Did you know that humour can be good not only for your soul, but also for your blood sugar? Dr. David S. Greene, a researcher at the University of Northern Colorado and a diabetic himself, has been studying the relationship between laughter and diabetes for years. His research has shown that diabetics who are able to use humour to manage their condition have better blood sugar control.
But what does this mean in practice? Positive humour – being able to laugh at our own situations without being hurtful to ourselves or others – has been linked to lower stress levels, less anxiety and better mental wellbeing. This may also contribute to more stable blood sugar levels.
Of course, it’s not that laughter alone will trigger insulin or a proper diet, but a lighter, humorous attitude can help you get through everyday difficulties. Think about it: a funny story about a forgotten blood glucose test or a “day off” can ease frustration and bring us closer to others.
So humour is not a panacea, but it is a great tool to reduce the psychological burden of diabetes. Perhaps it would be worthwhile to include a little laughter therapy in therapies, or at least a good conversation where patients can share the funny moments of their “diabetic” daily life. Who knows? Maybe humour will be the medicine of the future – without side effects!
