On last night’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast I discussed the topic of ‘anger and diabetes’ with our panel of experts.

If you have or are feeling angry about your diabetes – you’re not alone. It’s more common than you think. Diabetes is the perfect breeding ground for anger. Anger can start at diagnosis with the question, “Why me?” You may dwell on how unfair diabetes is: “I’m so angry at this disease! I don’t want to treat it. I don’t want to control it. I hate it!”

Poet Lorraine Brooks shares her perspective on what makes people with diabetes feel angry in her new poem, ‘Bittersweetness’ written specifically for August’s Diabetes Late Nite.

‘Bittersweetness’ by Lorraine Brooks

I have diabetes, that’s generally known,

And sometimes there’s cause for concern.

When others assume, that what I have shown

Is reason for them to be stern.

So what makes me angry, occasionally,

Is questioning my food decisions.

It’s when people judge, even well-meaningly,

And then look at me with derision.

It’s when doctors give me a guilt-making talk,

As if I have failed in my dealing.

It’s when people think that they’re walking the walk,

But they don’t understand how I’m feeling.

I often get angry when numbers don’t jive

In spite of the effort I’m making.

When blood sugars rise to two,hundred and five,

And my carb-counting may be mistaken.

Or how about not being able to lose

Any weight, even though I am trying.

I try all the diets, end up confused,

And sometimes I just feel like crying.

I never would choose this, the way that I live,

Because of the changes required.

And I can get angry and cannot forgive,

And I can get real sick and tired.

Counting, and checking, and eating, or not,

Cooking and shopping, and staying aware…

Trying to balance the changes I’ve got,

And making the most of my need for healthcare.

I know that some people will not understand,

That sometimes I’m hurt and I’m scarred.

But all I can say is, respect who I am,

And know that some days, it’s just HARD.

So walk in your beauty, and walk in your pride,

And use all your anger as fuel.

It’s not always easy to be on this ride,

And people,can often be cruel.

But also don’t let people,stand in your way

And don’t let yourself get unwound.

Even if you’re not feeling completely OK,

Get off of the merry-go-round!

Focus, be thoughtful,,and give it your best,

Because that’s really all you can do.

Let go,of the anger and feeling depressed…

Stand up, and enjoy being YOU!

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite ‘ The Angry Show’ podcast hosted by Mr. Divabetic. Podcast guests include Author of “Overcoming Destructive Anger” Dr. Bernard Golden PhD, Dr. Lori Shemek PhD, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Laura Laria MA, CASAC-T, Jill Knapp- Woolsey, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Mama Rose Marie, and the Charlie’s Angels Outreach.