Which Type of Person with Diabetes are you?
Over the years of helping people with diabetes, I’ve noticed that there are some serious similarities between many of my clients. I thought it would be fun to talk about the different “types of people with diabetes (PWDs).” Can you relate to any of them?
The Perfectionist
This is by far the most common PWD I work with. Does diabetes affect type A’s or does diabetes make type A’s?
Strengths
This PWD is on top of everything diabetes. They do everything they possibly can to stay in range and keep that A1c at goal. The perfectionist PWD is a routine person. They know exactly when to prebolus in the morning and eat the same sorts of foods throughout the day for max predictability. You can ask this PWD what their BG, and they’ll respond with current BG and future predictions, insulin on board, and how they’re planning their next workout.
Road Blocks
The perfectionist PWD often struggles with rolling with the punches. If something throws off their routine or predictions, they tend to launch into some negative self talk.
Action Plan
For this type of PWD, I’ll always ask them to examine their mindset and thoughts surrounding their diabetes. How do you feel, seeing your blood sugar rising like this? What does it feel like going to a new restaurant tonight? Examining your thoughts is the first step towards understanding them, eventually practicing more supportive self talk, and learning to “go with the flow” a bit more.
The Rebel
This PWD is near and dear to my heart because they are what I identify most as! The rebel PWDs are those with a DIY loop rig, off label meds, IM injections, and all the non-FDA-approved therapeutics under the sun.
Strengths
The rebel is exceptionally resourceful and innovative when it comes to their diabetes (and probably other aspects of their life as well). They’re incredible researchers, experimenters, and mentors, and the exact kind of people you want to learn from.
Road Blocks
My rebel PWDs struggle the most when there isn’t a solution. And as we all know, diabetes has a lot of those moments. They also tend to put themselves in some sticky situations sometimes (regular rage bolusers!) as they tend to be a bit more fearless when it comes to their diabetes.
Action Plan
Similar to my perfectionist clients, the rebel PWDs often need to do some soul-searching. I always ask them to really think on and feel the idea that sometimes there isn’t a solution or reason for what they’re experiencing. Learning ways to cope with this idea is important, so we spend our sessions adding coping strategies to their diabetes toolbox alongside all of their other DIY-non-FDA-approved goodies 😉
The Balanced Queen
I always love talking to this PWD. They always seem like they’ve got it all figured out and are completely unbothered by diabetes.
Strengths
The balanced queen knows exactly what they need when they need it. They are the expert boundary setters, and they live by how many spoons are left in their toolbox.
Road Blocks
At first glance, this balanced royal looks like they shouldn’t have any roadblocks. But it is actually extremely taxing to continually try to figure out when to give diabetes all of your efforts and when to just say “Fuck it. I need 10 slices of pizza.” This person with diabetes struggles with LOTS of guilt. Did I make the right decision? Should I have skipped my workout? I can’t help feeling guilty about this!
Action Plan
Are you seeing a theme here? Just as with all my other PWD, the Balanced Queen might need to do some mindset shifting too! We get SUPER clear on their goals and their non-negotiables, so they can feel clear and fearless when making decisions on where their energy goes. It’s also important to check in on this PWD and see if they might be experiencing some burnout. Is it possible their nonchalant stance is coming from a place of feeling completely over it?
Which one are you?
This is, of course, just for fun. People with diabetes are all unique, but also share so many of the same characteristics and experiences. Do you relate to one of these type of PWD’s? Lemme know which one and why!
PS, need help with the action plans?
Get your action plan to help you kick diabetes overwhelm to the curb and learn to feel confident and fearless in your diabetes management decisions. Apply to work with me here.
