Geocaching and diabetes

Geocaching and diabetes
 
 
Well geocaching is something that I have just started doing and learning about but it is already obvious to me that this could be a good thing for diabetics to get involved in. I was diagnosed by diabetes three years ago and have learned a lot about controlling my numbers over those years. The do’s and don’ts of diabetes is a fairly extensive list that can be overwhelming if you let it become that. A big thing with diabetes is trying to get your body to use the insulin better and more efficient. This is true rather it is injected insulin or pills or even your bodies own insulin. Make it work better and your numbers will be better. Also it is likely you will have to take less medicine as well. For example, months ago I was taking 4 shots of insulin a day but now I take none. I lost weight and exercise everyday. My numbers now are better than the average person but diabetes lurks and waits in the wings for me to let up and let it get back in control. Losing just 10% of your body weight can have a big impact on how you feel and your numbers. Exercise can be an overwhelming thought as we often think of long strenuous exercise that we just know we can’t do. Truth is that maybe you can’t right now but you do not need to do so now. Start by doing anything to get the blood flowing and the heart pumping. It will help increase your metabolism for sure. So how does geocaching play into this process? It can get you moving and getting exercise while you are doing something fun. You will be moving and chasing down clues without knowing all the exercise you are getting because of all the fun. There are certainly some things to do before you jump into caching. For example check with your doctor and make sure it is okay with them. For some caches you will walk hills or other things that are more strenuous than walking on flat ground. So just make sure you get the okay first. You can also choose the caches based on what you are willing to do as most have decent descriptions so you know if you are going to be expecting a large climb or rugged terrain. Being diabetic you should always keep a care pack with you. A bottle of juice plus maybe some glucose tabs. Take your meter with you and things you may need to manage your sugar if it drops during your exercise.

It really is fun and if you have questions let me know and if I do not know the answer I will do my best to point in the direction to find it.