The purpose of this document is to discuss the implications for people living with diabetes1, and the beliefs and feelings of others’ that they can comment on their diabetes management. During the course of research into this document, feedback was received from colleagues, friends and family into what they felt they had a right to say or do, to a person with diabetes. The different types of responses to what Diabetes Police say and do are looked at, along with steps that can help stop or deal with the Diabetes Police.
The Diabetes Police are the people (friends, family and colleagues) who monitor and comment on what you should or should not be eating or doing (Roszler, 2005).
Colleagues have expressed concern for the future due to the potential risk of diabetes related complications. Most have stated that they do not need to comment on their colleagues diabetes management, but will ask if they are okay if concerned. Some have said that because they are nurses they have adequate knowledge of diabetes, so are able to comment freely on my/others’ diabetes management. A small number of my colleagues have said that regular meals and breaks are important for people with diabetes, and they need to ensure I am eating a ‘suitable diet’ (Anonymous, personal communication, September, 2006). It is frustrating being told what I can and can not eat by my colleagues, because I feel I am in control of my diabetes and know what I should or should not be eating. When I was younger I used to get so annoyed with the Diabetes Police that I would purposely eat the food they told me not to eat or eat more than I normally would of the ‘forbidden’ food. I now explain to those who question my diet that I monitor my glucose levels, count the carbohydrates, and administer insulin and exercise, so I can eat what I do.
Friends have said that they would not treat a person with diabetes any differently to someone without diabetes and believe that everyone is responsible for their own actions. They feel guilty when they offer cakes or lollies but feel it is not their place to monitor my/others’ diabetes management. If concerned, friends would ask if I was okay, otherwise they would wait until they were asked for help (Anonymous, personal communication, September, 2006). A friend, who also has diabetes, said that she would never comment or question another person’s diabetes management because she understands. She said it is good to have a friend with diabetes because you can talk about anything and not be questioned on what you should or should not be eating/doing (L.Cole, personal communication, September 13, 2006).
The DAWN (Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs) study, conducted in 2001, revealed “In line with earlier studies, it was found that emotional support from family and friends is critical for maintaining good management of diabetes. On the other hand, patients also made clear in the interviews that unwanted support and being put under pressure by others can have a marked negative effect on their well-being and diabetes self-care” (Snoek, 2002, p.40).
My family have said that they wish I did not have diabetes, and could eat whatever I wanted to without having to have injections and monitor intake and glucose levels. They have said to eat healthily and feel they can remind me that some things are not good if taken/eaten frequently. I am fortunate to have a very supportive family (M. Scowen et al, personal communication, September 13, 2006).
The people who really love us and want to help us manage our health don’t police our behavior [sic]. They know that we’re striving to do the best we can. They forgive our occasional mistakes, trust our judgement and offer help instead of criticism. …Those of us who try hard to stay in good control but often cannot do so may suffer from tremendous self-criticism. This is when we find critical comments from others especially hard to take. We may have no idea how to respond in a positive way, and so we start an argument, retreat be-hind [sic] a wall of silence or fume inwardly (Shaw, 2002, p.2).
While researching for this assignment I discovered many different techniques that can be used to stop or deal with the Diabetes Police. Six strategies identified by Polonsky (1999, as cited in “dLife,” 2006) on creating harmony with the Diabetes Police are to discuss your thoughts and feelings about having someone ‘police’ your diabetes management, while (without criticising them) expressing your appreciation for their attention. Also let other people know what you are doing to help with your own diabetes management. Redirect the ‘police’ to areas or ways they can help or support you with your diabetes management. In addition to this, come to an understanding of who should be accountable or in charge of what. Furthermore, take into account your own thoughts and feelings, as you may be partly responsible for the dilemma. If you are unable to come to an agreement or establish peace with the Diabetes Police, specialist help may be required.
In conclusion, the implications for people with diabetes, that I have identified in this assignment, are that the person with diabetes can have both a positive (feel supported, cared for, loved, & helped) and negative (pressure of not being perfect which can lead to guilt, anger and frustration) response to the Diabetes Police. Strategies are available to cope or deal with the negative aspects of having diabetes management ‘policed’. The reason colleagues, friends and family feel that they can comment on others’ diabetes management is usually because they have some knowledge or experience of diabetes and diabetes related complications and want the best possible health for the person living with diabetes.
Notes
1Diabetes is a “Disease in which the body cannot produce insulin or use insulin properly. Characterised by high blood glucose levels” (Diabetes Australia, 2002, p.138). Type 1 Diabetes “…occurs because the pancreas loses the ability to make insulin” (Ambler, Barron, May, & Westman, 1998, p.4).
References
Ambler, G., Barron, V., May, C., & Westman, E. (Eds). (1998). Caring for Diabetes in Children and Adolescents A Parent’s Manual. NSW, Australia: National Capital Printing.
Diabetes Australia. (2002). Diabetes & You. Australia: Author.
dLife For Your Diabetes Life! (2006). dLife Bookshelf. Retrieved September 15, 2006, from http://www.dlife.com/dLife/do/ShowContent/resources/dlife_bookshelf /diabetes_burn_out.html
Roszler, J. (2005). How to Deal With the ‘Diabetes Police’. In Diabetes Health Magazine. Retrieved September 15, 2006, from http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read, 4,4367,1.html
Shaw, S. (2002). Stopping – the Diabetes Police - - How to Turn Criticism Into Cooperation. In Diabetes Health Magazine. Retrieved September 15, 2006, from http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read,1009,2790.html
Snoek, F. (2002). Understanding the Human Side of Diabetes. Diabetes Voice, 47(2), 37-40. |
