As we approach the month of November and enter into Diabetes Action month, I felt it was only fitting to engage in the theme for the month. This action month is to bring about a greater awareness of diabetes in New Zealand and the theme is a commitment to movement. 1 million minutes is the collective goal for the month. So if your feeling a little bit inspired to let go of your winter coat than go ahead and join in the fun. Of course I am bias, having diabetes but I do appreciate and value the work that Diabetes New Zealand and these initiatives are doing to create a growing awareness of Diabetes all around. So whether you run, walk, bike, dance or do Yoga – feel free to get inspired by supporting the increasing number of diabetics in New Zealand.
Find out more – ONE MILLION MINUTES
What’s my move?
As a child I always wanted to fit in. My first role model in life was my older brother. As a ‘relatively’ normal kid in comparison to their diabetic younger sibling, I envied most things they did. We grew up in a very games orientated and sporty type family and explored most things. In intermediate I tried every sport available. There was a competition of how many badges you could get on your jumpers back than and well it gave us a healthy desire to keep trying new things out.
My loves from a young age were quite general – any ball or racquet sport and my biggest love was anything related to the water. Throughout life I continued playing a variation of things but took Water polo to a competitive level and was fortunate to be able to travel around the world with it. After a decade of dedication to the high performance arena, in my early 20s I decided to stop and put a greater emphasis on my diabetes. I really struggled over the years with the complexities of diabetes management that went along with competitive sport and for the most part diabetes took a back seat. I coped. But it was for sure compromising.
After many years of competitive sport and training at those levels, when you stop it becomes quite a life adjustment. I have to admit despite being a personal trainer I very rarely will ever step into a gym environment. I have a zero tolerance for chlorine these days (arguably never really did) and I have leaned more and more into things at a social enjoyable and nature space level. I love hikes, occasionally running or at least the idea of it, cycling, ocean swims, paddling (kayak/waka or paddleboard), volleyball, paddleball (only recently learned it), table tennis and just our good old beach walks. I aspire to get into some of those amazing adventure races but it will take a moment to re-establish those kinds of fitness levels and with every new thing, takes a whole orientation of discovery with diabetes so I have to take my time around it. I also love Yoga, qi gong and gym exercises that can be taken outside.
So what’s my move next month?
I’m sure it will be mostly filled with regular walks – fun fact for you all (diabetics & general)- if you go for exercise for 15 minutes within a 30 minute window of consuming a meal, it curbs the sugar levels so it doesn’t peak so high in it’s digestion. So YES I will be moving and joining in the fun Diabetes Action month awareness campaign and I hope you do too.
