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• August 10, 2011 10:48 a.m.

  I think it's honest of me to say that every diabetic goes through some sort of depression. I've been there and often go through different relms of depression with my diabetes. I think that taking a break, but in the right way, is a smart idea and can relieve alot of that stress. With having a full time job, a full time husband and canine to take care of as well as managing my diabetes I sometimes feel overwhelmed. I have tried some things that have helped, some that were mentioned above actually. Instead of checking seven times a day I have been testing five-six times a day. I endulge in a few beers when I get off work and drink them while my husband and I cook dinner together. We have also communicated better with what we like to eat. We have made compromises on both parts so that we each get a healthy meal at night. I also get my exercise with walking my dog so it kind of takes away from exercise being a "chore" so to speak. All in all I think it's smart to back off when needed from diabetes management because you'll never be perfect, believe me I've tried to be but have realized over the years that I won't be able to have those perfect bg's all the time! Enjoy your life, endulge in what you like but do it in a smart and healthy way and it will have its advantages!

  - Amy

• February 15, 2011 7:24 a.m.

  my husband dosage of glypizide has just been increased to twice a day even though it is normally recommended once a day. suggestions or comments Januvia was removed from his daily intake

  - wife

• December 22, 2010 4:22 p.m.

  John, Diabacure is a combination of 9 ayurvedic herbs and has not been studied in any human trials. Herb to herb interactions are a real concern. We recommend only use natural products that have under gone human trials with results in published peer-review journals. This is from the director of Complementary and Integrative Medicine program at Mayo.

  - Nancy and Peggy

• December 17, 2010 6:11 a.m.

  My husband also does the main meal cooking and it is a constant problem. I am not particularly blue at the moment but after several years getting kudos about how good my Type 2 management was I started taking holidays and now I have stacked on the weight and seldom even test my blood sugar levels. Will be lots of New Year's resolutions to get back on track.

  - Ellen

• December 16, 2010 12:39 p.m.

  I don't take vacations from my T2 plan, but this is a difficult time of year. I pick one traditional family treat and try to keep it down to one serving at the family party. I also have an online support group that I meet with daily. That is more of a help than anything else. They understand without explanation or judgement. I look at diabetes as just one more facet of my life and it's okay. My goal is to stay within the A1c zone that keeps me from neuropathy and not needing prescription drugs.

  - Carol

• December 15, 2010 10:42 p.m.

  Dr. Polonsky's book is a real helpful guide for people struggling with handling their emotions and feelings regarding "living well with diabetes." Chronic blues and diabetes seem to walk hand-in-hand for some individuals, esp. me! This is nothing to be ashamed of, as controlled diabetes is a full time job, and all the sticks and injections, diet and exercise, appts. and office visits really weigh heavy sometimes. The Holidays are my favorite time of the year. Just watch the recipes and keep counting your carbs. My favorite drink is club soda with a splash of cranberry juice. Delicious and festive. Count your blessings and remember those you love, and say thanks to every member of your health care team.

  - kyjockey

• December 15, 2010 5:16 a.m.

  My aunt has diabetes and I want to know whether the ayurvedic medicines such as diabacure can cure diabetes.Thanks

  - John

• December 14, 2010 1:38 p.m.

  I appreciated reading this - as I have been feeling that "blue" feeling recently and felt I deserved to eat something that is not on my list....glad to know that I can take a brief break and forego testing the next day. Thank you.

  - JoAN

• December 14, 2010 9:47 a.m.

  My husband (retired) is on an insulin pump - been type 1 for 53 years. He has timess where his diabetes is not so good - and he gets depressed a lot. His dr thinks he's doing better than most at his age - but that doesn't make it easier to live with. I will definitely check this book out.

  - Barb

• December 14, 2010 8:33 a.m.

  Since my husband retired, he feels he should do the cooking and give me a break since I work an average of 50 hours at work. But the problem is, he won't listen to me when I tell him the kinds of food I should be eating. Since he retired, my meals have been mostly pizza, tacos, hamburgers (essentially take out food). When I tell him I shouldn't eat that, he gets mad. I try to eat healthy when I'm at work but my management is still suffering.

  - Sandy

• December 10, 2010 12:58 p.m.

  I frequently take breaks from my diabetes management... I stop using my CGM, or I skip checking for an afternoon now and then. Sometimes I just eat differently (and take a lot more insulin!). As a personal trainer I have learned that rest time is just as important as active time and I think the same is true in my diabetes management. I tried going off my pump for a few days and using Lantus instead but it was so new and different after 15 years on my pump I was miserable-- that wasn't a break for me at all! www.diabetesoutside.com

  - Amy