by Peter J. Nebergall, PhD
Good diabetes self-management imposes limits on one's behavior. We know this. We understand these limits, and most of us understand (at least intellectually) the reasoning behind them.
But we're stubborn. We don't like anyone "telling us what to do," so we resist. We don't want to "give in to a bully," even one named diabetes. It's a macho thing.
But we have to grow up, if we would keep our eyes, our legs, our kidneys... To the child, "limits" are external. They are "rules" imposed by someone else. To the child, a "limit" is meant to be tested, pushed, overcome. Limits are there to be transcended -- without getting caught.
For the adult, legitimate limits (such as those imposed by a medical condition) are a part of the self. They have mutated from "rules" into limitations. The adult seeks knowledge of his limits as he would of a minefield. They are not flouted, but avoided.
Where do you fit? We all know we should keep to our diet and exercise schedules, test often, and take our prescribed medications on time -- but do you?
If you see diabetes as a bellowing bully trying to "make you behave," perhaps you'll not be as ready to do what you need. You won't be as enthusiastic, about your self-management, as you should be.
Diabetes isn't a bully. We shouldn't think of it that way. It's not "diabolical." It's just a set of circumstances that imposes some limitations -- and if we work within those limitations, if we keep an adult attitude, we can thrive.