For a person with diabetes, memory is a tricky thing. Out-of-control blood sugar levels interfere with not just our memory but also how we view the world.
When the blood sugar is high or too low, a diabetic will have distorted perceptions and feelings. When blood sugar levels return to normal, reality kicks in. And we usually end up having to apologize for our behavior.
Controlling Your Darker Side
[pullquote]Abnormal blood sugar levels can make you say and do things you wouldn’t think of doing otherwise.[/pullquote] As human beings, our defense mechanism prevents us from being 100% honest with our self and others. We tend to hide a portion of our personality as a safety mechanism and leave unpleasant things unsaid.
When blood sugars go high, these defense mechanisms tend to fall apart; we start acting on impulse. And such impulsive behavior can cause you to be angry and irrational and result in you hurting others.
How Can You Help?
One of my patients, I’ll call him Johnny here, had issues with his girlfriend because of his irrational behavior when his blood sugar level was high. He didn’t constantly keep the levels in check. Here are the basic rules I suggested to him to keep his blood sugar under control and, in turn, his mood as well:
Feel It. Check It. Tell It!
If you have diabetes and feel sick or down, it is your own responsibility to keep a check on your blood sugar levels. If it is out of the normal range, it is your job to keep those around you and your significant other informed.
See It. Say It. Do It!
If your partner observes that you’re acting our of ordinary or that you seem sick, he/she should let you know. You, in turn, should be grateful and not disregard any such observations by others.
You can show your respect toward others’ opinions by checking the blood sugar and informing your partner about the results.
If It’s High, Let It Fly! If It’s Low, Let It Go!
It’s the significant other’s responsibility to be understanding and not take any comments personally when the diabetic person has high or low blood sugars. This falls in line with “don’t sweat the small stuff.”
It’s Not Your Fault!
This is applicable to both you and your partner. Both of you need to keep in mind that if the blood sugar level is out of the normal range, it’s okay as long as you take actions to regulate it.
There are too many factors that play a role in one’s blood sugar levels, and only a few of them can be managed. As long as you take care of the ones that can be controlled, like monitoring the levels and adjusting as needed, you are doing good. None of these rules will work if you don’t constantly control the levels.
It’s Your Fault!
It’s your fault if you are one of those people who choose not to get help or don’t actively or refuse to manage the diabetes.
[pullquote]Others might alert you in time for a diabetes check and help you control your levels.[/pullquote]Apart from controlling the levels, taking such personal measures can help your personal relationships. Once you start keeping others in the loop, you’ll find that most people are supportive and understanding.
Medical Disclaimer: The advice here is therapeutic in nature and should not be considered medical advice. Prior to making any changes to your diabetes maintenance program, please consult with your primary physician or endocrinologist.
