Hey, I’m Conley Ingram, and I want to give you a warm welcome to my corner of the internet TheEasyWaytoManageDiabetes.com. Here’s a little snapshot of why I’m here talking to you. I’ve been living with Type 1 Diabetes for over four decades – that’s 45 years, all without a single diabetic complication. My current A1C is at 6.4, which is pretty awesome considering the medical community wants A1C’s under 7.
In case you’re new to the diabetes arena and wondering what A1C is, it’s like a three-month report card of your average blood sugar level. Staying on top of this number is key to managing diabetes effectively. .
I’ve been side by side with my incredible wife for 36 years, and together we’ve raised two amazing grown adults. We’re also proud pet parents to a couple of Chocolate English labs that fill our home with love and a fair bit of dog hair. They’re part of the reason I get up and move every day, whether I feel like it or not. Because that’s what living with diabetes is about: making adjustments, finding joy, and keeping on track no matter what life throws your way.
My goal with this website is to share my life with diabetes. I want to help you, as a person living with diabetes or as someone who cares for a diabetic. I hope you find value in the words I’ve shared and that the information and stories resonate with you. Remember, though, I’m no doctor. Everything I offer comes from hands-on experience – a life lived boldly, managing Type 1 Diabetes while savoring the sweet spots and steering clear of the lows.
My Diabetes Management Philosophy
I’m going to give you a peek into my personal playbook for diabetes management. My story isn’t just about maintaining a good A1C; it’s also about living life without letting diabetes call all the shots. For me, finding that sweet spot—pun intended—where management meets real life has been key. My A1C hovers around 6.4, sometimes a tad higher, sometimes a bit lower. As I said earlier, the medical consensus is to keep it under 7, and I’ve found some strategies to do just that while not feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re curious about day-to-day diabetes management, you’re going to find out about tested methods that have worked for me. I believe in no-nonsense approaches that you can incorporate into your routine without turning your life upside down. This means understanding your body’s signals, making smart food choices without depriving yourself, and knowing when to seek medical advice.
This isn’t just about restrictive diets or merciless workout regimens; it’s about making choices that resonate with you and your lifestyle. I have learned to balance practicality with the need for good diabetes care, which means sometimes I have to be okay with ‘good enough’ instead of perfect. And that’s a liberating realization.
Speaking of balance, losing weight with the Dash Diet, while keeping my blood glucose levels in check has been a thrilling tightrope walk. So far, I have lost 21 pounds, and I have 15 more pounds to go. I’ve found some handy tricks and lifestyle changes that help me stay on track without feeling like I’m sacrificing everything I enjoy. It’s about the long game—adapting smart habits that stick because they are not only effective but also doable.
More Than Diabetes: Life, Love, and Labradors
Life with diabetes hasn’t just been about managing my health; it’s been a full journey complete with love, family, and, yes, a couple of playful Chocolate English labs. I’ve been married for 36 years, and together with my wife, we’ve navigated the ups and downs that come with a chronic condition like diabetes.
My children have now grown up and live their own lives, but they’ve been part of this adventure, learning and adapting alongside me. Family has been my backbone, providing support and motivation to manage my diabetes effectively.
Speaking of support, let’s talk about my labs. They are more than pets; they’re part of the family and provide endless joy and companionship. They may not know much about blood glucose levels, but their presence is a gentle reminder to appreciate the simple moments in life.
Every piece of advice, every strategy I share with you, is born out of real-life experience. For 45 years, I’ve lived with diabetes, and I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge and understanding. I’m not a doctor, but I am someone who has walked this path daily, found what works, and now, I’m here to share it with you through TheEasyWaytoManageDiabetes.com.
So, choose something that resonates with you from what I’ve shared. Adjust your approach, take it one day at a time, and remember that your journey with diabetes is unique to you. I really hope that the insights and stories you find here help simplify your diabetes management and improve your quality of life.