One chapter especially caught my eye, as I know that it can be hard for M to understand what the big freaking deal is about maintaining a consistent blood glucose level.
People often recommend that I introduce M to people who have lost feet or vision or kidney function due to diabetes.
The thing is, I know that M already knows the consequences. She knows that this disease, unmanaged, can kill her. But as a teen, it is just one of those other annoying things that can kill you, like walking across the street without looking both ways, or snorting bath salts, or swimming without a lifeguard present.
So how about another approach?
Think Like a Pancreas recommends pointing out what controlled blood sugars can do for you, instead of pointing out that poorly controlled bg can hurt you.
For my lovely M, this "instant gratification" alert might just work, especially because she is an athlete. Below is a list of short term benefits to controlling one's bg levels:
- Enhanced physical performance (better hand-eye coordination for stopping lacrosse balls)
- Enhanced intellectual performance (keep mom off your back about your grades!)
- Enhanced social/coping skills (deal with problems without embarrassing yourself in front of your classmates or the public in general)
- Better sleep (feel rested in the morning)
- Fewer infections (and colds!)
- Healthier skin (No acne or dry, flaky skin: includes dry scalp issues)
So can M.
Her bg-induced mood swings are notorious, and her ability to focus also varies with her bg levels. I also remember noticing that M's skin looked better immediately after her jaunt to the hospital, where we learned that dry skin is one of the many, many symptoms of diabetes.
I photocopied the page and stuck it to her mirror so she could see it in the mornings. She asked me about it, nodded, and put it in her room.
I can't say that she's been reading it, but her bg levels have been steadier than they had been in a while.
So here's to the power of positive thinking.
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