Yesterday: Diabetes & Exercise Phyllis 1, diabetes 0

Yesterday I had a longer than usual afternoon at the gym by design, and that proved to be a bit challenging around blood glucose levels and insulin dosages (bolus, with an insulin pump).

From 5:30-6pm I had personal training. THe workout was hard and left me a hot and sweaty mess. Sign of a good session. I planned earlier in the day to go to a 6:30 Zumba class, figuring the 30-minute break would be good.

The trouble with this plan is I wasn't sure how to set my exercise insulin basal rate for that length of time, with a rest in the middle. Typically I'd start it an hour before a work out of any type, and end it half an hour before the exercise class was due to end. But that didn't fit into the scheduled. So I decided not to set the exercise basal rate.

My blood sugar was 197 after training which was a bit high -- but I didn't want to do a correction bolus (dose) of insulin because that insulin would still be going through my system during Zumba. The problem with that is this insulin would cause my blood sugar to drop fast during the cardio work out since the cardio would cause my body utilize the insulin much more efficiently than if I weren't exercising.

Add to the equation that I also needed a small snack between the workouts for energy.

I decided to have a protein bar, for which I normally would have dosed insulin. I took an educated chance and didn't. 15 minutes into Zumba my CGM beeped high (still 197, but not going rising. At minute 40 I checked my CGM and it displayed 140 with a down arrow (dropping somewhat fast). I was determined not to let diabetes win. I slowed down my pace, I stopped arm movements which decreases intensity, and took smaller steps.

I finished the class with a sensor glucose reading of 110. I felt triumphant that I won! It's a somewhat small victory, but an important one for me.

Educational moment: For me, insulin and food near exercise can be 2 of my biggest challenges with diabetes management.

Usually, I set a temporary insulin rate on my pump to try and keep my blood sugar around 150, slightly higher level to help mitigate some of the obstacles I experienced last night, but for whatever reason, I didn't do that last night.

This is one of the many reasons I am hoping to raise $2500 for this year's Boston JDRF One Walk About 55 days to go to raise $1500! Donations of any amount - $1, $5, $10 are very greatly appreciated! Link to fundraising page: http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/helpcurep

Diabetes Messaging Can be Confusing

As we enter diabetes walk season the north east, and I ramp up my own fundraising efforts for JDRF, I can't help but stop and think about my own mixed messaging with regards to how I talk about living with type 1 diabetes (T1D)

On one hand I have mantras "diabetes doesn't' stop me"  or "diabetes strong" and the like.  But then during fundraising season I find myself switching gears and talking about how hard it is, and how much we need a cure and better treatment options.

Which is it?  Is it hard and difficult, or does it not stop me?  It's both.    No matter how you slice it living with diabetes is hard, and it stinks. However in order for me to thrive despite this disease and all it has to offer, I try to live in the present and not dwell on the hard stuff but get through it and move on.

Maybe my mantra should be "diabetes may slow me down, but doesn't stop me from accomplishing my goals"  but that is too long for a hashtag, don't you think?  #diabetesmayslowmedownbutdoesn't stopmefromaccomplishingmygoals.

I hope that clears up a little of the confusion and answers this question that has been asked of me more than once.

Side note: this year I'm hoping to be able to raise $2,500 for my JDRF fundraising efforts.  A cure may be a long way away, but researchers are working on ways to prevent it,  quicker insulin, and so much more that helps us all today util that cure comes, and JDRF helps fund a lot of that.