Hello?!? Is it me you're looking for?

I've been missing in the blogosphere for about five weeks now! And right after I told you all I was going to 'get-fit-while-recording-everything-and-being-an-awesome-diabetic'... HA!

Since last posting, I've had a birthday (which we celebrated not once, not twice, but three times!) we've moved home and had to get our old apartment ready to rent out (what a ridiculously HUGE job!), my computer died (makes posting pretty hard), then consequently didn't blog for a while and so forgot my password, been in two fun runs... and my main employer asked me to come back five days a week instead of four (that spare day was doing absolute wonders for my diabetes management and general wellbeing). All the while, my fiancé and I have been trying our darnest to stick to Shaun T's absolutely insane 'Insanity' workout.

Before I get stuck into things, I'd like to say a big big thank you to the very kind souls who contacted me just to say hi and see where I was, or even just to ask when I was actually going to post about something. It's such a rewarding feeling to get feedback as sometimes its easy to wonder if anyone is reading.

So, that brings me to the focus of this post: INSANITY

We just started month two and it felt like I was right back at the very beginning with very very average fitness. I literally thought I was going to vomit while I passed out. Nothing that dramatic happened, but there is a warning at the start of every dvd that warns of all the dire possibilities. If you are thinking of doing Insanity, take those warnings very very seriously. If you don't know what Insanity is, check out this link: Insanity

Let me take you back to the beginning: My Insanity Overview so far!

Week 1: Day one is a fitness test, its hard if simply because you've really no idea what's in store. It was also painful because we did our own weigh and measure...with photos. I'm not beating myself up and I feel blessed for what I do have... but taking those photos was just a bit uncomfortable. The fit test is enough to get you in a state of scared excitement though. Day two: well hello hurt train! Bring on the pain! Its about at day 2 and 3 that I began to wonder if maybe I needed a different dvd, like an Insanity for pre-schoolers. I didn't quite think it would hit so hard so fast. My calves in particular where killing, it was like walking around with rocks duct taped to the back of my legs, unbelievable and absolutely no word of a lie! At this point we had to start upping our dose of magnesium because we were finding it hard to sleep through the muscle pain at night. My blood sugars were also now entering a major state of confusion. Day 4: Shaun T had me, I don't think I could even do another squat, let alone a jumping one followed by high knees, globe jumps, push ups, power jacks etc etc (that's just the warm up by the way!). Day 5 my blood sugars had started going high right before I started (adrenalin?) and then plummeting half way in, only to skyrocket after. Ughhhhh I was beginning to wonder if it was insane of a diabetic to do this! Day 6 I hobbled through and Day 7, well Shaun T believes in a day of rest on Sundays thank GOODNESS!!

Week 2: Much much better than week 1! While I still struggled to make it through a full workout largely in part to my crazy blood sugars, my muscles seemed to be in less pain after each workout, and I'm so glad I hung in there. The magnesium was really working and I was actually having some of the best night sleep in a long long time. At this stage I was still working out 3-5 mornings a week at the gym (30-45mins) and we were doing the Insanity workout in the afternoons around 5.30pm. I was also getting a lot better at feeling what my blood sugar was during a workout, and pushing my limits without much consequence. Normally if my blood sugar was sitting around 5 mmol I wouldn't keep going but I've managed to push through that fear and everything has been fine. In this week I noticed that I was going high if I hadn't had insulin in the last 4 hours before a workout. So I started making sure I had either enough carbs at lunch (around 1.30pm) to dose for, or a substantial snack of about 30 carbs around 3pm (that I dosed for). I dropped my usual ratio just a little and I would start the workouts about 9-11 mmol and finish about 6-9 mmol.

My biggest struggle during this week was the horrendous pain I was getting in the arches of my feet (this was happening the week before but I thought it might go away with time). My fiancé was also getting a bit of pain, so I wasn't overly concerned it was a diabetic problem, but it was stopping me working out. So I just got rid of my shoes all together and have since been doing the workout in bare feet. Now I'm not suggesting everyone do this, it just works for me. I have to be extremely mindful of how I land and stretch and so on, and we have invested in some matting which helps with shock absorption.

