The Ugly:
- Emotional swings
- Impact on relationships
- Having to watch what I eat and do
- Know the pharmacist’s middle name
- Stabilizing blood sugar before bedtime to avoid late-night reactions
- My fingers are pincushions
- Always interrupting daily activities
- Stopping to take care of the diabetes
- Lastly, I hate the cognitive issues that diabetes comes with
Awesome things diabetes has taught me:
- Tolerance for others’ lay attitudes
- Patience to wait to get my wants filled
- The ability to overcome any obstacles that may come my way
- Loving myself for who I am and not what others want me to be
- To get back on my feet when life kicks me to the ground
- Resiliency
However, what have I done while having diabetes?
I have overcome a learning disability, Depression, and ADHD to follow my dream to become a Diabetes-Focused Psychotherapist. I have traveled all around the world in my previous career as a painter. I am a writer, a poet, a painter, a photographer, a therapist, a friend, a romantic, and a Renaissance man 😉
Diabetes showed me that I am a man who can do anything he puts his mind to. In many ways, diabetes has helped define some of my best attributes.
For more information or to get help with Diabetes-Focused Psychotherapy, visit Eliot’s website or schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation.
Eliot LeBow, LCSW, CDE, is a diabetes-focused psychotherapist. My private practice, located in New York City, is also available virtually. LeBow, who has been living with type 1 diabetes since 1977, treats the many diverse cognitive, behavioral, and emotional needs of people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
