Okay let me start by saying that I have had T1 diabetes for 23 yrs now so this is not my first rodeo with issues. I transfered to a new college to finish out my nursing school because it is smaller and I get more 1 on 1 attention from the professors. I decided to live in the dorms because it is so far from my home and I just refused to give up the oppurtinity to go to this school and give up my soccer scholarship. Well I am still trying to get a feel for what is going to work for me and that is a lot harder then I imagined ( must have thought the diabetic fairy was going to magically help me ) I walk way more in a day from classes and dorms and chow halls and this has reeked havic on my BG's. I have been on the phone with my Endo more then I have with my own family trying to get my basals reset to better accomadate my activities and this includes soccer as well. This week was a huge scare though and really woke me up to seeing how even the slightest things can screw with my numbers. Some jerkface ( yes that is a word ) decided to be funny and pull the fire alarm in the dorms and so of course we had to run out of the building like chickens with our heads cut off. My problem begins here, I was in the process of treating a sttuborn low ( story of our lives right? ) when the fire alarm got pulled and the person who's job it is to ensure our safety was knocking and banging on my door telling me to get outside. Well I went back in my room for a sec cause I needed my juice especially since I was having to use the stairs ( I am on the 3rd floor so you do the math lol ) she did not let me do this instead she made me go down. I was sitting at 42 mg/dl when I left the room and by the time they let us back in I was at 32 mg/dl ( wick sick low right? ) well the RA notices my lack of control and sits me down asked what I needed and tried his darnest to help but by then the cops had called ems and they were there within 3 mins. Well I have a slight issue when I hit a certain low level of 40 or below most times that I will throw up whatever you give me it does not matter. This up chucking was going on for 15 mins before the EMT's were like your going to the ER. I was not happy to say the least I missed 3 days of class and practice and now trying again to work this crap out. Now here is my issue. This college has never had type 1 diabetes live in the dorms ( not that they didn't let them it was just they never had any who did ) Well this semester there are two of us and we are both on pumps so of course a lil scary for the RD's and RA's to think about. The other type 1 had a low BG seizure that caused a concussion as well last week. This is again worrying a lot of people. The school nurse is trying to train these people to help us as neither of us have room mates I share a bathroom ( like a jack and jill set up ) but my room is mine and the other d girl has the same. So the nurse is trying to come up with things to help us like making sure we are okay. She needs ideas though. The training part will happen very soon and so that will help but what about walking the half mile to my class and going low? I can not get the words out of my mouth of what I want to say so I fear others will not know what to do. I do have my D medical alert bracelet as does the other girl. So please thoses of you who did the dorm life and sports help me out here any thing you guys think would help us stay healthy and normal would be fabtabulous ( again yes that is also a word ) 

I was at a diabetes monthly meeting not too long ago. I had a lot of fun there. In this particular support group, there's always someone that has spare diabetes supplies to share. How wonderful to witness this, especially during the xmas holidays. However, I became very sad for a moment, because although it was such a beautiful thing that members are willing to share their blessings unconditionally; I also thought about the fact billions of people still have absolutely no idea what a diabetic has to go through, and just how vital diabetic supplies are to every diabetic (not just type 1).

I also thought about the fact that so many type 2 people, don't have the right to some of the same technologies as type 1 do because of stigma. Regardless of what type of diabetes you have, we are all fighting the same battle of trying to stay alive by any means necessary, period....

I've encountered so many people that take their diabetes for granted. Some of us litterally hoard supplies unnecessarily. I just wanted to say that, lets not forget our diabetic brothers and sisters lives that depend on the supplies we don't use. Think about how diabetic lives are devasted every day because of insurance issues. If you are blessed with extra supplies, share them. Nothing feels more beautiful than the opportunity to help someone in need.