Week three: I was starting to get much more used to what to expect and this is when we really started focusing on technique, repetitions and duration (as in trying like crazy to keep up with Shaun T & his posse, start to finish!). Its also the point where I'd get overly frustrated if my blood sugars weren't right. With Insanity if my blood sugars where any higher than 12 I just couldn't do it, it was like trying to smash through a brick wall with my hands tied behind my back and a rubber band pulling me the other way. Throughout the weeks I'd also been wearing a heart rate monitor. At the beginning of week three we did out fortnightly fit test and this is when we both started to notice a real difference in our strength and endurance. I was already noticeably fitter and despite going harder by this time, my heart rate was much more controlled. On average I was burning 300-350 calories for a 35-45 minute session (There was still room to go harder...but the diabetes balancing act was slowing me down).

Week 4 (& 5): Because I'd been sick on an off during week one and two...plus it had just been HARD and we all have a life so I'd found it hard to do six workouts a week, we decided to do an extra week in the first month. Sure glad we did! Around about this time is also when I started noticing physically changes. Unfortunately I'm still a while off a six pack, for numerous reasons: The first being that my stomach is not instantly going to be forgiving of me after 18 years of injecting liquid into it multiple times a day. The second being that trying to make diabetes work with Insanity has been tough. I've had to work out eating, sleeping, & dosing to a fine art all over again. Its not like running and its not like the gym, its been a whole other realm of diabetes juggling to work out as I've discovered I need to be absolutely spot on (with everything! water intake, sleep, type of food, protein intake) to get the most out of it, otherwise I die half way through or have to eat jellybeans...defeats the purpose a bit! Its also meant that while my fiancé just keeps smashing through, I'd pull back and think 'how hard should I really push today?'. And then of course things constantly change as I get fitter and used to this type of workout. As you would all know, that sort of understanding and planning doesn't happen overnight! It probably took me 2-3 weeks to settle into it properly (and I'm still tweaking of course).

Something else I've found is that its been really easy to get dehydrated. By week 4 I felt depleted and weak throughout out the day despite drinking 1-2 litres of water a day, and eating well so I started taking some electrolytes every now and again which has made a bit difference.

BUT I've definitely toned up and lost cms. I have not lost weight though. Which simply says to me that I've put on muscle.

In week four we went for our first run since starting the program. I was simply blown away. I ran 5k with absolutely no dramas. I'd barely even run to my car in the last two months, and there I was, 5k easy. I've never felt stronger or fitter. My clothes fit differently, in a great way and I feel more confident. 5 weeks in and I can guarantee I'd already achieved worth while results.


Recovery Week: I actually really enjoyed this week and got excited to come home to it (I'll admit, there is a particular kind of dread coming home to Insanity every other day!). But then our sense of excitement had us worried about what was in store in month 2. My blood sugars were also horrible, so so horrible this week. Just high high high. No matter what I did. I was actually starting to get depressed! I had stopped going to the gym the week before this and I think combined with the stress of moving, it was all just a bit much!!!

Month Two: So here I am, week 1, month 2... and as I said, I thought I was going to vomit. Its hard. really hard. But surprisingly I find the warm up sessions easier. False sense of security though. I will update you again as the weeks go on!!


My conclusion so far? Is it as Insane as it claims? Heck Yes!! Would I recommend doing it? Abso-freaking-lutely!

Low Opportunity

Lately I've been turning away from the humble hypoglycemic favourite, the jellybean. Mostly because they come in big bags, and that big bag causes all sorts of problems! Mostly I find it really hard not to stick my hand in for one when I totally don't need to and added to this, I don't seem to be going low much at all lately, so there's even less reason to have an open bag around.

Another problem with jellybeans is ants. Living in Tropical North Queensland means the buggers get into everything, in what seems like seconds. So I can keep them in the pantry in a superdupper air tight container or in the fridge. The second option is flawed. The jellybeans sweat as soon as they come out and it just looks horrible.. plus they are ridiculously hard to eat in the time of need.

Carrying jellybeans in my bag is also problematic, as again, once the packet is open they are not only hard to resist but it seems it is an open invitation for the ants to come to a party. My mother and I have been known to quickly snatch our bags from public view after looking down to see a trail of ants coming out!

