Is it the warm weather, or is it just that I’m getting older? I’ve recently experienced a couple of lows that were just energy-zapping. Those “I see it coming, here it is, I don’t want to move, now I need to move, and eat a bunch of stuff/drink juice/inhale glucose tabs” lows. Then, when it’s over, I experience the “I’m so tired I just want to curl up in the corner where the sun is shining through and sleep for about ten hours” hangover.
That’s what it feels like too… like a hangover. Knocked on your butt, your body is punishing you for too much insulin. Or too much exercise. Or not enough carbs. Or because your body has a history of punishing you, and every now and then it wants to assert its authority for no bloody reason at all.
That’s when we become heroes. Doesn’t make sense, does it? But think about it.
We find ourselves in a dangerous situation. Life-threatening, even. A crisis all our own, like our human body has encountered its own kryptonite. Things might be touch-and-go for a little while. But we fight back. We use whatever means at our disposal to drive the enemy away. We MacGyver solutions, we will ourselves to persevere.
And then we go right back to our regularly scheduled lives.
Hopefully, this little scenario doesn’t play out too often in your life. When it does, and you overcome, don’t forget that you are a force of nature. Diabetes cannot stop you, and you are living proof. In fact, diabetes has tried to stop you, and you didn’t let it.
It’s not in your most recent hypoglycemic episode. It’s not in your last hemoglobin A1c. It is evident in the life you lead, the job you perform, the people and organizations you help succeed, in the family and friends that surround you, and the simple fact that you are still here.
I see you. I read about you. I live with the same disease you do. Trust me when I say that when you overcome those lows, you are succeeding at something that would humble even the most confident of individuals. I recognize that about you. I hope you recognize that about yourself.
By the way, you might want to check yourself in the mirror. I thought I saw a little of your superhero cape showing in the back.
Comments
Oh yes, I’ve been getting more of those energy sucking lows too. They are the worst. But I have to let you in on a little secret – one I shared in a session at Diabetes Sisters. But you have to promise promise promise never to tell Pete, okay? (That goes for anyone else reading this comment . . . . )
Sometimes I have one of those “easy lows”. You know, no symptoms, feel fine, just treat it and it’s gone, easy peasy. BUT when I have one of those easy lows, sometimes I kind of pretend it was really one of those horrible energy sucking lows . . . . just so I can relax on the couch and Pete will wash the dinner dishes.
I know. I know. I’m a terrible wife!!
LikeLike
:::filing that away for future reference:::::
LikeLike
What a wonderfully uplifting post. I guess I never thought of it that way but I like it. It’s true. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this perspective.
LikeLike
Very encouraging post. It was just what i needed to read today. Thanks..
LikeLike