1. Living With Diabetes Feelings about diabetes and how it affects your family or partner

2. Diabetes affects… What I eat What I think about How I spend my money My activities My relationships How I feel My job My entire life!

3. What is your story? How were you told you had diabetes? How did you feel when you first found out? Was it a surprise? Who did you tell? What was your family say? What has helped you cope with diabetes? What would help you feel more at peace about having diabetes?

4. Living with a Chronic Disease Diabetes: a life-long disease No “cure” for diabetes No “vacation” from it Diabetes gets worse over time. Strong feelings when first find out Feelings may be like grieving Feelings will be less strong over time

5. Stages of Grief Grief= a reaction to loss

6. Talking About Feelings

7. Common feelings about diabetes Shock, surprise Denial Anger Blaming others Sadness Depression (anger turned inward) Stressed Frustration Acceptance and adaptation

8. Why talk about feelings? Feelings affect our blood sugar. Feelings affect our motivation. Feelings affect our choices. Feelings affect our relationships. Feelings not shared can lead to depression and frustration. Talking about feelings may be the first step in choosing helpful behaviors.

9. Some positive actions Relaxation techniques Coping skills “Grateful List” Setting goals

10. Relaxation Techniques Get comfortable, both feet on the floor Take deep breaths Relax each part of your body Picture yourself in a peaceful place

11. Coping Skills Find support sources. Talk to someone you trust. Reduce Stress. Help family and friends learn about diabetes. Decide what is most important. Don’t try to change everything at once.

12. Gratefulness Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Gratefulness boosts your immune system. Gratefulness lowers stress. Gratefulness lifts depression. Keep a gratitude journal. 10% of life is what happens to me; 90% is how I react to it. We are in charge of our attitude!

13. Whose job is it? Your job: – Exercise – Monitor blood sugar – Stick with healthy eating plan – Stop smoking – Take aspirin every day – Express feeling in a healthy way – Take care of your feet and eyes – Know your Hemoglobin A1c and cholesterol

14. Whose job is it? Health care provider’s job: – Monitor your blood pressure – Monitor your blood test levels – Listen to your concerns – Encourage you to make healthy choices – Keep records and help you reduce risk – Make sure you are satisfied with your care – Help you learn to manage your diabetes

15. Let’s Review! Name some areas of life that are affected by diabetes. “Grief” is a reaction to _________. Talking about _______ may be the first step in choosing helpful behaviors. Whose job is it to take care of your feet and eyes: Your job, or your healthcare provider’s job?