Laura Heitert

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HAS ANYONE LOST A WALLET?! (The Beginning)

Teaching third grade with my bestie was always a blast, especially since we taught in "open classroom" spaces.  This concept not only allowed us to be in side by side classrooms, but also created a sense of community, support and good old-fashioned f-u-n.  If the teachers are happy, the students are happy!   I giggled each time I heard her get parents' attention for the annual Open House by saying, "Has anyone lost a wallet?!"  as she frantically waved one in her hand. Worked like a charm!

Luckily this was the environment in which I was working when I was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 27.  No one, not even those within the non-walls at school, put my symptoms together.  Why was I always so thirsty?  Why am I so tired? Why are the words moving on the page? My bestie, next-door-teaching-buddy shared in my bewilderment when I lost 20 pounds in 2 weeks.  Wow, eating salad for lunch is helping me drop some weight!  It was my bestie/teaching buddy who heard me tell stories of each doctor visit, trying to figure out why I was not feeling well and why treating the symptoms was simply not helping.

Finally, after not sleeping because of intense muscle spasms, I made another doctor appointment.  I had blood work drawn and, because of the results, I was put in the hospital the next day with a blood sugar level of 496.  My symptoms were finally connected and my diabetes diagnosis came to be. 

WHAT?! Diabetes?  I knew nothing of the subject.  Absolutely nothing.  The few days in the hospital were filled with dietitian meetings and diabetic educator information.  Overwhelmed, yet determined, I knew I would conquer this so-called disease.  

Life changed quickly and time passed.  The open classroom atmosphere continued to witness struggles and celebrations.  With the support of my family and school family, I was not alone.  The disease would not get the best of me.  

What's The Pointe?

Laura Heitert May 14, 2015

Yep. Every Tuesday I go to a spinning class at our community center, The Pointe. The class is 5:45-6:30 A.M. In order for me to complete the class without my blood sugar dropping, I wake up an hour before (4:45) and set my basal rate down to 20%. For all of you non-pump wearing peeps, this means I reduce the amount of insulin my pump continuously releases so that I don't have too much insulin in my body when I exercise. This process discourages low blood sugar levels. 

Except...when I wake up low. On my last spin class morning, my phone alarm went off. I began my typical routine of trying to not wake up the whole house. I got dressed, brushed my teeth and checked my blood sugar level. 68. SHOOT! BOOOOOOOOOOOO....

I had to treat the low blood sugar level. I didn't have any moments to spare because I time my spin mornings perfectly-dress, brush teeth, drive, check in, claim my territory known as MY spin bike (sorry, creature of habit). So, I reached into my spin bag (spin shoes, towel, key, etc.) and grabbed a bag of Sportbeans. Usually, I put these on my spin bike in case my blood sugar drops during class. But, seriously? In my kitchen? Before I am even in my car? I opened the bag and popped some delish cherry bean pellets-with caffeine-in my mouth.

I know cardio is great for my heart health. I know that getting up early to exercise only influences the rest of my day's eating habits (why would I drag/haul this booty out of bed, so early, only to ruin it later with unhealthy food?). BUT...it is a major... HUGE...bummer when I have to eat something before I exercise. All of the effort to get to spin class is wasted when I consume as many calories as I am about to burn.

So, when I think about changes, I wish I could change management tools/devices/MY BODY so that I could be the active person I strive to be. And let me do it without having a buffet before I exercise. Is this dramatic?! Of course it is. I don't eat a buffet. In fact, as I drive to Forest Park for a long run, I frequently eat peanut butter waffles. This is a wise snack as it provides energy/protein, but it doesn't make me upchuck on the running paths. 

Eating is fun. Eating is an activity at every social event. I didn't realize how much life centered around food until I was first diagnosed and had to eat a particular amount of carbs each day. I just wish I could eat when I want to eat. I would change the way I sometimes have to eat, aka on demand eating. I try to be a healthy, good role model and make good eating choices, so it is disappointing when I am slamming food without even enjoying it. I would love to change my situation and be able to simply walk out of the door and run. Or roll out of bed and go to spinning. I would change the amount of planning in my life....

What is something YOU would change?!

 

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This is my personal blog. The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer or anyone else.

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Laura Heitert

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