Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term medical condition involving progressive, gradual loss of kidney function. While CKD can develop for various reasons, type 2 diabetes (T2D) is the leading cause of CKD, accounting for up to 50%Trusted Source of cases.
In T2D, persistently high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the small blood vessels in your kidneys, known as glomeruli. As these vessels become damaged, kidney function declines, and they can’t effectively filter waste products and excess fluid from your body.
T2D can lead to CKD, which can worsen insulin resistance in T2D. Effective management requires balancing the treatment of both conditions, but navigating everyday life with two chronic conditions can feel overwhelming and stressful. Finding ways to cope is essential to supporting your overall well-being.
Healthline spoke with Jennifer Gowans, a patient ambassador with the American Kidney Fund, about how she copes with T2D and CKD.
What is it that helps you cope with CKD and T2D?
Being a coach and mentor specializing in relationships empowers me to be my best self and helps me cope with my own diseases.
I am a certified life coach. I have a podcast and a social media platform where I coach individuals and motivate them to deal with relationship conflicts. On my platforms, I can speak candidly about my illnesses and what I do to cope with them.
How does being a coach and mentor help you cope with CKD and T2D?
I love being a mentor and helping others, as it gives me a sense of fulfillment and enjoyment. It also helps me think about my own mental health and keeps me involved with my passion. That keeps me motivated in my fight with CKD and T2D. It empowers me to be my best self to be a great mentor to others.
Everyone needs to be doing something that gives them a sense of fulfillment and also helps them put their imprint on this world. “Coaching” does that for me!
When did you discover coaching and mentoring?
I discovered life coaching in 2013 and decided to become a certified life coach in 2014. I have always enjoyed mentoring people and assisting in empowering individuals, so when I discovered that you could actually make a career in doing so, I wanted to take things a step further and get certified.
Is it an activity you did before being diagnosed with CKD or after?
Coaching and mentoring were things I was doing before being diagnosed, and I knew after my diagnosis that I wanted to continue to do so.
I had to think of a more creative and flexible way where I could still do what I love and schedule it around my dialysis treatment schedule and taking care of my health, as it pertains to T2D, as well. I’m one busy gal!
Who is your biggest supporter?
I’d have to say that my biggest supporter is my husband. We have been married for 24 years, and he has rallied for me, prayed for me, and has always been willing to do whatever he could to support me and keep me happy.
He was even willing to donate a kidney to me, as I am currently in need of a kidney transplant. However, during his testing period, we discovered that he had high blood pressure and would not be able to be a donor for me. He exercises with me, does the podcast with me, and is always on board to assist me in my endeavors.
How has your health improved as a result of mentoring and coaching?
My health has improved because coaching and mentoring keep me motivated, and having a platform to discuss my own struggles is therapeutic. Keeping your mental health in a good space while battling two life threatening illnesses is very important.
You have to have something that gives you “joy.” Helping others does that for me. The flexibility that I have while coaching from home allows me to stay on top of my treatment schedule and monitor my diabetes. That allows me to eat the right foods, exercise, and keep my A1C down, which has improved my overall health until the transplant.
The takeaway
CKD and T2D are two serious medical conditions, and having them occur together can be stressful and demanding in everyday life.
Coping strategies are activities you engage in to help mitigate overwhelm, anxiety, and fear. For Gowans, helping others gives her a sense of joy and satisfaction in life with T2D and CKD. It’s also a way for her to discuss and express her challenges openly in a way that supports others.
People’s coping strategies for CKD and T2D can be different, but focusing on activities that bring you joy is key. Support is also important. Even if you aren’t in a mentorship position, joining CKD and T2D support groups can help you find a sense of camaraderie while helping others through shared experiences.