Looking at the Positives of Having Type 2 Diabetes

There often aren't many positive aspects to having a chronic disease, especially one like type 2 diabetes. But sometimes, there is a silver lining to things.

Finding the silver linings of diabetes

And while I try to practice positivity, these things help. Here is more on what I consider to be the upsides of living with type 2 diabetes.

I am mindful about what I eat

One of the main things I have to do is be more thoughtful about what I eat and how it will impact my body. In the past, I used to go on restrictive diets or just eat whatever I wanted. Before my diagnosis, I didn't seem to have a solid, balanced middle ground with my nutrition. But now I'm more aware of how some foods will impact my blood sugars negatively when I eat them in excess.

I have more energy

When I had a high A1C, I would fall asleep at my desk while working. I felt tired all the time, and this made me feel bad. Once I got my glucose under control, I no longer fell asleep at work. The extreme fatigue I had improved. Sure, I still get tired, but it's nothing like before when I'd nod off while sitting up.

I am proactive about seeing my doctor

I realize seeing the doctor more often is not fun. But by having diabetes means that routine check-ups and monitoring is essential to my health. I've received better healthcare for other things.

Getting necessary care

For example, I visited my doctor for refills on my medicine and mentioned some leg pain. My doctor referred me to a spine specialist. As a result, I needed surgery on my back for a bulging disc. But even more importantly, the results of my MRI for the bulging disc showed a cancerous tumor. I ended up having 4 tumors, 2 of which were renal cell carcinoma, for which I'm getting treatment now after having them removed.

I have maintained my goal weight

Due to the medicine my doctor prescribed to control my diabetes, I have lost over 70 pounds. I hope to maintain this current weight because that's what is right for me. I could never seem to do that on my own.

In the past, I would start a restrictive diet that was almost impossible to implement for the long term. I would see results, then gain everything back when I'd end the diet and go back to my old ways.

I remember being happy that I lost 40 pounds on a low-carb eating plan, only to regain it after going on a vacation. I would say, "I can enjoy my vacation and go back on a diet afterward." Except, I never did get back to the exact diet, and eventually started eating like I used to.

My GERD symptoms improved

I had acid reflux for years. It didn't flare every day, mind you, but way more often than now. After losing weight, the GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) symptoms subsided. I've experienced maybe 2 instances where I ate too late at night, and it happened.

I also know better how to control GERD, such as not eating too late (as mentioned), not having chocolate or other triggers in the afternoon or night, and eating healthier overall.

The upside of having type 2 diabetes

No one willingly wants to live with type 2 diabetes. I'm just saying that I can look on the bright side of a few things, and that's always better than looking at the downside. I love the "If not for..." saying. And in this case, this certainly applies.