Approximately ten years ago, my life took a significant turn when I became an insulin-injecting gestational diabetic. Despite my best efforts—adhering to a strict diet and administering insulin—my blood sugar levels remained unpredictable. This period was frustrating and challenging. My endocrinologist, whom I am still grateful for, gently pointed out that my struggles with sugar control were likely exacerbated by the stress from my demanding job.
After delivering my baby, I found myself on maternity leave, and this presented a unique opportunity for change. I began with meditation, a practice I initially found incredibly difficult. However, as my maternity leave progressed, I started reorganizing my daily routine. This small step led to significant changes. We transformed our eating habits, started a permaculture garden, and incorporated yoga into our lives. This shift wasn’t just about managing diabetes; it was about embracing a holistic approach to health.
This journey introduced me to the principles of lifestyle medicine, focusing on non-pharmacological alternatives. My life transformed, and my family’s well-being improved as well. We adopted an ethos of self-care, prioritizing our health so that we could better care for others. This transformation also overhauled my professional journey as a GP, leading to my deep passion for lifestyle medicine, which I fervently practice to this day. I will always be grateful for my ‘fullstop’ moment and to my endocrinologist for opening my eyes to a whole other world of health and wellness.
Sometimes, we need these pivotal moments to reassess our paths, to find new ways to live, and to prioritise what truly matters. Health and well-being are foundational to a fulfilling life. I hope my journey inspires others to seek their own full stop moments and embrace a holistic approach to their health.
This is my Full stop moment to Living with no full stops.
Dr Pheng Low
