Today’s Health Activist Writer’s Month Challenge prompt is to list the 5 most difficult parts of diabetes and the 5 little, good things. Here’s what I came up with:
Challenges:
1) Bubbles in my insulin. Why is that the older the vial of insulin gets, the more bubbles?? Very annoying.
2) Hypoglycemia when I’m cleaning the house. I don’t mind cleaning – I love organizing and purging – but I have to be in the mood. Sometimes that mood takes weeks to come around. I’ll finally get the energy to go for it and BAM – hit with a low and the opportunity is lost.
3) Intensive exercise and managing blood glucose. I joined an exercise class in December, which I attend every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. For a 7am class, I get up an hour earlier, check my BG, take my insulin, wait 15 minutes, eat my breakfast (making sure I eat 30 minutes before the workout so I don’t puke), and get ready. I am often high after the workout, despite all this effort. I choose to do this, and I don’t let it get to me. Sometimes I just wish I could roll out of bed a few minutes before and go.
4) Traveling with diabetes. Trying to find healthy food options on the road, trying to maintain my exercise habits, and keep a somewhat normal schedule while away from home is a challenge. Not to mention packing all the supplies.
5) Cooking. Ok, it’s not really related to diabetes. I just get bored with cooking, and I only cook things that are easy and quick. I desperately need a personal chef.
And now for the victories:
1) Every single time that little meter reads 117!!! It always makes me smile and never, ever gets old.
2) Friendships made through diabetes connections.
3) Writing.
4) Learning.
5) Serving & informing others.