Graham Ballantyne

Since classes ended last week, I've been able to step back from life and take a deep breath. This semester was absolutely insane. I was taking six classes (18 hours) and none were all that easy. On top of that, I worked my normal amount. Plus, I've further established Diabetic Echoes and held weekly meetings on campus.

Needless to say, I haven't had much time for myself or for my diabetes. I'm months behind on my logging. I haven't uploaded my pump information since September. I'm eating whatever is fast and nearby, instead of making conscious choices on my nutrition. Plus, I haven't kept a steady workout routine.

I'm sure that my A1c has taken a hit, but I'm hoping that it's only minor and can be easily adjusted. And I'm hoping to make these adjustments over the Christmas break. I've decided not to take on my usual holiday job (so that's 25 hours a week that I'll have), but I am taking a 3 week class that is going to take about 20 hours a week.

I'm hoping that this stabilized class and extra hours in my week will let me get back on track and re-establish my old habits of logging, adjusting, eating right, and working out. Goodness knows that my blood sugars need it. And my body is craving it.

My plan is to start out gradually in working out. I want to try 30 minutes of cardio at least 3 times a week. Since I won't have normal access to the gym, I'm going to do a few strength-training exercises from home (like pushups, using 5-pound weights, etc). I want to do these at least 2 times a week for 30-minute intervals.

On top of the workout, I plan to start eating better as much as possible. Not only will my weight and blood sugars appreciate this, but my bank account probably will too (all those fast restaurants sure add up!). I'm trying for more salads, extra fruit, and less processed meals.

I'm hoping that the workout and food plan will bring my averages down to the 130's again, instead of lingering in the 150's. If not, I will bring out my CGMS and watch for the trends. Then start tweaking the insulin.

I'd love to get my averages down by 10 points in the next 2 weeks (yes, including Christmas). By the time I head back to college (and take on another full load), I want good averages to be a regular occurrence. So that's 5 weeks to bring my averages down and iron out my pump issues. We won't even go into how I'd like to lose 5 pounds in those 5 weeks so that I can be on track to lose the rest of the unwanted pounds.

Overall, I want this Christmas break to be a time to regain everything I lost over my busy semester so that I don't make the same mistakes next semester. I'm also going to analyze what went wrong and get some ideas on how to avoid those next year.