Living Life with Diabetes

Diabetes, Travel & the TSA Part II

2010-12-09T13:29:00.001-05:00

Greetings from Cuernavaca, Mexico!

I am in Mexico helping my mom, aunts and uncle pack up my grandmother's house. It is bittersweet. This trip has been fun but also emotional. Not to mention throwing in a cold, stomach flu and wacky 50% decrease in insulin needs but those are stories for a different day.

My trip out here involved me flying from Dulles to San Diego, being picked up by my aunt and uncle and driving to Tijuana and then flying from Tijuana to Cuernavaca. So I went through security in two different airports in two different countries. And let's just say two totally different experiences.

Dulles is making full use of the body scan machines. While I was in line one of the TSA agents started chatting with me. I asked him what I should do with my insulin pump. I knew what to do but figured I should ask. He said to just let the person know and I'll have to go through the pat down. FUN. Well he saw which line I got into and went over and told the person I had an insulin pump. So by the time I got to the body scanner they just told me to wait for a female TSA agent.

The actual pat down wasn't terrible but not comfortable either. Each step of the way was explained in detail before anything was ever done. This was nice considering the places they touched. The process is long but only an extra 5-10 minutes depending on how long you have to wait for an available TSA agent.

The agent I had was extremely nice and polite. Her job stinks. As uncomfortable as it was for me I am sure it wasn't comfortable for her either. I kept reminding myself of this.

Security in Tijuana was a totally different experience. Like majorly different. No worries about liquids in your carry on or taking your shoes off. I went through the xray machine and the two security guys kept telling me to take my pump off. I explained to them over and over again in spanish that it was not a cell phone as they kept saying but an insulin pump and in fact could not be disconnected. After a few minutes of back and forth they let me through the machine and then when I set it off they just wanded me let me go. No big deal. Just like what security was like in the US prior to 9-11. No getting groped for the second time in one day!

So what advice do I have for you? Hmm. Well,

Make sure you pack well (see this post for my packing tips)
Go into security with a positive attitude and and open and understanding mindset.
Pack your patience. You will need it!
If you are considering passing your insulin pump through the xray machine or have any questions regarding how the xray or body scanning equipment will affect your pump or CGM please contact the manufacturer.

I'm getting ready to fly back home so I'll do another post about my experience with security at the Mexico City airport this weekend. I've gone through security there hundreds of times so I'm not expecting anything too different but still I think it would be good to have a write up of what happened and what to expect.

After 2 weeks here I am very ready to go home. I love Mexico and I love Cuernavaca but man, oh man, do I miss being home. Especially since I'll only be home for 10 days before I am back on another plane flying west to San Diego for Christmas. Oh lordy.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T07:47:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving today.

I hope Diabetes plays nice.

****

This year I'm grateful for Steve. He is just an incredible human being and an even more incredible boyfriend.

I'm thankful for my family and friends. I just adore my family and friends.

I'm thankful for the DOC. You all have been amazing to me this year.

I am thankful for many more things but I could write a novel for all that I am thankful for.

****

I'll be traveling all day tomorrow but I'll be back this weekend to reveal where I am and how my experience with TSA went.

Diabetes, Travel, & the TSA Part I

2010-11-23T13:21:00.000-05:00

Unless you are living under a rock in the United States everyone has heard about the new security procedures travelers in the US are facing: full body scans and more extensive body pat downs.

What does that mean for those of us with diabetes, specifically those of us on insulin pumps and CGMs?

While I am not traveling until Friday (more on that later) I thought I would do a post today on what I normally do going through security. Having been a pumper for 18 years and having lived across the country from my family for 15 years I have lots of experience traveling with an insulin pump. In the last two years I have not traveled as much as I used to but I still do travel.

Going through security stinks especially during this busy holiday season. The lines. The people. The hassle. I like to think of myself as the queen of security efficiency. Two things to remember: 1. Dress efficiently and 2. Pack efficiently.

So Dress Efficiently. You know you are going to have to take your shoes off so try not to wear shoes that are too big of a hassle to take on our off! If you wear a baggy sweater or sweatshirt they are going to make you take it off so wear something underneath. If I'm wearing jewelry I put it into a ziplock baggie in my carry on so I can put it on at the gate and I don't loose anything to the bottomless pit that is my purse. This baggie trick also works well with anything you would have in your pockets like wallets, keys, change ect. Pretty simple, right?

Ok, so now Pack Efficiently. I make sure that I have one baggie with my insulin and one baggie with my carry-on liquids I'm allowed to take and I put both of them at the top of my bag so it is super easy to pull out and put through the xray machine.

Now here is the tricky part. Over the last few years I've noticed that my Animas Ping pump makes the metal detector you have to walk through alarm. Every. Single. Time. It didn't used to but it always leads to me having to go through secondary (a pat down and them testing the pump for explosives). It was driving me nuts especially since I worked so hard to do everything as efficiently as possible. So I started disconnecting right as I put my bag through the xray machine and connecting before even gathering my things. Max I was disconnected is maybe 3 minutes. This week I read that Animas says the xray machine isnt good for the pump but I've never had a problem. So I will not recommend this to anyone but I will say that I have done it before and not sure I will do it again.

For the sake of everyone's sanity this holiday traveling season please take your stuff as quickly off the xray belt and carry it over the chairs or benches and organize yourself over there instead of at the xray belt. You hold up the security line that way. If people did that and followed my efficient packing/dressing guide the line wouldn't be as bad.

Now to my previous question, what do these new security measures mean to those of us with diabetes. Here is what I'm planning on doing on Friday when I travel:

1. I'm still going to dress efficiently. I have a long trip ahead of me so I am dressing super comfy and putting my jewelry in a baggie in my purse to be put on at the gate.

2. Packing efficiently is probably even more important then ever. I am also going to make sure all my d supplies are easy to pull out in the off chance they stop me. They never, ever have but just in case.

3. If I have the regular old metal detector I will probably just wear my insulin pump and let the person know I have an insulin pump (if I don't and it alarms they make me walk through the machine again and again so this just speeds up the process). At this point I'll be prepared for secondary.

4. If I have to choose between the full body scan or the extensive pat down I am going to let them know that I have two medical devises (insulin pump and CGM) and no I cannot disconnect. Chances are they'll make me do the extensive pat down. I'm preparing for this as all the airports in the Washington DC area are utilizing the new full body scan machines. Sigh.

This weekend I'll report on how security went.

For now I'm off to start laundry so I can pack and get ready for Thanksgiving. Mmm.

Are any of you traveling this week? What are your "tricks" to help get you through security?

Wordless Wednesday: Viva Mexico!

2010-11-17T10:15:00.000-05:00

I am missing Mexico like crazy lately. Apparently I have a major case of homesickness for my country of birth. That and yesterday was so gloomy here in DC that all I could think about was being in beautiful Mexico.

Guest Post: A Mother's Prospective

2010-11-15T11:05:00.000-05:00

Today I have a very, very special guest post for you guys: my mom! Not only is she a pretty kick a$$ mom but she is also a true Type 1 Diabetes Warrior. She has spent the past 22 years fighting for a cure not only for me but also for all of you. She was the Chair of Research for JDRF as well as just finishing her term this spring on the Advisory Council for the NIDDK. In all these years I've never really asked her about her perspective of my diagnosis 22 years ago. Without further ado, here is my mom...

Isn't she gorgeous?

There are certain days that are such memorable days that they remain ingrained in one's brain forever....marriage, birth of a child, etc. And then there are those that we wish had not occurred. The diagnosis of diabetes is one of those such moments. Everyone that has diabetes remembers when and where they were when they were delivered those terrible words. But as a parent, there are so many other thoughts as well. Parental instincts kick in, protecting one's child, wishing they could take the disease instead, fear of the future, longing for the past.

All of this occurred when my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. You try to be strong, try not to let your emotions, your fears show. But your children know you well and see right through it. It is such a difficult time.

There is a cliche that says that time is the great healer.... I don't buy it! But I do know that it softens the blows. I have always say that when your child is diagnosed with a serious chronic disease you have two choices, you either go into denial or you learn as much as you can about it. I choose that second option and it has served me well. In many ways I do understand that it is as well a form of denial. But that is how I cope. I became extremely involved with JDRF and spent many, many, many hours volunteering for them. I do think that my efforts were worthwhile. But I am extremely sad that even after all these years, we still don't have a cure. I feel an extreme sense of disappointment and a sadness that I have let my daughter and others down. I will still work as hard as I can, and I still feel a sense of urgency, but I am sad.

In the mean time, my daughter has kept up her end of the bargain. She has worked hard to keep herself healthy and she has shown such strength that I never knew she had. She has been so graceful, loving, understanding of the emotions that "type 3" diabetics have. Type 3= loved ones of those with diabetes. I won't say that she has always been this way. Let it suffice to say that diabetes and the teenage years DO NOT mix. But I am extremely proud of the young woman she has become. She would be my friend even if she wasn't my daughter. I am honored to call her my daughter.

I'm wiping away tears! She is one incredible woman. I know I'm her daughter and extremely biased but she should be your hero for all of her extremely hard work to find us a cure. I know she is my hero.

Mmmm...soup!

2010-11-12T17:09:00.000-05:00

This is waiting for me for dinner tonight. Just what today calls for...yummy Lentil & Spicy Turkey Meatball Soup! Spent the afternoon cooking.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Travel Observations

2010-11-11T05:37:00.000-05:00

As I've mentioned before I've been doing a lot of traveling the past few weeks: Colorado then California for family and then Florida for a project I am working on. This has translated into a lot of time on airplanes. On my flight back from Florida last week, which was majorly delayed, I wrote down some observations.

Maybe it was just my flights but I can't remember the last time a pilot made an announcement about landmarks we were flying over. Remember the days when the pilot would say "the passengers on the left side of the plane can see the Grand Canyon" or something like that? Very impersonal now.
Seat belts are longer! I've gained a lot of weight in the last year so I know 100% that it isn't that I'm smaller. So sad that so many Americans are so overweight that the airlines have had to install longer seat belts.
Travel brings out the worst in people. Not that I can blame people after dealing with all the fees (see bellow), going through security, ect. That still does not excuse the big chip on so many travelers' shoulders.
Travel brings out comrade. During my delay last week because of a mechanical it was interesting how despite people being p.o'ed they still bonded together.
All those fees! Need I say more? Ugh.
Carry-on bags that should never be carry-on bags. I saw a man carry on an old school no wheel suitcase as his "carry on." Yeah. Thanks to all those fees we now deal with people taking carry-on bags that are not meant to carry-on making it harder for all the bags to fit in the overhead compartments.

Travel used to be fun. Now it's just a hassle getting to the fun part. Not to mention all the stress and consequently the high blood sugars from all that stress.

I know there are a lot more travel observations out there but I had to stop somewhere! What travel observations do you have to add to my list?

Wordless Wednesday: Having a little fun

2010-11-10T08:06:00.000-05:00

These pictures are a few years old but I love them. They show just how silly S & I can be. And the fact that I totally stink at these games!

Six things you NEED to know about Diabetes

2010-11-09T12:42:00.000-05:00

Today is the 6th annual D-Blog Day. The topic for today is 6 Things You Want People To Know About Diabetes.

Well, there are a lot of things I would like people to know about this disease I've lived with for the last 22 years. So here are the first 6 that pop into my head.

Just because I am on insulin does not mean I have severe diabetes! I've never understood this. Insulin keeps me alive. This does not mean my diabetes is worse then what your grandmother has and only worries about diet and exercise. It means I have a different type of diabetes!
All types of diabetes are not alike! I have type 1 diabetes, formally known as juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is not controlled by diet and exercise alone. I did not eat too much candy and give it to myself. I also do not have the type of diabetes you get when you are pregnant. Nor do I have diabetes because I am overweight.
Yes, I can have my cake and eat it too! Please do not tell me what I can and cannot eat. I can enjoy that cupcake just like you can except I have to do some planning and carefully watch my blood sugar after eating it. But, I can eat it.
Just because I have diabetes does not mean I need everything sugar free! With sugar free candy/food I still need to give myself insulin because it is made with sugar alcohols. In fact sugar free foods especially candy make me sick to my stomach. I still eat sugar free jello/pudding and drink diet coke but not 100% because I have diabetes.
If you had diabetes would would LEARN to give yourself shots! I hate, hate, hate when people tell me I'm so brave because if they had diabetes they would NEVER be able to give themselves a shot. Guess what, when your life is on the line you do what you gotta do! It isn't like I enjoy being a human pin cushion!
There is so much more to me then diabetes. Diabetes is a big part of my life but it isn't my entire life. I'm very lucky to have parents who ingrained into me that diabetes would never hold me back and I have lived my life that way. I have never let diabetes define me. I am not my diabetes.

Can I ask you guys to do me a favor? Please watch this video to help get a child much needed insulin. Pass this on to everyone you know! Thank you!

