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My Body Learned to Fear Sugar Before It Learned Mercy
Pramana1, Haris Annisari Indah Nur Rochimah2
1Communication Department, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia.
Summary
This poem explores diabetes as an embodied and emotional condition, highlighting how managing blood sugar, food, and self-monitoring impacts one's relationship with their body and self-compassion.
Area of Science:
- Arts and Health
- Chronic Illness Studies
- Psychology and Medicine
Background:
- Diabetes is commonly viewed through physiological metrics like blood sugar levels and dietary needs.
- However, diabetes significantly influences emotional well-being, body image, and social interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore diabetes as an embodied and emotional experience through poetic reflection.
- To examine the transformative effects of food, numbers, wounds, and self-monitoring on the body-mind connection.
Main Methods:
- Poetic exploration using everyday imagery and metaphors.
- Analysis of themes including illness management, vulnerability, and self-compassion.
Main Results:
- The poem illustrates how diabetes management involves navigating guilt, fear, and social judgment in daily acts like eating and healing.
- It reframes "discipline" in chronic illness as a survival strategy and an act of tenderness.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes profoundly affects emotional and social life, extending beyond physical symptoms.
- Viewing chronic illness management through an artistic lens can foster greater understanding, dignity, and compassionate self-care.
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