Global Courant
There has been a paradigm shift in the way diabetes has been treated in recent decades, from simple instructions like “avoid sugar” and take your medications on time, to a comprehensive approach that includes exercise, stress reduction, and the need to have personalized meal plans.
Diabetes management guidelines, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association, reflect a more comprehensive style that looks at the well-being of the person as a whole and not just the presence of a specific health condition. This has fostered a more inclusive approach to wellness that could take diabetes self-care efforts to a whole new level.
“For the part can never be good unless the whole is good.” – Socrates.
There is an Indian proverb that says that everyone is like a house with four rooms, a physical, a mental, an emotional and a spiritual room. To feel complete, you need to spend the same amount of time in each of these four rooms each day. For example, getting enough rest and eating high-quality food can meet physical needs; learning about and using our environment would enrich our minds; understanding and dealing with our feelings can help meet our emotional needs. In a similar way, we must address our spiritual needs.
So what is spirituality? Spirituality doesn’t necessarily mean being involved in an organized religion. It is taking time to reflect on our place in the order of things, paying attention to what gives life meaning. It can be anything like a community, social group or just your family. Spirituality can be seen as part of a journey that leads you to a complete person.
Similarly, diabetes care now focuses on the four areas that need attention in a person’s life. This is how insulin and medicines for diabetes can help your body. Diabetes counselors can teach you how to monitor blood glucose and exercise. The nutritionist can suggest personalized meal plans. Also, a diabetes care team can teach you how to manage stress and recognize the warning signs of depression to maintain good emotional health. When all areas of our lives are addressed, we move closer to a comprehensive form of diabetes management.
Treating the body as a whole enhances the body’s natural healing ability. Recent studies in mind/body medicine (psycho-neuroimmunology) show that the mind can and does have a profound influence on the body. Meditation and relaxation techniques can contribute to better health and improve medical outcomes.
It’s time we saw spirituality in a new light and discovered the positive influence of the mind in the process of building good health.
Spirituality and managing diabetes
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