I am a recently diagnosed diabetic, and I am now insulin dependant, having spent a year on oral medication. I have mental health issues and because of this I was denied insulin treatment for a few months. That's been sorted now, I inject four times a day, and I am slowly getting back to a state of better health.

So then what has being a diabetic got to do with cycling. Its of paramount importance, that diabetics keep physically active, my weapon of choice is the Bicycle (plural is much nicer though).

I have always owned bicycles, but its only since being a diabetic, that I have noticed just how Important this mode of transport is. Cycling is one of the few physical sports that has a very low damage impact on the feet. Even walking can leave you with blisters, and it's critical for a diabetic to maintain good foot health.

I am under a specialist diabetic care team, they are in very regular contact with me. They are all very impressed with the commitment I have shown in using my bicycles as potent weapons in the fight against my illness, and they are all non bike owners.

Bar one nurse who told me last week that because of my tales of cycling she had decided to buy an MTB, and told me over a cup of tea what fun she has had pootling on her new steed.

When I was discharged from hospital last year, the following weeks I could only manage to cycle two or three miles at a steady pace, now with better medication and control, I can manage over forty miles, if I am having a good day.

As a keen cyclist who loves to navigate the country lanes, I am very fortunate to spot a huge array of different wildlife, that sadly many people in their whole life time will not see.

One of my favourite memories, was cycling along the river bank, and spotting two stoats playing on a very large oak tree stump, I quietly sat down about 20 foot away, and watched them for fifteen minutes playing the stoat version of I'm the King of the castle.

A small recap on my mode of transport. Helps maintain better health, excellent cardio vascular exercise that is kind to the joints, great endorphin releaser. You can spot more wild life than David Attenborough can shake a stick at. Meet other cyclists that share your enthusiasm.

If you are a parent share your enthusiasm with your kids, a family pootle is a great way for families to bond together.

Take care be happy

Cycling is not all doom and gloom.

.dave