A diabetes diagnosis brings about various changes in one’s lifestyle and health. While some can cope with it effectively, others may experience behavioural health issues such as anxiety, stress, mood swings and even relationship issues. Though a healthy lifestyle is advisable for everyone, those with diabetes do not have a choice.
If not managed properly, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes complications can be serious, especially in obese individuals, further impacting your behavioural health and relationships.
There are certain challenges that a person faces after a diabetes diagnosis:
If such episodes get repeated a few times, you may feel anxious every time you have missed a meal or a medication.
There may be instances when you are not able to stick to the schedule that may lead to a fluctuation of low blood sugar levels and further complications of both type 1 type 2 diabetes.
In men, the damage to the blood vessels may result in reduced blood flow to the sexual organs resulting in loss or inability to hold the erection, a medical condition known as erectile dysfunction. In addition to this, low testosterone levels may also affect the sexual drive.
Some people find it difficult to express themselves or may feel guilty for having been diagnosed with diabetes. They feel it is their responsibility to deal with it on their own without anyone’s help. You must understand that it is alright to ask for help from your partner and family because when one is dealing with a health condition, one tends to feel vulnerable. A tendency to shun natural emotions may lead to behavioural health challenges that may impact your relationship.
Here are a few tips on how you and your partner can work as a team to tackle diabetes:
You may feel that you do not need help in dealing with diabetes and may not consider making your partner a part of your diabetes mellitus care plan. You must acknowledge the fact that dealing with diabetes is an integral part of your life and you will require your partner’s help constantly. Accepting is the first step to managing it.
Dealing with fluctuating blood sugar levels has an enormous physical and mental impact. It is important to communicate your feelings to your partner so that appropriate adjustments can be made. Your partner can help you if you communicate your needs and expectations.
You will have to make a conscious effort to understand your type 2 diabetes and its complications. Your doctor shall also guide you on the various measures you would be required to take to avoid emergencies.
The more informed and aware you are, the better you will be able to cope with your symptoms.
It is always helpful to visit your doctor along with your partner so that both of you can resolve your concerns and monitor your progress together. If your partner is aware of the minute aspects such as the recent blood sugar levels, dosage of the medicine, the recommended diet, they can most effectively extend the necessary support and care.
Various studies have suggested that following a fixed schedule will help you adapt to the routine in a much coordinated manner. Humans are creatures of habit and if we add a compulsive time limit to each task, it will become a habit in no time. Hence, fix the time for your meals, medications, snacks, exercise and even for checking your blood sugar level.
Working out with your partner helps you keep motivated and aids in maintaining a healthy lifestyle to manage diabetes.
Tackle diabetes efficiently by maintaining a cordial relationship with your spouse and working as a team. If at any point you feel that you are facing relationship issues, consult a relationship counsellor or a therapist.
Your behavioural health depends on the quality of your relationship with your spouse and family. You may have to make certain adjustments initially but if you are patient enough, inculcate cooperation and feel comfortable with each other, managing diabetes will then seem like a cakewalk.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that affects the pancreas. In this, the body is unable to properly process the energy released from the food leading to high sugar levels. When this happens over a period, it causes organ damage and other serious complications. There are no apparent reasons why people get diabetes, but many factors in their genes and lifestyle increase their odds of suffering from this disease. Diabetes mellitus can occur because of two reasons. Either the pancreas does not produce a sufficient amount of insulin, a hormone essential for using sugar in the body (Type 1) or because the body develops resistance to the insulin coursing through the system (Type 2). A third kind is known as Gestational Diabetes which occurs when a pregnant woman without a previous history of diabetes develops high sugar levels.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. It may be due to impaired insulin secretion, resistance to peripheral actions of insulin, or both. Chronic hyperglycemia in synergy with the other metabolic aberrations in patients with diabetes mellitus can cause damage to various organ systems, leading to the development of disabling and life-threatening health complications, most prominent of which are microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy) and macrovascular complications leading to a 2-fold to 4-fold increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Following are the most common symptoms:
If you have type 1 diabetes, you need insulin therapy to stay healthy. It replaces the insulin your body doesn’t make. If you have type 2 diabetes, insulin therapy might be part of your treatment. It’s needed when healthy lifestyle changes and other diabetes treatments don’t control your blood sugar well enough.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Diabetes mellitus has no cure. It is a chronic disease that can be best managed by keeping the blood sugar levels under control. However, care must be taken that the sugar levels don’t get too low as that is more harmful and can even be fatal.
Most importantly, this condition requires medical intervention, therefore, do not self-diagnose or take medications without proper consultation.People can live healthy lives with diabetes provided they keep their sugar levels in check. With a proper lifestyle and medications, many live long, quality lives.
Also Read: Desserts For Diabetics: An Expert’s Guide To Enjoying Sweet Treats Safely
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
