World Diabetes Day : Striving for 'The Perfect Me'

In Gerith von Ulm's 1940 biography 'Charlie Chaplin: King of Tragedy'

'Comedy is life viewed from a distance ... Tragedy, life in a close-up.'

Televised sport looks so easy from your armchair, yet incredibly skilled when you try it for yourself.

Diabetes can be viewed much the same way.

From a distance, it may look so simple ... lose weight, control your refreshments, get some exercise ... job jobbed.

I'm not so sure the 6 million in UK with diabetes would appreciate the sentiments.

'It's not generally recognised' says Chris Askew, former CEO of Diabetes UK .... 'that diabetes is the long term health condition that puts the individual under the most pressure'.

Whichever of the many types of diabetes you are called to manage, they all have one thing in common

Calculations, decisions, and endless self education.

It's exhausting ... this on top of a day job or whatever your 'daily bread' has become.

Rachel Connor Head Of Research Partners JDRF affirms ... 'we are trying to do the job of a biological organ ... all by yourself ... with imperfect tools'

Confidence is derived from a combination of spirit and belief.

Yet, Rod Stewart's iconic song, 'Every Picture Tells a Story' reflects an all too common emotion

'Spent some time feeling inferior
Standing in front of my mirror'

Can we afford to live like that.

I went to a gig this week ... had a bite to eat beforehand ... nothing unusual, perfectly normal.

I consider how many carbs are on my plate ... figure out the associated units of insulin ... reach for my medication wallet ... grab little needle and insulin pen ... screw it on and calibrate the dose ... grab a handful of midriff and in it goes. Bon appetit.

I have no qualms about doing this kind of thing in public places ... no hiding away in shop doorways or toilets to apply medication. If you need water for tablets, ask the waiter. Be fearless not ashamed.

I enjoyed the concert just like everyone else ... though, with my phone on silent, I was checking how my sugars were going.

Like Aerosmith sang, I don't want to get caught 'living it up when I'm going down'. Any signs of hypo trouble, I was prepared for that eventuality.

It's important those who go out with you know what you are living with, and the kind of situations you face ... all in pursuit of having a good time together.

Preparation is 9/10 of success ... the rest is down to 'lady luck'. You can also create your own good fortune.

There's is plenty we can do to self manage our diabetes to get the best out of every day.

May we spend some time in front of our mirrors, feeling satisfied to launch into another day.

On World Diabetes Day let's grab life by the scruff of the neck and show ourselves we are up to the task of living our diabetes with confidence and vitality.