You should know that diabetes sucks, but you should also know it’s not as bad as you think. You should know that each day is a chance to do better — have better numbers, make better food choices, exercise more. Each day, we get a do-over. You should know you’re not defined by diabetes, but it’s a big part of who you are. You should know it’s something to embrace, not ignore.

You should know you are special and you can make a difference to others walking in similar shoes. You can be an encourager and a fighter. You should know you are leading by example, whether you realize it. When you’re taking care of yourself and managing diabetes, you should know someone else is watching you. It may be a 6-year-old little girl who likes to ride her bicycle. It may be a mom raising an 8-year-old with diabetes. It may be a teenager struggling to understand and fit in. You should know you have the power to make a positive impact on their lives.

You should know you are strong and you are tough. You can do anything and be anything. Diabetes is invisible. It needs to be monitored, but there is no reason to treat it other than the invisible illness it is. Don’t give it too much credit or too much blame. Don’t use it as an excuse. You should know there are worse things, and you should know this is just a blip on the radar of your life. It seems bigger, but it’s not.

You should know diabetes doesn’t have to stop you from anything, and it doesn’t have to hold you back. Diabetes plays the role you want it to play, so you should know to give it respect, but not let it run the show. You should know how amazing you are and how wonderful your life is. You should know God has a great big plan, and you fit into it perfectly — diabetes and all.

You should know if I can do this, you can do this! And you should know I love you, I am praying for you and I will always be here to encourage you!

Lifelong friends ... because of diabetes.

My first recipe is for a delicious vegetable side. If you’re like my local friends, you’re going to say “Oh that’s so gross.” But I encourage you to try it anyway because I said the same thing, then I tried them. And I love them! I mean love. The other day, I didn’t have any in my fridge, so I went to the store just to get them because I was craving them. That’s right, craving! What am I talking about? Well, none other than… Brussels sprouts.

roasted zucchini and asparagus

I promise, I’m not telling a lie. Just try them! Take the sprouts and cut the ends off. Some of the leaves will fall off, but save them. Throw the sprouts and the loose leaves in a bag. Add some olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic (or garlic salt), salt (Big, flaky sea salt is the best) and pepper. Toss it in the bag, then spread out on a pan. Bake in the oven 15-20 minutes at about 400 degrees. Be sure to lay the extra leaves on top of the Brussels sprouts or they will burn. I promise, this is so delicious! Just try it, I swear! In the photo above, I did the same mixture with the asparagus.

My second recipe is for something you might be more willing to try… gluten-free pancakes.

This recipe was far more complicated and expensive. I found the recipe on Gluten-free Goddess. You can read the full recipe here. The ingredients include brown rice flour, buckwheat flour, almond flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, salt, xanthan gum, soy (or almond) milk, water, eggs, coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract and almond extract. Since changing my diet, I decreased my dining out budget and increased my grocery budget. Good thing considering what this stuff costs. But they sure were delicious and tasted like real pancakes.

So for all of you who try these recipes (especially the Brussels sprouts), please let me know what you think. You’ll be so happy you did!

OK, OK… once you stop laughing, I’ll continue with actual post on what I need to improve on… it might be a long post.

In the past four years, I’ve taken control of my diabetes (oxymoron anyone?) I started caring about my numbers and about my A1c. I got over my selfish issues with the insulin pump and started wearing it again. I also added a Dexcom CGM to the mix. I started cycling, and most recently, I’ve made significant changes in my eating habits. All of this simply because I wanted to have tighter control.

Believe it or not, this was a candid shot.

But even with the changes, I still have so many areas in much need of improvement.

• I need to resist the temptations of food, learning how to eat only when I’m hungry and not when I’m bored.
• I need to quit getting mad at myself if I don’t have a no-hitter everyday.
• I need to recognize that my blood sugar has to be higher to ride my bike, and that it’s OK to be 200.
• I have to quit beating myself up when my A1c isn’t what I think it should be.
• I also need to lose the guilt.
• I need to quit judging others on their A1c readings and how they take care of their diabetes. I work really hard to recognize each person has different needs and wants. What works for one may not work for another.
• It’s OK if I slip up occasionally, as long as it’s not a regular thing.
• I need to actually program my carbs into my pump instead of doing a manual bolus.
• I need to reach out and help more teens in my area. I don’t want them to have tough years like I had in college — all of which were my own fault.
• I need to encourage others, especially within the DOC.
• I need to finally record a You Can Do This video. (I’m lucky Kim loves me and lets me keep slacking).
• I need to accept myself just as I am and recognize I’m fearfully and wonderfully made.

