Diabetes and mental health

[Former-Member]

ohmygoodness thank you for the tag @Shaz51, I actually have a question for you all! @Shaz51 @SmilingGecko @Judi9877 

My mum was diagnosed a few weeks ago. They're still looking into which type it us, but I'm wondering: What kind of support was most useful to you when you were first diagnosed?  

I think she is carrying a bit of shame around and I want to be as supportive as possible ❤️ 

[Shaz51]

Ohhh @Former-Member 

Your mum does not have to feel ashamed my friend,  xxx

With my Mr  shaz,  he developed diabetes 2 because of his anti anxiety medication,  he has been working with the doctor  by stopping his anti anxiety medication and cutting down on carb's such as , bread , rice, spaghetti and takeaway and eating more fruit and vegetables and also on diabetes medication 

For me it is different as I developed diabetes 2 due to my kidney disease stage 4 and it is a bit more trickier to control but I am keeping it stable 

@Dimity , @Wanderer 

[Former-Member]

@Shaz51, I agree! there is no need to feel shame. Hopefully she can learn to let the shame go soon.

And this is so helpful. Thank you ❤️  

[Shaz51]

@Former-Member ,

they will get her to see a diabetes specialist and a diabetes educator and a dietician which will help her 

Little hints like eating smaller meals more regularly,  and to keep hydrated by drinking water more 

[Dimity]

@Former-Member @Shaz51 @SmilingGecko @tyme I was only prediabetic but I think the thing that really helped me was regular phone counselling from a Diabetes Vic coach to get me on track with diet, exercise and other behavioural changes. I couldn't have done it without her encouragement and support. And the support here on the forums to keep walking was/is brilliant. My gp also referred me to a dietician. I do have to be vigilant as my psychiatrist revised my meds downward to help with it all. 

I'm proud of myself because when I got the prediabetic result my gp wasn't going to take any action other than monitoring. I initiated all the changes. 

[Former-Member]

@Dimity you SHOULD be proud, that's incredible work ❤️ 

And thankyou for that recommendation. I'll be sure to let my sweet mamma know ❤️ 

[Shaz51]

Soo proud of you @Dimity ❤

Mr shaz has blood tests to do next week and the doctor is expecting a good news about his diabetes 

[Shaz51]

@Dimity , @Former-Member 

I am going to ring diabetes Queensland  and kidney Australia to give me extra support and encouragement 

Thank you @Dimity 

[Dimity]

@Shaz51 @Former-Member  in Vic it's called the Life! Program. I saw it on Facebook and also@tyme recommended it. A lovely counsellor rang me every month for 6 months and there's a workbook. I'm not allowed to say how much weight I lost or cm off my waist but it's significant. My bloods were in the normal range after 3 months.

Everyone's different but just the support was a game changer for me. Fingers crossed you'll find it too...

[Judi9877]

Hi @Former-Member! Hi @Shaz51 @Dimity @SmilingGecko @tyme and others!

Great questions you’ve asked about your Mum and diabetes @Former-Member  For me, I’ve apparently reversed my type 2 diabetes according to my blood sugar levels which is great but I’m still aware that it could still be around so I’m trying to watch things, like my foods that I eat. This is harder than usual for me as I’m on an antipsychotic med which has food issues associated with it, namely weight gain, but it is helping me with sleep so that’s a good thing I guess!

The best tips I can give to you is:

- Get a diabetic educator on board to help with all things diabetic

- See a podiatrist for all things feet related as feet are known to have issues in relation to diabetes with nerves causing some problems 

- Look at reading the magazine Diabetic Living for great advice and tips as well as recipes and other great information 

- A dietitian can help with food and diet information 

- Maybe look at an endocrinologist as well to help with the diabetes management 

- A psychologist can also help with issues of shame with diabetes and other mental health issues

- A GP is a great person to have on board who can monitor the diabetes and other issues 

- See an optometrist for all things related to the eyes and eye care.

I really hope these suggestions help!

Take care!

Judi9877☺️💐