Managing guilt after high readings can be incredibly frustrating. One minute you’re trying your best, and the next, your meter is screaming at you like it caught you eating cake in the dark (which, let’s be honest, maybe you did—and that’s okay). Managing guilt after high readings doesn’t just affect your numbers. It messes with your mind, your motivation, and sometimes your whole damn day.
But guess what? You’re not a walking A1C. You’re a human being. And this post is your permission slip to stop punishing yourself.
😩 Why Managing Guilt After High Readings Feels So Heavy
Let’s call it what it is: a shame spiral.
You see a high number and suddenly:
- You question every bite you ate last week
- You feel like your whole day is ruined
- You wonder if you’re just not trying hard enough
- You consider throwing your meter out the window (tempting, we know)
This guilt doesn’t help. It doesn’t lower your blood sugar. It doesn’t teach you anything. It just drains you.
Managing guilt after high readings means learning to respond without judgement—and that takes practice, not perfection.
🛠️ How to Practically Start Managing Guilt After High Readings
1. Reframe the reading
High readings are data, not drama. It’s information—not a moral failing.
🧠 Try this: Instead of “Ugh, I’m terrible,” say:
“Interesting. What could have caused that?”
You’re not bad. The reading isn’t bad. It’s just a signal. Respond, don’t react.
2. Watch the words
Ever caught yourself saying “I cheated” after a slice of toast? That’s diet culture talking.
Instead:
“I made a choice that raised my sugar. That’s useful to know.”
That shift alone will lower your stress (and maybe even your next reading).
3. Managing guilt after high readings
Instead of spiraling into shame, ask:
- Did I eat something new?
- Was I stressed or sick?
- Did I forget my meds?
Approach it like a detective, not a judge. Curiosity is kinder.
4. Stop the “all or nothing” trap
One high reading doesn’t erase your progress. Don’t let it be your excuse to give up today.
🎯 Managing guilt after high readings means moving forward without punishment. You don’t need to “make up for it.” You just need to keep going.
🧠 The Mindset Trick No One Talks About
Here it is:
You are not your numbers.
You are allowed to have a high reading and still be doing your best. You are allowed to not obsess over every data point. You are allowed to rest.
Managing guilt after high readings means separating self-worth from blood sugar.
And yes, that might take time. But you’re already doing the work by reading this.
🤯 Dark Thought of the Day
If your blood sugar were a person, it’d be that friend who texts you “we need to talk” and then ghosts you for three hours. Unpredictable, moody, and definitely not your fault.
So treat it like that: detach, breathe, and remember—you’ve got other things going on in your life too.
📣 Done Beating Yourself Up?
If you’re done beating yourself up and want real tools to handle the mental side of diabetes, check out the Type 2 Diabetes Mindset Guide or join the waitlist for the Mindset Membership launching soon.
Let’s ditch the guilt and get back to living.
🧭 You Might Also Like:
- Why Blood Sugar Numbers Aren’t the Whole Story
- Daily Affirmations for Diabetic Burnout
🌍 Helpful External Resources:
Beyond Type 2 – Real stories and mindset support
Diabetes UK: Emotional Health & Diabetes
Still feeling stuck in the guilt cycle — even when you “know better”?
This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about unlearning the emotional baggage that no one warned you would come with a Type 2 diagnosis.
If you’re ready to drop the shame and rebuild trust with yourself (without obsessing over perfection),
👉 learn more about how diabetes mindset coaching can help.
Because managing diabetes shouldn’t mean managing it alone.
Speak soon,
Pete 🙂
Diabetes Mindset Coach