The theory I’m operating on is that seeing and feeling this thing on my wrist every day will provide the external motivation I need to take my health more seriously. I’m not going to run a marathon tomorrow, but I’m hoping this will be a sufficient reminder that I need to get off the couch more.

Ironically, I should already be in tune to the fact that a healthy lifestyle requires more than simply acknowledging that exercise is good. I wear a Dexcom sensor on my arm for weeks on end. I take insulin injections for meals and basal coverage. I’m testing my blood glucose by poking my fingers all the time. Diabetes is an ever-present reminder that being healthy requires active participation and constant engagement. There are no days off with diabetes.

Among my problems right now is the fact that there has not been a documented detriment to my A1c. I want to believe that if things got out of hand with that one number, I’d find a way to turn the page and get back on the path to a better me. But I don’t want to wait for things to get that bad. This is my attempt find my way before I reach an ultimatum.

I hope this works.