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?!