But what happens when someone has a chronic illness, like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome? When they’re not always in-your-face ill, but they have times when they feel desperately ill or just too ill to face the world?

Since it’s a chronic illness that can literally last a lifetime, what is a well-meaning friend to do?

There’s a great post over at But You Don’t Look Sick. The post offers 36 Easy things that you can do to make the life of your chronically ill friend a bit better .

There are some great suggestions and hopefully you may find something that you feel fits you and your friend just right.

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Images: Stockxchnge.com

Post from: Blisstree

Helping a Friend With a Chronic Illness

Depression is a big problem with diabetes. There have been times when I’ve gotten down about keeping my blood sugars in check. Anytime a chronic illness is involved, it becomes mentally taxing to deal with it every single day.

According to BD Diabetes, “In a study of more than 11,000 U.S. veterans with type 2 diabetes, the investigators found that over a decade, those diagnosed with depression consistently had a higher average hemoglobin A1C level.”

I’m not sure what to make of this study. As I said, I’ve experienced some down periods emotionally, but my blood sugars are always in the recommended range. I do think, however, that an occasional down feeling is not the same as having full blown depression.

If you are experiencing depression, get help immediately. Just knowing that there is yet another reason to keep our blood sugars near normal is great news.

Post from: Blisstree

Depression and Diabetes

Happy Thanksgiving to those celebrating today!

I love this holiday for many reasons. First, it gives us a chance to sit down and focus on gratitude. How often do we really get to do that? It also gives us an opportunity to be with family and friends, and celebrate what life is really about: caring for one another. It’s truly a day to realize how lucky we have it. We are blest.

There might be some diabetics out there who are sad because they have a disease which causes a lot of maintenance, pain, and restrictions. Beleive me, I am with you in all of that. There are days when I’m more positive, and some days when I feel defeated.

But not today. On this day, let’s be thankful that we are diabetics today. We have never had it so good in terms of medical knowledge. Insulin has allowed us to live. More than that, the knowledge we have about carbs and exercise have given us a leg up in the care for the disease.

Instead of focusing on food today (and it’s hard not to, with a holiday centered around it), let’s focus on the goodness of being a diabetic at the best possible time in history. Let’s support each other and as we sit down to say a prayer of thanks for the bounty before us, let’s also say a prayer for each other!

I will be saying a prayer of thanks for everyone who reads this blog and comments, all of those who write me, and all of those struggling with the disease. I will be saying a prayer for all my fellow diabetics, and I hope you will, too.

HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING!

Post from: Blisstree

Happy Thanksgiving! Let’s Say a Prayer for Each Other Today

When a friend finds out they’re sick, they need your help more than ever before. Diabetes, especially, can be a frightening diagnosis. Your friend has to deal with a multitude of finger pricks, injections, and the occasional episode of low blood sugar. You probably feel for them and want to be supportive. However, there is a right and wrong way to let your friend know you’re there for him or her. Following are some tips on the best ways to support your friend. ~more

Post from: Blisstree

How to Be Supportive of Someone With Diabetes

Here is a video tribute to all those moms out there caring for a diabetic child. Thank you for all you do!

Post from: Blisstree

Video Tribute to Diabetic Moms

If you or a friend has diabetes, one of the best ways you can help in the cause for a cure is to become an advocate. There are numerous ways to get involved, whether it be with informing others about the disease, contacting lawmakers, or just spreading the word about the realities of living with this chronic illness. Here are some ways to get started as a diabetes activist. ~more

Post from: Blisstree

How to Be a Diabetes Advocate