The past two weeks have been a struggle when it comes to managing my Type 1 Diabetes. My dad passed away, and mentally and physically, I’ve been all over the place since then. I’ve realized that I do best when I stick to a routine. When that routine falls apart, my blood sugar levels become much harder to manage, and I find myself “chasing” highs and lows trying to regain control.
Since my PCI (a heart procedure used to open blocked arteries), I’ve noticed that getting my blood sugars back within range takes much more effort than it used to. This past week, in particular, has felt like a rollercoaster ride.
This weekend, I plan to reset—laundry, meal prep, organizing the house, and preparing for the week ahead. I know that when I prepare ahead of time, I manage both life and diabetes much better.
Exercise has also been difficult since the PCI. Every afternoon this week, I planned to walk, but I never followed through. I considered walking around my neighborhood or getting on the treadmill, but my treadmill is in the garage, and today the thought of walking in a hot garage got an immediate “No” from me. Then I thought about walking outside, but I sat down on the couch to talk with my son and never got back up.
Tonight, I realized that maybe I don’t need more discipline right now. Maybe I need something that makes movement feel meaningful again. After accidentally falling asleep on the couch this evening, I started thinking about something that once motivated me to exercise: 5Ks. When I lived in Tennessee, I got into participating in 5K races. They gave me a fun way to exercise while also exploring different cities and towns in the state. Remembering those experiences reminded me that exercise doesn’t always have to feel like a chore.
So, I’m considering trying that again. My goal right now is to begin again slowly—one walk, one workout, and one good decision at a time. I’m hoping that by fall I’ll be ready to cross another 5K finish line.
If you’re navigating Type 1 Diabetes, grief, burnout, or simply trying to rebuild healthy routines, I’d love to hear what helps you reset.
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