COMMON CONCERNS

When you're Sick: Being sick can make your blood glucose (sugar) level go up very high. It can also cause serious conditions that can put you in a coma. The best way to prevent a minor illness from becoming a major problem is to work out a plant of action for sick days ahead of time. Flu & Pneumonia Shots: Having the flu can be dangerous for anyone. But it is extra risky for people with diabetes of other chronic health problems. When You Travel: Planning a trip? Whether you're camping or cruising, you can go anywhere and do almost anything. It just takes a little planning ahead to handle your diabetes. Tips for Emergency Preparedness: Recent concerns about terrorist attacks have simply increased our awareness of the need to be prepared if a disaster strikes. People with diabetes must consider proper diabetes care when they make emergency plans. Anger: Diabetes is the perfect breeding ground for anger. Anger can start at diagnosis with a question, "Why me?" You may dwell on how unfair diabetes is. "I'm so angry at this disease! I don't want to treat ti. I don't want to control it. I hate it!" Depression: Feeling down once in a while is normal. But some people feel a sadness that just won;t go away. Life seems hopeless. Feeling this way most of the day for 2 weeks or more is a sign of serious depression. Denial: Denial is that voice inside repeating: "Not me." Most people go through denial when they are first diagnosed with diabetes "I don't believe it. There must be some mistake," they say.