Problem solving

Living with diabetes is not just about managing blood glucose levels. It is also about managing the feelings that can come with diabetes, like, stress, worry and burnout.

The problem-solving framework can help you overcome these challenges.

Watch the video to learn more.

Having diabetes can affect how you feel, and how you feel can affect your diabetes.

In fact, feeling stressed can directly affect your blood glucose levels and make diabetes harder to manage, which can leave you even more stressed!

Problem solving can help you identify and manage these challenges.

Let’s look at an example.

Problem solving gives you tools to manage diabetes challenges so you can improve both your physical and emotional health.

Problem solving helps you to:

• Identify challenges – Recognise and tackle diabetes-related challenges more effectively.
• Find solutions – Learn practical skills to solve problems and boost your confidence with managing your diabetes.
• Learn better ways to cope – Get healthier ways to cope with stress that may come with diabetes.
• Build confidence – Feel a stronger sense of control over your health and emotional wellbeing.
• Become aware of your emotions – Understand yourself and your emotions so you can learn how to cope and stay emotionally well.

Let’s look at another example.

Problem solving is a skill that can be used in all areas of your life, such as your relationships, achieving your life goals, or in your work

Watch the video to learn the steps to successful problem solving.

Let’s see how the problem-solving framework can be applied to specific challenges related to diabetes and mental health.

Problem-solving steps

Now let’s look at the steps of problem solving.

We will take you through this first by showing you how someone else does it. Then you will have the chance to practice on your own.

Now let’s walk through the steps James uses to solve his problem.