Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and Facebook posts of endless carefree moments and wondered, “is this every-day life”? The truth is that balancing home, work and relationships can be challenging! Add in a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and you may feel overwhelmed by the daily demands of diabetes management. Every person with diabetes is unique and has his or her own feelings, thoughts and perspectives about life with type 2 diabetes. Some folks view a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes as a nudge to prepare healthier meals and add in more physical activity into daily routines. Others may feel more anxious about the cost of managing the disease and feel overwhelmed with the prospect of following-up with their doctor or health-care provider.

As we get older, we may have different thoughts about our health and everyday lives. A 25-year-old woman may have different concerns about her type 2 diabetes diagnosis then she will in her 60’s. Financial issues, romantic relationships and schedules obviously change as we age and must be addressed. In order to tackle this important issue, healthline.com conducted a survey of 1500 people with type 2 diabetes across generations to explore their feelings, concerns and insights. https://www.healthline.com/health/state-of-type-2-diabetes The survey explored feedback from Millennials, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers. As one of the medical reviewers for this important survey, I was intrigued by the varied perspectives across generations.

I was very interested in how people of varying ages felt about their type 2 diabetes diagnosis. About half of Millennials surveyed and about a third of Gen Xers stated that they often hide their condition from others (which may include friends, family and co-workers), because they are worried about what others might think. Additionally, younger respondents were very concerned about the cost of managing their disease, which lead to a reduction in following health care provider treatment guidelines. The cost of healthcare is huge factor associated with proper medical care and can compound fears about potential long-term complications associated with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

As I read the survey results, I was struck by the feelings of judgment, embarrassment and guilt younger people feel when they follow up with their doctor or health care provider. There are many challenges associated with being overweight and type 2 diabetes. The stigma of type 2 diabetes referred to as an “older persons” or “lifestyle” disease may cause younger people to feel embarrassed. Many survey respondents felt their diabetes diagnosis was perceived as a result of lack of self-control behaviors. This perception may lead to less than optimal outcomes, and needs to be addressed with the health care community as well as the general public. More education about type 2 diabetes is essential!

While non-judgmental diabetes language wasn’t specifically addressed in the survey, I believe it should be at the forefront of this conversation. What we say, and how we say it can make a significant difference for a person managing the complexities of diabetes.  A task force with representatives from the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the American Diabetes Association developed a fabulous language guideline paper insightful tips around language use as it applies to addressing issues of with diabetes. https://www.diabeteseducator.org/practice/educator-tools/educator-guidance/diabetes-language-paper

Simple language swaps such as “checking blood sugar” instead of “testing blood sugar” may put a person at ease. Blood sugar is not a pass-fail grade. A person with type 2 diabetes may feel extremely guilty when they see their doctor, and therefore may not return for a follow-up appointment. 

Body image was viewed differently across generations. More than 50% of Millennials and more than 40% of Gen Xers reported feeling ashamed about their bodies on a daily or weekly basis. In contrast, only 18% of Baby Boomers feel that way! Millennials and Gen Xers had recurrent feelings of guilt, embarrassment, while this was not seen as frequently in older adults. Hiding the condition was more common for younger people, which lead to issues with romantic relationships and feeling of isolation. 

Gender divides were also acknowledged in the survey. Women reported more issues with self-care, including weight management. Many of the women felt that as care givers, they often put others needs before their own. 

Rather than feeling overwhelming with all the “must-do’s” associated with daily diabetes care, consider taking small steps which will add up to big changes. Please speak to your health care provider, family, friends, certified diabetes educator or others in your peer support community about your concerns. You are not alone!

Please share your thoughts and comments. I would love to hear from you! Contact: Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN FAADE

Join Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN FAADE and two other outstanding certified diabetes educators, Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDE and Rachel Stahl MS, RD, CDN, CDE’ at Divabetic’s Clued Inn: Diabetes & Heart Health Escape Room Experience sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim on Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in New York City. Currently we have over 150 pre-registered for Clued Inn but there’s still room for you and your friends to participate! Register now at CluedInn.org.

Susan Weiner MS RDN CDE CDN FAADE helped us to make carbohydrate counting fun with a series of colorful Carb Kitty videos available on YouTube: