Diabetes Side Effects: Get Control of Your Emotions

It can be devastating when you learn you have diabetes. It is a disease that will be with you for the rest of your life. If you do not get control of this disease, you could lose your life. It can be difficult to contend with the news. But, you are not alone. It is difficult for everyone who gets this news. It is normal to be upset when you receive news of this magnitude. Most people feel similar emotions after being diagnosed with diabetes.

The first emotion most people feel when they are diagnosed with diabetes is denial. It's normal to feel this way. However, if this feeling persists, that's when the trouble starts. If you believe things such as "one bite will not hurt me" or "the sore on my foot will heal itself", then you are putting your health at risk.

To help get yourself away from this destructive behavior of denial there are things you can do. Write down your plan to get your diabetes under control. Include such things as what you are going to eat, what type of exercise you thing you can do, and what supplements you would like to take. Take this list to your health care provider and discuss it with them. Talk with your family and friends about your goals and plans. You might be surprised how eager your loved ones are to help you. Talking about your emotions and fears can help get past them.

Many people feel the emotion of anger after they have been diagnosed with diabetes. This is also normal. But, if you do not get control of your anger, it could put you at risk. Again, it is helpful to keep a journal. Each time you feel the anger try to write down the details. This can be done afterwards. Put down in your diary where you were, who you were with, why you felt angry and what you did because of this emotion. If you can understand your anger and what triggers it, you will have a better chance at getting it under control.