I have had diabetes since 2005 and since then I have found that getting your family to understand and getting their support can be challenging. My current husband has never really accepted the fact that this is a disease that I have and that at times I will need assistance in keeping things under control. However, since my diagnosis, I've been hospitalized twice and he still hasn't a clue as to what to do or when to do it. He doesn't understand that you wake up some days and just don't have the energy to get up and start your day. I don't have these days all the time, but when I do I need to know that if I can't take care of myself, there is someone here to do it for me.
One day several months ago we had plans to go shopping together. That morning I woke up earlier than usual due to very low blood glucose. It scared me and took quite some time to get it back to normal. If you've had a bad low, you know exactly what I'm talking about. In this case and in most of my cases when I'm low, I find it very difficult to concentrate or get motivated physically to be able to do anything for most of the day. But since he doesn't understand what I was feeling and thought I was only being difficult, I decided to push it off and go shopping anyway. After being gone for a few hours, I began to feel another low coming on, so I told him it was time for something to eat or drink. He said, “OK let's just stop at this one more place and then we'll go.” I told him OK, but it would have to be quick. Well, I'm sure you've already guessed it was not a quick stop.
Afterward, we decided it was definitely lunchtime. I sat down feeling really, really weak and very nervous. I tested and, yes, I was having another low, just as I had expected. Only it was really lower than what I was comfortable with. The waitress came over and I normally order my drink first, which is always iced tea, but I ordered a root beer instead. My husband looked at me, puzzled, and said why the root beer? My reply was I'm having a low. He said, "Don't you need to give yourself a shot?" I was totally flabbergasted!!! I said, “Well, of course if you want me to fall out right now on the floor and go into a diabetic coma or worse, possibly die from it. I don't think I was ever more disappointed in him than I was that day!!
So, if you're having problems getting support from any of your family members, ask them to please look online at different websites that have information regarding this disease or have them talk to your doctor or even attend a class. It's so important to have support. Without it, it could be costly.
I wish you much luck and success in gaining support from loved ones and friends, too. They all play a very important role in this disease and don't realize how important their understanding helps us feel more comfortable with it.
Dawn N, 42
Belle Chase, LA
136381