Living with Chronic Illness: The Reality of Diabetes

Title: Living with Diabetes: A Nurse’s Journey into Chronic Illness

Subtitle: The Challenges and Consequences of Diabetes on Healthcare Professionals

Date: June 24, 2023

In a surprising turn of events, Else, a healthcare professional herself, found herself transitioning from a nurse to a patient due to her diabetes. Despite her initial misconceptions about the condition, Else now faces the daily struggles of managing her sugar levels and adjusting her lifestyle accordingly.

Living with diabetes is far from the simple notion of injecting insulin and carrying on with life, as Else discovered. Every meal she consumes affects her sugar levels, requiring constant monitoring and adjustments. The need to strike a delicate balance between maintaining optimal sugar levels and avoiding dangerous highs or lows has become a constant concern for Else.

“I always have to think about what I’m going to do next. If I consume too much sugar because I’m active, it can drop very quickly. And too low a sugar content really doesn’t make you feel good. So it is constantly adjusting, eating or spraying. All day long, every day. I can never park it,” Else explains.

The sudden shift from healthcare provider to patient was a surreal experience for Else. Unable to work due to her diabetes, she now falls under the category of the chronically ill. “It was crazy that I suddenly became the patient. I went from nurse to patient. I was not familiar with that role. That is so unreal,” she reflects.

As an ambulance driver, Else faces additional challenges in her profession. The adrenaline rush during emergency calls can cause her sugar levels to rise, while sudden drops can occur while attending to patients. This uncertainty raises doubts about her ability to continue working on the ambulance. While she may be able to pursue a nursing career, urgent care may no longer be a viable option.

“The funny thing about diabetes is that it has many consequences. In addition to being sick, it also affects your job, and that, in turn, has financial consequences,” Else shares. However, the Occupational Health and Safety Service advises her to take things slowly and reassess her options.

Despite the hardships, Else remains resilient. Recently, she participated in the six-day WeHike Challenge organized by the Bas van de Goor Foundation, raising funds for children with diabetes. This endeavor also served as an opportunity for Else to understand the impact of physical challenges on her sugar levels.

During the challenge, Else experienced several hypoglycemic episodes, where her blood sugar dropped too low. With a sense of humor, she jokes about the “dextros” that help raise her blood sugar levels. Sharing her experience on Instagram, Else found solace in the realization that she is not alone in her struggles.

“I never knew that this disease would be so drastic. Even as a nurse, you come home from a rude awakening. But I’m also very down to earth. I am 56 years old and have always been very healthy. I am grateful for that,” Else concludes.

Living with diabetes has transformed Else’s life, challenging her both personally and professionally. Her journey serves as a reminder of the complexities and consequences of chronic illness, even for those working in the healthcare industry.

How has living with diabetes affected Else’s emotional well-being and daily life?

Ient, and it was a completely different perspective. I now understand firsthand the challenges and consequences of living with diabetes,” Else reflects.

Living with diabetes not only affects Else’s physical health but also takes a toll on her emotional well-being. The constant monitoring and adjustments can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of frustration and even guilt when sugar levels are difficult to manage. Additionally, the fear of long-term complications and the need to constantly prioritize her health over other aspects of life can create significant stress.

As a healthcare professional, Else also faces unique challenges in managing her condition. The demanding nature of her profession often requires long hours, irregular schedules, and high levels of stress. These factors can make it even more difficult to maintain stable sugar levels and adhere to a strict management routine.

“I have to be even more vigilant and disciplined now. As a nurse, I have always been conscious of the importance of self-care, but living with diabetes has taken that to a whole new level. It’s a constant juggling act to balance my health and my profession,” Else states.

Living with diabetes has given Else a deeper empathy and understanding for her patients who face similar challenges. She now realizes the importance of providing support and guidance to individuals managing chronic illnesses, as she knows firsthand the impact it can have on their lives.

“I have a newfound appreciation for the resilience and strength of my patients. Living with diabetes has opened my eyes to the realities of chronic illness and the daily struggles that so many people face. It has motivated me to do everything I can to support and empower them in their own health journey,” Else shares.

Living with diabetes has transformed Else’s perspective both personally and professionally. It has given her a unique insight into the challenges and consequences of chronic illness, and has inspired her to advocate for better understanding and support for individuals living with diabetes and other chronic conditions.

As Else continues her own health journey, she remains hopeful for advancements in diabetes management and treatment. She believes that with continued research and support, individuals with diabetes can lead fulfilling lives while effectively managing their condition.

“I have hope for the future. Living with diabetes is not easy, but with the right tools, resources, and support, it is possible to live a happy and healthy life. I’m determined to use my experience to make a positive impact in the lives of others facing similar challenges,” Else concludes.