THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF MOTIVATION AND MORAL SUPPORT
World diabetes day is recognized on the 14th of November in commemoration of the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. I wish they would have been able to see the number of lives saved by insulin therapy.
In my capacity as Endocrinologist in the island of Dominica, for the year 2023 so far I have sat with in consultation 1659 diabetics, many of whom have become part of my circle not only medically but to some extent, personally as we fight the good fight of defeating a disease which can wreck havoc if left to its own devices.
Usually on days like today, educational pieces are written on diabetes, its definition, complications, ways for prevention and management but as I sit at my desk at 5:50 AM this is not what I am inspired to write about….Education, though always necessary and of uttermost importance, is not, in my humble opinion what is lacking in Dominica as we fight against the NCDs. As I sit daily and converse with patients (there Is not one community I have not visited, literally have done consultation from Capuchin to Cashacrou) , most are able to give me an educational chat with details of how to prevent diabetes, dietary measures and exercise tips to be adhered to for management. Some , I daresay have done extensive research into different aspects of the disease, natural remedies ..coupled with the efforts of the different health teams, media and various organizations, I must say we have at least the basic knowledge re this ‘honey-sweet (mellitus) diabetes’
At 5:50 Am my mind and heart is with a teenage patient suffering from Type 1 diabetes, battling for her life…throughout the day I whisper short little prayers hoping that a miracle would bring her back to us. I’m thinking of the family, the sadness which may have enveloped the home due to her absence, the back and forth trips to the hospital, the financial strain, the pain of the parents in seeing their child in a helpless state and this will be my fuel to wake up everyday to continue the good fight.
So..as I am often ask…”Dr. what do you think is the main issue, or what do u think is missing?” And yes when it comes to prevention we all know that our lifestyle today is one of the main contributing factors to the prevalence of this disease, I would like to focus just a tidbit on another aspect of It especially when it comes to management and also the social aspect especially post-diagnosis….SELF MOTIVATION, DISCIPLINE AND MORAL SUPPORT
Diabetes is not a death sentence but if not managed properly it can become deadly. One of the key components I encounter every day is…lack of discipline and personal motivation by patients to put into practice what needs to be done.
Ironically, my most disciplined patient is a 7 year old type 1 diabetic little boy on insulin therapy. There is no snack u could offer him that will entice him to forego his diet, he injects his insulin himself and along with his mom takes records of his blood sugar readings which are sent to me daily. At 7 he understands the importance of maintaining control.
If you are diabetic, self-motivation is very important. A firm decision has to be made to follow the dietary and physical activity guidelines given within your means, no one but you can take that first step. To those who have family members or friends who suffer from diabetes your support is essential in anyway shape or form. It is not very comforting when a 70 year old with poor eye sight walks into consultation alone and can barely understand what is being said..Let us step up and be a source of inspiration to those around us. The emotional support given will go a long way and will be less costly on all fronts than being there in time of complication. Just ask the patients and family members of the patients who go in for dialysis 3 days weekly.
I could write about this for days but I will end with a few tips to enhance personal and social support.
To the diabetics
-Ensure you understand the disease you are fighting but do not let it be your master, your psychological health is of grave importance
-Find a health care provider who is willing to be not just someone who writes your prescription, but part of your support team, a guide as you go through the different stages of the disease
-Follow carefully the guidelines given by the professionals and seek help when needed, do not suffer in silence
-Self monitoring is very important and this entails checking your blood sugar and blood pressure values at home. Beware that both diabetes and high blood pressure are ‘silent killers’. Never trust how you feel. Seek proof with a blood sugar and blood pressure monitor
-Do not be afraid to ask for support from a friend or family member. You may be surprised at their willingness to help
To those willing to lend support
-Understand firstly, that nothing is at meets the eye, do not be judgmental
Ways in which support can be given:
-Company to doctor’s visits
-Being an exercise partner & sharing healthy eating habits
-Financial contributions especially towards acquiring blood sugar monitors for home use
-Loving reminders of the guidelines which are to be followed
-Checking up on the elderly (ensuring medications are taken as indicated, blood sugar review, feet care, meal prep)
-Moral support in the form of a phone call or visit
I do hope that today, someone is inspired to take charge over this disease and another to step up for a family member, co worker or friend and be more supportive. From my end, I will continue my journey from Capuchin to ‘Cashacrou’(forgive me if its misspelt) & continue to give all I can within my capacity. Feel free to reach out if medical guidance is needed. Blessed day!
