It is our pleasure to have a guest post today by Cherise Nicole …. you can find her over at Diabetes Daily.
For the last 5.5 years of living with diabetes I have always said, “I am in control of my diabetes.” The other day I was asked by the dentist. “Is your diabetes controlled?” I paused. I almost got upset. I thought to myself why would you ask me a silly question like that? I asked myself, “Do I have my diabetes under control?” I had a few lows this week. A few highs. When Aunt Dottie visits, I’m all over the place.
I control when I test, sleep and exercise. I can’t help it when I go low or high. Honestly, diabetes and my body does its own thing. I would like for them to work together ALL the time but they don’t.
Diabetes is day by day; I try to avoid going low or high at all cost. I treat when low and correct highs. I try my best to control certain things but 10% of the time I’m not. Is it my fault? No. Do I manage? Yes. Is there anything wrong with it? No. Frustrated? Sometimes. Test, Bolus, Correct and Move on . Lows? Glucose tabs and peanut butter. Hate? No because hating diabetes would be like hating myself.
It took me a while to figure all of this out. I still have a long way to go. I’m still learning each and every day.
Be Blessed
Cherise
Hey Cherise, I hear you. Those open ended questions about whether your diabetes is controlled, or what blood sugar is running, leave me feeling like there is no “right” answer. Posted something similar in my most recent post on my blog.
First, thank you for blogging with us. It is always fun to hear what is going on in your mind. I am not joking. This lady is funny, she is also very wise and very kind. If you don’t read Diabetes Daily, you should!
Are You In Control? I am not in control. However I am not to blame, so I hate that question. I also think everyone has a different definition of “control”. Most dentists, and other health proffesionals have no idea what it takes to be a type 1 and have “control”, or even what it means. So I get awfully frustrated when they ask.
You are doing a great job of keeping yourself controled. You should be proud. As for learning, you can never learn it all. Living with this disease is all about accepting that fact, as well as being willing to keep striving for it.
I HATE when people ask me that question!! It doesn’t really make sense to ask a diabetic, and that language is full of judgement. Great post, Cherise, thanks for blogging with us!!
Thank you again for blogging for us Cherise! What great thoughts too. That is such a tricky question to ask a pwd. But the best thing is to take it day by day. And I’m still learning too … after 28 years!! You’re doing a great job girl, however you may have answered the dentist
Thanks for blogging! I wish they would teach health care professionals to say manage instead of control. I get asked this all the time too and I always want to correct them.