Years ago I learned the importance of being watched -- an example of the Hawthorne Effect, which is an "improvement caused by observing worker performance." One of my early articles about diabetes was a review of the first diabetes telemedicine program that I wrote for the American Diabetes Association in 1999.

"The big difference turned out that I now do my fingerstick tests much more religiously," I wrote. "Why? Simply because I know somebody's watching and giving me feedback."

Now anyone can watch and support those of us who publicize our weight goals. Dirk has gone even father than I have in making his process transparent.

"My reason for telling it to the world is it makes me accountable for my actions," he told me by email. I know that Dirk will continue to be an inspiration for all of us who are battling our weight and our diabetes.