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5 tips for improving self-image while living with diabetes
While you may feel envious of people who don't need to check their blood sugar or wear an insulin pump, self-image issues are not limited to people living with diabetes. Everyone can experience low self-esteem and confidence.
However, there are unique things about living with diabetes that can influence your self-image. Monitoring glucose levels and integrating diabetes devices into your daily life, for example, can stir up a range of emotions. These factors can change the way you see yourself, but it's important to remember that you're more than your condition! It doesn't need to hold you back from living your best life.
The next time you feel insecure about your diabetes or self-image, turn to these five tips for embracing confidence and celebrating what makes you unique.
1. Know your numbers
Constantly monitoring your blood sugar can overwhelm you and drain you of energy. The more you keep your numbers within range, the better you'll feel overall.
Keeping careful track of your blood sugars helps drive positive health habits. Whether you are pricking your finger or wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) — or both — regularly tracking your personal diabetes data can benefit your comfort and confidence.
2. Love your robot parts
Do you wear a CGM, an insulin pump, or another diabetes device on your body? Take pride in your robotic pancreas parts. Show off your diabetes devices with special overlay tapes, stickers, and decorations to personalize your look. Self-image issues can be addressed with fun and flair!
On the other hand, you may prefer to conceal your devices. There are many fashion accessories like bags, belts, and pouches to help tuck away your diabetes supplies with style.
3. Remove emotions from data
Do you ever feel like your blood sugar levels are a personal report card? Sometimes, it's hard to look at a glucose reading and not feel angry, proud, or some combination of emotions. But remember that your blood sugars are not a measure of your self-worth.
These numbers measure your blood sugar at a given moment. Tracking your levels can help you make wise decisions about exercise, food, and activity — but the readings are just data. It's necessary information, but you're more than your numbers.
4. Decide which numbers matter
Are you frustrated by weight gain or loss? Are you steamed up by an increase in your A1C? Show yourself a little love, and give yourself some grace to make gradual changes. If you're aiming to bring down your A1C, taking small steps every day can lead to enormous improvement.
For instance, checking your blood sugar two extra times a day can provide enough information to boost your confidence. Then you may feel ready to make another change or two. Sometimes, you can manipulate the numbers that concern you most — like your A1C or weight — by focusing on different numbers instead. For example, try shifting your attention to the number of times you check your blood sugar per day. A new perspective may lead you to positive results.
5. Find peer support
If you're feeling down about your self-image or isolated by the day-to-day challenges of living with diabetes, remember that you're not alone. Thousands of people manage diabetes every day. They understand the daily challenges and the emotional toll it takes. Connecting with others about your similar experiences can help empower you to improve your self-image.
There are hundreds of dedicated blogs, online communities, and advocacy organizations that can foster these connections. You can also learn about in-person meetings through local JDRF or ADA chapters as well as via your doctor's office.
Lastly, give yourself a pat on the back. It can be difficult to face low self-esteem associated with your diabetes. But you're taking action to equip and empower yourself, and that's worth feeling proud of.
Looking to discover more insights around living with diabetes? Explore the library of informative articles on the Edgepark website to learn about new devices and management strategies.
