This was me last Friday after a 5k run. I have just started running again after a 2 year gap.
It is not the most flattering photo in the world. I wanted to show off my life support machine because it is #diabetesawarenessmonth. I was going to write a post about staying fit and not letting anything hold me back.
I have lived with Type 1 diabetes for 43 years (since the age of 9) and 13 years ago got my first insulin pump after 30 years of multiple daily injections. I am ‘wired up to it’ 24/7. It has changed my life. Given me previously unknown freedom. But it is not a magic pill.
Today, I was going to go for a run after my regular mentoring of students at the local college. It has been a busy day. I’ve seen lots of students and caught up with colleagues. I ate lunch. Nothing untoward happened. I cycle to the college on work days. It is quicker than driving. Not to mention #climate friendly 🙂
Yet when I unlocked my bike (with difficulty) from the college bike shelter this afternoon, I found my legs would not work. They were heavy. My whole body was heavy and slow. I could not climb on the bike. I used it as kind of zimmer frame on wheels. Pushed it through town. Started the slowest walk towards home. I stopped three times. Someone asked for directions to somewhere. I could not speak properly. My brain was not functioning. I smiled and managed to say I did not know.
I did manage to get home. It took an hour and a half to travel the 15 minute journey. I probably looked drunk. I ate some honey and had a cup of tea and came back to life. My brain is even switched on enough to write this! I will give myself a few minutes and then ask the cat to prepare dinner.
No-one is to blame for what happened today. It is just one of those things. This is the tightrope that people with Type 1 Diabetes walk every single day.
I walk it. And I help others with long term health conditions who walk it. We all have different challenges. It is my mission to support you to live your best life, even when you are having a bad day.
Tomorrow, I will go for that run.
Connect with me for tips on living fully with whatever health challenges you are currently facing.