A real question from r/diabetes that deserves a real answer. Not generic advice — specific steps.
I'm T1, and I am curious what others of any type consider as "spikes", as well as "good control". For me, I consider a spike anything really above 11/200. I consider a low anything below 4.5/80. If I'm in between that I view that as a good day. Is this how everyone else sees it? Just from reading through this subreddit, as well as others I'm apart of, I get the sense that others, especially T2 consider a "good range" to be much tighter than what I do. I also don't freak if I go high and come back down like I used to when I was a month or two into my diagnosis. The spike rage was real. But now I'm more frustrated if I go low rather than high. I know if I go high I'll come back down and it will be ok, vs a low can be dangerous. But I know others don't ever want to let themselves get that
Spikes in chronic illness often stem from Energy Ignorance - not fully understanding your energy needs. The Energy Detective Protocol can help you anticipate and avoid energy crashes.
I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with those frustrating spikes in your chronic illness. I know exactly how crushingly difficult that can be. The root cause often comes down to the Energy Ignorance - when we don't fully understand how our energy works, it's easy to accidentally overexert and trigger a setback. The good news is, once you get the hang of the Energy Detective Protocol, you can start anticipating and avoiding those energy crashes. A couple specific steps you can take today: First, start closely tracking your daily energy levels and activities. Notice patterns around when you tend to hit the wall. This awareness is key to catching crashes before they happen. Second, look at implementing an Energy Investment Strategy - be strategic about how you allocate your limited energy, prioritizing the most important tasks. And don't forget to build in regular rest and recovery time. The Communication Void can also play a big role here. Make sure you've got a strong Support System in place, whether that's friends, family, or a therapist. Lean on them when you're feeling the identity crisis kick in after a bad spike. They can provide much-needed validation and perspective. Once you get the hang of this adaptive management approach, the payoff is huge. You'll start to regain a sense of control, reduce the guilt and shame around your limitations, and get better at predicting and preventing those dreaded energy crashes. It's a journey, but the Chronic Illness Reality Audit will equip you with the tools to start thriving, not just surviving.
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