So! I've been on the hunt in the candy section of the supermarket to see what else is on offer. Preferably something that is individually wrapped and has 10-15g carb per serve/packet. Also it would be great if the packet was flexible and water proof. Today I found these:

Monsters Inc Character Marshmallows. Now, yes may be they are for kids, buuuuut they have 10g fast acting carbs, are individually wrapped, waterproof, safe from ants, relatively easy to chew (no harder than jellybeans), flexible (can be jammed in my run belt), probably won't melt in my bag, have a long expiry date, and at $3 for a bag of 20 they are a bit of fun and very economical considering they seem to match everything on my wish list.

While I will not be eating these every time I go low, they seem very practical for certain situations. I'm not a fan of highly processed foods consisting of sugar, preservatives and colouring, but when I'm on the go and need a quick hit, I just want straight forward convenience. Plus sometimes it's nice to have a break from the jellybeans.

The only thing missing from here is taste.. I haven't gone low yet to try one... I'll have to post a review later!

I'd love to hear if anyone else feels the same about hunting for convenient low foods and if you've found some nifty ones that don't brake brake the budget.

Blood Glucose Monitors: Do you love yours?

As some of you may have noticed, I was very excited about picking up the new Accu-chek Multiclix at the EXPOsing Diabetes event last weekend. I have a few finger prickers which are exactly that, pricks! I know many of you can sympathise with me when I recall on the times that one has hurt like crazy, resounding through my whole hand. As I'm shaking the pain away in a violent flicking action and dancing on my tippy toes (a proven pain relief technique I'm sure), I've pushed into the pain, only to get enough blood for a flea to test. Even though the lancet was fresh (surprise!).

When I threw it over to you for some feeback I was pleasantly surprised to hear many of you already had the multiclix and loved it. It got me thinking: Why do I use what I use? Do I love my monitor and pricker? Does it make my life easier than a different one would? Well as much as possible... coz quiet honestly I will be very happy to jump on it, smash it and set it off out to sea on a little floating wreath when that cure arrives! - though I imagine I will still have to monitor from time to time... so I really should be working with products I like... we're in this for the long haul.

I have an Optium Xceed, and love it because its relatively small, can test ketones and is so reliable. It doesn't have a fancy coloured screen, carb tacking, iphone capability or a direct link to NASA, but it makes me feel secure. However, I do also use the iBGStar, and it does have most of the above which does actually help me keep by blood sugars on track better. The iBGStar app really is very helpful, when I use it. The iBGStar pricker though, well I found it a bit rough to say the least.

I recently tried the Accu-chek Mobile, but it wasn't for me, too clunky. Though many people love it and for those with spare meters stashed everywhere: home, work, car, school, beside the bed, I hear this one is fantastic as everything is stuck together and nothing can go missing. 

I also have the FreeStyle Lite. It's cute, small and blue and the pricker is tiny (great for running). But, I probably wouldn't pick it over the Optium Xceed, simply because the blood strips are in a barrel... so hard to squash into my handbag and run belt. Whereas the Optium Xceed strips are in individual flat foil packs - also good for longer term freshness if its the spare meter.

The Accu-chek Aviva Expert caught my eye at the expo over the weekend. It did have a fancy coloured screen, a bolus advisor, tracking graphs and alarm capabilities. Best of all, it is from a company that I trust, as it has been an on-and-off part of my whole diabetes journey thus far (in fact, one of the first prickers I ever had was an Accu-chek). I've already heard people singing the praises of Aviva... so maybe that is the meter for me? I'll need to investigate!

As for the Multiclix, I love it. No pain so far - and I find that exciting. Anything to make checking my blood sugar levels easier is warmly welcomed. My only wish would be that it was just that little bit smaller so I can jam it in my bag better... I just can't seem to do without any of that other junk in there...ipod, hand sanitiser, tissues, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, pen, eyeliner, lip balm, wallet...yeah you get the picture - I'm a bit of a girl! (A well prepared girl!)

So what do you use as your Blood Glucose Meter and pricker? Does it make life easier? Do you love it? Why?

Love the size & iphone compatibility, but I have a lack of trust in this one!

This pricker is nice and small.. but the blood strips are hard to run with

I was bored with the grey so took to this meter with pink glitter nail polish... there may be some warranty issues

Blue for diabetes, the FreeStyle Lite

Insane

Who's heard of the Insanity DVD workout? Yeah, well who's then felt the pain that is Insanity!?! For two days now, my new personal trainer, Shaun T has been yelling at me to 'keep going' and 'Dig Deeper'... and well I'm in pain already. No, actually I was already in pain yesterday.

