About the author: My name is Ivana Lazorova and I am 27 years old. I consider myself a positive person who follows her dreams and enjoys every step of the journey. I have had diabetes since I was nine years old, but that has never stopped me from following my dreams and enjoying life to the fullest. I graduated with a degree in History and Philosophy from the University of “St. Kliment Ohridski” in Sofia, received an Erasmus scholarship, worked on a farm in America, walked the entire Camino on my own with insulin in my rucksack, and completed the “Vitosha 100” marathon. I am now studying for a Master’s in Psychology.
The entire journey of human life is like running through an obstacle course. For some, the obstacles are easy to overcome, while for others they are more complex and varied. When we are diagnosed with diabetes, we face the challenge of being resilient in the face of obstacles! We become different, but different in terms of discipline, willpower and courage! We learn to live with diabetes, but also to control it!
Living with diabetes
What exactly is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to convert food into energy, meaning that insulin must be administered by injection (insulin pen/insulin pump or another type of diabetes medication). There are two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, as it is often diagnosed in children or adolescents, and type 2 diabetes, which can develop later in life and is directly linked to lifestyle (exercise, diet, body weight and other factors).
In today’s article we will examine the challenges that people with diabetes face every day. I will share my personal experience, as I have been living with diabetes for 18 years. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2005, when I was nine years old.
After the initial shock for the whole family, there was little time to lose. As hard as it was, I had to find the strength to cope. Everyday life demands that we take responsibility for ourselves! Over the years, diabetes has challenged me, teaching me to be responsible for my health, to exercise a lot and to eat healthily. With the help of my doctor, family and friends, I am coping better and better. The most difficult moments I face in my day-to-day life are when, despite all my efforts to exercise, eat properly and adjust my insulin dose, my blood sugar level remains high. Here, it is worth mentioning that other factors must also be taken into account.
We must not forget the significant impact that stress, negative emotions and everyday tension have on blood sugar control. And the knowledge that everything is under control is as comforting as it is stressful. It’s stressful because sometimes, when blood sugar is high, it’s very likely to set off a vicious cycle of gloomy moods and negative thoughts. As a child, I personally also felt extremely guilty about my poor glycated haemoglobin control (a test that measures blood sugar levels). Guilt often accompanies a diabetes diagnosis, but ultimately, to change things for the better, we must focus on the present moment, accept reality as it is and act ‘here and now’. Things are what they are, and it is up to us to improve our current situation. Diabetes should in no way stop us from being active, enjoying life and living it to the fullest.
Living with diabetes
Diabetes and sport
Living with diabetes
Exercise is an extremely important element in achieving good blood sugar control. A daily walk, visiting the gym or other forms of exercise, such as dancing, are ways to maintain blood sugar levels, general health, tone and well-being. It is important to adjust your insulin dose and food intake before exercising to avoid high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). It is a good idea for every diabetic to always carry something sweet (dried fruit, a sugar sachet or another sweet snack) with them to counteract low blood sugar levels, which can be extremely dangerous. On the other hand, in the long term, high blood sugar or poor diabetes control can lead to a number of complications. Regular physical activity balances blood sugar levels and improves not only physical but also psycho-emotional health. I dare say that regular physical activity is the best friend of diabetics, and I say this as someone who has walked the long path to Santiago de Compostela and completed the 100-kilometre ‘Vitosha 100’ race, during which my blood sugar never exceeded 5.0 mmol/L. The Camino challenge is possible even with insulin, when one forces oneself not to give up, despite the fatigue that inevitably accompanies it.
Diabetes and diet
A balanced, healthy diet containing moderate amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fats is the foundation on which we regulate our blood sugar levels. Eating green leafy vegetables and fibre-rich foods helps to balance blood sugar levels. It is recommended to use olive oil when preparing salads and meals, to avoid foods with a high glycaemic index, and to pay attention to low-glycaemic-index foods that do not cause a sharp rise in blood sugar levels. It is also recommended to limit alcoholic drinks and to drink around 1.5-2 litres of water daily. Smoking is a risk factor for diabetes, as it also increases blood sugar levels and can lead to unwanted damage in the future. It is crucial for diabetics to monitor their health with regular laboratory tests and medical check-ups. Today, there are a number of improvements for diabetes control, such as continuous blood sugar monitoring sensors and insulin pumps that precisely deliver the required amount of insulin.
Living with diabetes
Diabetes and everyday challenges
Living with diabetes
We must not forget that, in addition to being diabetics, we are people with our own emotions, experiences, work and responsibilities. I say this to emphasise that very often the everyday challenges we face can affect our blood sugar levels. It is important to get the rest we need to recharge our batteries.
Finally, I would like to send a message to all of us with diabetes, and it is this: let us not be afraid of the diagnosis, let us speak openly about how we feel. Yes, it sounds daunting at first, but diabetes is actually an incredible opportunity for a more responsible and healthier lifestyle. There is a wonderful saying that trials are sent to the brave, and if we accept this view of things, we will give ourselves courage.
Let us follow the path of self-knowledge and inner peace. Let’s not forget to rest and unwind from our stressful daily lives. Let’s not forget to exercise and enjoy nature! What better time than autumn to go hiking with your loved ones and savour the beautiful colours of nature!
Let’s treat ourselves with love and understanding! Yes, there are times when diabetes demands a lot of effort and patience, but it’s better to regard it as a friend rather than an enemy, since we’re going to live with it anyway. You can live successfully with diabetes if you learn to control it and don’t let it take over your life.
