From FatCatAnna

Well, since starting Ginger Viera's 15 week weight loss challenge I've been having a few issues with trying to complete my 30 minute exercise every day due to low blood sugars in the morning.  I've managed to get in abit of exercise by parking the car further away from the store front (I've always done that - now I go ... further).  Last night I managed to get my hubby to go for almost an hours walk along the river, we haven't done that in years! Only thing I forgot to bring was my Dex4 since my blood sugar went down.

Also, I'm just trying to rethink how each little thing I do, can help burn off some of the foods I'm eating.  I'm using small hand weights every day (3 lbs) - nothing like Ginger does, but I'm pretty happy with the progress of building up muscles in my arms and upper back.  I need these muscles more then ever now for the bigger jib sheet I have to work with on our 30' sailboat  (I was cursing / grunting like a sailor on the w/e even with the 2 speed winches we have as we were tacking alot for practise).

Today, I decided to step on the old scale.  I've never been a big lover of doing this, as I often find my bubble gets burst.  I go more by how my clothing fits me, and how I feel.  I'm now at 150 lbs / 68 kg and I'm really amazed at this.  I've not weighted this low for a long time.  I've been fighting not to go over 160 since I'm not a tall girl (my endo said recently that I'm 5' 3 1/2" / 1.61 m - my GP said last year I'm 5' 4 1/2" / 1.64 - go figure that one out).  I know, it's only an inch / 2.54 cm - but it makes a big difference to me!

 
And since I won't have Internet useage on the weekend to write - as I'm heading off to the floating cottage - here's a little picture for all you Dad's out there - Happy Father's Day.  Don't do what the Fat Cat does below - and guzzle too much beer (it's got alot of carbs in it - belch).

From FatCatAnna

Okay – I’ve got the tune (a remake from Le Braghe Corte a great SKA/punk band) going thru’ my head right now as I type this out.  Today is Day 3 of being on a pump break due to having some issues with high blood sugars the last week.  It has been a relearning experience with going back to MDI (multiple dosage injections) after almost 3 years of pumping insulin.  I’ve now got my basal rate of insulin (Lantus every 12 hours) sorted out and today haven’t had to do any corrections with NovoRapid in-between my meals (aka bolus).  I do inject for the amount of carbs I’m going to eat of course!! 

Now, this may all change as I’m seeing my endocrinologist on Thursday to get permission to go on Levemir, which thru’ the grape vine of other PWD’s is better at keeping the blood sugars more level, as 3 shots can be done during the day with this insulin.  Also, as my friend Doris Dickson pointed out, when I have to do a basal test with Levemir, it’ll be a shorter span of time then with Lantus. Sweet!  Though I'm not quite up to that point yet to do a basal test.

So, what am I enjoying right now?  I went clothing shopping for a skirt after seeing a woman in line at IKEA wearing a cute little denim skirt.  I asked her where she got it from, and viola, I was on a mission.  Shopping is something I really don’t like to do unless it’s food shopping.  Strange thing for a woman to say, but it’s never been high on my “what to do with myself today” thing (I’d rather be walking thru’ the woods, or by the ocean, or motorcycling thru’ the mountains).  Of course, my husband is probably very happy I’m this way, as he counts the pile of money under the bed at night.

The thing that was special today, not wearing my pump.  When I’ve gone shopping for clothing it’s always a drag having to unclip the pump, tuck it somewhere safe, while I try on various clothing.  Today my hands went to my waistband, and then I remembered … “no pump”.  All I can say is, I did quick changes, found what I wanted.  Bing, bang, boom – flash of the credit card – sold to the Happy Customer (who also got the skirt of sale – whoo! Haa!)!

So, after spending ½ the day just loafing around (haven’t done this in awhile).  My blood sugars have stayed on average between 4.7 - 7.0 mmol/l (85 – 126 mg/dl).  The only thing I have found with MDI, because of eating breakfast late (10:15 – and I usually eat at 8:00 – 9:00) due to my friend I think I have to be more diligent with eating meals at the correct time.  This was something I found I had more flexibility with when on the pump.  

Off to try on my new skirt and show off my hairy legs!  Oh I’m one happy girl!

From FatCatAnna

I just watched a news clip from ABC (believe it was perhaps Good Morning America) - that was discussing the benefits of walking to lose weight.  That not only does it help offset complications of the heart, but also diabetes, dementia/Alzheimer's.  Even better, you don't have to purchase any expensive equipment to do this or join a club and it's not hard on your joints like some exercises can be. 

I keep on thinking that maybe the reason why I am still in good health - with having had diabetes for so long - that perhaps it is my love of walking (aka Tip-Toe Through the Tulipcs).  I just love to walk!!  I have friends that tell me that my calf muscles were very athletic looking (more like hard as a rock but I'm not that athletic more like a couch potato most of the time).  I think that it is probably a combination of walking as well as long term diabetics having "firmer" flesh that have made me this way (many doctors over the years have commented on that when examining me).  I also have friends that I think I poop them out because of my joy of walking.  I don't walk fast - as far as I can tell - I just go along with the flow.

Now, I don't wear any fancy schmancy footwear.  I either wear my rugged Mephisito thong sandals in the summer time - or if I really have to - a pair of running shoes (I hate enclosed shoes).  No foot problems as of yet - touch wood.

According to the news clip I watched - 10,000 steps a day equals 5 miles.  Easier said then done you are saying to yourself?  Well, walking from your car that is parked further away from the mall entrance, walking up or down stairs (I always seem to forget something downstairs in my house).  It all adds up. 

If you are lucky enough to be able to walk outside everyday - and this is supposed to be done in 30 minutes - go for it.  Pick a nice route, perhaps that has some nice gardens along the way.  Whatever gets you motivated, such as a friend, a dog that needs a walk, or even a walking club (we have a few here in Montreal that I've heard of).  Come winter time, there is mall walking as well (just window shop DO NOT BUY ANYTHING ).

As well, check out this website I just found now - called 10,000 steps - The Walking Site it contains alot of valuable information to get you started!