It's More Than A Full Time Job

There is that motivational poster. You know, the one with the ice berg. The top of the iceberg that anyone can see, sticking out of the water is labeled success. Below the water, much bigger in size, is labeled hard work, focus, failure, dedication, persistence and whatever else got the person there. I feel like it is used a lot for sports and academics for success there. But it is essentially diabetes, the numbers, and how the person got there.

A couple months ago I had an a1c of 7.1 which is a very good level for anybody. I was disappointed since I had been in the 6's. I knew I had slacked off for awhile. after seeing that number the perfectionist in me came out. Recommendations were given by my endo and I took off with them.

I started trying to give my insulin at least 15 minutes before I ate which helped not having a spike. Then I wouldn't get angry at seeing my dexcom numbers all over the place, become bummed, and stop wearing it. I also gave myself a personal goal of being below 200, 90% of the time. Started working out more. 3 whole months. Nonstop. And I achieved what I wanted to do. Though trying to be perfect comes at a cost. The worry then is hypoglycemic unawareness, a discussion for another day.

It was hard not becoming obsessed over every number. A goal was to be good, but not so much that I was going to burnout. Burnout happens to every diabetic at some point in their life. There is no vacation. Actually it's more work to go on vacation. This disease doesn't ever stop, even when you sleep.

For the normies out there, don't look at a diabetics number and freak out or criticize. That betic may have tried so hard for the day to even get a number in the low 200's or an a1c lower than their last. They should be able to feel good about whatever they accomplish. Its called "checking" because "testing" means there is a pass/fail point.

Everyone's goal is not going to be exactly the same. Believe in yourself and you can do it. Be proud of what you accomplish. Keep your chin up and stay positive my friends.