Daylight Savings

2010-11-07T09:29:00.001-05:00

I've mentioned before that I just adore the fall. From the beautiful colors of the changing leaves to the yummy in season foods like pumpkins. I also love when Daylight Savings rolls around for the sole reason of getting an extra hour. Who cares if it reeks havoc on my schedule and blood sugars for a day or two. It means an extra hour of sleep!

A reminder to everyone to check the batteries on your smoke detectors, change air filters, oh and change your lancets!

I wish I were waking up to this!

My Saturday

2010-11-06T20:06:00.001-04:00

Laundry. TV. Heating pad for my super sore neck. Boring, I know but much needed.

Travel Warp

2010-11-05T20:43:00.001-04:00

I feel like I am in a weird travel warp (like a time warp.) After two weeks of traveling I am finally home for more than one night! Such a welcome relief.

Today has been a difficult and stressful day where, as though on cue, diabetes stopped playing nice. The good news is no travel until Christmas.

Right now I am going to go heat up some soup and then crawl into bed. Quite the rockin' Friday night!

The Joys of The DOC: Not Alone

2010-11-04T22:08:00.000-04:00

At many times diabetes can feel like a very isolating disease. From the moment of my diagnosis I have felt like diabetes was my disease and mine alone. Sure my family had to learn all about it and how to manage but in my 7 year old mind THEY didn't have it. It was MY body not theirs who revolted. How could it be their disease too?

Oh how wrong was I! The entire concept of Type 3's has completely changed my way of thinking. The DOC gave me a title to all those people who are affected by my diabetes. I can turn to my Mom or to Steve and see that they GET IT. Sure, they don't know what it feels like to have non-stop low's or highs, or those roller coaster days that leave you totally wiped out. That's what I have you, the DOC, for. But for the most part they get it. When somebody makes some stupid comment about diabetes Steve shoots me a look that says "they are not one of us, they don't understand."

Not only has the DOC opened my eyes to just how well Steve and my mom get it the DOC has also made me feel like I'm not alone. I no longer feel so isolated. Sure in my offline life I am not constantly running into other T1's and if I do we don't spend the time chatting about the big D. I get online to find comfort that I can't find elsewhere.

At the Taking Control of Your Diabetes Conference this past Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting two members of the DOC: Ninja George from Ninjabetic and Jaime (@JaimieH). We didn't get to meet up until the very end of the conference but we were able to sit and chat for a little while. Let me just say that they are both such warm welcoming people. I really wish I had had more time to sit and talk with them. Neither of them realized it but our short seemingly unimportant conversation was the finally little push I needed to not only blog more but to make some blog changes I hope to make soon. (Details on that to come!). The entire day of the TCOYD conference was nudging me but talking to them was the finally little push I needed. So thank you guys. Both of you are total Ninja's Kickin D Booty! (Yes, I will do a recap/thoughts post on the conference soon.)

I'm a fairly new member of the DOC. Less than a year. In that time though my A1c plummeted from 10.2 to 7.2 (and still working to get it in the 6's. The psychological toll diabetes was taking on me is so much easier to deal with then it was before. Most importantly I no longer feel alone. I wish I could go back 22 years and tell 7 year old me that I am not alone.

Thank you DOC, from the bottom of my heart.

Wordless Wednesday: San Diego Edition

2010-11-03T10:01:00.000-04:00

After 11 days of traveling to visit family in Denver and San Diego I'm home for less than 24 hours before heading to Florida for a fun work project I cannot wait to tell you all about. I'm absolutely exhausted from traveling yesterday and the time difference between the west coast and the east coast so I'm doing a quick post with a few pictures of my trip. I have more but these make me smile especially since it is only in the 40s here in DC.

Pacific Ocean from La Jolla

La Jolla Cove. It was stinky because of all the pelicans but still a beautiful view. On one of the rocks near the water were 3 Seal Pups. I couldn't get a good picture because all I had was my iPhone. So cute!

Here is the Daddy Seal who was being very loud. The Mommy Seal was swimming with him not to far away from the pups.

On my flight back to DC we flew over the Rockies. Old Man Winter has arrived in the mountains! My parents are getting excited for ski season.

Election Day Travel

2010-11-02T11:43:00.000-04:00

Today is ELECTION DAY 2010! I never talk politics here and I won't start now but it is important to get out and vote.

Right now I'm packing and getting ready to fly back East after 11 days with family in Denver and San Diego. It has been exhausting but so much fun and good for the soul. I swear I feel like my batteries have been recharged. This is great for my diabetes control.

Tomorrow I turn around and get back on another airplane for yet another trip Wednesday night although I'll be back home Friday night. Just thinking about it makes me tired!

Hope everyone has a good day!

22 Diaversaries

2010-11-01T10:27:00.000-04:00

For the first time in, well, ever probably my Diaversary is not accompanied by sadness or anger. For that I have the D-OC (Diabetes Online Community) and the Taking Control of Your Diabetes conference I attended on Saturday. I will talk more about both this week but for now I just wanted to give everyone in the D-OC a great big virtual hug. You all are awesome.

Thinking about what to write about today I realized I had written about my diagnosis earlier this year over at Nacho's blog. I'm going to repost it here today. Over the next few weeks I will be writing more about my diagnosis. Without further ado....

There are certain days in every person’s life that stand out: day you got engaged, married, children were born, and the day you were diagnosed with diabetes. Wait, what? Day you were diagnosed with diabetes?

Ok, so the vast majority of the population won’t have the memorable day that is D-Day. Frankly, it would be better if nobody has to have that experience but those of us with diabetes clearly remember the day we were diagnosed. Of course if you were diagnosed at a really young age your parents, I’m sure, have that day etched forever in their memory.

I was diagnosed at age 7 on November 1, 1988. Day after Halloween. The previous year was full of changes for me: mom got remarried and 5 months before I was diagnosed my baby brother was born. I guess things do come in three’s because then it was diabetes.

A week before I was diagnosed I was in Mexico with the rest of my extended family celebrating my grandmother’s 60^th birthday. Before we left for Mexico my 2^nd grade teacher notified my mom that I was always out of the classroom; either in the restroom or at the drinking fountain. We sent a urine sample to the pediatrician’s office as we were leaving town. In Mexico my older cousin and I snuck candy and hid it in the bathroom we shared. I’m sure lucky I didn’t end up in DKA.

Upon our return home we were greeted by a bunch of messages from the doctor’s office saying they needed to redo the test. I went in on November 1. The night before, Halloween, my parents took my candy and told me I could have it after the doctor’s appointment. Of course, I snuck some.

That doctor’s appointment changed my life. They redid the urine test and then sent us into the doctor’s office. He was sitting behind his desk when he told my mom I had diabetes.

Next thing I know we were in the elevator going upstairs to another doctor’s office. I remember looking at my mom and seeing her trying to keep her composure. At 7 years old I knew my mom was scared and upset and it had something to do with me. Suddenly I was terrified.

Next thing I know my parents and I are in the hospital learning about shots and highs and lows and food and testing.

I would give anything to not have diabetes but November 1, 1988 helped shape the person I am today. Every year on my D-Day I get sad about “what if I didn’t have diabetes” but I remind myself of all the strength that has bloomed inside of me and the courage that has come from having diabetes. This year when I celebrate 22 years with diabetes I am going to celebrate it and not think about the “what ifs”.

Where am I today?

2010-09-14T13:10:00.000-04:00

Hey guys. I'm guest posting for Holly over at Arnold and Me today. Come check me out there.

Back to School?!?!

2010-09-13T20:40:00.000-04:00

Today I went back to school. No, not grad school and it is only for 2 weeks. Still, I'm back in a classroom for the first time in over 6 years.

Today I started the 60 classroom hours required to get your Virginia Real Estate License. With this whole "unemployment thing" I've spent a lot of time thinking about what it is I want to do with my life. For years I've thought about getting my real estate license but just never committed. When Steve and I bought our condo a year and a half ago my interest was really piqued. Apparently the stars aligned because the timing was perfect.

So this morning I gathered everything I would need into my bag: meter, test strips, finger pricker, back up strips, glucose tabs & jelly beans, extra insulin, syringe, back up infusion set, oh and a notebook and pen.

Last time I was packing up for school was over 6 years ago when I was in college. I had spent my entire "diabetic life" packing up d-supplies plus school supplies. All this time now with out practice made me nervous. I felt like I should pack as if I were going on an overnight trip. Extreme? Yeah, I thought so too so I didn't go that far. I was only going to be 20 minutes away from home.

As I left this afternoon I realized I had failed to mention to the teacher that I have diabetes. She doesn't care if we eat or drink in the class room or if we need to get up and take a phone call or use the restroom. The only real reason to tell her would be in case I passed out. Should I tell her?

As far as the class goes I am enjoying it so far. There is a lot of information being thrown at me very quickly and in a very short amount of time. I came home feeling excited and a bit overwhelmed. The good thing is I feel confident I can do this - at least that is what I keep telling myself. The next two weeks are going to be intense but exciting. In about a month, as long as I pass of course, I will be a licensed real estate agent in the Commonwealth of Virginia! At that point I'll have to decide if I want to make it my new career. I'm not thinking about that. For now I am going to hit the books!

Motivation...

2010-09-02T09:19:00.001-04:00

...I needz sum!

Confession: I have a total lack of motivation lately. Well, not "I can't get off the couch and do anything" lack of motivation but it is starting to become more noticeable.

The other day I realized that I had only tested myself twice. ALL DAY! Luckily that day has not repeated itself but still.

I'm not sure what happened that day. Maybe I have a bit of burnout. Maybe I'm making excuses and I'm just being lazy. Either way this needs to stop. PRONTO.

Some days I feel like a Diabetes Drill Sergeant is needed. Of course, not every single day but enough to get me back on track.

Here are some September Goals I'm setting for myself:

Turn back on the reminder on my pump to test 2 hours after last bolus. This reminder makes my pump (Animas Ping) vibrate to remind me to test. This alone is key. It helps me catch highs before they are out of hand.
Lower the high alarm on my dexcom. I need to catch high before they are too high and harder for me to get down.
Basal Testing. My overnight basal is a mess. I'm either fighting lows all night or I'm fighting highs.
Blog more. When I'm writing about diabetes I tend to take better care of myself. I don't let diabetes take a back seat.

I have lots of other goals I would like to set but I'm going to stick with those right now because I need to feel like I can actually accomplish something.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated?

Manic Monday?

2010-08-02T18:39:00.000-04:00

Life has been a bit hectic lately. But that is ok. Lots of exciting things to come! One of which is my re-commitment to blog regularly. Saucy over at You Can Call Me Saucy a few weeks back came up with daily themes to help her blog more consistently. I'm thinking of doing something along those lines.

In June 2009 I started yoga. I did it all summer and loved it. But by the end of the summer I started noticing a small pain in my left groin/hip area. By November I could not sit indian-style on the floor and forget putting on or taking off socks. Somehow I managed throughout the winter. Well the pain isn't getting any better and in fact my range of motion is decreasing. So I made an appointment for a massage.

It has been about 2 years since my last massage. I used to go more regularly because it really helped my fibromyalgia. During that time I managed to completely forget how a massage can raise my blood sugar despite staying connected to my pump the whole time. I walked out of there with a blood sugar of 306 mg/dL. Good thing I brought a big bottle of water for after my massage. Still pretty annoying.

While I was laying there and the massage therapist was working on my groin, quad, and hamstring I became the most relaxed I've been in a long time. Years maybe. During those 60 minutes I concentrating on breathing and feeling my muscles release years of tension. I felt incredible afterward. For the first time since November I have more range of motion. Maybe I'll be able to put a sock on this fall/winter!

Have you had a massage before? Ever notice a change in your blood sugar as a result of a massage?

Note: I did wear socks all winter. It was just an interesting process putting them on.

July Goals

2010-07-12T17:06:00.000-04:00

I know we are already in the second full week of July but better late than never!

July 2010 Goals

Start and continue Turbo Fire
Eat breakfast every morning
Eat more veggies and less carbs
Cook at home 6 nights a week
Drink more water
Blog more frequently

Evil Coke

2010-07-12T11:10:00.000-04:00

Hello, my name is Adriana and I'm a Diet Coke addict.

If I'm not drinking water I'm drinking diet coke. There is just something about diet coke that gives it a special place in my heart. Yes, I know it isn't the best drink out there for me but it sure is a treat. The best is fountain diet coke. Ahh...so refreshing. The problem is that sometimes my diet coke will get mixed up and actually be, gasp, regular coke! Oh the horror! I always catch it right away and it doesn't have the chance to do any damage to my blood sugar.

Enter this past Friday and my track record get annihilated.

Steve and I were grabbing a quick bite to eat before going to the movie theater to see The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo; I loved the book so I was super excited to see the movie. Maybe I can chalk up what happened to my excitement but I think the real reason was my stubbornness.

Upon being seated at the table I asked the waiter for a glass of water and a diet coke. He brings out my dˆrinks and I immediately go for the diet coke and take a great big swig of it. Hmm, not tasting totally right. Take another sip. Still not sure what is wrong with the diet coke so I ask Steve to taste it. He absolutely hates diet coke. He couldn't figure out if it was diet or regular. I took another big gulp of it and couldn't figure it out so I decide to just stick to my water.

