DR. PONDER: Diabetics don't have to be perfect - Odessa American


Few would argue that our emotions control our lives. This is especially true for people with diabetes. Our outcomes are heavily influenced by emotions and how we act on them, or not.

Being told that you have diabetes, or might be at risk for it, generates an emotional response. Often that response is denial. You will make excuses as to why your sugar level might be too high or simply ignore the diagnosis altogether. The early stages of diabetes actually conspire with you to deny it since the symptoms may be mild at best: perhaps just an extra trip or two to the bathroom each night. Blurred vision? Just get some new glasses. Fatigued? I must be working too hard. Our mind will always find a way to explain away what it doesn’t want to accept. Sadly, this is the reason that 8 to 10 million Americans remain undiagnosed and untreated each year. Are you in denial too?

...
Ponder has type 1 diabetes and is a professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center....

Read the full story

Related Stories

38th Student Research Week Successful at Showcasing Secrets of Immune Defense

Student researchers at TTUHSC had the opportunity to showcase their presentation skills at the 38th Annual Student Research Week Feb. 25 – 27.

Celebrating Veterans: TTUHSC’s General Martin Clay’s Legacy of Service and Leadership

From his initial enlistment in the Army National Guard 36 years ago to his leadership in military and civilian health care management roles, Major General Martin Clay’s career has been shaped by adaptability, mission focus and service to others.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing Named Best Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in Texas

The TTUHSC School of Nursing Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has been ranked the No. 1 accelerated nursing program in Texas by RegisteredNursing.org.

Recent Stories

Research

Student Research Shows Positive Outcomes from Summer Research Program

Medical student involvement in research is growing, encouraging medical schools to develop programs that support student research plus faculty time for research and mentorship. The Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP) at TTUHSC provides these opportunities, and new research shows positive outcomes.

Health

Stay Safe: Preventing Summertime Dehydration

As the summer heat continues to intensify, so does the risk for dehydration. Prioritizing hydration this summer can protect you and your loved ones from potentially life-threatening complications.

Education

Julia Jones Matthews School of Population and Public Health Offers New Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology

The TTUHSC Julia Jones Matthews School of Population and Public Health is launching a new MPH concentration in Epidemiology and a Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology.