When it comes to diabetes control, most signs of success are straightforward. The numbers on the scale go down. A belt has to be tightened a notch or two. Old clothes may fit again. Your glucose levels are within a good range. Another measure of success is less visible, less tangible, but is just as important as numbers on the scale — maybe more so. This measure is called quality of life.
This Well-being article offers several insights about quality of life and controlling diabetes. It:
Quality of life refers to how people perceive the physical, psychological, and social aspects of their lives and whether they perceive them positively or negatively. Events in your life — both good and bad — and your expectations and beliefs — positive and negative — shape your quality of life. Research shows that people who have diabetes tend to experience a lower quality of life.
Ruth had always dreamed of vacationing in Alaska. From the time she was 9 years old and saw the beautiful pictures of Alaska in National Geographic, she knew she had to visit there. So when she turned 40, she and her husband planned a two-week vacation in Alaska.
Ruth was thrilled! The first day they hiked in Denali National Park with a tour group. Being 11 kilograms overweight and diabetic, she struggled to keep up. She ran out of breath. Her feet hurt. Her back hurt. Her hips ached. She eventually had to buy a cane to help her walk. She was miserable the rest of her trip.
Ruth realized her weight and her diabetes were getting in the way of enjoying her life. She also had high blood pressure. These things scared her — “I’m too young to need a cane! I’m too young to feel so exhausted!”
Ruth came home from the trip disappointed and angry, but also determined — determined to lose the weight and to control her diabetes, which were getting in the way of her living life fully. Eight months and 11 kilograms later, Ruth didn’t need her cane anymore. She was able to walk without getting out of breath, and her body didn’t ache after physical activity. And her glucose levels were under control.
Ruth decided to keep her cane. She saw it every time she went into the garage, and it reminded her daily how much those 11 kilograms and her diabetes had harmed her quality of life and how much better her life was after she took control. That cane was her trophy of success!
Aside from health issues and physical limitations that people with diabetes endure, other aspects of quality of life can be negatively affected:
Ruth’s story is a good reminder that diabetes control, especially when loss of excess weight is included, has dramatic and positive effects on quality of life. Research has shown that people who lose even a modest amount of weight — as little as 10 percent to 15 percent of body weight — greatly improve their quality of life. And it can help improve glucose levels, too, and overall health.
Sometimes the quality-of-life changes are little things. The person has greater freedom of movement. He is able to tie his shoes more easily. She can cross her legs when she sits. The person doesn’t feel embarrassed in public places. But all together, these little changes have a wonderfully positive effect on quality of life and on how a person sees himself or herself and interacts with other people.
Chances are that your quality of life has improved since you started managing your diabetes, perhaps more than you realize. Think back on what your quality of life was like before. How had your weight affected your ability to walk and get around? Your ability to do basic, everyday tasks? How did your diabetes interfere with your favorite activities? Your workday? Your self-esteem? Your self-confidence? Your relationships with people around you?
Now think about positive changes you’ve experienced since you’ve started to control your diabetes.
Have you experienced any improvement in these physical aspects of your life?
Can you pick up objects more easily?
Can you tie your shoes more easily?
Can you get up from a chair more easily?
Can you get dressed and undressed more easily?
Do you experience less shortness of breath?
Are your joints less painful and stiff?
Are you able to walk more comfortably?
Do you have more energy?
Do you have more interest in intimate contact with your partner?
Has your self-esteem improved?
Are you less self-conscious?
Do you have more positive feelings in general?
Do you have more self-confidence?
Do you have less fear of rejection?
Are you more comfortable looking at yourself?
Are you more comfortable being seen in public?
In what other ways has your diabetes management affected the quality of your life?
Take an inventory of the quality of your life from time to time as you manage your diabetes, especially during those times when you seem “stuck.” While visible markers of weight loss and glucose levels can give you a measure of success (and thus motivate you to stick with your program), better quality of life can also help you measure your successes.