The thing is I was too embarrassed to have to waiter bring me another one. I have asked before but this time I got shy I guess.

When I look at the glass I noticed I drank about half of it! Ugh. I check my Dexcom and see that I'm hanging out around 130-140 so I figure it was just a funky tasting diet. At the movie theater I ask Steve to get me another diet. When the movie starts I take a few sips of the diet coke and it again tastes off. Dex starts buzzing that I'm over 160. Well, maybe I shouldn't have anymore diet coke. Right before the movie ended I looked at Dex and a number in the 360s glared back at me. Cue expletives going off in my head. Gave myself a quick bolus knowing I would be out of the theater within half an hour.

When we got to the car I tested and was in the 370s. Time for a shot. Needless to say I felt yucky and was really pissed that half a glass of coke would do that to me. Good thing my blood sugar came down quickly.

In the late 80s, early 90s there was this product out that was a yellow strip of paper that you would put in your drink and if it came out a dark green there was sugar in the drink. Does anyone remember this? I wish I could find it because Friday night was miserable (aside from a great movie.)

Foodie Friday: Farmer's Market Edition

2010-07-09T13:02:00.000-04:00

I talk a lot about diabetes on this blog, hence the name, but today I am going to talk about another part of my life: cooking. Cooking is a passion of mine. Nothing comforts and excites me more than being in the kitchen letting my creative juices flow into a magnificent meal. The thing about my cooking is that I don't measure, at least most of the time. I want to start a new series on my blog: Foodie Friday. It is a way for me to share my passion with you all!

Cooking is a big part of my family. Both of my grandmothers were amazing cooks as is my mom. In fact my mom started a cooking blog Cocina Eclectica where she shares her love of cooking and some family favorite recipes. Please give her some blog love!

I've talked before about how much Steve and I love going to the Farmer's Market. It provides such a great inspiration for my cooking! On Thursday there is a Farmer's Market right outside of Steve's office so he stops by on his way home to pick up some fresh veggies. One of the stands at the market sells these amazing crab cakes that are made fresh. When Steve comes home I never know what exactly he has bought. It always makes for a fun surprise! I love putting everything together into a delish salad.

This salad included the following:

Fresh Rasberries
Lettuce
Green Beans
Tomato
Goat Cheese
Cucumbers
Crab Cake

All of the ingredients, except for the Goat Cheese, is from the farmers market.

To make the salad dressing I never measure. I know but I've made it so many times that it is second nature to me. One of my favorite ways to do it is by using an almost empty jar of Dijon Mustard. Make sure there is at least a good spoonful in the jar. I put in some olive oil. Try filling the jar up about half an inch to an inch. Next I add some vinegar. I use Rice Vinegar or white balsamic. It should be half of the amount of oil. Then I add a pinch of salt and pepper and a splash of water. Close the jar and sh-sh-shake it! Taste it and add any ingredients you think it needs.

For the salad I wash everything really well. Then I chop up the lettuce until it is all bite sized. Next I chop the tomato, cucumbers and green beans into little bite size pieces as well. I throw it all into a bowl and pour some salad dressing (amount at your discretion) in the bowl. Mix the salad really well. Plate the salad and top with goat cheese and raspberries.

To make the crab cakes I first preheat the over to 350 degrees and put the two crab cakes (one for each of us) in to cook for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes I flip the cakes and let them cook for another 10 minutes. Then I place them on top of the salad and sit down and chow down!

This is my favorite summer salad! What is your favorite salad?

Have a good weekend!

Hot Hot Hot: Managing Diabetes in the Heat

2010-07-08T13:54:00.000-04:00

It is sizzling hot up in here! The east coast has had a major heatwave this week. Temperatures have topped over 100 degrees the past few days here in the Washington, DC Metro area. Today we are supposed to get a break; that is if you call mid 90s a break. Ugh.

I grew up in San Diego where, in my opinion, the weather is darn near perfect almost year-round. There is no heat+humidity in Sunny San Diego. Too be honest, I do not do well in heat. I get incredibly cranky and lethargic. I wish I could say that all these years living in humidity has changed that but nope.

This week I have felt very blessed to not have to leave the house. Since I'm unemployed I could manage my job search from the comforts of my air conditioned house without having to go out in this heat. This has also meant my insulin has been protected from the heat.

Here are my tips for the summer:

When out by the pool cover pump with a light colored tower with a bottle of water next to the pump/tubing (keeps the insulin from boiling!)
While out running errands I try to carry a bottle of water with me at all times. I keep it in my purse next to my insulin. I always have an opened bottle of insulin with a syringe on me in case of emergency.
Dehydrating is a big problem for me. I get dehydrated so easily so I try to drink as much water as often as possible. One way to make the water taste a little more interesting is to put a few slices of cut up strawberries or other fruit into the water. YUM!
The insulin in my pump is not something I worry about most of the time since I need to refill the resivour every 24-36 hours.
My infusion sets don't tend to stick too well if I've been sweating a lot so I use skin tac (works so well with the dexcom sensors too!) and make sure to have my site in a place that won't be rubbing too much with clothing.

What tips do you have for the summer?

Wordless Wednesday: Photo Backlog

2010-07-07T14:50:00.000-04:00

Today I finally uploaded pictures from my camera and saw a bunch of fun pictures that I thought would be good for a Wordless Wednesday post.

My two biggest supporters: Steve and Mom!

Me and lil bro at his college graduation this past May in Boston

Beer Float! Chocolate ice cream and a Stout. I didn't try it (darn antibiotics!) but friends said it was great!

Saw this dog playing in the Potomac while on a walk. So cute!

Jellyfish at the National Aquarium in Baltimore

More jellyfish

Dolphin Show at the Aquarium!

Steve and I saw this deer near our house a few days ago. We saw 5 deers in total.

$100 Question

2010-06-22T11:25:00.000-04:00

Back in April I asked What is a Cure? Today I'm going to ask you how you would spend money on finding a cure.

Let's pretend for a minute here that $100 will go a very long way. It is enough money to find a cure for diabetes. The question is how you split up the $100. You can spend it all on one area of research or choose to split it up in different areas of research. It is all up to you. There are no right answers.

How would I "spend" the $100? This is a hard question and my answer will probably change from time to time but I'm going to do my best to answer it now.

$25 for research projects like JDRF's Artificial Pancreas Project.
$30 on complications research. What good is a cure if I already have kidney damage, eye damage, ect?
$30 on immunology research
$15 on prevention research

How would you spend $100 to cure diabetes?

Friday Five

2010-06-18T10:52:00.000-04:00

It's Friday! Woohoo it is finally Friday! Since I've spent the last month sick I've spent way too much time watching television. Way. Too. Much. TV. So what have I been watching?

1. True Blood. I'm so thrilled that this show is back for the 3rd season. Even Snoop Dogg has True Blood fever. Check out his terrible-yet-good new video:

2. Food Network. I'm slightly obsessed with Food Network. Although while I was sick I was hardly hungry I couldn't stop watching this channel. Steve can't complain now because this week I've been cooking up a storm thanks to ideas I got from watching the different shows on the Food Network.

3. So You Think You Can Dance. I love to dance but I sure don't have the talent that the contestants on this show have. I love all the choreography. This show makes me want to get up start dancing! Now that Mary Murphey isn't a judge Steve might actually start watching this show with me again. He can't stand her laugh.

4. Real Housewives of New York/New Jersey. Holy Catfights! Enough said.

5. Top Chef DC. I love Top Chef and I love this season even more because it was filled here in DC. I do have a bit of a confession to make. I didn't see the first episode that aired on Wednesday. My DVR didn't tape it! So I'll catch it next week. Even though I have yet to see an episode I just know I'll still love this show.

Since I write about diabetes in this blog I couldn't write about TV shows I've been watching and not mention the show I saw yesterday:

6. Angel. Yesterday I caught an episode from Season 5 called Harm's Way in which all the vampires in the law firm have their blood tested to see if they have been feeding on humans. They zoomed in and they used a One Touch meter except instead of saying the blood glucose it said "negative" or "positive." Gave me a good chuckle.

What show's have you been watching? Have a good weekend!

And She Reappears

2010-06-17T13:04:00.000-04:00

I know, I know. Somehow I managed to fall off the face of the blogworld. May was a brutal month for me. Just read about it here. I've spent the first half of June pretty much just trying to recover and regain my footing.

What have I been doing? Aside from the continuing job search I've had my nose buried in a book.

I am about 100 pages away from finishing the second book, The Girl Who Played With Fire, which means I need to head back out to the bookstore and pick up the third and final book in the trilogy.

A few months ago my mom was telling me and Steve about this great book she was reading and how we should read it. I finally picked up the first book and I just can't get enough.

What book are you reading now? Have you read this trilogy yet? What do you think about it?

Rethinking Food

2010-06-02T10:50:00.000-04:00

Okay, so my last post was a bit of a downer. Sorry about that people. Illness + Diabetes don't play well.

The good news is that I'm starting to feel like my self again. Yay! Oddly, the past 36 hours I've had to lower my basal rate by 30% and yet the highest I've been is around 125 mg/dL and no lower than 80 mg/dL. Pretty awesome! A big part of that could be diet. You see, since I'm dealing with the oh so gross thrush (symptoms are 95% gone!) I've stopped eating anything with sugar: bread, rice, fruits, ect. Basically any carb except for veggies have been banish from my diet at least for another day or two. Staying away from anything that turns into sugar and keeping tight control on my blood sugar is going to help stop thrush. What a yucky and gross side of diabetes, huh?

Anyway, this decrease in basal rate has me thinking. If the reason my insulin needs have come down is a result of diet then maybe I should reconsider my diet. I am so close to my goal a1c and at this point it is little things that are going to make a difference. I'm already doing all the big things.

As I talked about during Diabetes Blog Week, I believe in moderation when it comes to diet. Maybe there is something to a low-carb diet. I love me some carbs, but maybe I should make carb-centric meals on occasion. Not only would this be good for my diabetes but also for my weight loss journey. There are a ton of different schools of thoughts on carbs and diabetes and I want YOUR thoughts. I don't think I can keep up this absolutely no carb diet I'm currently doing but I don't want to go carb crazy once I'm able to eat them.

How do you mange the amount of carbs you eat each day? Do you have a maximum amount of carbs per meal/snack?

Good Bye May

2010-06-01T10:51:00.000-04:00

Under normal circumstances I love May. Growing up in southern California May always had great weather, right before June Gloom. May always meant summer was that much closer and school was ending. Of course how could I not love May when it is my birthday month?! Since moving to the East Coast (even when I was in the midwest for college) May brought beautiful weather before the humidity set in. May and October are my favorite months of the year.

Not this year. May has been difficult. At the beginning of the month I came down with what I thought was a cold. Turns out I had a sinus infection and bronchitis. Off I went to see Dr. F, my primary care doc and she gave me a 10 day course of antibiotics and the ok to fly 10 days later to Boston for my brother's graduation.

When I got to Boston I was feeling 99% better except for the lingering cough. That weekend with my brother, parents, and Steve was a blast. After a visit to the Joslin my parents came down to DC and and were here for the rest of the week to celebrate my birthday. We had a great time and I was feeling alright, still had a lingering cough.

After I dropped my Dad off at the airport that Thursday (1 1/2 weeks ago) I quickly went down hill. My mom was still in town for meetings so I laid low in her hotel room. What was to be a girls weekend turned into me feeling crappy.

This past Wednesday I gave in and went to see Dr. F again. Immediately she sent me to have and xray done of my chest in case this had turned into pneumonia. Thankfully that was not the case. I still had bronchitis and sinusitis but this time added on strep throat and an ear infection. Dr. F thinks that the first course of antibiotics killed off enough of the bacteria so that I didn't have any symptoms but it didn't call off all the bacteria. She blamed the big D. DIABETES. Ugh. Diabetes makes fighting infections harder.

Back on the same antibiotics (not sure how I feel about this but anyway) but instead of 10 days I have to take it now for 14 days. That means 24 days on antibiotics with 10 days off in between. All this antibiotics led to me getting thrush. If you don't know what it is google it. Eww. Luckily I caught it before it took over my entire mouth and went to Urgent Care yesterday to get some anti-fungal medications. Last night I could hardly swallow even just my saliva and I got low twice. I said F* that and lowered my basal rate 30% overnight and stayed between 110 and 120 mg/dL.

This morning I'm better but not there yet. Through all of this dealing with diabetes has been challenging. Paying extra close attention and being extra vigilant has helped but diabetes and illness are not friends and don't get along well. The 30 day average on my meter is higher then I would like but I'm cutting myself some slack. In the past I would get upset with myself and throw my arms up in defeat. Not now. Now I am just trying to keep my mood up because this whole ordeal has been taxing.

That is why I am looking forward to June. A fresh start. Yes, I'm still sick but getting a little better every day. I'm looking forward to a healthy June. I'm looking forward to spending less time indoors (as much as I love my condo I'm getting sick of being inside!) Most of all I'm looking forward to spending time with Steve when I'm not coughing all over him.

