Diabetes and Your Emotions
Diabetes and Your Emotions

Accepting diabetes is not easy

  • When people are first diagnosed with diabetes, they may have various stages of adjustment. These stages can be:
    • Denial
    • Shock
    • Anger
    • Fear
    • Depression or sadness
    • Hopelessness
And for some, acceptance of their diabetes may happen only after there is a complication.

It is ok to tell your doctor

  • Its important to tell your health care provider:
    • That you are having a hard time accepting the idea that you have diabetes (or cancer, whichever is the issue for you).
    • That you are depressed, angry, scared or stressed.
    • Or however you are feeling.

  • Sharing these feelings can be the first step to:
    • Feeling better.
    • Decreasing the effect of these emotions on your blood sugar.
Diabetes and body image
  • If you are already coping with the complications of diabetes, you may have to:
    • Use a wheelchair.
    • Wear orthopedic shoes.
    • Experience worsening eyesight.
    • Start kidney dialysis.
    • Have an amputation.
These are a few examples of how diabetes can affect your life and your image of yourself.These physical changes can also affect your self-image and how you feel about yourself. It is important to tell your health care provider about how you are making these physical adjustments - or if you need some help It is also important to share how you feel about having to make these changes in your life...

Diabetes and Emotions

  • If these emotions are keeping you from:
    • Doing your work.
    • Having good family interactions.
    • Enjoying your family, your usual activities and hobbies.
    • Taking good care of yourself.
Then tell your health care provider. He/she may recommend that you talk to a counselor about your feelings and consider options to help you feel better.



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