Diabetes Challenges and Victories

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.

 

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