THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTITUDE

Experts know that a positive attitude is necessary for successful diabetes care. We nod in agreement, but have we really looked at why?

People persevere at activities they believe are possible. Convinced they have the ability to complete a task, they are willing to attempt it. Uncertain, or sure of their own inability, they will defer to others instead. The diabetic who trusts his or her own abilities to self-manage will be more diligent in self-management ("I can do this!") than one who does not. The blind diabetic who knows he or she is fully capable of participating in mainstream society, with full equality, will work hard to achieve that goal.

And there is the "stress" element. This same well-prepared diabetic, comfortable with the responsibilities and techniques of self-care, will meet potential crises with the correct responses, free from panic, and from the frantic scrambling ("What do I do NOW?") that turns little ones into big ones, and not incidentally dumps adrenalin into the blood, making good control that much more of a challenge.

Attitudes are taught. We communicate our judgements of others' abilities in many ways. If we are in positions of authority (parent, teacher, instructor), our attitudes shape others' opinions of their own abilities, and thus their willingness to act. Teachers have known for years that the student who is taught he or she can will outperform those taught they cannot; that expectations shape performance.

Attitudes about the limited abilities of blind individuals have been with us for millennia. Even today, blind diabetics still hear pronouncements like: "A blind person can't possibly do that..." or "You won't live long enough..." Such statements, from well-meaning individuals, do a lot of damage. Remember, if you believe you already have the answers, however bleak they may be, you don't ask questions. The blind diabetic who has been taught by the professionals, word and deed, that he or she is incapable, needs sighted assistance, and faces a shortened lifespan, is not likely to struggle mightily against such pronouncements. Great accomplishments come from people who believe in their own abilities.

There is every reason to make the achievement of positive attitude an important part of diabetes care. We have the technology; we have the medications; this is the "human factor." There are more choices, more options, and more ways to cope than ever before; and today no one, regardless of ramifications, needs to be relegated to a second-class life. Independence, full participation, and vocational success are achievable. Diabetes, at any level, is a discipline--and positive attitude is an integral part of successful self-management.