I could ring in November — designated as “American Diabetes Month” — by dwelling on plenty of jaw-dropping statistics: A whopping 29 million Americans have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. An additional 86 million Americans live with prediabetes. The disease costs the U.S. health care system $250 billion each year. Diabetes increases the risks for a menu of serious health challenges, including heart disease and kidney failure.
But I won’t. Instead, I’ll ring in the month with what I know best: Me. And you should too.
Let me explain: I’ve managed my diabetes for 48 years. This month, I’ll be celebrating! You, meantime, should focus on someone you know who has diabetes — be it yourself, a special loved one or a friend. Ultimately, it is the individual living with diabetes who tells the most important story about living a long and full life with diabetes.
If that sounds more positive than what you’re used to hearing, good! American Diabetes Month and World Diabetes Day are the perfect time to reflect on the positive aspects of diabetes, like the fact that we can effectively manage the health risks by the decisions we make and the actions we take every day. More important, having a positive attitude about diabetes is the first step toward making those positive decisions, and taking those positive actions.
[See: The Best Diets to Prevent and Manage Diabetes.]
Think I’m crazy or naive? Well, I can at least tell you that I’m not alone. Here’s what some of my incredible friends with diabetes have to say about how to stay positive:
1. Treat your disease like a hobby.
“I have found so many people who are afraid of diabetes. The mental effects of diabetes can bring you down — sometimes you do everything you are supposed to do, but your readings don’t reflect all the work you put into it. You feel like you have taken two steps back. Keeping a positive mental attitude is key. I do this by treating my diabetes like a hobby. This puts the long daily diabetes tasks list into a better perspective, and I’ve seen great results.”
— Illinois Rep. Michael Tryon, a founding member of the Illinois Diabetes Caucus
2. Relax.
“Take care of your diabetes management one day at a time. Some people are so overwhelmed with anxiety they can’t imagine how they can ever manage their diabetes regimens year after year. Other people are so worried about potential complications that may happen in the future that they become depressed. To all I say: ‘We don’t know what the future will bring.’ It does not help to worry about what is not within your control. So take control of what you can, and that is managing your diabetes today. It’s an approach I’ve personally followed to successfully manage my Type 1 diabetes for the past 41 years!”
— Clinical psychologist and certified diabetes educator Beverly Adler
[See: 6 Tips to Keep Diabetes Out of the Hospital.]
3. Accept reality.
“Being crowned the ‘King of Comfort,’ I have learned to be comfortable with my health. That means living and learning about Type 2 diabetes. My best words of advice are to live your life whole and eat your food whole.”
— Art Smith, Oprah Winfrey’s former chef
4. Reach out.
“Reach out and make some friends who also live with diabetes. You can do this in many ways, like through social media platforms including Twitter and Facebook. You can also look to moderated chat communities hosted by credible organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and Glu; they tend to filter out the sort of uncivil, rude exchanges that you may encounter on general social sites. Or, you can reach out and meet people face to face by participating as a volunteer at fundraising and educational events, which is always rewarding. I’ve found that my diabetes is easier to live with when I know I’m not alone.”
— Kelly Rawlings, editorial director for “Diabetes Forecast”
[See: 7 Things to Know If You’ve Received a Diabetes Diagnosis.]
There is, of course, a lot more to know about managing diabetes — food, activity and medication to name the most basic requirements. And, it all comes much easier when you maintain a positive attitude. It’s not always easy to do, but November is the perfect time to start.
More from U.S. News
7 Steps Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetics Should Take
6 Common Myths and Misconceptions About Diabetes
Got Diabetes? Why You Must Protect Your Feet
The Untold Diabetes Story You Need to Hear This Month originally appeared on usnews.com
