"It's a constant fight (a constant fight)..."

Man makes plan, God laughs.

I forget who first said that to me, but I've had many reasons to revisit that saying over the past few years. Lately, it's been because as I grow older my body is slowly betraying me. I could cruise through a long bike ride that would probably humble me now. Yardwork leaves a stiffness that lasts until I have to plan the next project--even if that is three days later. A jog? Forget about it. And there are many times when I can't even control what I'm thinking, or how I act.

That is the result of unpredictable blood sugar levels and the frustration forced on me through Type II Diabetes.

When I first started to work at Oakwood Healthcare (the 'second miracle' I sometimes refer to, for those that are keeping track), I looked at it as a way to finally get it under control. It hasn't exactly worked out that way because it's not as simple as popping a pill, giving yourself a shot and living the way you want to live, the way you always expected to be able to live. It's been a struggle.

So when Oakwood started a 'Vitality for Life' initiative that would provide virtually unlimited access to nutritionists, trainers and health coaches, I jumped at the chance. And, because managing this condition (I refuse to call it a disease) has been a challenge for me, I figured it'd be a challenge to others, too. So I wanted to figure out a way to help them, and came up with the concept for my latest writing project.

It is an ongoing healthy blog geared toward the blood-sugar-challenged, as well as the aging weekend warrior in all of us. Many of the things I've learned through the past year are applicable to anyone with any kind of health concerns, and it's my hope that by talking more about the challenges and successes, I can let people know they're not alone and perhaps give them an outlet, too.

Here is the application letter I sent in for the Vitality of Life contest, entitled: Apply Blood.

I dab the end of the strip and suck the remainder of the bright bead of blood from my finger tip as the countdown starts.

It is not quite noon, so this will qualify as a ‘before meal’ reading. So much depends on the result. In the short term, it will forecast how I will feel for the rest of the day: how productive I will be; how much caffeine—if any—I will need to overcome any sluggishness I feel; what I can safely eat for lunch. In the long term, it means, simply: how long will I live and what will my quality of life be?

5….

I know this. I am a diabetic, having been diagnosed as Type II years ago. I have heard the lectures and the stern talks from doctors. Until a year ago, I couldn’t do anything about it because I didn’t have health insurance.

4…

When I started to work at Oakwood, one of my first personal goals was to get my health in line. At my first regular trip to the doctor, he asked me: What can I do for you today? I answered his question with one of my own: “How much time do you have?”

3…

We started with the blood sugar, because diabetes is a multi-system disease. It eventually affects everything. I went to the nutritionist. I got a meter. I followed the instructions. This time, I’m going to beat it, I told myself.

2…

But the diet didn’t work and the sheet the doc gave me to record my Blood Sugar Readings (BSR) didn’t leave enough room for info. I graduated to a diary and essentially turned my fingers into pincushions trying to gather enough evidence to figure out what was happening inside me and how I could control it. That was several months ago.

1…

It’s strange how you can do the same thing on consecutive days and get different results. I exercise—a lot compared to some people. I have cut down on the carbs, dramatically. I eat smaller meals more frequently, counting things like grams of dietary fiber. One day, this routine will get me down to 170. The next…

 268.

Well, f*#%. I wonder what threw it off this time?

Hopefully, as I figure this out, I can help you learn to be healthier, as well. But I caution you: what works for me may not work for you, and vice versa. It’s a complex carbohydrate world out there, and we have to take it one day at a time.

For current entries, visit the Dearborn Patch.

And, as always, let me know what you think. Here, there, or anywhere!