🌍World Diabetes Day comes around each year as a reminder of something I, like many others, live with daily. My own story with diabetes began on what was supposed to be a relaxed afternoon.

Earlier that day, I’d been at the local archery club, enjoying some target practice—my idea of a good unwind. As the day went on, I hopped back in the car, thinking I’d just be heading home. But down a quiet country lane, the day took an unexpected turn. A minor collision brought emergency services to my aid, and as we waited, a paramedic casually checked my vitals. When she looked at me and asked, “Are you diabetic?” my first reaction was, “No, don’t think so.” But with a reading over 19 mmol/L, the numbers told a different story. The paramedic didn’t mince her words: “You’d better see your doctor pretty damn quick.” It was a wake-up call that made me realise I’d been brushing off signs for far too long—fatigue, thirst, just everyday things I put down to work stress or life in general.

Turns out, diabetes had been creeping up on me without any dramatic fanfare. Even after using my dad’s blood sugar monitor a few times (and seeing “normal” results), I never suspected a thing. But there it was, plain as day—a new reality to manage.

Of course, adjusting to this new lifestyle wasn’t as simple as just “taking some pills.” Managing diabetes turned out to be an exercise in patience, something I don’t always have in spades. The early days were spent in a balancing act with my diabetic nurse, adjusting medications and dealing with my blood pressure and cholesterol along the way. It took time to get the dosing right. But once I settled into the routine, I turned to something familiar to keep me on track: food. With 30 years in the catering industry, I was already no stranger to creative substitutions. Going keto and low-carb was a bit like stepping into a new culinary challenge—experimenting with recipes, swapping ingredients, learning which flavours still worked. I’d often find myself combing through online recipes, tweaking them, and finding clever ways to make low-carb meals that didn’t taste like cardboard. My background made it easier, but I know not everyone’s as comfortable diving into dietary changes.

Life didn’t exactly slow down to let me adapt, either. Since my mother passed in July 2023 and my son was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia) on what would have been her 80th birthday this year, it’s been a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities, one curveball after another. It’s funny how life doesn’t seem to wait, even when you’re already juggling a lot. If anything, it’s made me reflect on just how important it is to make time for self-care, though actually putting that reflection into practice is another matter entirely. I’ll admit—balance isn’t something I’ve nailed down just yet, but these experiences have reminded me of its importance.

There’s a quote from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off that sticks with me: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” I think it’s a message that resonates whether you’re managing diabetes, a business, or just trying to keep pace with life’s unexpected twists. Sometimes, you have to stop, not just to look around but to look at yourself, ask the hard questions, and actually listen. Am I really OK? Physically, mentally, emotionally? Often, the signs are there, hiding in plain sight, if we just give ourselves a moment to notice. And if you realise you’re not okay, reach out. There’s no shame in asking for help, whether it’s from a doctor, a friend, or a business advisor. In my experience, needing help is a strength, not a weakness.

Keeping on top of my health has become a bit of a daily ritual. I set reminders on my phone, keep my medication in plain sight, and make a point to follow my routines. It might sound small, but these routines give me the consistency I need—something every business owner could use, to be honest. Just like monitoring my blood sugar or making time for a balanced meal, keeping a close eye on cash flow or setting up regular check-ins can keep a business (and my health) from veering off course. In both cases, it’s the little things that add up to make a big difference.

As we approach World Diabetes Day, my hope is that anyone who reads this takes a moment to reflect. Whether you’re living with diabetes, navigating business, or just facing life’s ups and downs, it’s worth taking a breath, checking in with yourself, and making sure you’re really okay. Life, after all, doesn’t exactly wait for you to catch up. So if something feels off—whether it’s your health, your finances, or just that niggling feeling in the back of your mind—take it seriously. And if you need support, reach out. Sometimes, that small step is the hardest part, but it’s also the most important one.