Living with Diabetes: December/January

It seems like the months got away from me on this one! With everything going on over the holidays, I obviously missed December’s “report,” so I’m going to double up, and there is a lot to report on!

Last told, I made it through Thanksgiving without much of an issue. So, there’s a lot to update on.

Something I was quite proud of was making it through 2017 without having candy over the final three months. That means getting through the holidays without being silly with mass-produced goodies. Yes, a few of the famous caramels done up by my mother each Christmas were had, but outside of that I was good. I stuck to the one soda per week and I was out walking.

Boy was I ever.

Since I started this odyssey at the end of September, I’ve made it a priority to get out and walk. Though I can’t say I’ve never missed a day, it’s highly rare. From early October when I started this, to early January 22 (the day before my latest doctor appointment), I had taken more than 1,218,000 steps.

For some people, that might not be a super ton over that period (though I think it would be pretty good for most people, as that is averaging more than 10,500 steps per day), but for me it was a huge step (you like what I did there?) in the right direction. But looking back to when I first started using my Fitbit again, this is way better. From July 23 until the end of September, I had 457,856 steps. Though the time is shorter in that comparison, it gives a glimpse of what I was doing as compared to now.

Routine is important and I think I am doing well with that.

I make my goal to get to 10,000 steps per day, which is (give or take) about five miles per day. Some of that is done throughout the day as I push myself to walk more during work hours, and then I make up the difference with walks at night. I tend to push myself to make sure I get these steps, as if I don’t, I know I’ll regress.

My eating habits have changed, but I know I have to continue down the right path. I watch what I eat and the portion size is down, but there are times I know I am eating too much of one thing or another. I have had a few pieces of candy here and there, but luckily it doesn’t seem to do a lot to me as I am smart about it. It’s hard at times – don’t get me wrong – but I know how important this is.

Weight wise, I’m down about 8-10 pounds. This is where I know I am doing something right, but at the same time not enough. It might be the portion control and all, but with as much as I’m actively doing, I think I should be losing a little bit faster.

The biggest thing is my numbers.

My daily readings are improved, but my overnight reading and what I take around lunch time is usually higher than it should be. Once I hit dinner, I’m better.

These all fluctuate some, and I do make some positive steps. This all gave me confidence in my A1C, which I knew had to improve.

That thought was fully correct.

My A1C went down a full 1.5, which brings me in line of a better place. I’m going to keep pushing and see how low I can get it. I know I can keep improving and I will. I am looking forward to things.

There are still items I need to work on and I’m trying to figure them out. Blood sugar is a crazy thing, and there are times it just doesn’t make sense to me. I’d like to institute some exercise in the morning, but I just am not sure how to do it with a medicine I have to take in the morning, when I can eat, and how to do both before exercising, yet also make it to work on time. I’ll figure it out eventually!

I will keep pushing forward and working to get healthier and healthier.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!