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The Positive side of being diagnosed with diabetes
by JocelynApril 28, 2009 7:17 PM
31 Replies
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Tags: gratitude, learning, discipline, hope, positive thinking, motivation
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Deleted User |
Deleted User replied April 28, 2009 8:42 PM
Well said Jocelyn. I'm not glad that you or any of us have diabetes. But we do, so you must move on and do the best with the cards you were dealt. I have a good example of how true friendship works just this past week. I was having my normal insulin problems and emailed some of my friends here on DC. All were really sick with the flu, the crud., etc. But each and every single person took the time to email back and talk me through it. I've said it before and I'll say it again. DC has many awesome members that are my friends for life. Love n hugs! Angie
Jocelyn replied April 28, 2009 8:53 PM So true Angie and you are a great example of being a good friend too. Thoughtfulness is a two way street. When we are down, or when we are up, sharing our hearts and our interest is what inspiration is all about... No one is strong all the time. I like that saying, and I'm sorry I can't quote it... but it says, Sharing pain is half, and sharing joy is twice... we need each othe to thrive... hugs, Jocelyn |
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Latte Lady |
Latte Lady replied April 30, 2009 1:21 AM
Really, there are positive sides to many issues.
Jocelyn replied April 30, 2009 1:30 AM "They" say stars shine brightest in night skies. Compassion revels itself when pain welcome love inside...
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mamaoak |
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Sarguillo |
Sarguillo replied April 30, 2009 1:33 AM
My first thought was "There is no good side to being diabetic", then I read your post and I have to agree with you. We now know more about what happens in our bodies and how to control what our bodies need more than most lay persons and even some nurses. Its a crash course in a mini medical school. |
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tabby9146 |
tabby9146 replied April 30, 2009 2:33 AM
You are so right! I have often thought the same thing. I am glad that I now exercise, I didn't before for many years, and I am glad that I eat so healthy now. What a difference it has made in my life! I never would have been motivated to lose all that weight, had it not been for this diagnosis. So yes there can be a positive side. |
cakeybakes |
cakeybakes replied April 30, 2009 3:25 AM
What a wonderful outlook! I have been so caught up with how difficult everything is I tend to forget that I have been educating my husband and kids on how important the right foods and excercise are in order to have a fabulous life with the ones you love (for a LONG time). Thanks for the little smack upside the head!
Jocelyn replied April 30, 2009 7:54 PM When I was still in shock for my diagnoses, a good friend rattled my cage for me, so I can't take allt the credit, just the part, like you, that I started thinking on the upside of things... We can only take it or leave it right? Might as well enjoy more of what we have... lol thanks, I'm sure I'll need a boost down the road... maybe you will give me one then... hugs, j
cakeybakes replied May 1, 2009 2:35 AM Any time! I think we all need the boost now and again! Looking forward to hearing more from you!
Jocelyn replied May 1, 2009 3:43 AM I appreciate all the wonderful things this site makes posible for us... It is the first time I have ever joined an Internet support group. I am so glad I did... yeah team!!! |
Two painful feet |
Two painful feet replied April 30, 2009 3:34 AM
Last edited 6 months ago Dear Jocelyn, What a wonderful outlook on life with diabetis. It is a wake up call to me. Last October I was diagnosed a diabetic. The first 2 months I kept thinking that the doctor had made a mistake. Then I shock my feathers and got down to learning all I could. If I have the happy outlook that you have I know I will take good care of myself.
Jocelyn replied April 30, 2009 7:56 PM Thanks, like I just told cakey, life turns and spins and we all take turns adjusting our lens'. We have to keep reminding ourselves and each other that self care is not selfishness... it is the foundation for generosity of spirit...hugs my friends, j |
alwaystryin |
alwaystryin replied May 1, 2009 3:49 AM
Something I hope, and feel we will be hearing a lot "Tell Diabetes We are not afraid of IT, IT better be afraid of US".
