How you experience diabetes can be a huge influence on how you feel about living with the condition day-to-day. It can be easy for the stresses and demands of diabetes to take their toll on your physical and mental health, but there are also some ways diabetes can positively affect your life.

Self-care mindfulness

Knowing your glucose numbers, what you’re eating, and how certain activities might affect your glucose means you’re more in tune with your body than a lot of other people. This means that you’ll be able to pick up on subtle changes more quickly, so any medication, lifestyle changes or diagnoses can be made before any potential issues arise.

It also means you’re more sensitive to self-care. A lot of people, with and without diabetes, could benefit from taking more time to look after themselves, and being healthier and happier as a result.

Being part of an inspiring community

Living with diabetes can feel isolating, but know that you’re not alone. There’s a whole community of people globally who understand almost exactly how you’re feeling, know the challenges and struggles, and can help you overcome them. Communication is a huge part of coping with stress but finding a way to express yourself and bond with others over shared experiences can be inspiring.

Listen to the FreeStyle podcasts series on our FreeStyle Progress portal to join the discussion on personal experiences and explore the sense of community with people living with diabetes.

Empathy for other situations

Going through the highs and lows of a condition like diabetes pushes you to adapt and cope with various different situations. With diabetes, you can’t control everything, no matter how hard you try, but being able to handle difficult situations is a valuable lesson that applies to all aspects of life. It also means you can empathise with other people and could even be a source of inspiration for helping them overcome their own life challenges.

A new perspective on life

Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health, and your perspective on life is a huge part of that. It allows you to make the most of good days, means you won’t take your health for granted, and impacts who you are as a person. The way you look at things changes the way you act, how you’re perceived by others and how you live your life. Living with diabetes might not be the life you’d choose, but it can change the way you look at the world, for the better.

Renewed ambition and drive

With this new perspective, you’ll realise that nothing can hold you back. Controlling your glucose and watching what you eat doesn’t have to define your life or prevent you from doing things. In fact, it can give you the motivation to do things you never thought you’d do, making your achievements all the more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Find out more about the FreeStyle Libre and how it can help you manage your diabetes at progress.freestylediabetes.co.uk.