What is your favorite month? What are you looking forward to in June?

Trip to the Doctor (x2)

2010-05-24T09:03:00.000-04:00

For a little over a week I've been pretty MIA and for good reason! My not-so-baby brother graduated from college a week ago this past Sunday. After the graduation my parents flew back down to DC to stay with me and Steve for the week and celebrate my 29th birthday. So much fun!

Since I was in Boston for my bro's graduation my parents and I stayed on an extra day so that I could go see the retina specialist at Joslin. I have to go every 4 months, which was easy when my bro was in school there but now that he's moving it won't be as easy.

My mom went with me to the appointment on Monday. I have moderate to severe retinopathy. Luckily it isn't bad enough to need surgery. The really great news is that the spot where I was bleeding in 4 months ago has moved further away from the center of the eye! *Happy Dance?*

On Friday I saw my endocrinologist. Based on my meter's 90 day average I had a pretty good idea what my A1C would be. When Dr. A walked in she was so excited to tell me my results: 7.2%! She was impressed. Of course, we both agreed that our goal is for it to be under 7% and pre-pregnancy goal is 6.5% or under.

My cholesterol is still high but Dr. A doesn't want me on a statin because she is concerned that "they" still don't know the effect it has on fetuses even when stopped before conception. I have never heard of this before but for now I'm going to try to get it down using exercise and diet. That and I'm going to look into natural ways to get it down (eating more fiber, supplements ect.)

While I'm being a good PWD I'm not being good with remembering to take my synthroid (medication for my thyroid.) I know, I know. This teeny tiny little pill that I need to take that will help with my weight loss and exhaustion.

In a month I am seeing the PA/CDE to fine tune basal rates ect. My goals between now and then are to take my synthroid every single day and to loose 3 pounds. I know 3 pounds don't seem like a lot but Dr. A said that weight loss is going to be difficult with my current thyroid levels. I have an uphill battle on that front but if I can lower my A1C the way I have I can do anything! At least that is what I keep reminding myself.

Remember how 3 weeks ago I was sick with a sinus infection and bronchitis? Yeah, well I'm sick again. Exactly a week after I stopped my antibiotic I get congested all over again and my cough is getting worse. Luckily I think it is just a cold. 3 weeks of sick day rules sure does get old after a while.

Aside from diet and exercise does anyone have any recommendations on how to lower my cholesterol?

So much to catch up on

2010-05-19T09:22:00.002-04:00

I have a bunch to catch up on but my parents are in town and today's my birthday so I'm going to spend the day celebrating with them!

A Day Without Diabetes

2010-05-17T07:23:00.000-04:00

Sorry this is posted a day late. My brother's big graduation ceremony was yesterday and we spent a lot of time with his friends and friends' families. So much fun. My mom and I are heading over to the Joslin to see the eye doctor. Wish me luck! By the way, I haven't had a chance to reread this post so it very well could be just ramblings. My parents are heading back to my house with my this afternoon and regular blogging will return.

Today is the last day of Diabetes Blog Week. Not going to lie...I'm going to miss having each day's blog topic all set out for me. I'm so glad this has been such a success.

Today's topic:

Sunday 5/16 - Dream a little dream - life after a cure. To wrap up Diabetes Blog Week, let’s pretend a cure has been found. We are all given a tiny little pill to swallow and *poof* our pancreases are back in working order. No side effects. No more insulin resistance. No more diabetes. Tell us what your life is now like. Or take us through your first day celebrating life without the Big D. Blog about how you imagine you would feel if you no longer were a Person With Diabetes.

This topic is by far the hardest one for me to write about. I mean I can't begin to count the number of times I've thought about not having diabetes but the thought is quickly brushed aside. I've had diabetes for most of life so it is hard to even think about life with out diabetes.

I would love to think that I wouldn't go carb crazy but I think I would have a brief moment of carb overload. Mmmm cupcakes!

No testing.

No highs.

No lows.

No needles.

The thing that would be the most amazing would be knowing I didn't have to constantly worry that a high blood sugar was causing damage to my body. Complications are scary and not to have to worry or think about them would be amazing.

While all those things seem like an amazing dream part of me will be sad. Odd, I know but think about it. Diabetes is a part of me. It is like my brown hair. One piece of me. Like Kerri at Six Until Me says, Diabetes doesn't define me but it helps explain me. Having diabetes brought out an inner strength in me that I may or may not have had I not been diagnosed. Diabetes has taught me to listen to my body, I mean really listen. I'm constantly doing self-checks to make sure everything is ok. Hard to imagine not doing that everyday. Diabetes has also introduced me to the D-OC.

Life without diabetes is hard to imagine.

Diabetes in Pictures

2010-05-15T17:47:00.000-04:00

I'm in Boston this weekend attending my brother's graduation from Boston University. I'm such a proud big sister! He's all growns ups! Sigh.

Saturday 5/15 - Diabetes snapshots. Inspired by the Diabetes 365 project, let’s snap a few d-related pictures to share today. Post as many or as few as you’d like. Be creative! Feel free to blog your thoughts on or explanations of your pictures. Or leave out the written words and let the pictures speak for themselves.

Move It!

2010-05-14T06:06:00.000-04:00

I'm headed up to Boston for my brother's college graduation today. Can't believe my baby brother is a college grad already! I digress. I have posts written for this week so I should still be continue to participate in Diabetes Blog Week. The only issue will be internet connection.

Friday 5/14 - Let's get moving. Exercise . . . love it or hate it? Do you have a regular exercise routine? Or do you have trouble finding your exercise motivation? How do you manage your insulin and food to avoid bottoming out during your workout? Today is the day to tell us all about your exercise habits, or lack thereof.

I have a love hate relationship with exercise. I guess most of us do, huh? When I exercise I have great numbers. Love that. But I have some issues with exercise:

Motivation
You would think that having great numbers would be motivation enough for me but meh it isn't. I know that I need to exercise but most days I just can't force myself out there. Bottom line: laziness.

Fear
Weird, right? But I have a fear of how to handle my diabetes. After nearly 22 years of diabetes I should know but I have always just dealt with the lows. Other times I was running high so the exercise just brought me back down to good numbers. I'll psych myself up to go exercise after I wake up in the morning but then I'll test and my blood sugar is in the 90s or 80s and I'll put off exercise until I just don't go. All because I'm too freaked out to play around with my basal rates. I so need to get over this stupid fear.

Pain
Diabetes isn't my only invisible disease; I also have fibromyalgia. The fibro makes workouts difficult sometimes. I can go on a 20 minute walk one day and the next time I go on the same 20 minute walk I will end up with a flare up and be in horrible pain. Until a few years ago exercise equaled pain for me. Every. Single. Time. Then I started going to pilates classes. For the first time I felt good after exercising. Now that I'm unemployed paying for pilates classes has become harder. I also enjoy yoga and need to get back into it.

Aside from the pain my issues are totally mental. I want, ok need, to loose weight. Exercise is going to help with that. I'm really determined to get moving again.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for me? How do you handle your diabetes with exercise? What keeps you motivated and going to the gym?

To Carb Or Not To Carb

2010-05-13T09:18:00.000-04:00

I hope you all are enjoying Diabetes Blog Week as much as I am! The topics have really gotten me thinking, which is a good thing. Here's today's topic: To carb or not to carb.

Thursday 5/13 - To carb or not to carb. Today let’s blog about what we eat. And perhaps what we don’t eat. Some believe a low carb diet is important in diabetes management, while others believe carbs are fine as long as they are counted and bolused for. Which side of the fence do you fall on? What kind of things do you eat for meals and snacks? What foods do you deem bolus-worthy? What other foodie wisdom would you like to share?

I've talked a little bit here about my "food philosophy" but today's topic is a chance to expand on that.

I'm a carb lover. There are not a lot of carby foods that I don't love.

Source

The thing about my love of carbs is that it makes maintaining my blood sugar levels difficult. I've never been a believer in a "diabetes diet" but I do believe in moderation. I can eat anything I want as long as I bolus but not at every single meal. Lucky for my diabetes is that Steve isn't a fan of bread or pastas. I know, who doesn't like pasta?! On occasion I eat a carb-heavy meal but I always pay for it with blood sugars that are harder to control. That and it goes straight to my hips and but.

While I am trying to cut down on my carbs there is no way I would go no-carb. Our bodies need carbs and if you already have kidney damage too much protein is not healthy for you. Luckily, *knock on wood* I don't have kidney damage. Of course this is my opinion and there are people out there who completely disagree with me. That's ok. So I guess I should rephrase my previous statement and say that no-carb isn't for everyone. (Please don't leave mean comments!)

Fruits and veggies are probably my favorite food groups. I could probably be a vegetarian if there weren't so many meat dishes I liked.

To carb or not to carb? Well, is say carb but in moderation. I try to choose whole grain carbs but on occasion a grilled cheese on white bread tastes so damn good. If I want a treat like a cupcake I have it but I make sure to not eat it every day. Moderation, people, moderation.

My #1 Supporter

2010-05-12T07:30:00.000-04:00

Today is Day 3 for Diabetes Blog Week. The topic for today is to write about our number 1 supporter. I'm really lucky that I have 2 people who are tied for number one supporter: my mom and Steve. I've written about what an incredible support my boyfriend, Steve is and how much I rely on him. The person who before Steve was always my number one supporter and continues to be my rock is my mom. In honor of Mother's Day here is a letter to my mom.

Dear Mom,

I can't think about diabetes and not think about you. I hate that you are associated with this disease like that but since the day of my diagnosis anything diabetes related you were there. What I remember most about the day I was diagnosed was not the first fingerstick to test my blood sugar or my first injection. What I remember is you. We were sitting in Dr. B's office and as he was talking I saw you tense up. I then remember being in the elevator going up to Dr. H's office and I could see in your eyes and in your mannerism that something was wrong and it had to do with me. Of course, it would be years until I had somewhat of an understanding of what you must of been feeling in that elevator ride. Of course, I'll never understand fully but I'm just now getting it. Those first few days I don't know how you did it. My baby brother was only 5 months old and you had to leave him home to be with me in the hospital. The strength that you showed me in those early days have stayed with me.

When did you start sleeping through the night again? Between a newborn and a 7 year old with diabetes you were up a lot during the night. All those nights when I would stick my finger out from underneath the covers so you could test me. How did you do it? Having a CGM back then would have been so much better and easier.

I was a difficult child. Stubborn as a bull. Wonder where I get that from? Unfortunately for you (and me) I was stubborn about being "normal" and pretending I didn't have diabetes. Those fights. Dear god, those fights we had about me not testing and not taking proper care of myself. You still loved me and was always right there if I ever needed you. When you and Dr. H decided that it was in my best interest to go on an insulin pump as an eleven year old I was not happy but you guys were doing what was in my best interest. I wish I could tell eleven year old me that going on the pump would change my life forever and be something I would feel lost without. In your motherly wisdom you know this, didn't you? You knew that it would be good for me.

We all have had our own way of handling my diagnosis of diabetes. Yours was to do whatever you could to get involved in JDRF; first in the local chapter then with research. You spent so much time traveling the world over reviewing grants and meeting the world's experts in diabetes. After every trip you would come home so excited about the research being done you could talk for hours about it and you did! At the time all that scientific stuff was so boring to me but I sat there listening and encouraging you. This was your outlet. This was your way of dealing.

I've now come to realize that while you were out there doing this for me you were also a champion to all the other people with diabetes. The hours you still spend reading grants and still traveling (although not as much as before, thank god) shows your amazing dedication.

A long time ago we made a promise to each other: you promised to work as hard as you could to find a cure and I promised to take good care of myself so that I would be healthy enough for that cure when it was found. You have not swayed from your promise and I have. I am working so hard now to keep my control tight. When I get frustrated and annoyed I think about you. I think about all that you have sacrificed so that I could have the best care possible and all the tools necessary at my disposal. I think about the strength you showed not only in those early days but in all the days since (7,862 days!) I think about the sleepless nights you were up worrying about me. I think about the hours you spent on airplanes traveling around the world reviewing different labs. I think about the phone call you received in Hong Kong from me crying into the phone saying I was in the hospital in DKA. I think about you and the love you have for me.

See, I can't think about diabetes and not think about you.

I love you, Mom, more than I could ever express.

Shorty Got Low Low Low

2010-05-11T16:57:00.000-04:00

Day 2 of Diabetes Blog Week! There are now over 100 blogs participating! Karen, you totally rock for putting this together.

So for day 2 we are asked to write about how we treat a low:

Day 2 – Making the low go. Tell us about your favorite way to treat a low. Juice? Glucose tabs? Secret candy stash? What’s your favorite thing to indulge in when you are low? What do you find brings your blood sugar up fast without spiking it too high?

