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Sometimes life can get so overwhelming that it seems even the smallest diabetes self-care tasks are impossible. At these times, we’re advised to step back and set small achievable goals to get us through.

For me, that generally translates to doing a bare minimum of BGL checks a day – but enough to make me feel that I am at least doing something, such as ensuring my pump reservoir is always full and I am bolusing for the carbs I eat. It may not be my usual (or preferred) level of care, but it’s achievable for me.

Coming up for air

But what about the times when everything is plodding along at a reasonable pace; when there’s nothing too stressful going on and diabetes is behaving itself as much as it possibly ever will? For me, when things are going well that I probably need to stop and assess because I have the emotional capacity to evaluate how things are, look at what needs rejigging and up the ante on the things that need work. Hopefully, doing it now will even minimise those periods when I feel I can’t manage to do anything.

The benefits of getting away

I returned recently from a couple of weeks overseas feeling refreshed and energised. The diabetes conference I attended was fabulous where I met new people and reconnected with old friends who remind me of the wonderful global community of which I am a part.

And there was sun. Walking around in short sleeves and bare legs, and feeling the sunshine soak in did amazing things for the soul! Energy and vitamin D stores built up and I felt that I could face the world.

I know that when things are going well we don’t necessarily want to think about the ‘what ifs’ or the down times. But it really is the time to think about how we can manage those times when we’re not feeling so refreshed, open to ideas and able to cope.

So, with my stores stocked and my energy levels high, I’m making plans for the unknown. With a busy couple of months ahead it makes sense to try to get some strategies in place in case I start to feel overwhelmed. And hopefully good preparation will be the key if (and when) things do get back to their usual busy, frantic selves.

Renza Scibilia has lived with type 1 diabetes since 1998, and has used an insulin pump since 2001.

This article was originally published in Conquest magazine published by Health Publishing Australia