November 2024
Gary Scheiner MS, CDCES
Owner, Clinical Director
Whoop-de-do. It’s Diabetes Awareness Month.
Have you heard? November is Diabetes Awareness Month, at least here in the US. To me, it’s just another “Hallmark Holiday” designed to sell stuff, like “Boss’s Day” or “2nd Cousins’ Day”.
I suppose Diabetes Month is good for spreading the word about causes, risks and symptoms of diabetes. But there should really be a month for those who actually have diabetes – those for whom every month is diabetes month, as is every week, day, hour, minute and second. Well, maybe not every second… at least it shouldn’t be. Heck, I’d settle for a single moment dedicated to everyone who lives with diabetes – a time when we can all unite as one and recognize the strain and burden this puts us under. That settles it.I declare November 21st, at 12 seconds past 7:14 pm EST to be PWD (persons with diabetes) moment.Getting back to the topic of strain and burden, it might surprise you to know that our practice is actually seeing more people who obsess too much about their diabetes than those who neglect it. Perhaps it is related to the constant inundation of media news or the widespread availability of data in our lives. Regardless of the cause, it’s not good. Over-obsession with glucose management often leads to anxiety, stress, poor sleep, high blood pressure, and an overall reduction in quality-of-life. And ultimately, quality-of-life is what really matters, not just a bunch of numbers and stats. Striking a healthy balance between taking care of one’s health and enjoying all there is to enjoy in life can be tricky. We make decisions and choices throughout the day every day that impact our health and enjoyment of life – what we eat, what we do, how we spend our time, and so on. And not just during “diabetes month”. If you find it challenging to achieve that healthy balance, let’s talk about it. As is the case with most things in life, the best solution usually lies somewhere in the middle. If your usual clinici an can’t help, we have some true experts who can: Licensed Clinical Social Workers who live with T1D personally and offer the kind of guidance/insight you’re looking for. Take advantage of this, because living happier, healthier lives is what it’s all about. And not just during Diabetes Awareness Month. I hope you enjoy the clinician columns, news articles, and “fun stuff” in this month’s edition of Diabetes Bites. Feel free to email me with any comments/suggestions: gary@integrateddiabetes.com. For more in-depth insight on a variety of hot topics, check out our Thinking Like A Pancreas Blog. As always, please reach out if there is anything we can do to assist you in reaching your personal diabetes goals. Call 610-642-6055 or send an email to info@integrateddiabetes.com. Let’s make every month living well with diabetes month!
Gary Scheiner MS, CDCES
Owner, Clinical Director
