Mindset in Diabetes Management

I will never forget being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 7 years old and being called a “couch potato” by a doctor during a follow up appointment when I told her one of my favorite pastimes was reading. She convinced me that reading and “sitting on my butt” was the reason my blood sugars were high. The guilt I felt after that moment whenever I wanted to spend my Saturday afternoon reading a book, lingers with me to this day. 

I will always remember the discomfort I experienced when my teacher at school shared with my class that I had Diabetes. She told them what snacks I could have vs the snacks everyone else could have whenever someone brought in treats. I will always remember the student who asked “so should we bring her carrots?”  I felt on display as not normal and felt unneeded extra attention on me. 

Creating a supportive and encouraging environment allows for people with Diabetes to feel less discomfort in talking about their experiences. I remember the negative mindset I started with when diagnosed with Diabetes and felt unwilling to talk about it with others. I did anything I could to hide that I had Diabetes. 

Fast forward many years later, after I had worked hard to reverse my negative mindset and thoughts on Diabetes, I remember the joy I felt when a coworker called me her diabuddy. That was the moment I realized my mindset had switched from negative to positive.  What are the things that we can all do to help switch our mindsets to a positive one?

Word Choices in Diabetes Management

Imagine being diagnosed with Diabetes and experiencing shame, blame, judgment, and embarrassment from those closest to you and your healthcare team. I won’t forget the patient who told me she felt like she had done something wrong when she was told by her doctor she “failed her glucose tolerance test.” To healthcare teams and society: words and approach matter when addressing Diabetes and management. Words and approach can negatively impact one’s mindset long term. 

When discussing Diabetes with patients, we should avoid words such as “normal” or “failed.” Another big word to avoid is “Diabetic” as that word labels and defines one with Diabetes. Some phrases or words can cause the patient to feel attacked or blamed if their management is not “perfect.”

In appointments, we should ask for permission; permission to discuss weight, permission to discuss blood sugars, permission to discuss lifestyle. What do they want to talk about in their healthcare visit or what do they hope to accomplish? This simple task helps avoid a patient experience of feeling attacked by blame and judgment. 

My least favorite question I have been asked and have heard others be asked is “your numbers seem to be all over the place. Why is that?” Maybe the patient is doing nothing different that would cause the change, but at this moment they feel like they are at fault and they should know the reason. 

Afterall, Diabetes is life altering and comes with balance and adjustment. Extra reassurance and guidance from healthcare staff goes a long way.  If someone is putting in the effort to manage their Diabetes as they are instructed, it can be defeating to interpret that they are to blame for anything that goes awry. That defeat can be the reason someone stops managing their Diabetes and looks at their diagnosis as purely negative. 

Positive Focus

Mindfulness and support is key to a positive mindset with Diabetes. Find something the person is doing well at and make sure to point it out! 

An important approach to focus on when discussing Diabetes with our loved ones is asking how they are feeling about their Diabetes. We should be asking what we can do for them. What can we do to provide support?  Allowing those with Diabetes to feel heard is important and lessens any embarrassment or judgment they may have about having questions. Diabetes management has to be adjusted frequently and handling those adjustments can bring frustration, burnout, and stress. Being a source of support is important for mental health and mindset with management. Encourage them that they are doing a good job handling all that comes with their management.  

Educate Yourself About Diabetes

Remember to educate yourself. Diabetes stigma is commonly seen with loved ones due to them not knowing the right things to say or knowing correct information. Be open to education and questions. Education goes a long way. 

Be mindful that some loved ones do not want to discuss their Diabetes. Be respectful that they may not want to tell everyone or talk about it all of the time.  Due to the stigma that comes with Diabetes, some like to keep their diagnosis to just them or few others. 

If you have questions or need more information about Diabetes Managemnt, reach out to your provider or to our Diabetes Education team at CHI Health.