‘The Illusion of Glucose Control’ Podcast

I had the pleasure of talking with my friend, former diabetes educator of the year, Gary Scheiner recently. Actually, Gary is responsible for getting me on a CGM all those many years ago. Gary hosts the podcast, Think Like a Pancreas. You can hear our interview here if you’re sitting behind the computer, or better yet watch here as above on YouTube, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

In 30 minutes you’ll understand why you can’t control your blood sugar, but that you can influence it; that you’re responsible for your efforts, but not your outcomes; that you are a superhero, and you’re not (that’s the good news); that perfection is a sneaky form of control — and it will trip you up, and never to beat yourself up. It’s a waste of time, energy and all you do well.

Join us for a talk I believe will be enlightening, entertaining and worthwhile. If you’re inclined share it with a loved one, parent, spouse, grandparent. The more those who love you understand this life, the better it is for all of us.

Blood sugar has a mind of its own

One of the things that has the most value for me managing my blood sugar is routine. Like the Virgo I am, I tend to eat the same type of foods, amount, carbs, often the same foods every day — and no I don’t feel deprived. I also tend to exercise similarly day to day. What you see above was me stepping off my routine track and while gleefully wanting to shout, “look ma, no hands!” I took a giant splat, or spike and spill, spike and spill…

The 150 mg/dl around 7 am was just the damn Dawn Effect, and it started before I even awoke. That sometimes happens, other times it waits for me to at least put a foot on the floor from my bed.

But the afternoon spike and spill was walking to a cafe I wanted to try that gets rave reviews for amazing griddle oatmeal pancakes. Now, I next to never eat pancakes. Yes, my low carb lifestyle is my second most effective agent to manage my blood sugar. But today was a gorgeous near 80F, sunny day, perfect for a long walk and an adventure. So I set off for these boasted pancakes, and to indulge in a treat.

When I arrived at the cafe my sensor reported 59 mg/dl, so I watched it and didn’t bolus until I’d finished my meal. I sat on a bench and noticed it was now at 164 mg/dl. Again, I had a 40 minute walk home, so I took one unit leaning toward small errors, small misfortunes. However, the trickery of how many carbs were in those pancakes? Who knows. What would be the effect of the 40 minute walk home? Who knows. How many units of insulin did I really need having waited to inject until after I ate? Who knows?

You know, and I know you know, there’s no rest for the weary.

So I’m happily ready to get back on my routine horse, until a beautiful day, and an impetuous mood, calls me out, very likely to once again get my free ride on this roller coaster.

What a day.