Postcard

It’s important to remember that good health starts as a state of mind, says our resident type 1 columnist, Rob Palmer

I think we have all had it at some stage, that insular feeling of diabetes-induced self-pity. When you almost indulge in a whinge, thinking, “THIS SUCKS … Why should I have to deal with this rubbish? How is it fair that my body has tried to kill itself? I have circulation issues, restrictive conditions every time I think of food, not to mention the cost of diabetes that comes straight out of my hard-earned dollars.” Granted, it doesn’t last too long, thank goodness, but it does sometimes leave behind a little bit of guilt. I mean, really, there are worse things we could be dealing with.

I had a friend recently approach me with a mild look of concern on his face. “Hey Rob, I checked my sugars the other day,” he said. Now, this mate is always a clown... in an admirable and affable way. I kinda expected a gag to follow, but the look on his face was more that of a teacher, preparing to let me know my spelling was just not up to scratch.

Now, this fella is a clever cat, right on the button when considering stuff to do with medical science. His following comment was unexpected, but it certainly didn’t floor me like the announcement of more sinister conditions might. “I’m in the red zone for type 2 diabetes.”

“$@@&”: Insert my expletive here.

In his mind I’m sure there was a bit of fear and disappointment. In mine was an element of empathy, but also a determination to give a mate a hand in getting the better of a condition that, at the end of the day, can kill you if you choose to let it take control.

While diabetes is not necessarily a terminal condition, it can certainly be neglected into developing into one. My friend knows this, as do I. So now is a perfect time to use a diagnosis as an attacking motivation.

From what I understand, one of the best ways to beat down on diabetes, whether it be type 1 or 2, is to get upbeat about positive choices. You don’t have to become an ironman triathlete on a kale and spirulina diet to make an impact on good health. Rather, good health starts as a state of mind, so let’s leave the complaints alone while we self-check our status.

Quite often the “what ifs” are a long way away. I reckon if you combine positive desire with a few achievable goals and healthy choices, you have well and truly started along the road to minimising the effects of the dark horse of diabetes.

Quite often the “what ifs” are a long way away