Cycling is the greatest thing I’ve done for my diabetes because it made me pay attention to my body and how it works on so many levels. I’m not necessarily thinner, but I’m leaner and stronger than I have ever been. It also made me pay attention to what goes into my body. For years, I’ve struggled with food. Once I got into cycling, I began to look at food differently. It became fuel and it became a necessity.

As I slowly began to realize my thoughts on food were changing, it was easier to eat better. I’ve since changed my diet to follow a Paleo-ish plan. I eat lots of meat and vegetables. I treat lows mostly with fruit, and I’ve cut gluten almost entirely from my diet. I still have days where I struggle with food, but I never struggle on ride days. On those days, I eat to ride.

Since making these changes through diet and cycling, my blood sugars have dropped dramatically. I don’t have major spikes or massive lows. I feel better overall — healthier. The changes happened for several different reasons, but none of it would’ve happened had I not started cycling.

When I decided to sign up for the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes in Death Valley, Calif., this year, I thought I was crazy. As October draws closer, I feel less crazy. I feel empowered and in control. I can do this, and it feels good to realize that. So when you ask me what the one great thing about diabetes is, it’s cycling. One form of exercise changed my life completely.

And if you read yesterday’s post, you know I’m horrible at making decisions, so I’m adding a second “one great thing” to today’s post. The absolute best, most amazing, wonderful thing about having diabetes is YOU! You, my readers. You, my friends. You, my family. You, my fellow people with the dia-beet-us. I couldn’t do this without you, and I certainly wouldn’t want to either. (Actually, I did do without you for many years and it sucked. But now you’re here, and it sucks way less)!

The kids with diabetes are my inspiration, and the elders with diabetes (elders as in the number of years they’ve had it and not a direct correlation to age) are my mentors. Thank you for being there, and thank you for being open and honest. I love you like a diabetic loves unicorns. (And yes, our inside jokes are one of my very favorite things). #itmakessenseifyouhavediabetes

• Sara from Moments of Wonderful I have met this peach of a girl more than once. Our first meeting was in Kansas City for the infamous Simonpalooza. Based on some random tweeting and such, I didn’t expect to like her very much. In fact, I thought she hated me, and I thought she’d be mean. Turns out, I was incredibly judgmental and unfair. (And I’m super glad I was). Sara has become one of my closest online confidants, and I adore her completely. She’s funny and witty and understands my sense of humor. She’s not afraid to have a tough conversation and doesn’t back down from something she believes in. We both have a strong faith in God and are close to our families. I’m so thankful my original notions about Sara were wrong! Just to prove how much I enjoy her, watch the video. Only true-friend-love would make a person sing this song all day long.

• Jeff from Dispatches I love this guy! I also met Jeff in Kansas City, along with his lovely wife. Jeff has been such an instrumental part of my diabetes life lately as he’s been my sideline (or Internet sideline) coach for a few months now. Jeff is a type 1 athlete and a darn good one, too. He’s always there to encourage me and cheer me on. He answers all my questions and offers advice as I continue to train for my century. I’m excited about riding in October for lots of reasons, but one of them is being able to see this guy again! Go check out his blog, and you’ll see what I’m talking about!
• Babs at Babs’ Blog Babs is a tremendous inspiration. She beats diabetes on a daily basis and she just beat breast cancer, too! I first met Babs in a hospital room in Kansas, but that random meeting turned into an admiration in a matter of hours. I love following Babs’ blog for so many reason. She, too, has tremendous faith in God which brings me comfort and peace. Not only does she share her life with diabetes and cancer, but she’s making some changes in her life and around her home to make herself safer and to help her family in the long run. I love reading her posts and learning from her. Babs is what this community is all about — leaning on one another for support and love in times of rough current. I feel blessed even knowing this jewel of a woman!
• Chris at A Consequence of Hypoglycemia Chris is the only person in this bullet list I haven’t met. We’ve come close a few times, but it just hasn’t worked out. That’s OK though, we’ll meet eventually. Chris lives in D.C. with the lovely Dayle who is from Huntsville. I’ve missed the two when I’ve been in Washington, and I’ve missed them when they’ve been here. Chris has a great blog and podcast which keeps me both informed and in stitches on a daily basis. I love his blog because it often brings a smile to my face. Go read and see for your yourself! Be prepared for the giggles though.
• Kimberly at Andrew’s Story Kimberly is a wonderful asset to the DOC, although she’s a quiet one. She doesn’t blog regularly, but she shares the story of her son Andrew and his journey with type 1 diabetes. Kimberly lives in my local community which is how I met her. Her oldest daughter was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes too, but so far, isn’t on any insulin. Kimberly is a tremendous source of strength as she manages life with two type 1 diabetic children. She’s not on Twitter, but she has made appearances at Friends for Life, so keep a lookout. I promise, she’s definitely worth friending!