November is American Diabetes Month, also known as National Diabetes Awareness Month. During this month, health organizations here and around the world increase their focus on building public knowledge and understanding about the disease.

Nearly 21 million children and adults in the United States are living with diabetes, and another 54 million people are considered to be at-risk. But those aren’t the only people affected by diabetes. Parents, spouses, other family members, friends and co-workers can also consider themselves a part of the diabetes community.

As a life-long disease that currently has no cure, diabetes brings many challenges, including a wide range of emotions. Understanding that these emotions are common provides you with an opportunity to recognize how they affect one’s ability to manage diabetes or to support the person with diabetes.

Shock. You cannot believe this could be happening to you. It must be someone else’s blood test! This period of shock and disbelief enables you to gradually adjust to the news you have been given. Shock is a mechanism that helps you begin to cope, though it wouldn’t be unusual for feelings of disbelief to resurface from time to time.

Relief. If you and your doctor have been trying to sort out what is wrong with you or your loved one’s health for a while, you may feel relieved to finally have a diagnosis. Now you can do something about the situation and no longer have to live with the stress of uncertainty.

Fear. You may be afraid because you do not know very much about diabetes and you are not sure what is going to happen next. You may also be afraid because you know diabetes can have serious long-term consequences. You may be concerned about your future health and your ability to care for your family. Learning more about your condition and how to protect yourself from complications can help you cope with your fear.

Anger. You may feel angry when you are diagnosed with diabetes. You may think it is not fair that you have to deal with this condition and with new restrictions on your lifestyle. Anger, although an uncomfortable feeling, is a normal reaction for someone who has just developed diabetes or is facing a change in diabetes management, such as a new diet, pills or insulin. If anger interferes with your ability to manage diabetes or with other aspects of your life, let your doctor or diabetes educator know how this is affecting you.

Anxiety. You may worry a lot about having diabetes. You may feel “wound up” or have difficulty sleeping. Learning more about the condition may help you to feel more on top of things. Finding enjoyable outlets for your anxiousness may help you cope. Relaxation techniques may also reduce anxiety. Your doctor or diabetes educator can guide you towards behavioral health specialists who can help you with such techniques.

Grief. You may feel a sense of loss. Your expectations about your life and how you imagined yourself living it may have changed. Talking to other people with diabetes may help. Your doctor or a diabetes educator can provide you with information about support groups.

Guilt. Because type 2 diabetes (which accounts for more than 90 percent of all diabetes cases) is typically associated with being overweight, you may feel it is your fault if you were not at a healthy weight when you were diagnosed.

This is a confusing problem in this nation, where there is both societal pressure to be thin and to engage in an obesity-promoting lifestyle.

Type 2 diabetes results from the interaction of many factors and is not solely related to weight, though its management may involve a modest weight loss. Those who feel guilty about their eating and activity patterns can benefit from consulting with health professionals who help them establish realistic goals.

Denial. In the initial days after finding out about diabetes (or even risk for diabetes), denial can be a way of coping with the news. However, long-term denial of self-management tasks can lead to serious consequences. If you have diabetes, then you are probably aware of the potential health complications.

If someone you care about has diabetes and seems to be ignoring their condition, there could be any number of reasons why this is happening. Some may be fearful and unable to deal with the fear. Others may not be ready to accept the fact that they have diabetes.

Still others prefer to ignore a problem in the hope that it will go away or somehow resolve itself. Unfortunately, like other health conditions, diabetes may get worse if it is ignored. If you struggle with denial, seek assistance from members of your health care team.

Depression. A feeling of sadness is normal after learning you have diabetes. However, if this feeling persists for many months or becomes more intense, then you may be experiencing depression.

People living with a chronic health condition do tend to have a higher rate of depression than the general population. Talk to your doctor or other members of your health care team about how you are feeling.

Depression can be successfully treated through medication or counseling, or a combination of both. Your doctor will be able to recommend a social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist with whom you can talk. A support group may also be helpful.

Carol Walsh is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator who provides medical nutrition therapy services at the Corvallis Clinic and Albany Family and Specialty Medicine. She invites readers to learn more about diabetes at the Corvallis Clinic Diabetes Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Call 754-1374 for more information or go to www.corvallisclinic.com/leftnav/newsevents/upcominevents/Diabetes+Fair.htm