Living with Diabetes
The emotional side we don't always talk about
Living with diabetes can affect far more than physical health. The constant decisions, uncertainty and responsibility can also affect how we feel about ourselves, our relationships and everyday life.
Type 1 and Type 2 - what's the difference?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks the cells that make insulin. People with Type 1 need insulin to live. It is not caused by lifestyle or by eating too much sugar.
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body does not use insulin effectively and, over time, may not make enough. Genetics, age and many other factors can contribute. It should not be reduced to assumptions about weight, diet or lifestyle.
“Why me?”
A diagnosis of diabetes - or simply the ongoing reality of living with it - can bring many different emotions. There is no 'right' way to feel.
- Denial - “This can't really be happening.”
- Anger - “Why should I have to deal with this?”
- Fear - Worrying about hypos, complications or what the future might hold.
- Shame - Feeling judged about food, weight, injections, glucose levels or needing medication.
- Stigma - Living with other people's assumptions about diabetes and what caused it.
- Guilt - Feeling you should be managing things 'better'.
- Frustration - Doing everything you can and still getting unpredictable results.
- Exhaustion - Simply becoming tired of thinking about diabetes every day.
“I'm tired of thinking about diabetes.”
Diabetes distress describes the emotional burden of living with and managing diabetes day after day. It is not the same as depression, although the two can exist together.
Sometimes that burden can become diabetes burnout - feeling emotionally or physically exhausted by the relentless demands of the condition.
“Will people think this is my fault?”
Diabetes stigma can affect people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Comments about food, weight, injections, pumps or glucose readings can leave people feeling blamed, watched or misunderstood.
A glucose reading is information - not a judgement about whether someone has been 'good' or 'bad'.
“Does anyone really understand?”
Diabetes can affect partners and families too. Worry about hypos, complications, food, medication and the future can sometimes create tension, frustration or a sense of helplessness for everyone involved.
How counselling can help
I offer counselling and emotional support for people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well as their partners and families.
Having lived with Type 1 diabetes myself for many years, I bring both professional understanding and first-hand experience of the emotional and everyday challenges diabetes can bring.
Counselling provides a confidential space where diabetes does not need to be explained, justified or judged.
Sometimes it's not about managing diabetes better.
It's about being supported while you live with it.