Type 2 diabetes presents challenges. The biggest challenge a person with type 2 faces is the idea of lifestyle change. People have a preconceived notion that there will be a giant lifestyle change and they can never eat sugar again. When people with type 2 diabetes learn that they can eat sugar but must manage it, it is a change from norm and even if the change is better, it is scary.
When type 2 diabetics realize they have power over sugar, and they need to play the game right, then it becomes a responsibility rather than “I can’t eat sugar, I’m diabetic.” This causes the diabetic to go from powerless to powerful when diabetes originally was a detriment and a life sentence.
Some people make the choice to stay off sugar and say “I can’t, I’m a diabetic” This choice could be attention getting or it could be easier than figuring out how to manage sugar. Part of the process is to determine feelings about food and emotional ties to sugar, where they lie, and where it’s going to be a challenge. It requires effort to take on the challenge and make a powerful decision to have power over diabetes instead of being in a submissive role to diabetes. Sometimes it’s easier to not take on this challenge. Some people just don’t want to deal with it. However, the truth is once it’s dealt with it is very simple.
The second biggest challenge is the stigma attached to diabetes. What does it mean if you have diabetes? Do you want to tell people you have diabetes? Not really, because there is judgment from people. People make statements such as “You must be out of control” or “You ate too much sugar”. A lot of people still think that if a person has diabetes they ate too much sugar. There are jokes such as “Oh you’re so sweet, you’re giving me diabetes.”
The third challenge a person faces with type 2 diabetes is the family feeling responsible for the diabetic’s health. They feel the need to remind and point out things they think the person with diabetes is not seeing, when the person with diabetes knows what is going on. All of these challenges can be dealt with in a group sessions as practiced in Beyond Type 2. Group supports people with type 2 because they are with other people who physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially understand everything that goes with diabetes. People can read books and books, but if you don’t have diabetes you will never understand diabetes at a physical level. To feel support from people who know is highly life changing. Not feeling alone is primal and feeling connection; support and being supported by people with diabetes makes it easier to change together rather than alone. The motivation is much more real than it would be with a dietician or a coach. The connection with like minded people is very strong.
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Posted in Uncategorized by Scarlett at July 3rd, 2010.
Some people make the choice to stay off sugar and say “I can’t, I’m a diabetic” This choice could be attention getting or it could be easier than figuring out how to manage sugar. Part of the process is to determine feelings about food and emotional ties to sugar, where they lie, and where it’s going to be a challenge. It requires effort to take on the challenge and make a powerful decision to have power over diabetes instead of being in a submissive role to diabetes. Sometimes it’s easier to not take on this challenge. Some people just don’t want to deal with it. However, the truth is once it’s dealt with it is very simple.
The second biggest challenge is the stigma attached to diabetes. What does it mean if you have diabetes? Do you want to tell people you have diabetes? Not really, because there is judgment from people. People make statements such as “You must be out of control” or “You ate too much sugar”. A lot of people still think that if a person has diabetes they ate too much sugar. There are jokes such as “Oh you’re so sweet, you’re giving me diabetes.”
The third challenge a person faces with type 2 diabetes is the family feeling responsible for the diabetic’s health. They feel the need to remind and point out things they think the person with diabetes is not seeing, when the person with diabetes knows what is going on. All of these challenges can be dealt with in a group sessions as practiced in Beyond Type 2. Group supports people with type 2 because they are with other people who physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially understand everything that goes with diabetes. People can read books and books, but if you don’t have diabetes you will never understand diabetes at a physical level. To feel support from people who know is highly life changing. Not feeling alone is primal and feeling connection; support and being supported by people with diabetes makes it easier to change together rather than alone. The motivation is much more real than it would be with a dietician or a coach. The connection with like minded people is very strong.
Stay informed about what is happening at Ramey Nutrition by signing up for my newsletter.
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