It was October 31st, 1999, and all my friends were begging me to go out with them. I kept saying that I was just going to stay home this Halloween and hand out candy to the neighborhood children. Just safer that way, I guess? I know what you are most likely thinking, but it was far worse.
See my friends were throwing a wickedly cool party. I was single, in my mid 20’s and there were going to be a lot of hot women, in sexy cat costumes. It was one awesome party. My friends always came through.
Well, I didn’t have to worry about eating leftover candy or eating it while dishing it out or feeling sad that my Halloweens sucked back then after being diagnosed with diabetes at six years old. Don’t feel bad though, I worked that out in therapy, and now I reward myself as an adult.
The party was slamming (awesome)! Tons of top-shelf liquor and the food was excellent. Did I mention the sexy cat costumes yet? I had the best time ever! Definitely, one for the history books. I’d like to tell you what my blood sugar was but who had time to check? Although I could tell you my blood alcohol content, I’d rather tell you what happened next.
Some of that night was a blur. I remember that I ate a lot of food and tried to match insulin the best I could. 18 years ago, I hadn’t discovered carb counting yet. I woke up the next morning with a wicked hangover, dehydrated, blood sugar over 400 mg/dL and with ketones, to boot. I was fortunate that I didn’t end up in ketoacidosis or worse.
I gave insulin, and I went back to bed. I woke up a few hours later, blood sugars back to normal, feeling a little better. That is until I went to throw out the candy I bought. The last thing I needed was the temptation, sitting on the kitchen table.
I, unfortunately, was worrying about nothing. Apparently, I ate all the candy after I got home. Never again, I thought to myself. I talked with my therapist about my feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment.
My therapist helped me remember that it is complicated managing diabetes, and it is important to blow off some steam from time to time. Over several sessions, we developed plans for each situation I encountered that evening; Like bringing a friend who knows about my diabetes to help with accountability and safety.
I learned from my experience and now help others do the same. We all stumble through life learning as we go. But, it is up to us, when things go south; to pay attention, improve our judgment, and make better choices.
As I mentioned, I help people living with diabetes make better life choices for them and their loved ones. If you think you need help with emotional or management issues that come with diabetes, please call me at 917-272-4829, and we will schedule your first Diabetes-Focused Psychotherapy session.
For information on Diabetes-Focused Psychotherapy and how it might help you; go to my website, www.diabetictalks.com.
Medical Disclaimer:
All the advice included in this blog is therapeutic in nature and should not be considered medical advice. Before making any changes to your diabetes maintenance program, please consult with your primary physician or endocrinologist.
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