Diabetes from a providers perspective

I’ve always been shocked at how some of my Diabetic patients treat their bodies and illness. I try not to come at this from a disdainful or malicious way, after all, environmental pressures are very real. Diabetics can face a variety of healthcare challenges. Lack of education, medication, healthy food, resources, and healthcare providers are all valid reasons why a diabetic can become very sick. These patient interactions are shocking in their own right. The fact we live in the United States and people present this sick due entirely to the failure of our healthcare system is sad and embarrassing. I can’t help but feel depressed when listening to these stories and something clearly needs to change.
But, on the flip side are patients who have a complete disregard for the damage they’re doing to their body. Lifestyle choices that are completely someone’s decision and actively make them more sick are incredibly aggravating. There is always the possibility that these lifestyle choices are due to a lack of education, and maybe it is harsh for me to judge without a full picture. However, the fact remains that people tax our healthcare system with chronic health problems that are correctable with lifestyle changes.
I remember early in my career as an EMT I responded to the side of a road for a lady experiencing a syncopal episode. This women was pleasant, and was simply going for a walk around the block when she suddenly collapsed. I asked for medical history and found out this patient was diabetic. I was hoping to check a blood sugar, so I lead with the question “Did you check your blood sugar today, and if so do you remember what it was?” In an absolute gem of an answer I was told “I don’t check my blood sugar ever because I am afraid of needles.” I swear you can’t make this stuff up.
I really believe that I am an empathetic person. Honestly, I believe that everyone who does medicine at least starts out with empathy, unfortunately the job can sometimes strip this away.However, all the empathy in the world cannot help me understand patients such as the one mentioned before. Yes, needles are scary, but dying because you don’t know your blood sugar is scarier.