Researchers estimate that people living with diabetes make 180 more daily health-related decisions than those without diabetes. That's one additional decision every five minutes of waking time.
Given there are 42 recognised factors that are known to affect blood glucose levels for people living with diabetes - everything from hot weather to incidental exercise like rushing to catch the tram or bus - it's little wonder there is so much decision fatigue.
The body is like an orchestra. It's a complex system that works harmoniously for most, but when you have diabetes, some of the body's instruments are out of sync or out of tune. For those living with diabetes, frequent and sometimes tough decisions must be made to re-tune the system because blood glucose levels are influenced by so many factors.
While there isn't one magic pill you can take, a static medication schedule to follow, or device you can connect to in order to remove all of those decisions, there are a number of simple things you can do that may help to reduce your daily decision-making load.
DEVELOP LIFE CHECKLISTS AND PLANS
Pre-planning for certain situations can help to reduce daily decisions. Developing what I like to call life checklists or plans for recurring or surprise situations is a good way to reduce the burden. This requires putting in a bit of work early, not while you're in the middle of a situation.
CHECKLISTS WORTH CONSIDERING ARE:
► SICK-DAY PLANS: illness can have a huge impact on your blood sugars. Include in the plan which medications are ok to take, how frequently you should measure blood glucose and ketone levels, how to keep hydrated, how to adjust dosages, and when you should call your doctor.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A whole new world
Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult can be a challenging and confusing time. In this extract from the JDRF's new book, Straight to the Point, they explain what's going on and what to say to people who make uninformed comments about your condition
5 Days 5 Dinners
Weeknights are sorted with these fresh, flavoursome mains, packed with veg!
Fantastic Feta
This soft, white cheese with Greek origins is versatile and packs a flavour punch, with only a small amount needed to jazz up a dish
My story: "I'm proud of the fact that I've gotten hold of my health"
When Natalie Rixon, now 33, discovered she had prediabetes soon after she'd turned 20, it was a shock and a relief all rolled into one. What she did next changed her future.
INTERPRETING YOUR cgm DATA
A continuous glucose monitor is a wonderful source of information but do you really know what you're looking at?
7 NEED-TO-KNOW FACTS ABOUT...diabetes & kidney disease
Diabetes is the most common cause of Chronic Kidney Disease. Learn more about this condition and how to protect yourself from developing it.
GET OFF THE diet ROLLERCOASTER
Dietitian Lyndi Cohen wants you to take a deep breath and think about your weight, and health, in a whole new way.
WHAT IS Wegovy?
Meet Wegovy, the new once-weekly weightloss injection that research shows helps people lose significantly more body weight than those using diet and exercise alone.
MEDICATION & CONSUMABLES
Insulin is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
DOLLARS AND DIABETES
When you have type 1 diabetes, it's important to see a variety of health professionals regularly to keep your health on track.
