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Support for the Diabetic
(Part one of four)
By
Don Mario Ramos, C.ht.
Jeanine Austin, Ph.d.
© 2009

When I, Jeanine Austin, was asked to write a four part series on diabetes, I knew I would contact Don Mario Ramos, the well respected and talented hypnotherapist and life coach for men and who happens also to have Diabetes 1. The following article is based on a dialogue we had about how to best support those with diabetes.
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It may be important to remember when supporting someone with diabetes, possibly yourself, that diabetes affects the whole person and all of her aspects of daily living and layers of self. Consequently, a person needs to be supported in a holistic manner.

A popular way and overly simplistic way of perceiving diabetes is that it is a disease that precludes someone from eating sugar. While this is true, the care of a person with diabetes includes many aspects of a person’s well being. Mind, body and spirit will be impacted by diabetes and the awareness of this fact will help to navigate the complexities of diabetes. Simply being in tuned to or aware of these issues can make anticipation of their resolution more readily successful.

For example, it may be important to be mindful of the fact that the added stress of having a potentially life threatening disease such as diabetes can be very stressful to the person with diabetes and can be taxing to their relationships.

Perhaps many women can identify with feeling that food is their enemy. Those who struggle with eating issues, eating disorders and weight issues are often very conflicted about their relationship to food. Perhaps very much in keeping with these feelings but possibly in a much more exaggerated way, diabetics know that food can be a venom that can actually kill them.

A positive way to support a diabetic, or to support yourself as you deal with your own diabetes, it to develop a passion and enthusiasm for learning about diabetes and connecting and communing with others who have the disorder. Educating the community about diabetes can be especially empowering.

Don Mario Ramos says that people often compliment him for his calm and even temperament. What he feels that people might not see is the hidden challenge of the stresses of diabetes. He gives a wonderful example of someone who goes to the park and is liberated completely from their responsibilities for a few hours. A diabetic is never completely unencumbered even in a situation like the aforementioned because she still needs to be aware of blood sugar levels and always must have insulin at the ready. Ostensibly, the often “hidden challenges” of a chronic condition may cause significant unseen stress.

One of the best ways to support someone with diabetes is to ask what they need and to listen to the answer. If you are someone with diabetes, or you care for someone with diabetes, it is important to note that every person’s support in a diabetic’s family and community constellation is valuable and can impact the life of a diabetic in a profound way.

(c) 2009 Jeanine Marie Austin, Ph.D. and Don Mario Ramos, C.ht.(562) 686-4927
http://www.SimplyDivineSolutions.com