Things I’m NOT doing this summer
One thing I’m not doing this summer is driving my car. When average gas prices were hovering around $3.25/gallon back in late May, I decided to start commuting by bicycle.
My commute by bicycle takes about 30 minutes and is 6-7 miles each way. During rush hour, the same commute by car was taking me about 20 minutes, so it didn’t seem like a huge sacrifice.
One unexpected benefit of commuting by bicycle is my latest HbA1C test result. I went to visit the doctor earlier this week. It was just a quarterly visit with the diabetes educator. I’m still awaiting results from the blood chemistry tests, but I am pleased to report that my latest HbA1C came in at 5.5%. Very nice! Usually, during the summer months, my HbA1C’s run in the high 5% range. Even though it’s only 6-7 miles each way, the commute by bicycle is an extra hour of exercise each day and every bit helps towards better control, I think.
First, congratulations on your A1C results! I think your efforts are commendable, but in my situation it wouldn’t be very practical. I live about 20 miles from my job and the roads are rather dangerous in places. I drive winding (and poorly maintained) country roads and many folks out here speed madly around blind curves which could prove hazardous to cyclists.
However, I do park very far away from my building and walk the remainder of the way. I find it a good time to focus before beginning work, and unwind before heading home. Plus, I feel better physically and mentally and it has made a great impact on my glucose control.