Friday, May 11, 2018

One Size Fits All Care

I've come across many people with diabetes who accept and handle their diabetes in different ways. Really and truly as much as people think diabetes is just about insulin doses, carb counts and blood sugars there are many factors that come into play when trying to manage the disease. The frustrating part of it all is that usually the care in which a person receives in clinics and hospitals alike, is the one size fits all care.

It's unfortunate because many (not all) health care providers just don't have the time or energy to sit down and focus on what the patient/person with diabetes truly needs to see the light at the end of the tunnel.   Sometimes it is a matter of listening or a matter of providing different options for care. For instance, in my case I knew my downfall came with blood sugar checking. I knew in order to avoid missed finger pokes, I needed a sensor to stay on track.    That isn't the solution for everyone, it was just one of my solutions.

I often meet with youth who live with type 1, many who have had diabetes longer than I have. They're experts in their own diabetes care, and often times they know what they're slacking in and what the answer is, but the idea of changing or putting in the extra work is daunting. I get it!  Imagine back to when you were a teenager and think about all that was on your mind, now throw in a complicated autoimmune disease.  It's daunting!  

The care one person needs can be completely different than the next.  It's about listening and finding out what the obstacle is and how as a whole community (I'm talking family members, healthcare team, friends etc.) can help the person with diabetes in a way that makes THEM feel comfortable in managing their diabetes in a successful way.

Kayla







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