Living With Diabetes & Balance

Balance is one of the most important concepts in finding happiness in life. I started this blog initially trying to make the idea of balance, sexy and fun, but to no avail. I have come to the realization that it can’t be sexy or fun but can allow people to find fulfillment and have a better life while living with diabetes.

Too much of anything is not good. There are many examples of this in everyday life and from generation to generation in the United States. Some people growing up in the 50’s grew up in a rigid and strict environment instead of a flexible environment. Ridge boundaries of the period helped create the love movement causing the children of the 50’s to rebel against authority. During the 70’s the next generation of parents adopted a relatively Anti-strict environment with no boundaries, instead of a balance of structure and flexible boundaries. Those who have learned from this are raising their children with structure and flexibility to create healthier children.

If you starve yourself to reduce high blood sugar spikes after eating, then you miss out on vital nutrients needed to give you energy. Putting you at a greater risk of low blood sugars, cravings, and binge eating. It is the main reason most diets don’t work. If you eat what every you want without thinking about the kind and quantity of carbs you eat, you risk spiking blood sugars, increased highs and lows, weight gain, insulin resistance and long-term consequences.

Creating a diet that balances healthy foods while allowing for treats, provides vital nutrients. It also gives you needed energy, improved mood, reduced binging on food, stabled blood sugar, decreased highs and lows, weight stabilization or loss, reduced insulin resistance and reduced risk of long-term consequences.

When it comes to life, in general, too much work may lead to burnout (workaholics,) not seeing your children grow up and can break up a marriage. However, too little work may cause a person financial difficulty, reduced self-esteem and relationship problems.

All in all, too much of anything even a good thing can be destructive to one’s emotional and physical health. It is important to allow room for all aspects of your life: social, career and health. They all are important but if you don’t take care of your diabetes it makes it harder to manage the rest of your world. Finding a balance that works for you is important and necessary to live a fulfilling life.

So, take care of yourself by taking care of your diabetes along with all the rest, and if you need help doing that, I am here to help.

Eliot LeBow, LCSW, CDE, is a diabetes-focused psychotherapist. His private practice, located in New York City and is also available via Skype. 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.

For more information go to his website or Facebook Page or set up a free 30-minute phone consultation to see if talk therapy is right for you.

Medical Disclaimer:
All the advice included in this blog is therapeutic in nature and should not be considered medical advice. Before making any changes to your diabetes maintenance program, please consult with your primary physician or endocrinologist.

DiabeticMinds

Helping People with Diabetes Thrive!

Living With Diabetes & Balance

Published by Eliot LeBow LCSW, CDE

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