-Yogi

25

25.... Not a big number, yet not a small number. It is a significant number for me this December as this is the year I celebrate 25 years with diabetes. I don't actually know or remember the day I was diagnosed with diabetes. I know it was in December 1986, after my mother's birthday on the 10th and before Christmas. I remember the way the hospital smelled, that I was put on the children's ward even though at age 13 I felt I should be on the adult ward, and I remember the doctor telling my parents to go buy me a case of diet sodas from the gift shop as I needed to drink a ton of fluids for my blood sugar to come down.  I remember the doctors talking to my parents as if I was not there, telling them I would not live to age 30 and I would never have children.  I remember feeling very alone and very scared as visiting hours ended and I was left in a room by myself.  I remember thinking that my life was over before it had a chance to begin.

When I look back at that scared 13 year old girl, I think about how I began my diabetic journey feeling like it didn’t matter what I did, no matter the good or bad choices, I was  doomed.  I look back over some of the choices I made or avoided and I wonder how it might have been different if I hadn’t been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, AKA  type 1 diabetes.  I think about all the things I was afraid to try doing because I used diabetes as my excuse.  Then I think about the fact that I would not be the awesome person I am today if I had not gotten that diagnosis so many years ago.  I wouldn’t have been forced to be so tough and resilient.  

Not many people know all the details of my journey with this chronic condition.  Some of the details are ugly and some of them are magical.    Although I can be cynical about many things, I am also a hopeful person who always can see the possibilities.  I still hope for a cure someday.  I still get excited when I see another diabetic following their dreams and they don’t let diabetes stop them.  I still am here, chasing my own dreams, not letting diabetes define what I can’t do.  I can do anything I want, I just have to plan and prep a bit more than a non diabetic.  And I am a pretty good planner after 25 years of practice

So as we say goodbye to 2011, let’s all remember, it’s all about your attitude!   I think I will go have a cupcake to celebrate all that is possible with diabetes in my life.

1. My non-diabetic friend accepts all of me, including my diabetes.

2. My non-diabetic friends never make blanket assumptions about my diabetes or me.

3. My non-diabetic friends truly listens to me when they ASK about my diabetes.

4. My non-diabetic friends are great to share food with, when controlling sugars!

5. My non-diabetic friends are informed about my diabetes, and know when I need help.

6. My non-diabetic friends know that diabetes is only part of who I am.

7. My non-diabetic friends are mindful of insensitive comments, especially in public.

8. My non-diabetic friends NEVER try and force THEIR way of healthy living.

9. My non-diabetic friends understands that EACH AND EVERY DIABETIC IS DIFFERENT!

10. My non-diabetic friends understand that a syringe does not mean I am a drug addict.

11. My non-diabetic friends laugh with me and not @ me.

12. My non-diabetic friends are interested in learning more about diabetes together.

13. My non-diabetic friends participate in the very things they recommend.

14. My non-diabetic friends................. (you fill in the rest)

-Yogi

The Best Way To Help a Diabetic? For every diabetic, there's a different circumstance. Each diabetic will require different needs. A diabetic's needs can depend on a variety of things, i.e., medications, personality, and sometimes even our emotional state. No one diabetic is the same, regardless of the type of diabetes. For a few years now, I've been involved with the diabetic community (as well as being diabetic myself), and I think it's safe to say that for most of us, the best way to help a diabetic is to just simply ask, "How can I help"?

Speaking for myself, to "ASK" is a very important keyword. Some diabetics welcome unsolicited advice, and some diabetics despise it. To help a diabetic, is to understand the "invisible diabetic line" between your opinions, and a persons right to live their life. To ask, is to allow that diabetic, to have a choice as to whether or not, they'd like to receive your thoughts, instead of dealing with uninvited opinions. By asking, it also avoids risks of any developing tension, or unintentionally making the diabetic person feel less then competent.

Lastly, the best way to help a diabetic, is to become informed yourself, in order TO help. Read about diabetes as much as you can. When I say read, I don't mean an old article in "Women's Day magazine", "People magazine" or even a "new cure" in "The Enquirer". Purchase a current & relative book on diabetes. The American Diabetes Association has many great books, for both the newly diagnosed, and loved ones who are trying to learn.