The first thing you should know about me and lows is that I absolutely despise being low. I spent most of my adolescence doing everything in my power not to go low even running higher on purpose. So not healthy, I know. I would treat anything under 80mg/dL even if my dexcom showed that I was hanging steady. Just. Don't. Go. Low. That was my mantra for a long time. All the years that I lived alone freaked me out about lows overnight. Plus, when I was diagnosed the doctor scared my parents so much about lows that my mom has admitted to me that she liked to run me a little higher so I would go low. All this has since changed. Well, not the fact that I despise lows. I still do. A lot.

I've always treated lows with OJ. I remember getting so sick of OJ as a kid so my parents mixed the OJ with soda water to make a "fun" orange soda for me as a special treat when I was low. They also used to give me smarties but eww gross no! I would eat the big BD glucose tabs when I had to but preferred candy (mentos) more than anything.

Since college I always have juice in the house. If there is no juice I'll have some soda (sprite is so much better than coke or pepsi those are just too sweet.). The problem with drinking sprite is that I always went high afterwards.

Now that I'm working really hard to tighten my control those dreaded and despised lows are much more common and frequent. I'm learning how to treat them better so that I don't rebound and end up high. Steve prides himself in no longer handing me a huge glass of juice when I'm low like he used to. Now he measures it out and calmly and lovingly reminds me to wait and see if my numbers come back up.

As a child I would get low in the middle of the night and just attack the fridge eating everything in sight. Whatever to make feeling low go away. Do not come between a low me and my food! I might just eat you too! Luckily I'm learning how to keep the low hunger in check. My absolute all-time favorite is a banana with peanut butter. Nowadays I drink my little bit of juice or eat my tropical fruit or butterscotch glucose tabs and wait at least 15 minutes to test again.

I've tried explaining how a low feels like for me to Steve. He gets the hunger and shakeyness but in many ways bad lows feels like falling and not knowing if you are ever going to land. Maybe that is just me.

A Day with Diabetes- Being Sick Edition

2010-05-11T16:36:00.000-04:00

Sorry in the delay posting this. I've been without internet.

This is the first post for Diabetes Blog Week, the genius idea of Karen from Bitter Sweet. The first day's topic is to write about a day with diabetes. Last week I was sick with bronchitis and a sinus infection which greatly affected my blood sugar levels. People with fully functioning pancreases do not have to worry about anything but their illness unlike people with diabetes. Instead of concentrating on making sure I have enough kleenex around (I ran out!) people with diabetes (PWD) are forced to deal with not only their illness but also their diabetes. The stress on the body from being sick causes high blood sugars. Let me tell ya, it is not fun. Dealing with being high and being sick makes a simple cold feel a lot worse.

So here is what one of my days was like last week:

1:30 AM Woken up as I am coughing up a lung. I take more of my cough syrup with codeine (which sure does taste like it has some sugar in it) and figure I should test my blood sugar. 246 mg/dL. Oh crap. Ok, take a correction bolus and try to go back to sleep.

5:45 AM Up again coughing. I get up to test again. 161 mg/dL which is better but still too high. I do another correction bolus and crawl back into bed hoping to get some sleep.

8 AM Steve is off to work so I get up and test, again. 186 mg/dL. Argh. Wrong direction. Ok, give a correction bolus and back to bed for sicko.

10 AM I get up and test. 96 mg/dL. Now that is more like it! I decide to take a long hot steamy shower to help clear out my sinuses.

11 AM Starting to get hungry so I go and test. 142mg/dL. Guess my long shower disconnected from the pump was too long! Oops. Should have given myself a bolus for the amount of insulin I was missing. I figure out what I'm in the mood to eat and eat it first before bolusing since my hunger hasn't been around much since I've been sick. After I eat I bolus for the carbs in my breakfast/lunch.

1:15 PM Feeling crappy again so I test and I'm 233 mg/dL. Ok, I know I counted those carbs correctly. Ugh. Give myself a bolus correction and it's back to curling up on the couch with the laptop.

3 PM Time to test again. 271 mg/dL. Again WRONG DIRECTION. Correction bolus and off to find another box of kleenex.

3:30 PM Starting to feel really lethargic and headachey. Best to test. 225 mg/dL. Ok, at least I'm coming back down.

5 PM Test once again: 258 mg/dL. Quick bolus while I make myself another cup of tea.

6:45 PM Steve's home from work which means dinner time. I'm 214 mg/dL. I (ok my pump does the math I just enter the blood sugar and carbs) figure out how much insulin to take for my high blood sugar and for dinner.

9 PM Curious if I'm out of the 200's I test again. Uhmm nope. 250 mg/dL. I barely had any carbs in dinner! Remind myself that I'm doing the best I can. I correct and go back to hanging out with Steve.

11 PM Getting ready for bed. I'm 183 mg/dL which is better. I take my cough syrup with codeine and give myself a correction bolus plus a little extra for the sugar in the cough syrup.

That is what one of my days was like last week. I did not take symlin last week because I had no appetite and the symlin was just too much. Now that I'm feeling better (aside from this damn cough) I'm back on the symlin.

Diabetes Blog Week

2010-05-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited to be a part of Diabetes Blog Week next week! Karen over at Bitter-Sweet came up with the idea and now has 60 participants. The idea is pretty simple, Karen came up with themes for each day of the week to have everyone post about in their own diabetes blog.

Monday 5/10 - A day in the life . . . with diabetes. Take us through a quick rundown of an average day and all the ways in which diabetes touches it. Blood tests, site changes, high and low blood sugars, meal planning, anything that comes along. This can be a log of an actual day, or a fictional compilation of pieces from many days.

Tuesday 5/11 – Making the low go. Tell us about your favorite way to treat a low. Juice? Glucose tabs? Secret candy stash? What’s your favorite thing to indulge in when you are low? What do you find brings your blood sugar up fast without spiking it too high?

Wednesday 5/12 – Your Biggest Supporter. Sure, our diabetes care is ultimately up to us and us alone. But it’s important to have someone around to encourage you, cheer you, and even help you when you need it. Today it’s time to gush and brag about your biggest supporter. Is it your spouse or significant other? Your best friend, sibling, parent or child? Maybe it’s your endo or a great CDE? Or perhaps it’s another member of the D-OC who is always there for you? Go ahead, tell them just how much they mean to you!

Thursday 5/13 - To carb or not to carb. Today let’s blog about what we eat. And perhaps what we don’t eat. Some believe a low carb diet is important in diabetes management, while others believe carbs are fine as long as they are counted and bolused for. Which side of the fence do you fall on? What kind of things do you eat for meals and snacks? What foods do you deem bolus-worthy? What other foodie wisdom would you like to share?

Friday 5/14 - Let's get moving. Exercise . . . love it or hate it? Do you have a regular exercise routine? Or do you have trouble finding your exercise motivation? How do you manage your insulin and food to avoid bottoming out during your workout? Today is the day to tell us all about your exercise habits, or lack thereof.

Saturday 5/15 - Diabetes snapshots. Inspired by the Diabetes 365 project, let’s snap a few d-related pictures to share today. Post as many or as few as you’d like. Be creative! Feel free to blog your thoughts on or explanations of your pictures. Or leave out the written words and let the pictures speak for themselves.

Sunday 5/16 - Dream a little dream - life after a cure. To wrap up Diabetes Blog Week, let’s pretend a cure has been found. We are all given a tiny little pill to swallow and *poof* our pancreases are back in working order. No side effects. No more insulin resistance. No more diabetes. Tell us what your life is now like. Or take us through your first day celebrating life without the Big D. Blog about how you imagine you would feel if you no longer were a Person With Diabetes.

Wild card - Blood Sugar Nirvana or Moronic Moment. (inspired by the lovely Kelly Kunik) Blog about the time you ate a meal that tends to spike you to the moon, but your perfectly calculated and timed bolus kept your blood sugar happy. Or tell us about that time your brain had a little diabetes-blip and you did something you think is “stupid”. (Because chances are, we’ve done it too!!) Go ahead, brag about your triumph or commiserate about your d-blooper.

If you are interested in participating head over to Karen's blog and leave her a comment.

Cinco de Mayo: The Truth

2010-05-05T13:13:00.000-04:00

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Today is Cinco de Mayo, which most Americans mistake as Mexico's Independence day which is actually September 16th. In fact Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico winning the Battle of Puebla against the French in 1862. Some information on Cinco de Mayo from PBS.

The Battle of Puebla and Cinco de Mayo

In 1862, the United States was in the middle of a civil war. All the South needed was a strong exterior ally and its strengthened cause might have permanently split the United States. A possible exterior ally was closer than Abraham Lincoln liked, as the French Army under Gen. Laurencez was making its way through Mexico.

The French Army was considered the greatest military force on the globe. For nearly 50 years—since the defeat of Napoleon I’s army at the hands of allied forces at Waterloo, Belgium in 1815—it had not known defeat and had recently won victories in Europe and Asia. In 1862, the French landed in Veracruz along with forces from Queen Isabella II of Spain and Queen Victoria of Great Britain. They had come to collect the debt owed to them by Mexico—debts that Mexican President Benito Juarez had officially suspended because the country was essentially bankrupt.

Refusing Juarez’ proposed compromise to repay the debts two years later, the collaboration of the three countries’ militaries seized the custom house at Veracruz. They intended to intercept the customs payments in exchange for their debt. After some time, the diplomats for Spain and Great Britain reached an agreement with Juarez and the armies from those two countries departed from Mexico. The French, on the other hand, stayed and headed for Mexico City.

France had significant interest in halting the growth of the United States. The North American country’s rate of expansion and power was threatening to the other world powers. If Napoleon was successful in conquering Mexico, the possibility of marching north to aid the Confederates in dividing the United States into two less powerful and less threatening countries was real.

The United States was a major cause of France’s attack on Mexico. The war America recently won over Mexico leveled the Mexican treasury and led to financial disaster. Thus, Juarez suspended payment to France and incited Napoleon III, ruler of France, to act. Lincoln and the United States were dependent on Mexico staving off the French troops until the Confederacy could be defeated and Lincoln could deploy troops south to aid Juarez.

Early on May 5, 1862, General Laurencez led 6,000 French troops toward Puebla, Mexico, just 100 miles from Mexico City. Expecting the attack was General Ignacio Zaragoza, a Texas-born Mexican who was ordered to defend Juarez with a force of 4,000 troops, many of them agricultural workers armed

with antiquated rifles and machetes. The battle would take place in a muddy, uneven field.

To show his contempt for the Mexicans, Gen. Laurencez ordered his troops to attack through the middle of the foes’ defenses, their strongest position. The French cavalry went through ditches, over adobe ruins and toward the slope of Guadalupe Hill. By then, the cavalry, exhausted and nearly disbanded, failed to achieve its goal. The Mexican army stood its ground. Gen. Zaragoza, who had no experience in military tactics but was a veteran in guerrilla warfare, ordered his troops to go after the French, who fled to Orizaba, where Zaragoza attacked the French again, forcing them to flee to the coast.

Since I'm currently laid up on the couch with a sinus infection and bronchitis I won't be partaking in celebrating my Mexican heritage today but I hope you all have a margarita for me.

Diabetes+Illness

2010-05-03T11:30:00.000-04:00

I'm sick. What I thought was becoming a cold has gone straight to my lungs. I'm feeling pretty miserable.

On our way home from dinner I turned to Steve and said that my throat was starting to hurt. Within 10 minutes I was feeling bad. My first thought was "well that explains all those highs I've been dealing with for the past week." Is it bad that I felt a sense of relief to have an explanation even if it meant that I was sick?

Yesterday, after a restless nights sleep, Steve and I participated in the JDRF Walk for a Cure at National's Stadium. I felt bad but was determined to participate in the walk. It was hot out but Steve and I finished and made it home to crash on the couch for a bit. Ever since my blood sugars have been phenomenal. As in I've been hanging out between 70-110.

So today I am testing every 2 hours and curling up on the couch with a cup of hot tea. I despise being sick and having diabetes just makes being sick worse.

Sorry this is such a complaining post.

Diaversary

2010-04-30T09:26:00.000-04:00

Hey, I'm over at You Can Call Me Saucy today with a post about the day I was diagnosed with diabetes. Saucy celebrated her 3rd Diaversary (aka D-Day) this week and asked me to write a guest post. Come visit me over there!

The Diabetes Card

2010-04-28T12:08:00.000-04:00

Source

Confession Time.

As a child I remember going to restaurants and telling the hostess that my blood sugar was low so we had to get a table ASAP. My parents only did this when I when I was actually low. A few times when I was a teen I would try to tell the hostess I was low when I was out to eat with a group of friends. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it didn't. A few times the hostess would get me a glass of juice and tell me the table wasn't ready yet. I'm not terribly proud of doing this.

Have you ever played the diabetes card? In what situation? What are your thoughts on the diabetes card?

Sometimes I Just Want to Punch Diabetes

2010-04-21T13:27:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I want to just punch diabetes in it's invisible gut. Since there is no gut to punch I do what I know how... do everything in my power to manage this disease.

There are days when despite my best efforts there will be high blood sugars. I work really hard to make sure my numbers are good but hey, shit happens and my blood sugars go up despite my hard work.

