Playing the Blame Game When You Have Type 2 Diabetes

Like many people, I blame myself for my type 2 diabetes (T2D). And it doesn't help that I still blame myself even now when I eat the "wrong" foods - those that I know will spike my blood sugar. Playing the blame game when you have T2D doesn't help anyone, especially yourself.

My mom warned me about T2D

I remember my mother had type 2 diabetes. And even though I was adopted, she knew my habits and would often tell me it was just a matter of time before I developed diabetes, too. I always felt a sense of achievement when I returned from the doctor without any ailments - until I didn't.

Why couldn't I make changes?

While my mother passed away long before my diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, I often think of her warning. And you guessed it, she was right. Along with knowing my eating habits, lack of regular exercise, and other factors that contributed to my T2D, I tend to blame myself. Why couldn't I have eaten healthier and exercised more? Why wasn't my health important enough to do the right thing? That's a complicated combination of shame, guilt, and inadequacy, and it seems I'm not alone.

Self-blame and diabetes

A 2020 systematic review analyzed the impact of self-blaming on psychological distress and the progression of disease. The study concluded that psychological factors like stress and anxiety can impact disease progression.¹

It's difficult, believe me, but it's important to stop blaming yourself for your type 2 diabetes diagnosis. There are many factors beyond your own behaviors or choices that can lead to a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

You can manage your T2D by changing your mindset, eating patterns, and physical activity.

Focus on the present, not the past

Like I said, I get it. I often feel guilty for how I ate in the past, how little I participated in physical activity, and more. But honestly, would I have changed my lifestyle if I had known what I know now? It's easy to say I would have, but breaking bad habits is hard. While people do it every day, it doesn't mean it's easy.

When it comes to eating a balanced, nutritious diet, it's hard. Desserts taste good! There also may be other underlying issues like eating when depressed or anxious. And for some, breaking the habit of overeating or eating foods that spike blood sugar or raise cholesterol is as tricky as changing other habits. The takeaway is that you shouldn't blame yourself. Do what you can, one day at a time. Instead of focusing on what you did in the past, look at what you can improve now.