Mind Over Mellitus

If you live in Los Angeles you may see me running down the street with a big package under my arm, at the bank or hardware store in my running shorts, jumping rope on top of a parking garage, walking in circles with my luggage at LAX, or biking to a meeting. And it was no different during the four years I lived in Washington, D.C., though a lot colder at times!

A No-Exceptions policy - the gift that keeps giving

I found that exercise is so critically important to my blood glucose control, as well as my feeling of well-being, my happiness, my resistance to colds, my hearth-health (and yes even my vain childhood wishes to be built like a superhero - hasn’t happened yet), that I made a no-exceptions policy to exercise daily. And there are more reasons that keep me motivated. It is a cheap health insurance plan that extends our vital years and statistically cuts way back on our likelihood of needing nursing home care. So this policy is both a discipline and a gift to me.

The problem with any no-exceptions policy is that it’s not always convenient, especially if you too are super-busy. So I’ve learned to combine efforts. I save up my errands - going to Borders for a book, depositing a check, visiting the hardware store - and include them in a run or bike ride. On top of saving time, I conserve gas, avoid parking fees, and minimize wear and tear on my car and the environment, not to mention that I have more fun.

Travel: Getting a workout on the run

If your job or life involves traveling, new obstacles AND opportunities to exercise crop up. If you are visiting friends or relatives or are flying at odd times, it can be difficult to get a good workout. My solution?  - the portable, universal gym also know as the jump rope! I’ll show up to the airport early and find an inconspicuous place like the roof of a parking garage or an outdoor courtyard to jump. 20 or 30 minutes is a great work out! When I worked in India and Central Asia for the World Bank I often went to the roof of my hotel to jump rope and enjoy the view.

A colleague at the World Bank used to take a folding bike on every trip abroad - work or pleasure.

When traveling in business clothes I’ll set aside time to walk the airport carrying my bags for extra resistance if I know I won’t see a gym.

I also depend on a pedometer. Some days traveling or attending a conference involves so much walking that 10,000 steps goes by without my realizing it. That’s good enough for me. No need to work out. In fact it is valuable for me to wear the pedometer daily so I understand if I got more exercise than usual and should back off on my insulin to accommodate, or if I need to supplement with a little more exercise.

If you’ve been a diabetic for long, you’re probably accustomed to standing out a little in order to follow through on your self-care. My hat goes off to you! Fight the compulsion to look good by putting your well-being first. You’ll end up earning respect from the one who matters most.