Life with Diabetes

FINDING EASIER WAYS

No doubt, diabetes can be hard on your health and how well you feel. But it can also play a big role in other parts of your life, such as your marriage, your finances, and your emotional well-being. You may feel angry one day, sad the next. 

You may worry how others will treat you—and wonder if they even need to know you have diabetes. Dealing with diabetes every day isn’t easy. But you can make it easier. Here are 9 ways diabetes can affect your life and how you can manage them.

MANAGING THE COSTS

Most people with diabetes spend two to three times more money on medical care than people without diabetes. If you have diabetes, your healthcare costs will be about $11,744 each year—and over half of that will be due to diabetes. In fact, you're likely to see your expenses go up by about $4,174 in the first year after you're diagnosed. 

That can be hard on your finances. How you manage the cost of your diabetes care will depend on your health insurance coverage, income, and other life circumstances. To keep stress at a minimum, talk to your diabetes educator or doctor about ways to save money while getting the care you need.

DEALING WITH STRESS

Managing a chronic disease like diabetes is challenging. "Many people get stressed out because their expectations aren’t realistic," says John Zrebiec, MSW, CDE, chief of the mental health clinic at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.

 "They expect they’re going to be perfect and lose a lot of weight very quickly, or that their sugars will be perfect." Minimize stress by setting realistic goals. Then focus on the rewards of your actions, such as having more energy and control. 

Be sure to get support from other people, too. Involve family, friends, or a support group in your quest to reach your goals.

PROTECTING YOUR MARRIAGE

Being diagnosed with diabetes is life-altering—not just for the person with diabetes, but also for loved ones and caregivers. "Those we love don’t always react to our diabetes the way that we hope they will," says Janis Roszler, RD, CDE, a marriage and family therapist in Miami. "Some rise to the occasion and surpass our expectations, and others fall short." 

Having support from your partner can make a big difference in how well you cope with the challenges of diabetes. If your needs aren’t being met, let your partner know and discuss changes. 

Set aside time to be together without talking about diabetes. Seek additional support, so your spouse isn’t your only sounding board.

STICKING TO DIETARY CHANGES

It’s no fun being vigilant about everything you eat. "People think that a diabetic diet means deprivation," Zrebiec says. "But it’s really about eating healthy and in moderation." You can even enjoy so-called unhealthy foods like chocolate and alcohol—in limited amounts.

 Zrebiec encourages people with diabetes to stick with healthy practices like carb-counting and measuring portions, because it eventually gets easier. It’s also important to recognize the rewards that come with vigilance, such as lower blood pressure, weight loss, better blood sugar, and feeling more in control.

WORKING THROUGH IT ALL

Having diabetes can make you feel insecure about your job, especially if you have diabetes complications. You may worry that higher-ups will think less of you, you won’t get promoted, or you'll get fired due to diabetes. The best thing to do is practice good glucose (blood sugar) control, which will keep you healthy, Zrebiec says. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) means employers can't discriminate against you for having diabetes, and they're required to make reasonable accommodations for you to do your job. While you may be reluctant to let coworkers know about your diabetes, keep in mind that anti-discrimination laws apply only if your employer knows about your disability