I have learned that people cannot support you when they
don't understand diabetes. It is hard to explain and even harder for people
without it to grasp the enormity of it all. So, I just make things happen for
myself.
I am my own healthcare advocate. I take care of my body.
I have a few aches and pains, but when I feel bad, I get up and move. It lifts your spirits immediately and also
helps keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels in check.
I work full time, but I keep a pair of tennis shoes at my
desk and take two 15-minute power walks each day - and then I do it again at
home on my treadmill. It may be 9:00 at
night, but I do it anyway.
Get up and move. Don't feel sorry for yourself - don't
dwell on your aches and pains. Get up
and move! You don't have to go work out at a gym. You can march in place while
you watch TV. Take the stairs, or walk anywhere you can that's safe. Swim in
the summer - there is nothing better for sore joints than water aerobics, and
it's easy on the knees and hips, too.
Jeananne H, 44
North Little Rock, AR
133851