The Challenge of Being an Optimistic Diabetic

Writing optimistically about diabetes is no easy task. Finding the "bright side" of a chronic condition like this, in any of its forms, can lead to misunderstandings.

But I'm sure it's worth it. I've had several calls to talk about diabetes. The inspiration to write this blog has come from friends, who, upon hearing my anecdotes and experiences – often common to me, but "incredible" to them – have told me: "You should write a book." They have challenged me to "unveil" the "mysteries" of my diabetes, that "hidden side" of those of us who live with this condition and which, I've discovered, isn't immediately obvious to everyone.

I had some initial reservations about speaking about diabetes. On the one hand, I'm neither a doctor nor a scientist; and on the other, I don't have the "absolute truth" about this disease. I really enjoy reading authors like Anthony de Mello, who in his book Consciousness tells us: "Sometimes, he who knows doesn't speak; he who speaks doesn't know." Mexican writer Gabriel Zaid ("Books and Conversation") invites us to become "educators through the Socratic path of conversation" and share with others what we've learned, what we’ve lived. I feel it's a commitment to share my long and profound experience of living with diabetes. I'm taking the risk of speaking out and saying that diabetes, although a formidable challenge for anyone, is also an unexpected "window of opportunity" towards becoming more complete individuals.

Other inspirations have been the many bloggers and "diabetic activists" who have shared with me their knowledge, insights, joys, doubts, and hopes about the condition of diabetes – and diabetics themselves – in this 21st century. I respect and appreciate their courage and determination in sharing their challenges and lifting my spirits. Although we are still far from a definitive cure, we now have many more resources to lead a healthy life.

When Riva Greenberg proposes a "Flourishing Approach" to diabetes, I fully understand her message. Far from viewing this medical condition as a "definitive condemnation," Riva strives to make us see that life can be wonderful "not despite diabetes, but because of it." What a revealing and refreshing message! Perhaps it's a bit utopian, but I completely agree with her that it can be a palpable and enjoyable reality.

When I read Óscar López de Briñas Ortega, the "Sugar Jedi," who tells us he tries "to get those who follow me to become activated and empowered patients," I understand that the level of health and fulfillment we have as diabetics depends largely on ourselves, regardless of the treatment we have access to.

The same is true of Adam Brown, who forcefully tells us: "A blood glucose result is not a judgment on your character; it's a piece of information that must be acted upon." How hopeful and liberating is the message of his book, Light Signals and Landmines: The Diabetes Guide I Wish Someone Had Given Me. Having 310 mg/dL of sugar doesn't define you as a person; neither does reading 100 mg/dL on your monitoring system. We are not better or worse people for having diabetes, but we will contribute more to the world when our actions regarding diabetes are more informed, positive, and conscious. Thanks, Adam!

This is the message of optimism I subscribe to. It is essential to have the conviction not to become a victim and ruin the lives of others "because of my terrible suffering." It is up to us to be prepared, productive, fulfilled, optimistic, and happy diabetics.