Understand that not every diabetic is doomed to have life threatening complications. As long as he/she is controlling their blood sugars, they can lead a very healthy and happy life. Diabetes is an extremely complex disease. Diabetes is so much more than just eating fruits, vegetables and exercising. Diabetes is interconnected along with our emotional, psychological, as well as our physical state. So please keep these things in mind, when dealing with a diabetic loved one.

Yogi

When I look back over the past 2 years as I have been working towards my full licensure as a professional counselor, I realize how in this new beginning of a career, I have let important things in my life become neglected.  My focus and purpose were sosharp, but I missed the bigger picture. I have lost touch with the DOC (diabetes online community) and I have been affected on many levels by this. With the launch of the new 1happydiabetic.com website, I am ready to change my priorities, not just for the DOC but for my own well being.

1happydiabetic.com started as a dream of Bill’s that he took on by himself.  2 years ago he asked me to join him and I jumped right in!  My diabetes care was top notch, I was plugged in, I could connect and make a difference for myself and others.  Then life got in the way.  I started my first job out of graduate school and started working 80+ hours a week.  I didn’t make time to do videos or blogs.  I stopped tweeting and blamed it on my crappy phone at the time.  I slipped further away from the person I truly liked being, one very happy and positive diabetic.  As I made excuses to friends and family, I started making excuses to myself.  I stopped living in the here and now and focused on my future career only.

When I dropped off the radar of the DOC, I started gaining weight again.  I ate fast food 5 days aweek and I always got the worse dietary option available!  I thought, “I have an insulin pump, I can have that ice cream/French fries/crappy extra value meal, I deserve it since Iwork so hard taking care of others.”  I stopped taking care of myself, physically and mentally as I disconnected from the DOC and anything that was not work related. Throughout this process of becoming someone I didn’t recognize anymore,there was one constant in my life other than my husband, it was Bill.  Bill was understanding and encouraging as I struggled with my crazy schedule.  He kept me in the loop on DOC happenings. He took care of the website and kept making videos.  All while he worked and had a new baby in the house! 

As Bill geared up for this launch and brought in the awesome new crew, I told Bill I didn’t have time, I didn’t want to let him down and I needed to just bow out.  He wouldn’t let me quit, he told me to do what I could do, that I needed to be part of it.  He was so wise in that moment, I don’t thinkhe even realized it.  In that moment, Iknew that it was time.  Time to get my priorities straight and reconnect with who I am and who I want to be.

With the relaunch of www.1happydiabetic.com, it has gotten me thinking about change and new beginnings.  I have decided that some things in my life have to change.  It is time for me to reconnect with my diabetic self and the DOC. It is time to look at my priorities and shake some things up!   I amso fortunate to have the wonderful people of the DOC as part of my life and itis time that I give back to the DOC. Keep checking in with us on the new, improved site as I share how to getmy diabetic groove back!

…to tell me how my diabetes is doing.  I have a pretty good guess.  Just doing the minimum diabetes managemen troutine can tell you that.  Whether you checking three times a day or are overloaded by continuous glucose readings youcan get the picture.  I'm either incontrol, or not.  I'm either feeling good about myself or not.  Well I lied alittle.  Usually I am stuck somewhere in between being in control and not being in control.

                You know, that diabetes limbo.  That place where you think you can do better (and you can) and that place where you are just a tad too diabetes lazy and say to yourself "I'll do it later."  It's probably the wors tplace to be in I personally think.  Whyis it the worst place you ask?  Well because that’s the place where the ownership of diabetes management is all on you.  That's right, responsibly.  A tough pill to swallow even though you don't pick it up at the drug store.

                So how do you get yourself back on the right track, back in the grove, back to feeling like you have control of you diabetes? It's really easier than we all try to tell our self.   I'm sure you have forgotten to test your blood sugar before… and lived.  I know I have more times than I can count, but that isn't being in control that's being passive in your management.

                Being passive in anything is usually not a good thing.  It's depressing.  Do you know someone who is always passive?  Talk about a depressing bore.  Are you passive in your own life,I know I have been there before, it's the worst.  So how do you get back and get active?  It really just takes a little effort,  and that little effort can go a long way.

