Goal setting

Goal setting is the starting point for long distance triathlon. You set the target and then develop the plan to achieve it. Throughout the training phase you will be faced with dips in motivation and other distractions, but, with the goal set, the reason to stay on target and complete the training remains, making you more likely to turn up on race day ready to do the best race you can.

The same approach can be applied to other challenges we face in life. Take type 1 diabetes, I like to challenge myself to stay within the BGL target range of 4 - 8 mmol. Consistently targeting good BGL results helps to focus me on doing the things I need to do to keep my BGLs under control. This includes keeping up my exercise, test my BGL regularly, avoiding sugary foods and making sure I get my insulin doses right.

I know that this is helping me to reduce the risk of diabetic complications in the future.

Diabetes & Disasters

Last month the heat waves provided a topic for me to discuss. More recently, Mother Nature has sent floods our way.

As a diabetic on insulin injections, I have to ensure I have adequate supplies to enable me to test my blood sugar and inject the insulin.

The supplies needed include my blood glucose monitor, disposable test strips and spare batteries. I like to keep a spare glucose monitor not too far away as they can occasionally malfunction.

To do my injections, I need my insulin pens and enough disposable needle tips for each injection. It's also good to have spare insulin pens on hand too.

It's also important to try to maintain a consistent and healthy diet, drink lots of water and have some sugary foods available in case of an unexpected hypo.

When I'm away from home I like to take extra supplies with me in case I need them. That forward planning came in handy last weekend when we found ourselves flood bound and unable to return home for a few days. Luckily I was able to find a pharmacy to re-stock as well.

Next time we're away from home I'll be sure to have even more contingency supplies on hand!