Greetings! My name is Monique Dickinson and I am a nurse practitioner that specializes in diabetes management at the Ashley Clinic in Chanute, KS. I have been in this role since 2016 and value it very much. I thoroughly enjoy helping my patients achieve their overall goals in living healthier lifestyles. There is nothing better than hearing the excitement when I tell a patient that their hard work has paid off and they have reached that A1c goal! I would like to talk to you today about how mental health can play a role in the management of your diabetes.
Do you feel overwhelmed in managing your diabetes? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Diabetes is prevalent in millions of Americans across the U.S. with more and more being diagnosed every day. It can affect your physical and emotional well-being, as well as cause long term complications if left uncontrolled. Testing your blood sugar, what to eat and not eat, not having time for exercise, and the cost of medications are all topics that can feel overwhelming. Did you know that stress management and a healthy lifestyle are vital in managing your diabetes? High levels of stress can cause blood sugar levels to increase in the body as well as add weight gain. Other common mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can also take a toll not only on your diabetes, but on your overall health and other chronic conditions. There are recent research studies showing that improvements in your mental health can result in better controlling diabetes.
Though it can be a complicated disease, it doesn’t have to feel like it is controlling your life. I help guide people daily in their diabetic journeys by assisting them to successfully manage their diabetes which can result in weight loss, a happier and healthier you, as well as better outcomes overall for your health and wellbeing. A proper diet, healthy weight, and physical exercise are key components in your treatment, and I would be happy to discuss them and help you to set personal goals to guide you in helping to achieve them so that you can take control of your diabetes and your mental health together.
Monique Dickinson, APRN-C
Diabetes Management
Ashley Clinic & Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center