This was the case on Monday. I spent the day running high, a lot higher than I had been in over a month. Finally by dinner time I came back down to around 100 mg/dL so I was thrilled. Took my symlin, ate dinner, bolused for the carbs I ate and went on with my night.

About an hour after eating I started feeling low. Checked my Dexcom and confirmed with a blood sugar test. Treated and waited 15 minutes. Test. Damn still low. Wait another 15 minutes. Repeat for the next 2, oh yes 2 hours. As soon as I was in the 70s I thought I was in the clear but then I would drop back down to the 50s. It was a nightmare.

Diabetes brings a lot of challenges to my life but it has also taught me not give up when things get tough. Doesn't mean I don't want to take my pink boxing glove and give diabetes a big punch in it's gut.

What is a cure?

2010-04-19T12:08:00.001-04:00

A few months ago my mom was in town for a JDRF meeting and we were sitting having drinks at the hotel bar with Steve and some other parents whose children have diabetes. We got on to the topic of what a cure meant to me.

I sat there for a few minutes pondering my answer. Ultimately a cure to me means I don't have diabetes anymore. No more testing, no more shots, no more pumps, no more sensor, no more carbohydrate counting, no more carrying around fast acting glucose, no more worrying if I'm going to go low/high during a meeting, no more worrying if I am going to go low driving, no more worrying about spending an arm and a leg (with insurance!) on all the diabetes supplies I need, no more thinking 24/7/365 about diabetes like I have for nearly 22 years. My body would work like Steve's or my mom's. Poof! Diabetes is gone!

That is my ideal world. While I won't hold my breathe that it will happen anytime soon but the research that is going on out there is pretty incredible. The advances in research in the last 20+

years is remarkable. There is a much better understanding of how diabetes works and how it affects the body.

For other people they want to concentrate on technology. JDRF's Artificial Pancreas Project is working to "close the loop" and build a "bionic pancreas." I love the concept, don't get me wrong, but I do worry about relying 100% on technology. I am super excited to see what comes out of this but I'm on the fence as to whether or not this could be considered a cure. I think in this area I would have to wait and see the final product.

Earlier this month came reports that scientists in Australia developed a vaccine that works against type 1 diabetes in mouse experiments. The scientists were able to stop mice who were going to develop type 1 from ever developing diabetes. While this vaccine is still a long way from being available to the public. This study does show how a section of diabetes research is being done to learn how to stop diabetes. Now, I would do anything for nobody else to ever be diagnosed with this disease but at the same time I don't call that a cure. I know that would be a cure to the parents of a child who have just been told that they prevented the child from getting diabetes because of a vaccine.

I think a cure will come from all of this. We need prevent more people from being diagnosed but we also need to make the lives of those already living with diabetes easier, at least until diabetes is 100% gone.

What is a cure for you? Do you think research should be focused on one area more than any other? When do you realistically think a cure will be real?

Picture Source

My Symlin Journey

2010-04-16T11:03:00.000-04:00

When I started on symlin nearly 2 months ago I was incredibly concerned about the nausea since that was the single reason I dropped out of the clinical trial the first time I was on symlin. The second time I was on it I experience some nausea but nothing like the first time. One month in I was happy to report that I barely had any nausea. A few weeks later I went up to the maximum dosage, 60mcg.

It has now been a little over a week that I have been taking the maximum dosage of symlin. I'm happy to report so far so good! Had somebody told me back when I was a part of the clinical trial that I would be doing so well on symlin and, gasp, happy to be on it I would have thought you told me the world was flat.

I'm incredibly insulin resistant and have been since day one of my diagnosis. Because of this insulin resistance I was willing to try symlin again. The incredible thing is my insulin requirements have drastically dropped. My basal rate is still pretty high (from 11am to 10pm it is 3.7 units/hour) but my insulin to carbohydrate ratio has really changed.

Before symlin: Breakfast 1unit to 5 carbs (1:5) Lunch and Dinner 1:4

60mcg of symlin: breakfast 1:17 lunch and dinner 1:15

That is a huge difference for me. A couple days ago I was talking to my mom about all this and she said that she remembers when I went on the pump in 1992 and started carb counting I my ratio was 1:15 but quickly changed to 1:10.

Not only are my insulin requirements going down but so are my numbers. Like drastically coming down. My one week average is 113 mg/dL which is fantastic. My biggest issues are lows after eating. I can't really treat the low because then I rebound and go high. If my number is too low before a meal (80s or bellow) I don't give myself symlin. Luckily, I haven't gone terribly low. My Dexcom has helped a lot with that because I can physically see what is happening with my blood sugar and act accordingly.

My appetite has also decreased, which is a pleasant side effect. The thing with symlin is if you overeat in the slightest it makes you feel disgustingly full. I am optimistic that this is helping with my weight loss goal.

On Monday Steve and I went out to dinner. We opted for Indian. I went to give myself the symlin and realized it wasn't in my purse. So I was careful about counting the carbs I was eating and watching my numbers. Tuesday morning I woke up high (180-220). It was the first time in a week or longer that I was over 160. It showed me exactly why I should be on symlin and how much it is helping me .

I'm well aware that symlin is NOT for everyone but it has been great for me. In about a month I'll have my A1c retested and hopefully it will be lower (based on my meter averages I can guarantee it is lower) which I attribute to the symlin.

Thoughts on Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

2010-04-12T14:40:00.000-04:00

The latest obsession in our household is Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. In reality, it shouldn't be much of a surprise to us that we like the concept of this show so much. You see, while Steve and I worked for a Member of Congress (yes, we worked together but that is another story) he was in charge of food safety for the Member. I actually worked with him a lot on the issue.

We learned a lot of stuff about our food safety, things part of me wishes I never learned. All the information I learned piqued my interest as well as Steve's. I've tried to everything I can to make sure we eat as healthy as possible. We still have not-so-good-for-you meals, but overall we eat a lot of organic healthy food. I try to keep a ton of fruits and veggies in the house. During the summer we go the the Farmer's Market so we end up eating a lot of local produce and meat.

Source

Watching Jamie's Food Revolution has reconfirmed our commitment to try to eat non-processed foods as much as possible. We don't always, but overall we do a pretty good job.

It just boggles my mind how the USDA counts french fries as a veggie for school lunches. Or how all those kids in the elementary school barely knew what each vegetable was when Jamie was asking them.

I guess I was lucky growing up in Southern California and having a big garden where my mom grew most of our veggies and a lot of our fruits. We had amazing fruits and vegetables growing up. My favorite snack was fruit salad (just chopped up pieces of fruit thrown together with a splash of fresh oj) and I rarely ever complained about eating my veggies. I don't think I had a diet full of frozen and canned veggies until I moved to the Midwest for college. Frozen and canned veggies were very very rare in my parents house.

The thing about Jamie's Food Revolution that I think is so important is that it is showing America exactly what is causing the rise in Type 2 Diabetes. The show doesn't distinguish between type 1 or type 2 and wish they would but that is not the center of the show. This show is all about food.

source

I don't believe in a diet for diabetes. I do believe in eating whole foods. I do believe in intuitive eating and moderation (if you are craving a pizza have a slice and a big salad.)

Have you been watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution? What are your thoughts on the show? What is your diet philosophy?

Please sign Jamie Oliver's Petition which is to the left of this.

What happens when you've been sick and don't feel like writting

2010-04-09T10:40:00.000-04:00

I'm not really up for writing a post today so I decided to do a Friday Four Meme.

Four Jobs I've had

Worked for a medical association in their International Activities and Government Affairs departments
Worked for a Member of Congress
Paralegal (did not last long, not my thing)
Intern for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in their Government Affairs department

Four Places I've Lived

Washington DC Area (Arlington, VA and Alexandria VA)
Chicago, IL
La Jolla, CA
Mexico City

Four Countries I've Traveled too

Italy
Greece
United Kingdom
Turkey

Four of things I'm doing this weekend (kinda boring)

Grocery Shopping (oh so exciting)
Spring cleaning/organizing
Work out
Date night with Steve

I hope everyone has a good weekend!

Quick Update

2010-04-08T10:48:00.000-04:00

Tuesday I had my appointment with the Physician Assistant/Diabetes Educator at my Endocrinologist's office. I've been in the office at least once a month since October. It really helps me to be accountable and stay on track.

The PA/CDE and I go through my logbook . "You are still running high mid to late afternoon." So we raise my basal rate during that time by 10%. "If you can keep your blood sugar from going high in the evening you wake up with a good number. This change should help. "

"The symlin looks like it is working well for you. You can go ahead and go up to 60mcg if you want but just keep an eye out for lows."

I left with the overall feeling of success. My 90, 60, 30, 14 and 7 day averages have all dropped. My 14 day average is awesome. Feels good to come out of the appointment being told I was doing a good job. I think if I had my A1c tested today it would be lower, not where I want it to be but at least in the right direction.

Then yesterday I wake up to an upset stomach yet I managed to keep my blood sugars on track despite being sick. I'm feeling better today but not 100%. Today I'm keeping it low key. Sorry for the boring post.

The One Where the Tourists Take Over Washington

2010-04-06T17:27:00.001-04:00

This past weekend was insanely fun and exhausting! Not only is it tourist season her in Washington, DC but the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom. This means Thousands upon thousands descend upon our Nation's Capital.

Friday night I met Steve downtown and we went to the Wizards vs. Bulls game. It was fun, although neither team is very good. Helped that Steve got the tickets for free! I was really good about not going carb crazy at the game so my blood sugar stayed pretty even all night! Question for you all: Do you test in public?

I am usually ok testing in public but at the game you are sitting so close to people I felt a little awkward. I used to hate doing anything diabetes related in public but now I don't really care except at the game Friday.

Saturday morning we woke up late and went out to brunch. There we decided that we had never gone to the Cherry Blossom Festival even though we've seen the blossom in years past so why not hop on the metro and go. Easier said than done.

Got to the metro, parked and 20 minutes later and some very annoying tourists my metrocard had money on it and we squeezed ourselves onto the overly packed metro. Once downtown we were greeted by the masses.

It was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun walking around looking at the Cherry Blossoms and tulips.

On Sunday, Easter, Steve and I got up and went to church then came home to relax a bit. At three we had brunch at the Key Bridge Marriott. They had an incredible spread but not as incredible as the view. We had a great table that looked right across the Potomac into Georgetown.

I went a little crazy at the dessert table but my blood sugar managed to be ok (thank you, symlin!). Overall it was a great weekend!

(Sorry for the poor picture quality...took the picture in the dark with my iPhone. I was under 150 all day on Easter. Despite my attack of the dessert table at the buffet.)

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T08:10:00.000-04:00

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I hope everyone has a Happy Easter.

Diabetes in the Workplace

2010-04-04T07:49:00.000-04:00

Sometimes having an invisible disease like diabetes is hard, for a lack of a better word. I know, I know, you are thinking "well duh Captain Obvious." We spend our days dealing with the day to day management which some days can be a full time job and then on top of that we deal with our invisible disease in the workplace.

At the present moment I'm unemployed. I had a good job but the organization lost the federal grant funding that paid for my position so I lost my job. I have a few concerns as my job search progresses: making sure I can get insurance (although this won't be a problem after 2014) and how to handle my diabetes.

Diabetes is all over my resume so without fail I get asked about it during the interview. I don't mind talking about diabetes, especially because I am proud of what I have done. But when I interview for a company that has nothing to do with diabetes or health care it makes me a little nervous. I can't explain my resume without explaining the fact I have diabetes.

When I was working all my employers were very understanding of my diabetes. Never complained if I was late to work because a low blood sugar kept me from driving to work. The worst was when I'm dealing with a stubborn low that won't go away and my boss would ask me to do something time sensitive.

People are a bit more understanding of the diabetes but when I bring up the fact that I also have Fibromyalgia things change. It is somewhat easier for people to grasp the basic idea of diabetes but being in pain 24/7, well that is just a whole other beast! I try my best to spend the necessary time to make sure I am healthy but without taking too much time that it interferes with your work.

A good boss makes all the difference. Also having an understanding of what your rights are is important. Education is also key. If you are comfortable tell your coworkers or at least your boss about the signs of a low blood sugar and what to do in case of an emergency.

How do you handle your diabetes in the workplace? Any advice for a job seeker like me and when the appropriate time is to tell the boss/interviewer?

Stick Me Desgins

2010-04-02T10:08:00.000-04:00

A few months ago I found Sick Me Designs and kept debating whether or not I wanted a new bag for my meter and diabetes supplies. Back in February I saw a design, pink rox, that I just loved and had to have. So I placed my order and waited. There was a delivery delay due to a problem with a contractor, but I received emails letting me know what was going on.

A little over a week ago my bag arrived and I've been in love ever since! I wish had this bag in Vegas.

For me I like being able to embrace the fact that I have all this medical equipment around me by making it fun. My family and friends laughed when I showed them my new pink Animas Ping pump. Every time I see it it makes me smile. Same thing with the Stick Me Designs pink rox case. It makes me smile.

I love the fact that it has compartments for everything I need, including my Symlin. I can stick my ID, credit card and iPhone in the front pocket. If I'm running a quick errand I can just grab and go and not worry about a purse.

