Hey there!
How many pills do you take every day? I’m asking out of curiosity... Not because there is a specific number of medication you should be taking!
Obviously the question in the title is a trick question 😉 I just wanted you to read this! And it worked, woohoo!! 🙌😜
As you know, I’m a pharmacist… which means that when I’m at work, it’s not that uncommon for me to see a patient file that contains 10 or more regular medications. Sometimes 15+ medications. And sometimes 20+ medications. 😳
Here’s an example:
If you’ve never seen this kind of medication packaging before, this is called a dispill. It's a calendar-style blister card that divides a person’s medication into convenient “Breakfast”, “Lunch”, “Dinner” and “Bedtime” packs, for 7 days. In other words, it helps you take the right meds, at the right time.
So if you look at that picture again, you’ll realize what this means: it means that one person takes ALL these pills in just 7 days. Yup, that’s A LOT!
I’m not saying this is bad. I’m not saying you shouldn’t be taking this many pills. And I’m certainly not judging anyone here. But... a picture is worth a thousand words, and I wanted to make you think about this:
👉 If you were given two treatment options and you were told that whichever option you choose, you would never have to manage your blood sugar or worry about your diabetes ever again. Which option would you choose?
Option #1. Taking 20 pills a day, every day, for the rest of your life.
Option #2. Taking 20 minutes a day, every day, to _____ (insert healthy behaviour, like exercising / prepping your meals / sleeping more / etc.)
Obviously, this isn’t realistic!
In real life, option #1 doesn’t really exist. Even if it did, it wouldn’t be without multiple side effects. And let’s not forget that taking medication doesn’t make your Type 2 diabetes go away. You still have to learn to manage your blood sugar levels to avoid long-term complications.
As for option #2, it’s a bit of a generalization. It’s a great way to start improving your health and managing your blood sugar levels, but it remains a lifelong journey that requires lifestyle and behaviour change. The good news is this journey is VERY rewarding and doesn’t involve taking as many medications as option 1.
So which option would YOU choose?
If you choose option 1, well… you can stop reading what I share! You probably won’t like anything I will ever share here 🤦🏻♀️
If you choose option 2, then you can start right away!
How will you take care of your health for 20 minutes every day? Will you go for a walk? Will you cook a simple healthy dinner instead of ordering take out? Will you go to bed earlier? Meditate?
Whatever it is, don’t forget that it can also be 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening. Or 5 minutes multiple times a day. It doesn't have to be complicated.
The problem is that in real life, most people are never really aware of the possibility of choosing option #2 when they are first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Or they aren't really given any help to stick with that option.
That's exactly why I'm here! So if you need help getting started with option #2, you can begin by joining our *free* online course: 👉 Outsmarting Type 2 diabetes
Reach out if you have any questions!
Much love, 💙 Sara