Probably the worst thing in diabetes for many is hypoglycemia. Neither complications, nor high sugars, nor the psychological side, when you need to inject or measure sugar in a public place … Anyone who has ever experienced an episode of a critically low sugar can confirm that this experience can be one of the most worrisome ones in life. We are afraid that this will happen again and are more willing to have high blood sugar in order to avoid relapse. We need to find the right approach in the form of a detailed analysis of your fear.
Fear of low sugars is inherent in many. Often this leads to a number of errors in the form of the introduction of inadequate doses of insulin and the maintenance of slightly higher sugars. This leads to a deterioration in compensation and the development of complications. Sorry, no matter how it sounds now, but out of fear we shorten our life. The state of hypoglycemia, of course, also does not prolong it. Therefore, you need to look for a way out in another way.
The more experience we have and the more accurately we maintain diabetic control, the easier it is to get rid of the fear of low sugars. But this requires a lot of work.
- First, figure out why you have a critical decrease in blood sugar. In response to what situations and actions, recent episodes have occurred. Was there a lot of stress, did you forget to eat on time, didn’t test during exercise and didn’t catch the right moment, you have decreased need for insulin (for example, during vacation”), or you selected inadequate doses of basal insulin, you did not calculate the bolus correctly. All of this will help to be the cause. Discuss the situation with your healthcare provider. This will help you understand why and know how to avoid this from now on.
- Always have a go bag. You should always have a cosmetic bag or a pencil case with some of the most necessary things: a glucometer with strips, hypoglycemic aids (such as special gels, glucose tablets or juice), a set with glucagon, data card: name, diabetes information, emergency contact information
- Learn to “catch” the symptoms of low sugar. Carry out self-monitoring often. There is no “I feel my sugar”. You can really learn to feel about your condition. But remember that glycemia is not a matter of sensation or faith. Everything must be supported by facts.
Example? You feel like sugar is falling. Here I measure the level of glucose in the blood. Here are the glucometer data and carbohydrates for stopping. And here is some more data in 15 minutes. And here I am in full consciousness and with a good sense of self.
- Develop your own algorithms. You know in what situations and because of what irritants your sugars tend to fall. It might seem weird but make cards with the exact course of action depending on the situation. Hang these cards in all the places you visit often: a desktop, a favorite armchair for reading a book, a dining place, etc. It doesn’t matter what the cards contain flowcharts, icons, lists, or even poems. The main thing is that this will help you memorize the necessary sequence of actions.
- Do not panic often and try to generally reduce the level of stress in your life. No one will take care of your loved ones except yourself (well, and also mom, of course). You will be able to accurately calculate what the decline may be from and you know exactly what to do.
Fears usually pass when awareness and acceptance of the problem comes. If you can’t cope on your own (especially often with children with diabetes), try going to a professional psychologist. Just a few sessions will help to solve the problem, drive the monster out from under the bed and calmly put your foot out from under the covers, without fear that this monster will get you. Live calmly, enjoy all the wonderful things that fill this world and your life in particular. And diabetes … yes, a personal strict, very strict coach. But you can also find a common language with it.