Need More Personal Support?

If You Feel Overwhelmed by Diabetes, I Can Help

Diabetes Coach
Maury M. Breecher, PhD, MPH

How Can a Type 2 Diabetic Who 5 Years Ago Was 275 Pounds and Who Had High Blood Sugar Levels, Hypertension, and High Cholesterol Levels Help You?

More than anything else, you want to get back in control of your life. I know and understand because I've been there.

I've had Type 2 Diabetes for more than 10 Years. Indeed, I struggled with diabetes and the problems that this chronic disease causes for several years. I faced work, marital, weight-gain, mental clarity, and fatigue issues.

It wasn't easy. Like many individuals with diabetes, I had to come to terms with feelings of denial, anger, and depression. I actually cried, "Why Me, God?"

There came a day, however, that I finally accepted the fact that I had the chronic, life-threatening disease called diabetes. Once I accepted the fact that I had diabetes, I realized I couldn't ignore the condition anymore.

It then took me only a couple of seconds to make the decision to take whatever action necessary to live a healthy, productive life even with this disease.

How about you?

• Are you are feeling weak and crappy?
• Are you irritable and can't think straight?
• Do you experience uncontrollable urges to eat more than you should, or to eat foods that you know you should avoid?
• Do you feel unhappy, misunderstood, and wonder if it is worthwhile to keep fighting for a better life?

Have you ever thought about the connection between those feelings and your blood sugar levels?

What are you going to do about it?

Have You Made the Decision to Take Action to Live Better with Diabetes?

ACTION STEPS

First, Do You Monitor Your Blood Sugar?

Do you know what your blood sugar levels are:

• When you awaken in the morning?
• 2 hours after you eat?
• before you go to sleep?

If you don't self-monitor your blood sugar levels, why not? There are many simple, relatively low-cost, at-home blood sugar monitoring systems available.

There are two main reasons people with diabetes don't self-monitor. Do these reasons apply to you?

0. Is it that you can't stand the sight of blood?
0. Or, do you fear the pain of a lancet stick?

Let's talk about your reasons. I can help you get over those issues.

If you do test your blood on a regular basis, good for you! Still,

0. Are your sugar levels still too high?
0. Or, are they too low?

Either extreme is bad for you. Let's talk about what is going on in your life, and examine how you can get back in control.

How About Physical Activity or Exercise?

Do you have enough physical activity in your life? if not, why not?

I didn't regain control of my sugar levels and improve my lifestyle until I incorporated a simple program of physical exercises into my life. At first, I walked several miles a day. However, for me it wasn't going to be that easy. I started getting shin sprints and other leg pains when I walked long distances. I had to find and incorporate other low-inpact forms of exercise into my life.

How about you?

If you aren't physically active, what's keeping you from incorporating regular exercise in your life?

Let's talk about Action Step 2. It involves identifying obstacles that prevent you from increasing physical activity, then finding ways around those obstacles, and making the decision to follow-through.

You May Also Need Help Overcoming Other Obstacles

Diabetes can affect your life in many ways. Often, the adverse effects of diabetes -- for instance, fatigue and foggy thinking -- work to prevent you from doing what you need to do to feel better. That's why a diabetes coach can be useful helping you rekindle the drive and desire to take the action to better your situation.

Other obstacles may involve food and/or relationship issues.

Let's together find ways around those obstacles.

My Diabetes Coaching Philosophy

I believe that we are responsible for the quality of our own lives. No matter how caring your health care provider may be, he or she is not in your skin. The care of your body and the improvement of your life is your responsibility, but don't be hard on yourself. It's not your fault if nobody has taught you what to do, or encouraged you to do it.

That's another area in which I can help you.

I will encourage and help you to learn as much about dealing with diabetes as you can. And, I will encourage you to put what you learn into action!

You can improve your diabetic control. In so doing, you will improve other areas of your life. I am honored to help you.

How Specifically Will I Work with You as Your Diabetes Coach?

First, and foremost I will listen to you with a compassionate and sympathetic ear. Like most life coachs, I try to consult during a 50-minute "hour" athough I often spend more time when needed.

During those phone conversations, I encourage you to vent and express your fears and frustrations for as much as one-third of the therapeutic hour.

Having gone through much of the same travails, I can truly say, "I understand."

You'll Receve More than a Sympathic Ear

But then . . . I will gently but firmly encourage you to re-focus on identifying actions that will make your life better.

I'll offer some suggestions. For instance, if you are not already doing it I will encourage you to self-monitor your blood sugar levels and to incorporate more physical activity in your life.

We will discuss your diet. I can help you analyze what you eat and discuss how the foods you crave influence your diabetes.

I stress that I am not a physican or nutritionist and cannot prescribe medications, but as an educator I can describe the various diabetes medications that are available and talk about healthy food choices. Naturally, I will also encourage you to speak with your health care provider to decide which prescription drugs might be right for you and consult with an ADA-trained nutritionist to help devise the best diet for you.

I am committed to using my knowledge and experience to helping you improve your life. You will get the benefit not only of my knowledge, but also my experience.

For instance, I'll offer to share information with you about the vitamins and other supplements that I, as a Type 2 diabetic, have found to be helpful. Again, I emphasize that I am not "prescribing" anything. I trust that with the right knowledge and motivation, you will make the decisions that are best for you.

I will encourage you to look for practical results as a result of our coaching sessions.

Some concrete measures will include whether your blood sugar levels are being reduced to normal or at least approaching normal levels, and whether you are slimming down and becoming more fit. I ask you specifically, "Are you feeling better, becoming more active, and being more productive?"

Results depend on your actions, but my coaching should help you find the motivation and inspiration to take those actions.

At the beginning, I prefer to work with you on the phone a once a day, preferably five days a week. We will start by identifying the results that YOU want to achieve.

As we work together, I'll suggest various avenues of approach towards accomplishing those goals.

In later sessions, I'll monitor your progress and continue to encourage you.

As you gain more control over your life, we can reduce the number of coaching sessions to two or three times a week and then, when you are really getting it to once a week, and then once a month to protect against relaspes.

My fee is $90 per "therapeutic hour," coaching session payable in advance through PayPal. If you can't afford that fee, I can work with a limited number of clients at reduced rates. However, if you can pay the full fee, please do so. When you do, you help me help others.

For an appointment, E-mail: drbreecher@diabetesreviews.com. LLeave word as to the best time for me or one of my assistants to return your phone call to schedule the actual appointment. To confirm the appointment, you must make your payment in advance by credit card or PayPal.

Remember, my time is limited. There are only so many hours in the days. Reserve a coaching time by paying for one session right now.

Don't put off the decision to be healthier. E-mail me at drbreecher@diabetesreviews.com for a phone appointment.

P.S. As a coaching client, and while the coaching relationship continues, you'll receive free my Life Lessons Diabetes Teaches Us via e-mail to keep you in the loop regarding the inspirational and informational messages that I believe will benefit you.

Make your first payment by credit card here:

If you decide against personal coaching, at least enjoy my free Diabetes Manager monthly musings. Sign up here: