Reasonable Rest

 

 

“I just can’t, DO.” If you are Type 1 Diabetic these words probably are not foreign to you. Whether it was said to yourself or to another, and whether it was through tear stained sobs, a raised voice, or completely exhausted and hushed tones, I would probably be safe in betting you know these words. Let me tell you one thing: it’s OKAY to feel this way.

 

If you understand the statement, “I just can’t, do,” there is one question you should consider. Are you so stubborn that you are going to let Diabetes control you? I have derived this question from the result of a recent conversation I had with Bethany. Our conversation began as we each had a “high to low to high” blood sugar episode from the past week to share with each other. Each personal experience included a long chain of frustrations towards our own bodies, our insurance companies, and this often misunderstood and underestimated disease. We brainstorm ways to explain how this feels. One way I try to sum it up is, “it feels like I was hit by a train and all my muscles just want to do nothing.” She explains “it is as if I am living in a cloud.” The feelings that like to attach themselves to this result of exhaustion and weakness from such episodes are often guilt, shame, and resentment. The natural response, at least for Bethany and I, is to be stubborn and just keep going. If you have Type 1 Diabetes I hope you know that this is not the best answer.

 

If you don’t want Diabetes to completely alter your way of life, you have to dismiss and reject the aforementioned feelings that lead to stubbornness. Everything in me screams “I don’t want Diabetes to control me.” I cannot even tell you how many times I, Bethany, and probably every Type 1 Diabetic has said this. The issue then is a matter of learning and continuing to live without the chains of Diabetes restraining us from living to our fullest potential. Well one important way that will not allow the terrors of Diabetes to control you is, to do nothing.

 

Stopping and properly letting your body rest is a way of controlling your Diabetes, not vice versa. If you stubbornly choose to avoid resting you are letting it control you because more than likely you are choosing to be sick for numerous days, instead of just resting for one day. I have to admit even typing that last sentence caused me to cringe because having to stop is not something that comes easily to me or Bethany. We like to do. Therefore, not doing something is not natural to us. If this is something you too struggle with, I hope reading this encourages you. You are not alone in the battle to fight these feelings, to fight for your health- and life, nor to fight for wonderful experiences we all are blessed to be a part of. Reject the mental attitude that says resting is letting Diabetes control you. Accept the mental attitude that you choose to take care of your body so you can live tomorrow and your life as best you can. 

 

Much love, 

Krystal Konzal