In May 2015, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. As a result, in consultation with my GP, I manage my diabetes using a Diabetes Management Plan.

Until about 18 months ago, I was able to manage my diabetes through diet and exercise. At that time, my GP became concerned about blood sugar levels and prescribed one tablet a day of Metformin.

At the time I engaged Rebecca Greco, a Diabetes Educator and Nutritionist, as my Diabetes Management Coach to look at ways to better manage my diabetes.

One of things Rebecca & I identified was that I needed to understand the impact my diet was having on my blood sugar levels. As a result, I began measuring and recording my blood glucose levels up to four times a day which is cross referenced with the foods I was eating.

What quickly became clear to me, was that there were foods in my diet which spiked my blood glucose level well above the acceptable level of 10mmol/L.

With this information I, in conjunction with Rebecca’s guidance, are working to improve my diet to prevent these spikes. Over the time my hope is these changes will mean the GP will no longer feel the need to prescribe Metformin.

My key lesson from this experience is that I will change when:

• there is a real & identifiable driver for me to make that change;
• I talk through the changes with my coach, who whilst providing independent advice is focussed on my well-being; and
• the change is the right thing to do for me, and not because a third party tells me the change is the right thing.

The great irony is that these are the very things I talk to my clients about as they look to undertake change to create the business + life to which the truly aspire.