Tag: diabetes

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Doing Diabetes Different: Finding Joy and Reducing Stress

This summer has been one of the most challenging yet when it comes to managing diabetes. My son had a seizure at Disney, a traumatic experience that shook me to my core and reminded me just how unpredictable life with Type 1 can be.

 On top of that, my daughter has struggled since going back to injections after using her pump. Her numbers haven’t been great, and it’s been a stressful adjustment for all of us.

Through it all, I’ve been reminded of something important: we can choose how we respond. My daughter has decided she is willing to try something new, and that mindset has been inspiring. I’ve reached out to our clinic about trying Omnipod and looping to help make her diabetes management smoother. Change isn’t always easy, but it opens the door to solutions we might not have considered before.

Starting today  September 1st, I’m embracing a renewed mindset. This isn’t about perfection, its  about intentionally creating space for joy, reducing stress, and focusing on what matters most: our family, our health, and our energy. Things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. With patience, planning, and a willingness to try something different, things eventually turn around.

That constant mental load has made me rethink what I want from my work life. I’m feeling genuinely excited about a new opportunity that allows me to travel more and earn income from home. The idea of flexibility, freedom, and being able to show up fully for my family and my health is incredibly energizing.  I wont quit nursing but am looking forward to being casual again.

“Doing diabetes different” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a commitment to approach each day with curiosity, creativity, and compassion for ourselves and our kids. It’s about celebrating the wins, learning from the challenges, and remembering that even after tough seasons, brighter days are ahead.

This September, we’re stepping forward with hope, determination, and a little more joy in our journey with diabetes.

5 Ways to Bring More Joy and Reduce Stress

  1. Celebrate Small Wins – Even a day of your kiddo remembering to bolus, a full night sleep, knowing that someone from school is helping to care for your child.  Every little win adds up.
  2. Try Something New – Whether it’s a new device, app, or routine, be open to experimenting. Doing the same thing over and over if it is not working is so frustrating. New strategies can reduce stress and improve control.  Or bring back something that had worked before.  For us we used to be diligent with looking at Clarity.  I plan to bring back my scheduled time once a week to analyze.
  3. Simplify Where You Can – Focus on the essentials, not perfection.  Making similar meals week to week, decluttering your house.  An organized cabinet of diabetes supplies brings me joy! Little things can bring joy!
  4. Traveling – Travel creates joy by opening our minds to new experiences, cultures, and perspectives. It breaks the routine of daily life and replaces it with adventure, discovery, and connection. Whether it’s tasting new foods, meeting people from different backgrounds, or simply witnessing the beauty of a new landscape, travel sparks a sense of wonder and appreciation.  I am planning a lot more travel through my new travel club. If you want to check it out you can take a peak HERE and get savings for 2 nights at a hotel.
  5. Plan for Support – Reach out to your clinic, join community groups, or lean on friends/family. Having a support system reduces pressure and gives you space to breathe.  (Our next monthly meet up is September 30, 2025…Click HERE to join…hope you can come!)

💡 Takeaway: Diabetes will always have its challenges, but how we respond is a choice. By trying new strategies, celebrating wins, and creating space for joy, we can transform stress into empowerment—and approach each day with hope.

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Rewriting My Diabetes Story

Part 1 The Beginning

By Lana Smid

When we first faced diabetes in our family, it felt like being hit by a truck. I cried daily for weeks, overwhelmed by the fear, uncertainty, and endless decisions that came with managing this new reality. The grief of losing the life we knew and the anxiety about what lay ahead felt impossible to navigate.

Diagnosis

My son was diagnosed at 7 years old in October 2018

My daughter was diagnosed at 7 years later the next year in December 2019

Their story will be for another day….this is MY story as their mom.

As a mom to two children with Type 1 Diabetes, the weight of caregiving has consumed me. My mental and physical health took a back seat as I prioritized their needs above my own. But after years of running on empty, it became clear: I couldn’t continue this way. My stress levels skyrocketed, and I hit rock bottom back in 2022 when I went on a 10-month stress leave following a series of traumatic diabetes-related events, including a seizure and an accidental insulin overdose.  

The day of the accidental overdose (putting the amount of carbs into the unit section of her pump) was when I went off work and started to rewrite my story.  I knew something had to change.  I no longer wanted to live in a feeling of anxiety, stress and overwhelm.

 It wasn’t a quick fix or an overnight transformation—it was a journey of small, intentional changes that allowed me to go from a mom hiding in her room crying to a calmer, more balanced version of myself. It started with acknowledging that my health and well-being mattered too.  It has been steps forward and then steps backwards.

The Transformation

The first step was reclaiming my mental health. I booked an appointment with my family doctor and a psychologist.  My doctor asked me what to do I do for fun…I had no answer.  My psychologist asked what I do for exercise…my answer was nothing.   So I decided to start.  I set up a workout space in the garage and it was my time to get myself out of my funk. I started getting together with a friend instead of isolating myself.

I began incorporating daily exercise into my routine, not just for physical fitness but as a way to manage my anxiety. Movement became my therapy, a way to recharge and I would always feel better the days I exercised. Gradually, I started to feel stronger, both physically and emotionally.

I started taking a cortisol lowering drink called Happy Juice. Targeting my gut with strain specific probiotics clinically proven to lower stress, improve mood and many other benefits. I drank it daily for about a year!

Soon after I went on stress leave we had our first diabetes family camp.  If you are in Canada registration is opened soon for this summer….find more info here for D-Camp! While I was embarrassed to share about our struggles it did help.  It helped my kids to be at the dining table and see all these other kids doing their carb counting and insulin injections.  During that camp I had signed up for zip lining. 

It was a humbling experience because of the weight I had gained I physically struggled to climb up the stairs and pull myself up to the platform.  But I did it and for that I am thankful.  I was so scared to jump but did it and screamed the whole way.  Sometimes we need to give ourselves a bit of a push to start building momentum.

Fear had been a big trigger for me.  Fear of low blood sugars. Fear of complications.  During counselling this was something that we worked on a lot.  With my PTSD diagnosis we did a lot of EMDR therapy.  My affirmation I tell myself is: “I am safe.  My kids are safe”

I worked on finding balance and also acceptance. I realized that while diabetes would always be a part of our lives, it didn’t have to define every moment. I began setting boundaries, asking for help, and creating a support network. This wasn’t easy at first, but it was essential. By leaning on others, I learned that I wasn’t alone—and that it was okay to need support. Having diabetes in our lives is now a part of us. I might as well learn what I can so that we live the live we always wanted…just a bit differently.

What’s Next?

This blog is the first in a 3 part series.  Today I talked about the “Beginning”. Come back next week for part 2: The Middle! And if you’re ready to take the next step in your own journey, connect with me on Instagram for tips, updates, and inspiration. Let’s create a future where we thrive, not just survive. 💙

Lana Smid