I have been known to buy an exercise DVD before... but more along the lines of 'Just Dance' for the Wii and I think I may have a pilates DVD and a Rock 'n' Roll one which were given to me when I completed programs in the past... but this is nothing like that. It literally starts with a scrolling WARNING almost like the beginning of a Star Wars Movie...just I read it with my jaw dropped to the floor and occasionally giggling 'coz they can't be serious'. Oh yes, yes they are serious.

'The hardest workout ever put on DVD', 'Must check with your physician before starting the program', 'You may need another program to get you in shape before you start'....

So far, diabetes doesn't like Insanity. I've had nothing but high blood sugars. I think though that this is part due to the shock my muscles are in and also I may have a bug, so I'm just going to have to monitor closely over the next few days to decide how to adjust (that's if I can even move properly after another couple of days of this!)

I am however, going to start an exercise log to share with you. I can already tell it won't be perfect and will be marred by ups and downs! If you decide to check it out and have some words of wisdom, please by all means share. There's nothing better than living a level life of great blood sugars while being active!

The exercise log will be a separate tab up the top of this page. It should be up by the end of the week.

When I need to get back on track I... My top five tips

Sometimes life just gets crazy hectic! You know, those days you knew would be busy, but then they run into a week and spill in the the next all while extra jobs, errands and responsibilities seem to pop up from nowhere. The days when I just can't seem to catch a break.

They're the times when, despite my best intentions, I seem to slowly but surely slip out of my good habits (read as 'good diabetes management flies out the window'). There was a time, when I was younger, and had had diabetes a few less years that I seemed to be able to get away with a bit more, but now blood sugar swings are nothing but utterly exhausting, stressful and put me in a downright dumpy mood where everything falls on top of me. So I've identified a couple of steps I take to help me prevent or get out of that downward spiral into diabetes negativity, which I thought I'd share with you:

Fresh Air: The most simple step, yet sometimes it seems insanely difficult to take a couple minutes break I know! Step outside, walk around the block, down the street or to the corner shop. Taking a few deep breaths and specifically concentrating on releasing the tension as I exhale works wonders. Personally, I think walking around the supermarket or shopping centre doesn't count, as it's about 'stepping away' and finding a bit of peace. But if shopping calms and clears your mind, and its the only exercise you think you'll get all day - go for it!

Music: Even just one song can make a difference. It might be a vocal belter, an old school love ballad, nature sounds, or the pan pipes of Peru. I have chosen a song or two for whenever I need to de-stress my mind and let go. Whether singing at the top of your voice (I only do this in car!) or closing your eyes to let the notes wash through you, music is a great way to separate yourself from the issue at hand and defuse the stress.

Schedule Downtime: This is one that I probably consider the most important: a personal must, something that I do every week, whether I know its going to be a busy one or not (because usually it just ends up busy anyway!). The trick though is to act as if the period of time I have selected is taken, as if it were a meeting or an appointment. Really I am making an appointment with myself. Knowing I definitely have some time that is just for me, in which nothing will be expected or demanded of me, helps negate stress when those unexpected things start piling up. My preference is to have a day a week that is just for doing 'whatever', but splitting it into an hour or two a couple of afternoons a week also works well, as it provides little 'pit stops' to refuel as the week goes on.

Drink Tea: Confession time... Sometimes... when I get busy... I eat foods I wouldn't usually (and really really shouldn't)... the typical, evil, on-the-go type processed foods. It doesn't help that I have an account at the office cafe.. which really only sells chips, chocolate & nuts... oh and cans of sugary soft drink... and despite my little food draw at my work desk, when I'm tired, my will power crashes too. So! Tea. Tea helps kill that sweet-toothed, processed food craving monster. I have a whole selection on hand depending on the time of day (caffeine levels): Green, Rooibos, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Camomile. It is also very calming to sit there sipping, breathing in the hot steam (if you also clutch the cup with both hands and close your eyes, you may get lucky enough that people will think you're a bit odd and actually leave you in peace for a few moments too. Combining with a low hum or rocking motion is optional)

The Big Guns: Time Out & Lifestyle Mapping

Hanging out with your best friend helps too!

