5 tips for dealing with diabetes stress

1. Pay attention to your feelings and get help. Dealing with diabetes can add to these feelings and make you feel overwhelmed. Having these feelings for more than a week or two may signal that you need help coping with your diabetes so that you can feel better. Let your healthcare provider know how you’ve been feeling. They can help you with your concerns about diabetes.
2. Talk with your family and friends. Be honest about the problems you’re having in dealing with diabetes. Telling others how you feel helps to relieve some of the stress. Let them know how and when you need them to help you.
3. Allow loved ones to help you take care of your diabetes. Those closest to you can help you in several ways. They can remind you to take your medicines, help monitor your blood sugar levels, join you in being physically active, and prepare healthy meals.
4. Talk to other people with diabetes. Other people with diabetes understand some of the things you are going through. They can help you feel less lonely and overwhelmed. Ask your health care providers about diabetes support groups in your community or online.
5. Take time to do things you enjoy. Give yourself a break! Set aside time in your day to do something you really love; it could be calling a friend, playing a game with your children or grandchildren, or working on a fun project.

For more information on diabetes, please visit www.parklanddiabetes.com