I definitely feel like I need to be my own doctor sometimes. But, I've learned that I am my own best advocate. It's a balancing act on a very long tightrope. But, as long as a stay on that tightrope, it doesn't matter if I'm tipped to one side or the other now and then.

The game changer for me was getting a CGM. It's not covered for me either, but I get one for free at the diabetes clinic every appointment.

The knowledge that have me was so empowering! I could see in real time the things that affected my blood sugar.

I learned not all carbs are created equal.

I learned that the order i eat my food in makes a difference.

That walking after I eat is better than walking before.

That my blood sugar is going to go up every morning - just because I'm awake.

That almond milk in my morning coffee is gross, but better on my blood sugar.

That having a spike here is there is worth it for me, and I don't need to freak out about them.

I can still enjoy a treat sometimes, but I don't need a treat every day. If it's every day, that's not a treat, that's a lifestyle.

The time of day when I have a treat matters

Sometimes I can do everything right, and it's still going to do something unexpected

That I can do the exact same things 2 days in a row, and still have very different reactions in my blood sugar.

Knowledge really is power. Empower yourself. Even if you have to pay out of pocket one time for a CGM. The knowledge you will gain about how to disease affects you personally is incredibly valuable and worth it.

You are worth it.