Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease. It can be treated well. Patients must and can contribute to this: having long-term blood glucose levels regularly determined by the doctor, independent short-term metabolic control, taking medication, paying attention to exercise and diet - this can be very stressful. The German Diabetes Society (DGG) therefore warns against diabetes burnout.
Diabetes goes on and on - even in secret
Diabetes knows no vacation. The disease is always working. That's why patients should actually always do something about it. On the one hand, many patients do not show any serious symptoms, sometimes for years. But in the background, diabetes damages the nervous system, for example, and causes arteriosclerosis. This significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, successful treatment requires an active patient. Anyone who is annoyed by the therapy or the healthier lifestyle and withdraws to the couch and no longer takes a conscious diet very seriously is therefore harming themselves.
This makes it all the more important for people with type 2 diabetes to adopt a strategy early on to strengthen their mental resilience. But where to start? Be aware of your needs and set priorities. There are only 24 hours in a day. Therefore, avoid constantly trying to fulfill expectations that are placed on you by others - but are not actually important to you.
No more bikini figure in six weeks
Set yourself specific and, above all, realistic goals. A bikini figure in six weeks? What nonsense. From the couch to a marathon in eight weeks? Big nonsense. Start small, build up slowly - and make it big in the end. Patience pays off: It makes more sense if you lose three kilograms over a year than if you lose six kilograms in three months with a turbo diet - and the yo-yo effect conjures the pounds back onto your hips after a short time. If you want to lose weight, achieve ambitious sporting goals or change your diet, talk to your doctor about it and develop a plan that suits you together with your doctor or, for example, a nutritionist.
Keep snatching moments of happiness
Moments of happiness in everyday life are important building blocks for your well-being. So make sure you regularly grab these moments - not just when your mood is low. Put your favorite hits that you haven't listened to for ages in the CD player. Meet up spontaneously with your girlfriends for a walk. Treat yourself to a great bouquet of flowers.
Plan for variety
Spontaneity is good, but is often forgotten in everyday life or is not possible - other things are always more important. Plan for variety. Depending on your personal preference, your calendar will then include "running group" on Wednesdays, "yoga" on Fridays and "painting class" on Saturdays, for example.
Seek and accept support
Of course, you are the most important person when it comes to your diabetes. But let others encourage and motivate you. Feel free to tell your girlfriend that you think it's okay if she calls you and reminds you of the upcoming yoga class. And make it clear to your partner that you appreciate their attempts to motivate you. Conversely, accept help when it is offered.