Hello,
I have diabetes from since I was 1 year and half, I am now 18 years old. I have always had a problem with checking my sugar and giving myself insulin. The reason being is because I’ve always wanted to feel like a normal teenage girl. Now that I am becoming a young adult, I think it’s time that I have to take care of myself, but I have a problem, there is no motivation. I have no motivation to push me to where I need to do what I need and suppose to do. How do I do what I’m suppose to do without that motivation to push me for a better life style? I really need it, because I don’t want to worry my parents when the time comes to go to college or to live on my own. Please help me, anyone, please.
Hello!
I don’t have diabetes, but my son does, nearly 5 years now. He is nearly 18 years old and we have had our struggles with him, still are. And we have had many positives too! More positives.
If you lack motivation why don’t you start with small steps and build on that. For example if you haven’t the motivation to test your BS why not set yourself an achievable target e.g. ensure to test the in the morning and evening. Just those 2 a day for a week and then do a third and continue with 3 a day etc etc.
At one stage my son didn’t take a single test for over 10 days. I was , as his mum, extremely concerned. As at that time my son wasn’t testing at all, I suggested he just tested in the morning and at night , as his diabetic team said these 2 tests were the most vital ones. We went with 2 tests a day for a while . He now tests regularly approx 4 tests a day.
Baby steps I say 
Hi @PeachesL,
As @morseyami says, “baby steps”, one little bit at a time and let things build from there. I just hope that you get the motivation before waiting too long the way I did - I’m paying for that now. I was diagnosed decades before self blood testing was available [even in hospital BS results couldn’t be reported on the day blood was drawn] and I really never took care of myself and was in denial - not telling anyone at school that I had diabetes.
About a month after I was married, in 1966, I visited a doctor for the first time in many years and was informed that I had retinopathy and would be totally blind within two years - that woke me up and I decided that I needed to work at managing my diabetes. Long story short on my retinopathy; I was introduced to Dr. Lloyd M. Aiello, a Boston ophthalmologist, who had had a theory that a laser beam might be able to repair some of the damage I had inflicted on myself - I volunteered as a guinea pig and had a weapon grade ruby laser used on my left eye in 1967 and I can still see to read your posting.
I have a feeling Peaches that something has already motivated you - you took the time to find this site and post. A big step. Now set some goals for yourself - I hear you saying college - for that you will need your health to be relatively stable so you can achieve. I’m thinking you will.
Hello, peachesl. I think you may have provided the answer to your question with your post. There are two things that motivate me to do whatever I have to do to take care of myself:
- My wife and two sons. If I don’t take care of myself, I’m not only hurting me, but I am hurting them. I owe it to them to do whatever I need to do to maximize the chances that I will continue to be there 100% to be the best husband and father I can be for them. If I don’t take care of myself, I’m hurting them. So I make myself accountable to them. (Not literally because I generally manage my own diabetes, but in the sense that I owe it to do what I need to do).
- People who have terminal illnesses (and their families). This may not work for everyone, but for me, I am motivated by the fact that I was dealt a hand that is difficult, but could have been so much worse. A few years back, my son had an infection that required a few nights at a children’s hospital. And when I stayed over one night, I saw children with terminal illnesses who probably were never leaving that hospital and parents with looks of hopelessness on their faces. That night, I promised myself I would never again feel sorry for myself for having type one diabetes. I may not have been dealt the best hand. But I was dealt a hand that allows me to still live a relatively normal and productive life with some extra effort. So to me, it would be selfish to squander that opportunity that any of those families would have traded for in a heartbeat.
I don’t know if my #2 motivates you. For me, it’s a huge motivator. The glass is half full, so I am not about to tip it over and pour it out. But based on what you said above, I think #1 should resonate. Dennis is right that you already have shown motivation by making this post. In addition to that, you specifically said that you don’t want to worry your parents when the time comes to go to college or live on your own. That’s motivation. The same way I am motivated by not wanting my wife and sons to worry about me or to worry about not having a healthy husband or father around, you are motivated by not wanting to worry your parents. And that’s something that only you have the ability to control.
Thank you so much, I will take all these words with me as I go on. Thank you!!
Hi there!
I totally feel you on lack of motivation. Sometimes, I just want to give up, but in the end it’s your health and life on the line. I have been diagnosed as a type one diabetic for four years now, and I still find myself struggling on a daily basis to check my blood sugar multiple times a day, inject insulin before meals, etc. However, it’s important to remain responsible and optimistic about the future.
This lack of accountability is sooo normal. I think we can all admit that diabetes sucks. However, you have to realize that these were the cards you were dealt, and it’s important to make the best out of the situation. You DESERVE to be happy. You DESERVE to be healthy. I would say it’s helpful to start simple. Try checking your blood sugar in the morning and before you go to bed. Set an alarm on your phone. Then, try to up it to checking four times a day. You can do it!!!
Remember, life is unfair but you have to make the best of it! Once you get into a routine, you’ll feel a lot better. Good luck!