We hear it over and over again: delays in seeking medical treatment are responsible for huge numbers of preventable deaths each year. Sometimes the delays are financial: not having the money to pay the doctor, buy the medication, schedule the procedure. Sometimes they are logistical: unable to get time off work, car isn't working (or a driver isn't available), or there isn't an available doctor or treatment facility space within the necessary timeframe. Then there are the diagnostic delays -- often because life-threatening medical conditions don't show symptoms until they reach emergency status, but sometimes because the condition is difficult for one's healthcare team to diagnose.

In this case, though, the expression is idiomatic, and the cause, meteorological. At least, that's what I'm going with.

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My averages had been looking much better the last few weeks with the mix of keeping a stable schedule and eating a little better. I was having my usual bouts of lows (in the 50's) with the lower averages, but I was also working to correct those issues. So this week, I'm sad to report that my averages have soared back up with the onset of school.

The first week of school (or any time I get sincerely busy), I tend to let my diabetes slip. I check my blood sugar less often and at the most unusual times. I don't stay on top of my insulin, as in I let my Lantus doses fall outside the typical 12 hour range or delay my boluses. On top of all that, I tend to eat off schedule (since I'm still adjusting to the change in daily routine) and never decent meals.

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My classes are all over the place this semester. Since I'm down to the final semesters, I don't have much left that I can take outside of my university or online. Plus I'm trying to leave the option to study abroad next semester, which means taking quite a few hardcore classes all at the same time.

I haven't done that since my first year here. After that, I managed to take at least one class online so I could better manage my fatigue. This semester, I wasn't so lucky. But you have to do what you have to do, right?

So far, I'm feeling okay. Just a little extra stress (headaches, sore muscles) from all the emotional things I'm going through right now. The fatigue hasn't set in...and I'm hoping that I can somehow ward it off this semester. But I am fighting against the balance of class and diabetes.

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