I’m a 42-year-old mom with T2, diagnosed in January, currently trying to get under control with diet and exercise.
Generally speaking, my absolute favorite thing to do is to go on road trips with my family. It is not unusual for us to be on the road for weeks at a time in the summer. I know this summer for sure there will be a couple 12-16 hour days in the minivan. Obviously, the food issue is one thing - I can pack hard-boiled eggs, veggies, nuts, and cheese for days, and cobble together salads and such from meals out and grocery stops. But I’m worried about the complete lack of activity. I mean, we stop every couple of hours to run around - and we literally run around at rest stops - but sitting on my booty for hours is pretty much exactly what I am not supposed to be doing, right?
What should my plan be? I have until July to figure it out - I’m just a nervous nelly about this whole condition of mine and if I will ever feel comfortable traveling again.
One thing I realized as a delivery driver testing is easier sitting. Like in a car. Just bring your testing supplies, but also pick up good food instead of convenience store food.
One thing to remember: managing diabetes is not a sprint - it’s a marathon (as @David_dns loves to say). It’s OK to take some time to enjoy a trip and deviate from your otherwise “good” and “healthy” routine – that won’t set you back terribly. So long as it’s the exception, not the rule. Sure, vacations of any kind are tough with diabetes, but if you go off your food and exercise routine for a few days - or weeks - you’ll BE OK - so long as you get back to it when you return.
Worry less - stress is not healthy for you or anyone else!
Great advice from everyone on this thread. To add, exercise doesn’t have to mean a gym membership or some extreme workout program like P90X, or whatever the latest fad might be, you can also realize meaningful benefits just by walking. And as Thas mentioned, missing some opportunities to exercise while traveling is fine, you’ll have plenty of time when you’re back home. And lastly, if weight loss is one of your objectives, what you eat (not necessarily how much) plays a much more important role than how or if you choose to exercise.
