6 Thoughts About Type 2 Diabetes That Will Motivate You!

Type 2 diabetes is a tough disease to live with. It becomes very easy to focus on the less-than-positive aspects of it. In my life, I need to stay positive but realistic so I don’t fall into a sink hole. Having said that, there are times I need some motivation to stay positive. Lately I find myself reflecting back on some thought provoking comments. These comments came in many forms: in person, in writing, online, through TV or radio. They are supportive. Here are some of those comments I’d like to share.

1. “You can out-eat any med”

Dr Stuart Weiss, endocrinologist, on Sirius XM Dr Radio show. As it happens, I often listen to Dr. Radio on my commute to work. On more than one occasion, he makes comments that catch my attention. This was probably the most profound one. I have ‘out-eaten’ my diabetic meds in the past. The medication can only do so much. I, on the other hand, have some responsibility to ensure I do my part. This one single comment has put me back on track more times than I can say. Maybe it will help you too.

2. Food is medicine

Yes. It. Is. I’m not going to explain this one. It speaks for itself.

3. Exercise is medicine

Ditto.

4. “The medication will not promote weight loss indefinitely until you waste away. It will only take you so far. You have done the rest.”

This was the response my endocrinologist made to my question (no I didn’t ask if I’d waste away, LOL). I have been repeatedly told that some type 2 diabetes meds help you lose weight. I thought this was a reasonable question to ask: how do I stop the weight loss when I reach my goal weight? I gather my question made this very serious guy giggle. His response made me feel good. A pat on the back. It wasn’t the med doing the hard work, it was me.

5. You have the power to slow the progression of diabetes

“In ten years time many people with type 2 diabetes only have about 20% pancreatic function left. Diabetes is progressive. All the hard work you have done with diet and exercise has preserved about 80% of yours”. – CDE. (Apparently, they see something in my overall blood work that suggested I was doing a good job…) I did not know this. I did not know just how much power I had to slow the progression of this disease. And that was just with diet and exercise.

6. “Diabetes is not the end of the world. You can do this.”

The day I received the phone call from my Dr’s nurse telling me I had type 2 diabetes, I immediately sought out a friend at work. The comment wasn’t what I expected. My initial reaction, the comment was not quite supportive. But actually it was. She has type 1 diabetes. She has lived with diabetes since she was about 3 years old. It didn’t take me long to figure out I had control over many things with my diabetes that she didn’t have. I felt good when I thought it through.

It’s really tough to stay positive with a chronic disease like type 2 diabetes but sometimes the positive sneaks up on us when we least expect it.