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Advice Needed

D

Dazzie

Member
Messages
7
Hi,

I have been type 1 since 2009 and have found life challenging but able to manage almost anything thrown my way.
I am an executive chef over four restaurants managing 100 staff and also doing my share of the work.
My job is my life but recently my stress levels have become extremely high and my control has gone.
Im getting readings of 18 to 20 even after doing my calculations, the DAFNE way.
My problem is should I tough it out for something I love or take another job with virtually no stress.
Less responsibility,work, and salary for a better quality of life. I know it sounds an easy choice but it is a huge change and need some advice.

Dazz
 
you have to put your health first, but it may not be your job that's stressing you. it may just seem like it. no, I can't tell you how to tell the difference.
the other thing is that BG of 20 is going to mess with your moods real bad and can make you loopy
tuppence worth of advice is to see your diabetic team for some counseling and to get your BG under control, you'll feel like a new man

if you put up all about your diet and drugs, someone may be able to shed some light
 
If your managing chefs and are one yourself why havent you tried low carb? that would bring your sugars down no end surely?

I would have thought you would have been one of the best and easiest candidates for it!
 
Google 'mindfulness'. Its all the rage I know, but apparently it really does work. You can even download an app for it. Worth a try.
 
Hi. Stress is not good but can I assume you have increased your insulin? Are you on a Basal/Bolus regime? Are you low-carbing to help get the blood sugar down and are you overweight. Sorry for so many questions, but more info will help. Yes, get a lower stress job if you can but are you enjoying your current job?
 
Hi Dazzie

I'm in a similar situation. I am taking a break from a very high stress career and trying to focus on diabetes and all the other things which I allowed to come second to my job. As you say, putting your health first seems like a no brainer. For me, I am realising that the high stress job is as much of an excuse or a symptom, than it is a cause. The real cause is not putting yourself first. What I am trying to do is really put my health first even when I am doing my high stress job. Because it might be possible to do both. And if it really isn't, then I will change jobs or even careers, because mismanaged diabetes will put me in an early grave, with a lousy quality of life on the way there.

So you work in kitchens. I bet most of your staff are forever taking smoking breaks. Cut yourself the same 5 minutes of slack that they take for granted. As executive chef you probably have an office? Take 5 minutes every couple of hours to take time out and do a blood test, or a bolus dose, or think about your food or stress or any other aspect of diabetes. No one is going to see this as deserting your post. It will not decrease your effectiveness, it will improve it, massively.

So in summary the problem might not be the job. See if you can change yourself somewhat, to prioritise your own health while still doing the job you rightly love. Give it your best shot. But if your health is still being compromised, change jobs. Running 20 mmol/L every day is going to kill you, that's got to be unacceptable.

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I have been a chef for over 25 years and found it near impossible with the shift patterns and unpredictably of the job to effectively control my diabetes. It is hard work and was not uncommon for me to work 12 hours solid with no break! About 6 years ago my health started to crumble and my boss said it was all my fault which made me realise that: a, no one was going to thank me for killing myself, b: I had the power to change my life and my boss was right! I changed my lifestyle,got a job as a chef in a residential home(I still use my skills as the home insists that I make quality food from quality ingredients) I went on a pump, bought a dog and a campervan and now have a good quality of life. I also took quite a pay cut to do this. I feel that some compromise can be reached if you think about things and put yourself first( not easy sometimes)

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