days, it can help you be prepared for the upcoming week. This has been a lifesaver for me, as I don't have to constantly ask myself, “Did I take my medicine?”
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4. You Are Not Alone

It is also essential to know that you are not alone. When you first receive a diabetes diagnosis, it can feel extremely isolating. This is especially true if nobody you know has diabetes. Know that despite your feelings right now, you are not alone. There are many people who have diabetes, some of whom might be people in your life who just haven't disclosed to you that they have diabetes.

You are not alone in this struggle, and you might find some help in a support group. Ask your primary care doctor about any diabetes support groups in your area if you are having a hard time coping. Being around people with the same diagnosis can help you feel less alone. If you have any loved ones who have diabetes, reach out to them and ask them any questions you may have. It can help immensely to know that you are not alone in your struggles.
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5. Get Into Therapy

Sometimes talking to loved ones and a support group is not enough. When this happens, we need to get into therapy. Therapy can be a wonderful thing and truly help us to cope with anything life throws at us, including a diabetes diagnosis. If you feel talking with your doctor and a support group isn't enough, ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist. A therapist will be able to help you develop a plan when your diagnosis becomes too overwhelming.

They will also be able to help you when you are struggling on a random day of the week, and your doctor doesn't have an appointment available. Ask loved ones for recommendations and see if they have any good therapists. It could be that they are already seeing someone who has helped in their own struggles. Book an appointment with this therapist and see if they are a good fit for you.

If they are not, don't worry. It could be that you will just need to see another therapist. Sometimes it takes a little time to find the right therapist. Not every therapist is right for everyone; therefore, don't become discouraged if you don't click with a therapist right away. Pray over the matter and allow the Lord to work in the situation. He will help you get the help that you need and deserve.
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6. Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop Your Life

Many people come to a full stop when they are diagnosed with any sort of illness. They feel like the illness has become the center of their life, and therefore, they need to give all of their attention to the illness. If this is how you are feeling today, know that your life doesn't have to stop just because you have been diagnosed with diabetes. Sure, you might have to make a few changes in your life going forward, but your life is not ending. You can still do all of the things you love and enjoy while also having diabetes.
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7. Focus on What You Can Do to Help Yourself And Leave the Rest to God

While we talked about treatment options for diabetes, we didn't talk about focusing specifically on what we can do and leaving the rest to God. The things we can do to help ourselves are to eat healthy, incorporate more whole foods rather than processed foods, swap soda for water, exercise daily, manage stress, and get enough sleep. We should focus on doing these things rather than on what we cannot control. We cannot control our diagnosis; therefore, we don't need to fight it or live in denial of it. Both are unhelpful, and it is better to accept our diagnosis and move forward with a treatment plan.

Once you have addressed your diagnosis and you are continually focusing on what you can do to help yourself, choose to leave the rest to God. As mentioned, there are numerous things that we cannot control in our lives. Rather than getting stressed out by them, we need to hand these worries and concerns over to God (1 Peter 5:7). Refrain from holding on to them, as they will only weigh you down. Trust God with your diagnosis and know that you are doing the best that you can.

God will help you as you continue to face this diagnosis, and He will be a source of support. There might be days when you feel extremely alone, yet He will cover you with His grace. Even though this diagnosis might feel like the worst thing possible, know that God is working all things out for your good (Romans 8:28). Remind yourself of this truth when life feels heavy, and know that there is a life beyond diabetes.
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