FROM STOMACH TO SUGAR: A JOURNEY OF STRENGTH
Game Inspiration
Jana has lived with IBS for years, experiencing the unpredictable flare-ups that make daily life a challenge. Some days, her stomach feels fine; other days, no matter what she eats, symptoms strike. Managing IBS isn't just about avoiding certain foods—it’s about navigating the constant uncertainty of when and how it might happen. Jana often feels frustrated and isolated, especially in social situations where others don’t fully understand what she’s going through.
Menna’s grandmother lived with diabetes for most of her life. Menna watched her grandmother struggle with the daily demands of managing blood sugar levels, medication, and constant health checks. Despite her grandmother’s best efforts, the emotional toll of diabetes was overwhelming, especially when dealing with cravings or the stress of fluctuating blood sugar. Menna was always there to help, but it was hard seeing someone she loved face a battle that felt endless.
Journey of the Game
In Living with Balance, you’ll step into the shoes of a young person navigating the daily struggles of managing diabetes or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As you journey through life, you’ll make decisions that directly impact physical health and emotional well-being. Your goal is to maintain a sense of normalcy in a world filled with unhealthy temptations and the constant challenge of managing chronic conditions.
Throughout the game, you’ll face real-world scenarios where every choice matters. From deciding what to eat, how to exercise, and how to cope with stress, you’ll help your character strike a delicate balance between managing both conditions. Each decision affects not only their symptoms but also their energy, mood, and overall quality of life.
Each scenario feels like a different version of yourself, a different version of what could be. And yet, each one stirs something unsettling within you. A sense of something off, something lurking just beneath the surface. Therefore, which scenario do you relate more?
You choose the First Option
Scenario
1
Scenario 1: Breakfast Decision
It's early morning, and you’re deciding what to have for breakfast.
Option 1
A great choice for stable blood sugar! The fiber from the oatmeal and berries helps slow down sugar absorption, keeping blood sugar levels steady
Option 2
The croissant and sugary coffee cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, which may lead to an energy crash later
Option 3
This is a decent choice with healthy fats from the avocado, but the toast might still cause a moderate spike in blood sugar.
Scenario 2
Scenario 2: Mid-Morning Snack
You’re starting to feel hungry and need a snack to keep your energy up.
Option 1
A great choice! The healthy fats and protein in the nuts help prevent a blood sugar spike and keep you feeling full longer.
Option 2
The granola bar may contain a lot of sugar, causing your blood sugar to rise quickly.
Option 3
A good choice! The apple provides fiber, and the peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats to help stabilize blood sugar.
Scenario 3
Scenario 3: Lunchtime Choices
It’s time for lunch, and you’re at a café. What do you order?
Option 1
This is a perfect choice! A salad with lean protein and healthy fats will keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Option 2
The white bread and chips will cause a spike in blood sugar due to the refined carbs and lack of fiber.
Option 3
Quinoa is a healthy whole grain that won’t spike blood sugar, and the roasted veggies provide fiber, making it a balanced meal.
Scenario 4
Scenario 4: Afternoon Energy Slump
You’re feeling tired in the afternoon and need a pick-me-up. What do you do?
Option 1
A great choice! Walking boosts energy, and water helps with hydration, preventing energy dips related to dehydration.
Option 2
The sugary drink will give you a quick spike in energy, but it will be followed by a crash as your blood sugar drops.
Option 3
Yogurt with cinnamon is a good choice for a protein boost, but be careful with the sugar content in some yogurt brands.
Scenario 5
Scenario 5: Evening Exercise Routine
You’ve got some time to exercise in the evening, but you're not sure what type of workout to do.
Option 1
A light walk is a perfect choice for maintaining stable blood sugar and reducing stress.
Option 2
Intense exercise may cause your blood sugar to drop too low, which could make you feel dizzy or faint if not properly managed.
Option 3
Yoga helps reduce stress and relax your body, which is good for managing blood sugar in the long term
Scenario 6
Scenario 6: Dinner Choices
It’s dinner time, and you’re deciding what to make at home.
