Earlier in the year, I found out I had diabetes.

No worries, I thought – do what the doctor says, eat better and stay away from sweets.

But reading all the materials available on the disease proved to be nothing but confusing. Do this, don’t do that, and then the other way around. Here’s what’s good for you and here’s what’s not.

Still, I overcame and got my numbers way down.

But that’s not always enough.

Eating and rest are essential to managing diabetes.

I found out the hard way.

A couple of weeks ago, I was heading home from a couple of assignments in Virginia when I noticed I was feeling weird.

I hadn’t gotten a decent night’s sleep in a couple of days and because I was on the move all day, I wasn’t eating right.

When I reached my driveway to back up, I went too far into the ditch across the street and tore off the lower-most portion of my front bumper. No biggie, really. Things happen.

But it scared me. What if this had happened when I was on the Interstate or a back country road where the ditches are bigger? What if I hurt myself?

Or someone else for that matter.

The reason I bring this up is because there are thousands and thousands of boaters battling diabetes.

And who knows what could happen should one of those light-headed spells strike while operating a boat full of people.

My point is a message you can bet I’ll be more strict about. Check your blood, have snacks and drinks on hand should that feeling pop up. And don’t hesitate to throttle down and take the boat out of gear should it happen.

Be safe out there.

And thanks for listening to this old man’s plea.

To see more of my work, go to: leetolliveroutdoors.com