These two are for when I really need to stop and take a look at why my blood sugar levels are behaving the way the are. Majority of the time I am out of sync because I have been working unusual long hours, so I am able to take an afternoon or day off as soon as reasonably possible... remembering that health comes second to none. Apart from catching up on house stuff and unwinding, I sometimes also use the time to start lifestyle mapping, which I continue for 1-4 weeks at a time. This is a detailed 'diary' of not just my blood sugar readings, carbs, and insulin (coz' as if that wasn't tedious enough) but also my energy levels, hunger levels, mood, activities (such as work, meetings, new exercise regimes etc etc) & nutritional intake (total calories, fat, protein, sodium, supplements) throughout each day. Sounds involved I know, which is why I can't seem to bring myself to do it everyday of the year, but its great for identifying little adjustments that need to be made, which make a big difference to how I feel overall.

That's my top five!

What do you do to relax? What would you add to my quick tips?

EXPOSing Diabetes Cairns

Yesterday was a big day out for diabetics, Type 1, 2 & 3, in Cairns. Diabetes Queensland hosted 'EXPOSing Diabetes', a one day event with specific programs for Type 1s and Type 2s (and their carers/supporters). So along Fiance and I went.

Topics for Type 1s included Exercise, Mental Health, Travel, Sick Days, Current Management, Carb Counting, Pumping and info about DAQ's services. As much as all the educational stuff sounded interesting, I was most looking forward to seeing which companies had come to set up stalls as well as meeting new fellow T1Ds and their families. Well there wasn't many stalls and the day was so jam packed with presentations that there wasn't much time get to know new people unfortunately!

I have to thank Diabetes Queensland for bringing the event to Cairns though, and I hope that it can grow and develop into an annual or bi-annual date claimer. This might be stating the obvious, but I enjoyed the presentation on exercise the most. The presenter, Allan Bolton was engaging and positive about living well with diabetes through exercise, AND he was a Type 1 himself! If you're interested in making exercise work better for your life with Type 1, I recommend checking out his website: www.ext1d.com.au.

An area which in my opinion could have been discussed much better, was mental health and diabetes. Unfortunately the presenter almost made me feel as though I should be more down about having diabetes and I don't think she spent enough time on how to actually be happier. Some quick everyday tips for better mental health would have been a good starting point.

On a fantastic upside though, I LOVE a freebie and a new free diabetic product is actually pretty exciting to me lol so when Accu-chek gave me their Multiclix lancing device yesterday it quiet simply just about made my day! I'm sure I'll be updating you on my thoughts soon and thank you to everyone who shared their experiences with it on facebook last night. A horrible pricker that feels as though its just shot through the other side of my finger and which at the same time seems to resound through my whole body all the while set on just 1 or 2 sets me off into a right ol' cranky mood of hating diabetes and swearing like a trooper. I'd rather take to my finger manually with a lancet!  I've heard only good things about this one so far.

The pumping sesh was also good because, guess what?!?... I'm seriously considering crossing over and have even booked in for my first real education session (this week!)... the first step before making the change...

All in all a great opportunity with plenty of room to grow. I'm looking forward to next time!

Annnnd just to finish my post off... my WTF moment this morning... 

Still racking my brain as to how I woke up to this! Doesn't diabetes just love keeping everyone on their toes!

One Year Without

June 11th 2013 marked the first year since the passing of Mum. While it was a bit of a tough day to say the least, it was also a timely reminder once again of what's really important in life.



So in memory of Mum, here's some of her words of wisdom and life lessons she left with me.

Be kind to others

Don't take life too seriously

Be fit and active

Fall in love

Surround yourself with good friends

Travel, explore and learn

Find your style and rock it

There's no bad day that can't be fixed by a tiara, a smile & some sparkle

One year has gone by so fast, so much so that I almost can't believe it. I still stop and think that I haven't even really yet got my head around the fact I can't just call Mum when ever I want to. But, I'm in a good place. I'm proud of where I am one year on, and the journey from last June to this June has in many ways been rather incredible. Most importantly I am much better at letting go of matters and people who are draining on my life, which has lead to me to met and connect with many new, beautiful and caring souls. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this blog and the facebook page over the last year. Your support and encouragement has meant the world to me!