The fabric is my favorite part....the design is just so me. Much better than boring black. Spices things up a bit.

I also got two bio-flips. In all honesty, my boyfriend loves this the most. No more used test strips everywhere!

Note: I purchased this with my own money and have no affiliation to the company.

The Diabetes Police

2010-04-01T09:17:00.001-04:00

The Diabetes Police seem to be everywhere. They usually are well intentioned but misinformed. DP (Diabetes Police) can be a real thorn in your side but as PWD it is important we learn how to deal with them.

Source

I used to feel so weird and guilty when I would go out to eat with some new acquaintances who don't know much about me but do know that I have diabetes. Time would come to order dessert and the shocked look around the table when I would order and oh my god actually eat it. But it's not sugar free?! She's going to die!

If I'm seen eating a piece of candy people start to judge me and tell me I can't eat that or they'll think I'm not taking care of myself. People I am taking care of myself. In fact I am working my ass off trying to be and stay healthy. Maybe that candy was for a low or maybe it was a craving I'm finally giving into. Or maybe it is because sugar free candy causes horrible gastrointestinal issues that I can't even look at it before I'm running to the bathroom clutching my stomach in pain.

The amount of grace and patience it takes to deal with unwanted and/or misguided Diabetes advice can take a toll on any person.

DP: You there, put down that cookie.

PWD: What? Who? Me?

DP: Yes you. You have diabetes and can't eat that.

Problem is, I don't think I know how to deal with them. I mean after over 20 years with diabetes I should know; I should be a pro. But I'm not. A lot of the time I just brush it aside and just smile and nod. Other times I may seem like I'm just brushing it aside when in reality I'm telling them off in my head. The worst is when they give me sugar free candy. That stuff makes me so sick to my stomach. I would rather bolus for the carbs in regular candy and not get sick to my stomach.

How do you handle the Diabetes Police? What is the worst you've encountered?

Taking Diabetes on the Road

2010-03-30T10:24:00.002-04:00

Update on Dexcom: Despite sitting in a bag of rice for 26 hours the receiver has not dried out. I'm going to call Dexcom and order a replacement receiver. I miss it too much! I woke up feeling fine and tested to learn I was 63. Dex would have alarmed and woken me up!

Last week Steve had Friday off so we decided to go on a last minute road trip. We planned to be gone just one night so I didn't have to pack as many diabetes supplies as I did for Vegas.

We packed up the car and headed down I-95 South on our way to Charlottesville, VA.

The drive was fun, but long since we decided to explore and take back roads. Once we got to Charlottesville we needed to walk around. We walked around the downtown mall and then drove around the town trying to find a hotel. Once we found one we had an amazing dinner and came back to the hotel to watch movies.

On Saturday we woke up early (for us) got some fresh fruit from Whole Foods for breakfast and drove over to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home. We walked around the gardens for a bit before our tour started.

Halfway through the tour of Jefferson's house I started to sweat like crazy. Then I started to get a little dizzy. I pulled out my dexcom and saw I was in the 70s with the arrow pointed straight down. UGH. I disconnected my pump and hoped the tour would be over soon. There was no food or drink allowed during the tour. Luckily the tour was almost finished and as I stepped outside I fumbled around and downed I don't know how many glucose tabs. Several minutes later Steve and I were able to get away from the group I tested and I was in the 60s. I must have been super low if I was only in the 60s after bunch of glucose tabs!

Once I was ok Steve and I got on the shuttle bus down to our car and we drove over to Michie's Tavern for lunch and a tour of the tavern. Next we headed over to Ash Lawn, James Monroe's house for a tour.

After the tour we went to Kluge's Winery to taste some wine and cheese. We split a flight of wine which was a good thing since we had a 2 1/2 hour drive home.

It was a fantastic weekend and even better since we had Sunday at home to run errands and relax. The only time the big D was an issue was my low at Monticello. I love road trips!

The One Where the Dexcom Goes For a Swim

2010-03-29T10:15:00.000-04:00

I'm pretty upset. You see last night I was tossing and turning. At 2:45am I tested and was 256. Bolused and then tried to go back to sleep. Finally at 5am I give up on sleeping and come out to the living room, curl up on the couch with my laptop and attack my Google Reader. I tested at this time and was 226. Bolused again. A little before 7am I am exhausted so I sneak back into the bedroom not wanting to wake Steve. The room is dark and I'm out of it. Recipe for disaster.

Without really looking I drop my Dexcom receiver on what I thought was the bedside table. In fact it fell into a half full glass of water. "Thunk". Oh crap. I reach in and yank the receiver out of the water hastily remove the pink cover and start shacking it to get the water out. Edge of bed is now all wet. After shaking it for a minute or two I check to see if it is still working. The reciever says my blood sugar is 212. Crap. Well at least it is working.

I crawl into bed and close my eyes. Oh sweet sweet sleep. Yet I can't sleep. Better check on the receiver and see if it is still working. ARGH. It is totally dead. I start shaking it and more and more water is coming out. I keep shaking it until all the water is out. At this point Steve looks over at me and asks what is going on. "Dex just wanted to go for a swim" I tell him.

At this point panic sets in. How am I going to manage my diabetes with out it? I'm going to have to test every 15 minutes so I can figure out what direction my numbers are going. Oh. My. God. AHHH!

Reality (and sanity) comes back and I realize that I can do this. Yes, I may be testing a lot more but that is totally ok. I can do this.

Dex has become such an integral part of my diabetes management. It helps me figure out what part of the day I run higher/lower, gives me piece of mind knowing that during the middle of the night if I go low Dex will sound his alarm and wake me up, it is a piece of the tool pie I use and rely on to manage my diabetes.

Can I do it without Dex? Absolutely, it is just harder.

I spoke to Dexcom and they said that they've never tried it but have had customers who say it'll start working after drying out. Thanks to twitter advice I have it sitting in a bag of rice drying out. I'm going to give it 24 hours and if it still doesn't work then I am going to have to order a replacement receiver for $299.

I'm bummed about loosing all the data that is on there. It is very helpful to my endo to see my dexcom data.

My poor fingers are in for a rough few days. Crossing my fingers that my numbers cooperate.

Living with Diabetes Day

2010-03-24T10:24:00.001-04:00

Jess over at Sauceyredhead and I have been talking on twitter about an idea I had: Living with Diabetes Day.

Back in the summer of 2007 4 members of Congress participated in the American Diabetes Association's Day with Diabetes. I was working on the Hill at the time and thought it was a great idea to have some of our legislators experience first hand what it is like to live with diabetes, especially when they are deciding on funding for diabetes research.

Over the past few weeks I've been thinking how important it would be for Steve to have a better understanding of what it is like to test before eating anything, to see how the foods affect you. Of course he sees me constantly testing, bolusing, counting carbs, treating highs and lows. He helps me count the carbs I'm eating. He is pretty involved in my diabetes care. Despite all that he doesn't know what its like to have a pump attached to him 24/7 or testing all the time. So why not have it try it out for 24 hours?

Many parents of children with diabetes have practiced giving themselves shots or worn an insulin pump with saline. I think it provides a lot of insight for the parents.

So here is the idea... get a group of bloggers together and have their significant others, themselves if they are parents, or friend to try living with diabetes for a day. Afterwards the blogger would write about their thoughts and the significant other, parent, friend would write about their experience and thoughts.

If you are interested in participating tweet me @adde9903 , leave a comment here, or send me an email at livinglife.diabetes@gmail.com

Symlin Update

2010-03-23T09:55:00.000-04:00

As promised an update on round 3 with symlin. For a recap on my experience with insulin read about it here.

I've been using symlin for the past month. Overall it has been great. The big side effect I dealt with in the past was nausea.

Nausea was the single reason I quit the trial the firs time around. The second time around I would have a nausea for the first few days of each new dosage. This time... no nausea. Well, that was true until this past weekend when out of nowhere I started to have some nausea. On Saturday Steve and I went out to breakfast but after eating left felling like I had swallowed an entire cow and felt nauseated for the next 2 hours. Sunday it was the same deal after brunch but this time it only lasted about an hour. Since Sunday I haven't had any nausea. Weird, huh?

Dr. A was concerned about going too low after eating so she only wanted me to go up to 30mcg before each meal. At my appointment with the PA/CDE she had me go up to 45mcg and change my carb to insulin ratios.

Immediately after eating my numbers are pretty good. In general my biggest problem is 3 hours after eating. the PA/CDE said that that is a result of basal issues but I'm thinking that when I have a carb-heavy meal I go up 3 hours after eating.

I'm using less insulin overall with is a big reason why I wanted to go back on the symlin. So far I'm really glad I'm using symlin.

I see the PA/CDE in about 2 weeks and I'm hoping she'll let me raise my dosage. I'm reluctant to raise my basal anymore. As it stands I'm already on a ton of insulin and needing to refill the reservoir every 24-36 hours. Yeah. It stinks.

Diabetes meet Vegas

2010-03-22T09:27:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in this post Steve and I were off on a long weekend trip for his 30th birthday. I surprised him with a trip to Vegas where my best friend S and her husband J were meeting us. All of us, except for Steve had never been.

We got there around 10pm Vegas time which was 1am for us. First thing we did after checking in was go to Margaritaville for a late dinner and margaritas. I opted for a Pomegranate Margarita and bolused. I ended up running high the rest of the night. Didn't have another margarita the rest of the time I was there. And I love margaritas!

I was prepared for lots of walking but boy oh boy was it tough on my feet but awesome on my numbers! We ate a lot but it didn't adversely affect my numbers which I was so happy about.

I had one of those I can't believe I'm doing this moments when I got low as Steve and I walked through Casino Royal. They have $1 margaritas so Steve went in to get one. As he was paying I felt like I was dropping, fast, so I checked out my Dexcom and low and behold I had a downward arrow and I was already low. We were walking to the food court in the back of the casino but I needed something quick.

I grabbed Steve's margarita and took a few sips. Yes, I used a margarita to help raise my blood sugar. Not my finest moment but whatever, it worked. Especially since Steve was in the process of grabbing me some food and juice.

It was a great trip! I'm so glad we went despite my sore feet and blisters.

What crazy things have you done to raise your blood sugar during a low?

The Shaky Hand

2010-03-19T12:22:00.001-04:00

I need to post about Steve's surprised birthday trip last weekend to Vegas but I couldn't let today go by without a post in honor of a person who means the world to me.

A year ago today my dear grandmother, Nonna passed away in her sleep after battling COPD. My mom rushed down to Mexico to be by her mother's side and was there when Nonna died as gracefully as she had lived.

Nonna and I had an incredibly special relationship. She was a second mother to me. Nonna shared her love of all things Italian, cooking, learning, decorating, politics and history among many other things. She and I could spend hours on the phone just talking about anything and everything. She gave me the best advice.

In all honesty, this post is a lot harder than I thought it would be for me to write. Sadness is overwhelming and making it a little harder to breathe.

Nonna was a big part of my diabetes care.

The summer after my diagnosis Nonna took me and two of my cousins (we are the three eldest out of 7 grandchildren) to Rome for the summer. You see Rome was her favorite place on earth. After her divorce from my grandfather, Lito, she moved to Rome with my mom and aunt while my uncles stayed in Mexico. She didn't speak a lick of Italian but learned it while my mom and aunt were in school during the day. She learned to navigate her way around Rome by walking all over the city every day in her stilettos. When my cousins and I were old enough she wanted to share her love of Rome with us.

This was the first time I had been away from my parents for more than a night since I was diagnosed the fall before. I remember waiting for our flight to leave for Rome and I was accidentally served a regular coke instead of a diet coke. Of course Nonna was freaked out by my high blood sugars but we survived the long flight. Although I remember her testing me constantly. Where were CGMs then?!

While in Rome she carried around a big bag full of all my supplies including a scale. At every restaurant she would carefully measure my food at the table much to the embarrassment of myself and my cousins. We managed just fine. Despite all the gellato I missed out on that trip!

At age 12 when I went on the insulin pump my mom was still putting the infusion sets for me. I had had a difficult time giving myself shots but finally learned. The bent-needle infusion set was too much for me to handle. Soon after I started the pump I went down to Mexico to visit Nonna for the summer. I remember sitting on the couch in the library/den and my mom was showing her how to set the pump up and change sites. I wiped the alcohol swamp on my abdomen and my mom handed the bent-needle infusion set to Nonna to put in me. Seeing the steel bent needle shaking in her hand set me over the edge and I snatched it away from her and stuck it in myself.

"You did it!" Nonna and my mom said.

Nonna's loving shaking hand has motivated me ever since. I don't know where I would be had it not been for Nonna. Her shaking hand helped me take charge of my diabetes care. Words cannot express how much I love and miss her. She meant the world to me and I am so glad she is no longer suffering but I do miss her. A lot.

