Learn about how we at MettaH provide a different kind of diabetes care.
Introduction
“You were born with potential.
You were born with goodness and trust.
You were born with ideals and dreams.
You were born with greatness.
You were born with wings.
You were not meant for crawling, so don’t.
You have wings.
Learn to use them and fly.”
~ Rumi
Have you or someone you know experienced this?
You have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and are taking multiple medications, including insulin. You check your blood sugar levels daily and have been trying to cut out sugar from your diet and exercise more regularly. You read up on how to manage your condition and try to implement more changes.
But, despite your best efforts, every time you visit your doctor, your sugar levels are still high. You feel frustrated and defeated, wondering why nothing seems to work. You start to believe that there’s nothing else you can do and that your high blood sugar levels will always be a constant struggle.
MettaH = Loving-Kindness
MettaH is inspired by the Pali word “metta,” which has multiple layers of meaning infused into our work. “Metta” means loving-kindness, friendliness, benevolence, and fellowship. It’s not just love, but a selfless love that parents have for their children or some people have for their pets. It’s loving someone as they are, wherever they may be in their journey along the path of life.
Loving-Kindness from MettaH to its Community
In traditional diabetes care, caring for another from the heart is often missing or lost within the usual systems. MettaH aims to bring back the caring aspect of diabetes care from the healthcare providers to the patient/client.
Diabetes is a complex condition that requires attention to medication, glucose levels, physical activity, nutritional changes, stress, and much more. Having diabetes can be overwhelming, and it may feel like being placed in a game of life without being taught the ins and outs of the game. People with diabetes may feel blamed for their glucose levels not being at the desired levels.
MettaH was created to empower people with diabetes through knowledge and support. We help teach people the rules and tricks for living with diabetes, such as making healthy food choices, incorporating movement into the day, stress coping mechanisms, what to do for high and low glucose levels, and more. One of the most essential aspects of our program is the inclusion of habit science to work on one habit through the program but lay the foundation to add other new habits onto that.
Our goal is to help people “fly” despite having diabetes.
Loving-Kindness to Each Other
MettaH also aims to foster fellowship through the group visit setup. As Surgeon General Vivek Murty raised the alarm last year on loneliness, this is especially true in chronic conditions like diabetes mellitus. People with diabetes often feel frustrated and isolated, as they are the only ones in their family and social circles dealing with the daily complications of diabetes. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. The most important thing that helps is connecting with other people with diabetes.
At MettaH, we understand the importance of social connection and have intentionally set up our program in groups. Our group visits are not for the sake of small talk or awkwardness but rather to provide a space for deep connection with others who have similar experiences and can empathize with one another.
By connecting with others who understand their struggles, patients can bond over shared experiences and emotions. We can bond over experiences of emotions when first diagnosed, the ups and downs of having to learn to eat differently, and the negative emotions that perhaps have been felt in the usual healthcare system. This helps them feel less isolated and provides the emotional support they need to manage their condition effectively. We can be the supporters and be supported as well.
Loving-Kindness for Yourself
To do this, we must also have compassion for ourselves and our approach and journey. Metta is described as having to come from a place of self-compassion first. In other words, we need to put on our own oxygen masks first. In the MettaH program, self-understanding and compassion are built into every meeting through visualizations and mindfulness practices and supported through further discussions of our own experiences.
Join Our Community and benefit from holistic diabetes care
If you are navigating the complexities of living with diabetes and find yourself in need of a program that not only addresses the practical challenges of managing this condition but also provides invaluable support for your mental and emotional well-being, we warmly invite you to connect with us.
Our comprehensive program is designed to empower individuals like you to take control of their diabetes journey and become active participants in a supportive and understanding community. By reaching out to us, you will access a wealth of knowledge, personalized guidance, and a network of individuals who share similar experiences.
We are committed to helping you not only manage the physical aspects of diabetes but also nurture your mind and spirit, ensuring that you are equipped with the tools and support your need to thrive. Join us in embracing a holistic approach to diabetes care and discover the difference it can make in your life.
