How can being assertive help with manage my diabetes?

One of the ways you can take charge of your diabetes is to learn to be assertive. Most conflicts do not arise out of differences of opinion but out of gaps in communication.

If you are unable to assert yourself, you might find it difficult to talk about your diet or how much time you need to take care of your diabetes. You may be reluctant to have your needs interfere with those of the people around you.

Assertive communication means that both your needs and the needs of the other person are equally important and respected. Assertive statements often begin with “I”. For example, “I find it helpful when you don’t keep chips in the house.” This statement is more effective than blaming or aggressive statements (“You always try to undermine everything I do”) or reacting passively and being inwardly resentful.