Living Singly and Working from Home with T2D

Not long after the pandemic began, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. High-stress levels in recent years, including being forced to work from home without adequate workspace or technology and stress eating every type of Oreo imaginable, definitely did not help.

T2D and working from home

Around the time I was diagnosed, I quit my job at the beginning of the pandemic and decided to fully transition to working from home.

I wanted to live my dream, not orchestrate the dreams of others. Still, I quit my job without a plan or other work options in place.

Being diagnosed at that time, though, actually allowed me to adjust and cope with the new diagnosis. It allowed me to figure things out without the added stress of a work schedule that was set for me, not by me.

Making new routines for diabetes and working

As I got the hang of things, I started making routines that included eating at regular intervals, drinking lots of water, and moving my body every 60-90 minutes - even if all I could do was a couple of laps around my apartment and stretches. My transition into being a person with diabetes was far from easy - and it still hasn't been easy.

Like everyone, I have good and bad days. However, here are a few things that help me manage single life while working from home.

Getting adequate protein in each meal

Protein is key! I have protein with every meal and snack. For me, as a diabetic and someone who had bariatric surgery, protein is critical to my daily nutrition. Regardless of what I have and when I do my best to ensure at least half of what I have is high in protein.

Limiting foods that spike my glucose

This takes some trial and error, but I've found that my body reacts less favorably to carb-heavy dishes and large amounts of fruit. If I have them, I try to eat them earlier in the day so that my body can metabolize them before I go to bed in the evening. It may not be the best method for everyone, but it has worked for me, and my bariatric dietitian agrees.

Keeping certain foods out of my pantry

I do not even purchase the foods that spike my blood sugar. When I was younger, I did alcohol prevention education with humans from 0-100. One thing we discussed with children was the concept not keeping alcohol accessible.

The analogy was the use of gum. We orchestrated an elaborate yet random activity that made every single child in the group literally and figuratively drool. We would ask, "What's gum meant for?" All the kids would respond, "Chewing!" That is precisely the point!

There are certain types of foods that I have no willpower. I know this! I do not even purchase them since I know this! Therefore, these foods do not come into my home. If I have them on occasion at an event, I have a small serving, and I do not accept leftovers when I leave. Out of sight and mind.

Investing in home exercise equipment

I've invested in a few home exercise aids or equipment that I actually use! I am not always able to get out to exercise. This is especially true in the winter when I experience much more pain on a regular basis.

Therefore, for me, home exercise is necessary. I still have videos I purchased in my 20s that I modify and use as I can, along with apps and online videos. I also have a couple of sets of hand weights, a weighted exercise hoop, and an under-the-desk elliptical machine.

Taking regular activity breaks

I regularly take breaks to use these things, even if it is only for a few minutes after I get up to go to the bathroom. I will walk laps around my apartment and even go into the hall to walk the stairs a few times. I also will get up and stretch regularly.

I love the under-the-desk elliptical because I can use that while I'm in virtual meetings. I also invested in high-quality trekking sticks for the days when I'm able and up for a walk. Not only do they help me maneuver (I have neuropathy), but they also help me get an arm workout at the same time.

Staying on track with my diabetes

Everyone is a little different, and I know that some of these things may not be possible for everyone, especially when other humans are in your household, but these things help me stay on track and take better care of myself. Maybe they'll help you too!