Those boots Lexi ordered before the holidays were her size. But...they didn't fit. She didn't change shoes sizes. She bought some from the competitor....and they fit like a glove....or a killer knee high boot. Yes.....I have blue boot envy....so what.
The number on the label said 7.5. Wait...or was that an A1c I just read? They all blur together. Numbers. Between committing carbohydrate counts to memory or learning what current dosage of prescription Glucophage is actually creating stability in your blood sugars....and what is the price of gas now? I can't keep count.
There are a flurry of blog posts and social media discussions about numbers lately. Topics ranging from respected bloggers revisiting A1c numbers and conversations about whether they should be off topic.....and a literal firestorm of discussions on several forums and social media sites about "good"and "bad" numbers. What defines a good number or a bad number? A speeding ticket that costs $100.....bad number. Over 1000 "likes" on Facebook for Blue Heel Society? "Good". Unbelievable. Awesomeness. Need we go on?
But ,blood sugars are information right? A1c....just a snapshot of a period in time? What is the big deal?
It's a personal choice as to whether or not you discuss your numbers. Our co-founder has posted his blood glucose levels and his A1c on his social media sites for years. His choice. He was recently asked to talk about a "low" blood sugar. The conversation was interesting. The parties remained civil and committed to a real and frank discussion. In fact....great information was exchanged and several other people who live with diabetes chimed in. It was refreshing to see how differently we really all see this disease.
The blood glucose reading in question? 31. Thoughts? Ya. The collective *gasp* was enough. Is that a bad number? We'd love to hear your thoughts on this.
At the end of the discussion, they actually THANKED each other.
Why are we so divided about talking about it? And is there no benefit?
What if that discussion fostering growth and promoting friendship between a varied group of people affected by diabetes instead caused harm? What if it encouraged disparaging comments and yielded a fall out of people feeling disheartened if the numbers they are told are "good" aren't yet on their horizons? How can we support and learn if we are silent? Is the silence about those "target" numbers the answer?
Difficult to navigate this disease. It's hard not to want to sing a "favorable" A1c on the highest mountain. No one is really singing about a 12. Or....should we? Why can't we embrace the spectrum of challenges we are all facing without judgement?
Recently, I had the pleasure of enjoying a dinner out. The dressing on my salad boasted "light"! Great.
The serving actually had 22 grams of fat. I'd hate to see what they called "regular". What works for some, certainly doesn't for others. This was their definition of "good". I am no nutritionist....but that seemed off the mark. Down right "bad".
My knee-jerk reaction was to become indignant and send it back....what self proclaimed health food restaurant serves this nonsense? The gentleman beside me, took two and didn't even look at the label. *sigh. Bigger fish to fry there, eh?
Should we have a disclaimer? My feelings are __________ about your diabetes or should we just stop individualizing it and unite to fight?