                Your doctor can't prescribe effort .  It might sound silly, but he or she can't.  You just have to think your diabetes management is less about effort and more about doing.  Effort gives people the jitters sometimes, it just sounds like work, effort. So let's just call it" doing" instead.

                 Doing the right thing is sometimes easier than doing the wrong thing.  If I told you, you could have better diabetes control in less than 3 minutes a day you might say I am crazy.  Heck if I heard an infomercial say I can get abs in 10 minutes a day I am skeptical.  But really 3 minutes out of your day to test your blood sugar is all it takes.  My meter tests my sugar in 5 seconds.  Plus the minimal time it takes for me to prick my finger and acknowledge my reading.  It really isn't much.  Is it? Is testing your blood sugar frequently keeping you back from getting in control of your diabetes?  Is the problem the person looking at you in the mirror?

                The mental effort or toll you take by "thinking" you are not doing the right thing is more stressful and time consuming than 3 minutes a day I can assure you that.  I mean how many time shave you thought, "I’ll do the right thing, I'll eat better, I should test…etc "  and that’s all negative energy.  Sure it's a hopeful  thought but it's not "doing."  Be active, not passive.  Passive is so boring. 

                So the next time you walk by your meter and give it a dirty look and walk away… think of yourself telling me your story of being passive about your diabetes, or your story about being active about your diabetes. Which one do you think I would listen to?  It's the story your body would listen to as well.

You can "do" it, it's not effort it'sdoing.

Hey Everyone!     

the BiG Blue Test was awesome.  I've made a video of my workout and test results from here on the beach in Colombia!  the video can be found here--

http://youtu.be/FfCNMTVCV18

Our friends over at TuDiabetes have put together an event for all of us for World Diabetes Day this Saturday, November 14, 2009.  Check it out and participate if you can.  It's all about raising awareness about diabetes!  Here is the info about the event:

November 14 is World Diabetes Day. On that day, at 14:00 hours (localtime), thousands of people with diabetes will test their blood sugar,do 14 minutes of exercise, test again and share their results onTuDiabetes or on Twitter.

The event is called The Big Blue Test because blue is the color associated with World Diabetes Day. It is based on a test-in activity that took place July 14, where more than a thousand people with diabetes tested their blood sugar at the same time and shared their results online. This time, the activity incorporates 14 minutes of physical activity to reinforce the importance of exercise.

Participating in this event to raise diabetes awareness on November 14 is easy...

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE...

You too can be 1happydiabetic, it's all about your attitude!

Suzanne

Today is officially diabetes blog day, in honor of Diabetes Awareness month.  A big thanks to Chris, over at The Big D blog for designing the awesome logo below.

I usually take forever to put together a blog.  I research, I write and then re-write, and spend a lot of time trying to put together a whole feeling or message.  This time I am going to go a little stream of consciousness, just for fun!  Here aresome of the thoughts that go through my head in any given week that involve diabetes:

1. Wow, look at all the black dots on my fingertips!
2. I wonder if my endo will get on my case for not testing 2 hours after meals like I use to do religiously?  With my new job it has been hard to do this….
3. How did I ever survive without a CGMS?
4. In an average year I use approximately 4500 test strips.  At about a buck a piece, I sure could go on a killer vacation each year with all that money!
5. Oooohhh, look! They have a low carb version of pita bread!
6. If there was a cure today, would I still think of myself as a diabetic?
7. Diabetes sure does make me a strong person.
8. Diabetes makes me feel weak sometimes.
9. I hate asking for help with inserting a DexCom sensor in my arm, but I love that my husband is willing to do it for me.
10. I wonder if I my dog can tell when I am low or high?
11. I sure carry around a lot of food with me….My purse is sooooo heavy!
12. Fruit juice, glucose tabs, or left over candy? Which should I have to treat this low?
13. It isn’t fair I have to deal with diabetes.I wonder if there will ever be a cure… 

You can be 1happydiabetic, it’s all about your attitude!

Suzanne