In two days, February 22, I’ll be “celebrating,” properly acknowledging, 52 years with sort 1 diabetes (T1D). Since I received it at 18, I’ve lived with T1D for much longer than not. In actuality, I’ve no reminiscence of what it’s prefer to stay with out eye-balling carbs, checking my CGM, considering forward what and once I’ll be consuming, will I be strolling, oops that was silly, and many others, and many others, and many others.
For those who suppose I’ve tons of knowledge to supply having lived 52 years with this, possibly I do. It might most likely pour out of me if we have been having a dialog. However since it is a one-sided dialog, listed below are my nuggets. Sure, they’re purposefully spare as a result of it’s simpler to recollect just a few issues than memorize a dwelling encyclopedia:
Use a CGM when you can. If not, verify your blood sugar earlier than and two hours after meals and exercise. Search for patterns to know higher learn how to dose.
Don’t beat your self up in your numbers. Few will let you know this fact: You may’t “management” blood sugar. The physique’s organic capabilities should not inside your management, and life is unpredictable. You might be liable for your effort, however not your final result.
Make diabetes associates. Nobody else will “get it” the best way they’ll, and people associates will put a bit of self-love again into your coronary heart.
Acknowledge T1D is hard, fixed work. You don’t get any days off. Actually, you don’t make any progress, you simply work laborious to not digress too far. Not a pleasing thought, however the first time I heard it it rang so true. On condition that fact, do the work and go straightforward on your self. Have a good time the wins and see your self in a continuing experiment mode.
Sure, you thought there’d be 5 factors, however these are the 4 that strike me this Tuesday afternoon. And right here’s my ‘one factor I do know for positive.’ After I change my routine, even after 52 years, it’s like I do know nothing. Consuming and exercising equally daily is unquestionably my particular sauce. Working example:
Routine
Whereas my current journey to Costa Rica the place my consuming and train, being totally different and unpredictable, challenged all my “greatest” choices
Closing thought, regardless of the place you’re on this highway, you’re nonetheless right here. That’s a testomony to all you’ve accomplished.