Option 1
This meal is high in healthy fats and fiber, which will help keep your blood sugar stable throughout the evening.
Option 2
The pasta with creamy sauce is high in refined carbs and fat, leading to a rapid spike in blood sugar.
Option 3
A balanced choice, with lean protein, veggies, and whole grains, which won’t cause a major blood sugar spike.
Scenario
7
Scenario 7: Late-Night Snack Cravings
You're watching TV and suddenly feel the urge for a snack before bed.
Option 1
A great choice for stabilizing blood sugar, with protein from the yogurt and fiber from the berries.
Option 2
The chocolate cake will cause a significant blood sugar spike, disrupting sleep and causing a sugar crash later.
Option 3
Healthy, crunchy veggies and hummus are low in sugar and provide fiber, making them a good choice for managing blood sugar before bed.
Scenario
8
Scenario 8: Work Stress
It’s a stressful day at work, and your blood sugar levels might be impacted. How do you handle it?
Option 1
Stress reduction techniques like deep breathing can help lower cortisol levels, which in turn keeps blood sugar stable.
Option 2
Ignoring stress increases cortisol, which may raise blood sugar, leaving you feeling more anxious and tired.
Option 3
A sugary snack will spike your blood sugar and make you feel worse in the long run.
Scenario
9
Scenario 9: Social Event
You’re attending a friend’s birthday party, and there’s a large cake on the table.
Option 1
A small slice is manageable and, when balanced with water, won't cause a major blood sugar spike.
Option 2
A healthier choice, fresh fruit is naturally sweet and doesn’t affect blood sugar as much as cake.
Option 3
A large slice of cake will cause a rapid blood sugar increase, which could leave you feeling sluggish or irritable afterward
Scenario
10
Scenario 10: Sleep Preparation
You’re getting ready for bed and want to ensure your blood sugar stays stable overnight.
Option 1
A small protein snack can help prevent low blood sugar during the night and support stable energy levels in the morning
Option 2
Skipping a snack might cause blood sugar to drop too low while you sleep, which can disrupt your rest.
Option 3
The sugary cereal will cause a spike in blood sugar, potentially affecting sleep quality and causing a blood sugar crash by morning.
You choose the Second Option
Next
Scenario
1
Scenario 1: Morning Stomach Pain
You wake up with some mild stomach discomfort after a rough night of sleep. What do you do?
Option 1
Drinking warm water with lemon can help soothe the digestive system and may alleviate mild discomfort without aggravating IBS symptoms.
Option 2
Antacids can sometimes cause constipation or further irritation for people with IBS, so this might not be the best choice.
Option 3
Skipping breakfast may make the discomfort worse as an empty stomach can exacerbate IBS symptoms later in the day.
Scenario
2
Scenario 2: Lunch at Work
You’re at work, and it’s lunchtime. You have a few options in the breakroom, but you need something that won’t trigger your IBS.
Option 1
A salad with grilled chicken is a good choice; it’s light, full of fiber, and not too heavy on the stomach. The olive oil dressing is a healthy fat that should not irritate your digestive system.
Option 2
Koshri with spicy and garlic will can cause bloating, diarrhea, or cramping for IBS sufferers.
Option 3
The pasta and creamy sauce are likely high in fats and dairy, which could lead to IBS flare-ups, particularly with the heavy sauce.
Scenario
3
Scenario 3: Public Transportation
You're on a crowded bus or train, and you start feeling bloated and gassy. You're worried about the discomfort and the social awkwardness.
Option 1
Deep breathing helps reduce stress and calms your nervous system, which can reduce IBS flare-ups in public situations.
Option 2
Getting off the bus may help you find a quieter space, but it may also add stress or disrupt your plans for the day.
Option 3
Ignoring the discomfort might lead to more bloating or cramps, and the stress of the situation may exacerbate IBS symptoms.