Jocelyn replied May 1, 2009 3:58 AM Amen to that! knowledge is power, and accountability is power... watch out diabetes... We have your number...yeehaw!
cyncyn replied May 1, 2009 5:11 PM I couldn't put it better. Everyone's reply is on the money. And this site is the BEST ! The people are the BEST.
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Mom and boys |
Mom and boys replied May 1, 2009 2:18 PM
With genetics being such a large part of the disease I am just happy that we know enough today that we can live with it and be healthy.
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Deleted User |
Deleted User replied May 1, 2009 2:31 PM
Last edited 6 months ago I've done a lot of thinking on this before posting my thoughts on this. I've been diagnosed for 7 years now with a lifetime of low blood sugar issues. I think that when I was diagnosed with Diabetes I was relieved because there was finally something that I could do to help myself. I remember being terrified at first. The only thing I really knew about it was that I could lose my feet and go blind. Those terrifying thoughts were my motivation to learn and to get my life in order. I no longer fear them, I know they are still out there but I'm doing everything I can to prevent them so I no longer fear them. Knowledge is power has been my mantra for years now. The more you know, the more you can do!!
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I'm using Privacy Manager |
Anonymous replied May 1, 2009 2:37 PM
There is absolutely nothing positive about this. I was doing all the things "they" watching the weight, exercising, eating right and look where it got me, type 1 at my age. It has destroyed my life
Antique-Dave replied May 1, 2009 3:12 PM If you had not been doing all of the right things the dx might have happened 20 years ago.
Jocelyn replied May 1, 2009 6:14 PM True, there is nothing positive about diabetes... but when we know what it is we are up against, we have more options to consider in our strategy in dealing with it. I wish disease was not a part of our humanity... but it is, unfortunately. I care, and I'm truely sorry for all the havic this things causes. I am hoping for a miracle, for all of us...
Deleted User replied May 2, 2009 1:39 AM Last edited 6 months ago Anonymous, I so sorry you feel this way. I'm assuming your young but it's hard at any age. I was diagnosed with Type 1 in December at 43. Betting you're much younger than I am. I didn't even know what Type 1 or Type 2 meant. I ask the doctor's point blank, will this kill me and they said "No, if you test, test, test, watch your insulin and the foods you eat, you can life a long healthy life." That's all I needed to hear. I smiled and they ask why I was smiling about Type 1, and I said "at least it's something that can be treated." Many have diseases that can not be controlled with insulin or medications. I hope you don't let it destroy your life, it doesn't have to. I wish the best for you. Angie
Jocelyn replied May 2, 2009 1:55 AM Angie, I never stop being amazed by your determination and strength in facing the odds life throws at you... You and others here on the dc site continue to amaze encourage me... We have a collective resolve to face down and call to accountablity this disease... and the comapassion to reach out to each other, not in judgment for our sadness, but with open hearts to grow a deeper resolve for managing our lives with the best possible potential for joy...Together we stand... |
Sally |
Sally replied May 1, 2009 2:50 PM
Everyone thought I was nuts when I decided that my diabetes was a blessing. But if I had not been diagnosed, I would have continued down a road full of unhealthy food choices and an inactive lifestyle that would have eventually led to other health problems, some probably more severe. Even with sugar swings and the day to day battle to keep up with it, I still feel overall healthier than I have in years. It has been a total overhaul for my life and the way I think about myself, and everyone in it. I have learned to value food again, and when I do indulge in a sweet treat, I have learned to savor it. |
pjsnanny |
pjsnanny replied May 2, 2009 1:49 AM
I have had diabetes for 4 years and had my Ac1 level at a 4.7 .so my doctors took me off meds I was controlling it by diet and exersise.But July of last year I was involved in a motorcycle accident and injured my left foot pretty bad , so that left me with little options of exersise so everything is going back up so now I am back on metformin and new meds to protect my kidneys. I REALLY HATE DIABETES!! But I am glad I found this website , because now I don't feel so alone!
