Diabetes: How do we deny thee?
Let me count the ways.....

What is denial?

Denial is a normal human reaction. We are in denial when we act as if something that troubles us (makes us angry, sad or afraid) isn't there. Our feelings may be just below the surface, or they may be so deep that we don't even know that those feelings are "driving" (causing) our behavior.  We can't "snap out of it" without help.

Denial in diabetes is so common!

Many people pretend they don't have it ("I only have a touch of it" – which is like being a "touch" pregnant). Or, they decide they will do certain parts of their diabetes self-care, and not bother with others. (called the "Buffet Theory.")

Are you in denial?

"I don't know why I binge on ice cream."

"I just never have time to test my blood sugar."

"My doctor says I just have a touch of diabetes.

"I'm not too worried because I think there will be a cure soon."

"I always forget to put food in my car in case I get "low."

Why do you deny your diabetes?

These are some things that contribute to denying diabetes:

1. Diabetes is not visible. Where the heck is your pancreas? And, unless you have a college degree in science, do you understand what the problem really is?
    
• Your hand doesn't turn green when your blood sugars are high.
   
• Especially if you don't use insulin, you can just take a pill, not test your blood sugar, and pretend it's not there. (This is not recommended!) There is little besides fatigue and frequent urination in immediate consequences.
   
• Even for those on insulin, your hand doesn't turn green when your blood sugar is too high or low. If it did, it would be much harder to ignore your diabetes - though no one wants that kind of embarrassment!
   
2. Diabetes requires making many good choices every day, yet you only see your doctor once every 3 months. You need to find ways to reinforce your own positive behaviors.
3. You may get so scared when you think about having diabetes, or feel so overwhelmed with taking the responsibilities, that it feels safer to pretend you don't have it.

Once you acknowledge that you have diabetes and start taking charge, you are "In the Game." You realize your health is important and not something you want to lose. But, it requires a lot of life adjustments and perhaps even some cooperation from family members or co-workers. Sometimes you will do better than other times, and sometimes your body will cooperate more than at other times. Nothing will be perfect, but your body will be healthier, and you will not be in denial.

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