Scenario
4
Scenario 4: Going to the Gym
You’re planning to go to the gym for your regular workout, but you’re worried about how it might affect your IBS. What do you do?
Next
Option 1
Light exercise like walking can actually help with digestion and relieve bloating or discomfort caused by IBS.
Option 2
High-intensity workouts could potentially aggravate IBS symptoms by increasing stress and causing digestive distress.
Option 3
Skipping the workout is an option if you’re feeling unwell, but regular, moderate exercise can help reduce IBS symptoms in the long run.
Scenario
5
Scenario 5: Going Out to Dinner
You’re out at a restaurant with friends. You want to enjoy the meal without upsetting your stomach. What do you order?
Option 1
Grilled fish with steamed vegetables is a light, easily digestible option that’s unlikely to trigger IBS symptoms. Rice is a low-FODMAP food, making it a safe choice for IBS.
Option 2
Spaghetti with marinara sauce and garlic bread could cause bloating or discomfort. Garlic and pasta are both high-FODMAP foods, which can irritate your digestive system.
Option 3
Scenario
6
Scenario 6: Handling Stress at Work
You’re facing a tight deadline at work, and the pressure is mounting. How do you deal with it to avoid triggering your IBS?
Option 1
Taking regular breaks helps you manage stress and avoid triggering IBS symptoms. Stress is a key factor in IBS flare-ups, so giving yourself time to recharge helps maintain balance.
Option 2
Ignoring stress can worsen your IBS symptoms, leading to bloating, cramping, or digestive distress.
Option 3
Delegating tasks can reduce the pressure and help you manage the workload without overwhelming yourself, leading to better mental and physical health.
Scenario
7
Scenario 7: Planning a Vacation
You’re planning a trip, but you know that travel and new environments can sometimes trigger IBS. What’s your strategy to stay comfortable?
Next
Option 1
Planning ahead and packing your own snacks ensures that you can manage your IBS while still enjoying the trip. Being proactive can help prevent flare-ups while traveling.
Option 2
Taking a more relaxed approach may lead to discomfort, especially if you can’t control your food options or routine.
Option 3
Skipping the vacation means missing out on a potentially enjoyable experience, but it may be a valid choice if you’re feeling particularly sensitive at the moment.
Scenario
8
Scenario 8: Handling Public Speaking or Presentations
You have an important presentation at work, and you’re feeling anxious about it. You’re worried that the stress or nerves might trigger IBS symptoms.
Option 1
Calming exercises can help reduce stress, which will lessen the chance of triggering IBS symptoms like stomach cramps or bloating during your presentation.
Option 2
Skipping the presentation may provide temporary relief but may cause you to miss out on opportunities to grow in your career or personal development.
Option 3
Ignoring your stress and anxiety may cause IBS flare-ups, affecting your performance or making you uncomfortable during the presentation.
Scenario
9
Scenario 9: Navigating a Relationship
You’re in a relationship, and your partner wants to spend time with you, but you’re feeling bloated and uncomfortable. How do you handle it?
Option 1
Open communication helps your partner understand your needs, and suggesting a low-stress activity (like watching a movie at home) can allow you both to enjoy time together without discomfort.
Option 2
Pushing through may make you feel worse, which could cause frustration or irritability, affecting the quality of the time you spend with your partner.
Option 3
Cancelling plans can feel isolating, but it’s okay if you’re genuinely not feeling well. However, repeatedly canceling might affect the relationship if not communicated properly.
Scenario
10
Scenario 10: Social Media & IBS
You see a post on social media that triggers feelings of stress or anxiety about your IBS. How do you respond?
Option 1
Taking a break from social media can reduce stress, which may help calm your IBS symptoms.
Option 2
Distracting yourself with more posts can perpetuate stress and worsen your feelings, which may trigger IBS flare-ups.
Option 3
Engaging with content that triggers stress can heighten anxiety, which often worsens IBS symptoms.
End of game :)
Hope it was beneficial
References