Dietbeeties replied May 5, 2009 1:55 PM I agree, I wasn't the queen of health before being diagnosed as Type 1, so I guess there is a postive side to it. I also think there is a reason for everything and everyone. I may not know what my reason is, but through spreading the word, raising funds for a cure, correcting my families eating habits, and exercising together, somewhere somehow I am going to make a difference! I'll be honest though and say that I still have rough days and pity parties...but I guess you have to have downs to appreciate the ups!
Jocelyn replied May 6, 2009 5:51 PM I don't know the reasons either, but I do know that each of us get what we get and it is up to us to deal with it in a positive way. I think the culture has a lot to do with illnesses. the low quality of our collective food, because of the corporations greed, cheep, chemical laced foods that replace whole food benefits... and so many other influences too. We all owe it to ourselves to find out how we can fight back. I for one thing will never buy anything with high frucose corn surup in it. Prepackaged food are a mine field. I am a lable reader from hell... I write letters to corporations telling them what damage they are doing to innocent people just for the sake of capital gain... there is always something we can do to use our voice for good. educate, educate, educate... and lead by example... My four year old grand daughter is not shy about asking what's in that juice? and with authrority says, I don't drink high frucose corn surup. It will hurt my body. the point is, we have to be accountable to ourselves and speak out about the damage the food corporations are doing to the nations. If we don't buy it, they will stop trying to sell it... lets call some accounttablilty for the market place... If they make it, let them keep it... we don't want it... take care of yourselves, thre are a lot of goolies out to get your buck and they don't care what happens to your body... be passionate about your life... hugs, Jocelyn |
Since being diagnosed with diabetes last year I have learned so much about how the human body works. I have learned about the connection that foods have on the body. How chemistry is a part of everyday life. That everything we put into our bodies, food, or products have and effect on the various organ in our bodies. I have experienced extreme emotional fluxuations as a componet that affects our ability to cope with seriously challenging health concerns. I am leaning to take better care of my physical needs with more conscious attention, and I appreciate even more, the value that regular and consistent choice plays in my over all health. I have also had the opportunity to meet others in my home community and also speak with my extended community here on dc, in my quest in overcoming the sadness surrounding this diagnoses. I have learned that this diagnoses is not just about me, and has a much greater reach on the world population. I am coming to terms with this disease that is epidemic, world wide. I am remembering things I let slip onto the back burner of my life, about the importance of maintaining a good diet, keeping a positive attitude and making more of an effort to regularly exercise, even if it isn't to the degree I once was capable of maintaining. I am finding access to research and discussions about everything that affectes our health along with the pleasure of having conversations with new friends around the world... wow, communication is strengthening... Just to talk it over with othes who also struggle with everyday coping that this demanding health concern requires. I am reminded on a new level just how important it is to be active in a fun and respectful community who comes together for sharing infomation to support growth and maintenance support of our health care concerns. I am inspired to learn all that I can and apply myself to becoming more disciplined in caring for my body so I can live a quality of life that is complimentary in community awareness. Dis-Ease drives us to fine Ease, and no one can do that alone... I am not glad to have diabetes, I am grateful that I know what I need to do to be accountable for what has happened to my body. Perhaps in the holistic view of things, science will find a cure for it. Meantime, I am learning to value the importance of paying attention to my limitations and enjoying more of what I can have...If I had not been diagnosed, I might have continued along making poor choices that I didn't know I was making... So we who know we have it, know our enemy. We are really fortunate I think because we have a fighting chance to do better than we otherwise would, not knowing. I'm so impressed with each and everyone I meet who is taking charge of their circumstance, and keep sharring their stories. Your stories give me courage and resolve to keep on, keeping on, and searching for ways to reach out to others in positive and compassionate ways... We are stronger because we have community... This to me, is the positive side of diabetes...