One of the things that I do when I’m
attempting to get back on track with my diabetes management is to test more
often. If you’re like me, then you tend
to slack off on testing when your control has been good for a while and/or when
you’ve been less than stellar in your food choices. It’s so easy to avoid testing when I’ve eaten
too much of a good thing, when that’s exactly the time I should be testing! Here’s a prime example of what I’m talking
about. (I can’t believe I’m about to admit to this…)
Four days ago I knew that I’d been eating
way too many goodies and not paying attention to my glucose. In fact, other than my fasting readings, I
hadn’t been testing at all. So, in an
effort to get a handle on what I was doing to myself, I did a random test in
the middle of the afternoon. 177. Not 177 after eating a meal with more carbs
than I should eat, or a 177 because I was ill.
No, a 177 in the freakin middle of the afternoon! The next day I was afraid to go near my
meter, but I girded my loins (what exactly does that mean? I don’t think I want to know.) and did
another mid-afternoon random check. 179. I didn’t feel so great (big surprise) but I
managed to ride my stationary bike for 15 min. then took a short nap. Tested again:
191. Yikes! This had to stop!
I’ve been doing much better in the
snacking department over the last couple of days. This is either due to the fact that I’m
pissed at myself and am trying to get back on track…or…it’s because I’ve
already eaten all the bad stuff that was in the house. (I choose the first, since there are still a
few bits of chocolate and my beloved pumpkin bread lying around.) Yesterday I began testing frequently once
again. Testing before I eat gives me a
good reminder of how many carbs I can eat.
Testing after shows me if I’m on track or not. Yesterday:
101 before lunch and 143 1 ½ hours after. I probably should have limited the amount of
toast I ate, but compared to the 179 of the other day, I’ll take it.
I know I can do this because I’ve done it
before. I’m not beating myself up over
my “indiscretions” but taking charge and regaining my control. I feel pretty good about that. (my post, circles and loops explains how I
feel about this subject.) Another trick
that I use in situations like these is to be sure that I’m eating foods that
are rich in flavor. I’m careful to add
avocado and tomato to a sandwich or feta cheese to a salad. I choose foods that taste yummy and that
makes it easier to stay on track.
This is in no way a New Year’s resolution
because I don’t fall into that trap.
Instead, it’s an opportunity to remember why I do what I do, each and
every day, to maintain the best health I can.
I’m in charge and I intend to do everything I can to stay on top. You can do the same.
![]() |
http://bluesyemre.com/ |