Diabetic Neurosis

CEBU, Philippines – Do you have diabetes? Or do you know of someone who has it? You might be surprised to know that diabetes is not really as bad as you think or have heard it to be. Most of what we know about diabetes is based on scary stories that have been circulated around for purposes other than sincerely telling the truth about the condition. And, as these stories are passed on, they become more and more scary every time.

There is, of course, some truth in what we read in magazine articles and books, or what we see on television and in the movies, or in stories we hear from caring family and friends. However, most articles on diabetes are written to sell us something else. Most, if not all, TV shows and movies that depict the illness employ scare tactics to draw in audiences.

With our abusive modern ways and the pervading pollution that suffocates our planet, it has almost become impossible for anyone to stay in perfect health. At one time or another, anyone of us contracts a disease. Even if we are particularly careful about our health, sooner or later age will catch up with us and weaken our body. We become less and less resistant to illness. That's the way of life.

If it is our fate to have an illness, say an irreversible one - and no one really has the privilege of choice on the matter - then we may be fortunate to have diabetes. First of all, we shall do whatever we can to avoid the disease, any disease for that matter. But when we have it, we need not give up on our life like it's the end of the world. It's not. Diabetes can be managed.

Diabetes is not something to be ashamed of. On the contrary, it can be a source of pride when one is able to manage it. The Miss America 1999 Nicole Johnson attributes her crown to her diabetes. She has it since age 14 and takes it as a challenge. Along with medication, she has since been following a prescribed diet and exercise program, the reason for her winning form.

An internationally known author thanks his diabetes for the recent boom in his career. He is able to finish a good number of books since he acquired the disease several years ago. He has developed insomnia, perhaps as one of the symptoms of diabetes itself or as a side effect of the medication he is taking. Instead of sulking in misery, he uses his extended waking hours to write. He enjoys uninterrupted work time while everybody else is asleep.

Diabetes can have much lesser discomforts than many known illnesses, as long as it is properly controlled - with medication, proper diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. A positive attitude towards the disease can also help a lot. The condition can be taken as a cue for one to start taking better care of oneself.

The risk of contracting diabetes is a familiar reality in our modern life. Even doctors and other health professionals are not guaranteed to be safe from it. Nobody really is. But the diabetics who try to acquire a better understanding of the disease are likely to turn it into an advantage instead of a liability. It's bad enough to have the disease; believing all these exaggerated talks can only make it worse.

Fear and dread will not help at all in dealing with diabetes, as with any disease. What helps is profound understanding about it. Knowing the facts can allay the neurosis that the issue of diabetes has been mercilessly dipped into. If you or someone you care about has symptoms, consult your doctor and follow his instructions.

Also do your own extensive research. Do not just take anything you're told and then be scared to death, literally.