Traveling with Diabetes

2010-03-10T12:22:00.000-05:00

Tonight Steve and I are meeting at the airport and taking off on Steve's 30th Birthday Surprise Trip. He has no idea where I am taking him. Since he doesn't know where we are going I need to do his packing. He's going to pull out some of the basic (boxes, undershirts, ect) but I need to do the rest for him. He is a lot easier to pack for then me and my plethora of diabetes supplies, clothing, and shoes.

We are only going to be gone for 4 nights and 4 days so I won't need that much extra supplies but you can never be too careful.

Diabetes supplies for the trip:

My supplies include:

Meter
Back-up meter
Batteries (for pump and meter)
Test strips
Alcohol swabs/skin-tac
Medical tape
Pump Resivours
Infusion Sets
Novolog insulin
Lantus insulin for emergency
Syringes
Symlin
Pen needles
CGM (Dexcom Seven Plus)
CGM Sensors
Dexcom Charger
Pump (of course!)
Glucose Tabs (ugh, hate them but easy to travel with)

I am so excited for this trip I can hardly contain myself. It has been so hard keeping this a secret from Steve for as long as I have (bought tickets 3 months ago but have been planning for at least 6 months.) I hope my diabetes cooperates with me during this trip!

What supplies do you take with you when you travel?

Kickin' D-Booty

2010-03-09T10:11:00.001-05:00

As I have mentioned before I am working my booty off to get in better control. Last week I was feeling burned out. After several days of having numbers higher then I wanted for no real reason I noticed I was starting to fall into old, bad habits: eating without testing, not testing as much, ect. Luckily, I was still giving myself insulin for the food I was eating and I was still testing 6 times a day. Nonetheless, slowly I was slipping back into bad habits.

I saw the Physician Assistant/CDE on Friday who made some basal and carb-ratio tweeks. Seeing her motivated me to get back on the horse and forge on.

Last week I was feeling like Diabetes was kicking my booty. The tide turned on Saturday. I woke with a blood sugar of 98 mg/dL and stayed right around there all day! At lunch I went down to 65 mg/dL but did pretty well after lunch. Although I did go up to 157 in the evening but came right back down. My average blood sugar for the day was 102 mg/dL!

Each time I tested Steve and I would high-five each other. He helped me counting carbs at lunch and dinner and went on a walk with me after lunch and after dinner. I went to bed eeling like I won the battle that day.

As PWD we spend our days with diabetes constantly on our minds. Sometimes it is the center of our thoughts other times it is in the background but it is still there 24/7 and it can be very taxing. Days like Saturday prove to me that I am doing the right things and I can do this.

I love kickin' D-Booty!

Scaring Patients into Compliance

2010-03-03T10:22:00.001-05:00

Has your doctor ever scared you into taking better care of yourself?

When diagnosed with diabetes patients are bombarded with all the complications that come with diabetes: heart disease, eye disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, amputations ect. In the wake of diagnosis PWD can forget to listen when their doctor says that they can still live a long fulfilling life. After a while the scary complications can be forgotten or ignored since complications arise after long-term high blood glucose levels. At least, this is my experience/opinion.

When I was a teen and trying everything I could to gain my independence I just stopped taking care of myself. Of course, I did enough to keep me out of the hospital but testing was rare and I could careless about what I ate.

My parents tried everything: grounding me, showing up at a friend's house who was having a sleep-over when they saw I hadn't taken my tester (wow was that embarrassing!), yelling, trying to reason with me, everything. At one point the endocrinologist who diagnosed me talked to me about his cousin who had diabetes and lived in Columbia. He was on dialysis and begging me to take care of myself so I wouldn't end up like him. Finally at one point my parents took me to a psychologist who had experience with PWD.

I remember clearly the day the psychologist told me I was committing suicide because I was not taking care of myself. She threatened to commit me to a mental institution.

That did not go over well. To this day I wouldn't say I was trying to commit suicide but I do understand the frustration my parents and doctors felt with my non-compliance.

For a brief while the scare tactic worked but it did not last. Apparently, I am not alone in having scare tactics only work temporarily. Yesterday on MSNBC.com there was an article about health threats and how they only scare the patient into compliance for a short amount of time. You can read the article here.

Forty-seven percent of doctors surveyed by Truth On Call said that patients' good intentions only last a matter of weeks after a dangerously high blood pressure reading. View related photos

47 percent! Truth-be-told this does not surprise me. The thing about diabetes, at least for me, that can make the long list of devastating complication fade into the background is the fact that complications don't arise after one or two high blood sugars.

When I test and see a number in the upper 100s or 200s I don't think oh my eyes! my kidneys! but after days of highs I do think damn this isn't going to help stop the progression of my mild/moderate retinopathy.

This article was an interesting read and really made me think about how I approach diabetes complications.

What about you? Did this article make you think? How do you think about complications in your diabetes care?

A Wee Bit of Frustration

2010-03-01T17:22:00.000-05:00

By no means am I the perfect PWD. In the 21 and a half years I've had diabetes I've gone through periods of not testing, not paying attention to my diabetes and only doing enough to stay out of the hospital. Hell, I was even "fired" by my very first endocrinologist, Dr. H, for non-compliance. There have also been periods where my A1c rocked and I was doing everything to keep it low.

During the periods of not taking proper care of my diabetes it was never once about not knowing what to do or having the resources to do what was needed. In fact, thanks to all my mom's work I probably have way more resources at my disposal than most PWD. Everything I needed was always right there.

In October when I started seeing my new endo, Dr. A. While Dr. E will always be there for me if I ever needed anything is always just an email away from helping me out I came to realize I needed to have an endo who was local and not 3,000 miles away. So off I went to Dr. A and got my A1c. I was a bit shocked at my results: 10.2%

Dr. A told me it was ok and we were going to work together to get it down.

46 days later it was down to 8.1% I was so impressed with myself. I figured that in 2 months I would have it down bellow 7% no problem

Except it didn't go down that much. About 10 days ago I saw Dr. A for a follow up. Before the appointment I checked my 90 day average on my meter and had an idea what my new A1c would be so I wasn't as shocked/upset by the news. 7.9% I told Dr. A that my guess was I would be 7.8% or 7.9% so I did a decent job guessing.

I know that I should be thrilled that in just over three months I went from 10.2% down to 7.9% but I am just not satisfied.

Now that I'm unemployed my days pretty much revolve 99 percent of the time around diabetes. In some ways it is fantastic but it also makes these highs I keep having just that much more frustrating. Sometimes I know why I'm high and there is a good reason. Other times I have no idea.

On Saturday Steve and I went out for an early dinner of tapas before heading to the movies to see Shutter Island. Before eating I was 106 so I bolused for my meal and took my shot of symlin. 2 hours after eating I was 106. Perfect!!! An hour later, during the movie, my Dexcom alarms saying I'm over 200. I test and I'm in the 250s. I do a correction bolus and get back to watching the movie. (Good movie by the way!) A few hours later I'm back down in the 130s before bed.

I'm trying so hard for that A1c bellow 7%. My goal is to have it there when I get it tested again in May. It is just days like Saturday that get me frustrated and feel like throwing in the towel. Of course I realize I can't do that but sometimes it sure does sound appealing.

On Thursday I'm seeing the Physician Assistant/CDE at Dr. A's office. Hopefully she'll help me figure out why I am going up 3 hours after eating and how to help prevent it.

A touching post

2010-02-26T17:02:00.001-05:00

Moira McCarthy wrote a very touching guest blog post over at Diabetes Mine that I truly believe every PWD and every parent of a PWD should read. Moira and my mom have worked over the years together at JDRF and I know first hand how dedicated Moira is to finding a cure.

Not alone

2010-02-26T14:19:00.001-05:00

My previous boyfriends have never had such an active role in my diabetes care. They all pretty much just trusted that I was taking care of myself. For the first few years we dated Steve learned what he could but pretty much just trusted that I was doing what I could to take care of myself. He would get me juice when I was low and be understanding of highs.

I'm not sure what happened but around 6 months ago Steve decided he wanted to know more and wanted to have a more active role. He read books and did research online on diabetes. He would ask me why I was doing things. He wanted to know everything he possibly could.

For the first time ever I let somebody else in on my diabetes care.

Since going to boarding school 3,000 miles away at age 14 I have been completely in charge of my diabetes care. My mom took a backseat and more often then not I wouldn't let her "in."

I have pretty much always lived alone, with out roommates so nobody was around to make sure I hadn't gotten so low in the middle of the night I passed out. Even when I did have roommates I never relied on them to have the responsibility to make sure I was ok. My mom and I would talk on the phone everyday and if she didn't hear from me she would start to panic.

When Steve and I started talking about living together my mom was happy that I would be living with somebody who I would listen to. It took me years to trust somebody else with my diabetes care.

He has learned how to count carbs and the importance of testing 2 hours after eating. When my Dexcom alarms in the middle of the night he runs off to get my meter to test me. I knows not to pour me too much juice even though I get super hungry when I'm low. He encourages me to eat as healthy as I can but doesn't criticize me when I eat a sweet.

Earlier this week Steve had to travel on a business trip. I realized how much I've come to depend on him when he was gone this week. As annoying as he came be when he is asking me a million questions I just feel safer knowing he is around. He has taught me that despite my long standing belief that diabetes was MY disease and didn't affect other people it is not true; it absolutely affects those around me.

Sometimes I think we, as PWD get caught up on the details of diabetes care and forget how important our support system is to our health. Having Steve around makes me want to take better care of myself and he helps me do just that.

Symlin

2010-02-23T11:20:00.000-05:00

I guess you could say I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Symlin. A while back my endo growing up, Dr. E, took part in the Symlin clinical trial. He absolutely loved the results he saw with his diabetes control not to mention the weight he lost without trying. With his success he thought I would be an ideal candidate for the trial.

Reluctantly I agreed to be a part of the trial. There were two issues that I had: the nausea, dear god the nausea, and having to take 3 shots a day.

One of the side effects of Symlin is nausea and boy oh boy did I have it bad. I was never able to increase my dosage because I just could not handle the 2.5 units (15mcg) at all my meals.

More importantly, at the time I was furious that there I was on the insulin pump having given up countless shots a day to only 1 shot every 3 days. Admittedly, I was not giving symlin the fair shot it deserved. Apparently I was one of a few people in the study across the US who dropped out of the study.

About 2 years ago I talked to Dr. E and decided to give symlin another try after hearing how many people liked it and the results they had with it. A big selling point was that it was now in pen form so I would have to carry around a bottle of symlin and syringes. So I gave it another shot (no-pun intended) hoping my results would be better.

More than anything the nausea is what concerned me. Luckily after 2 days the nausea was gone. My problem with it at the time is that I was eating low-carb and not enough carbs in a meal to take the symlin (you have to eat 30 grams of carbs) so I ended up with some not-so-fun lows.

On Friday my new endo, Dr. A, and I decided to give symlin another try. I've always been so incredibly insulin resistant and have been since my diagnosis 21 years ago. For most of the day my basal rate is 3.1 units/hour. Yeah, it is a lot. I'm on so much insulin and I really need to drop some pounds. Perfect time to start symlin again.

The pharmacy didn't have symlin in stock but I picked it up today. I'm hoping third time is the charm. Over the next several days/weeks/months I will be commenting about my experience with symlin. Please note that I am not being paid or am I associated with Amliyn Pharmiceuticals.

For more information on symlin please visit their website and contact your doctor if you think you would like to try it.

An Introduction

2010-02-22T11:43:00.002-05:00

My first blog post! Here is a bit of an introduction to me:

My name is Adriana and I'm 28 years old. I've had type 1 diabetes for 21 and a half years, since the age of 7. I've been on an insulin pump since 1992. A lot has changed in the 18 year's I've been pumping. From 1992 until 2005 I used various MiniMed pumps but I switched to Animas in 2005. In November 2009 I got my pink(!) Animas Ping. I am also a Dexcom CGM user since 2005. I've used it off and on but have been using it non-stop since October 2009.

I've been pretty blessed with my support system. My mom has been my rock my entire life supporting me through everything. She has been active in diabetes research since day one. Her first call when I was diagnosed after the family was to the local chapter of JDRF. Even when I wanted nothing to do with diabetes and did just enough to keep me out of DKA she fought for me. If you can't tell I think she's pretty incredible.

Another person who is a major source of support is my loving boyfriend, Steve. He is one of the main reasons why I'm trying so hard to take care of myself. He makes my diabetes care a priority when I want to put it on the back burner and just want to me a "normal" 28 year old. From testing me in the middle of the night when my CGM alarms, getting me juice when I'm low, rushing home when I've forgotten some diabetes supplies, to going to countless doctors appointments he is there for me.

I can't talk about my support system and not mention my dad and brother. While my mom took the most active role in my diabetes care my dad and my brother have always been supportive of me. When my mom was so active with JDRF and constantly traveling around the world my dad and brother were understanding of her always being gone and never complaining. Growing up my diabetes often took priority over other things and my brother not once complained about having to take a back seat to my diabetes. I'm so lucky to have their support.

I've been reading a lot of diabetes blogs over the past few months that have really helped me feel less alone. My wish is that by writing about my experience with diabetes will help somebody out there like the blogs I've read have helped me.