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 ) 

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.

Just thinking about admitting to this you guys makes my stomach hurt and I’ve got a cold sweat. Please don’t be judgmental, guys. Okay. Umm…well. I guess I’ll just come out and say it.

I love egg nog.

Okay, it’s not just a love. It’s an absolute addiction. It’s life-destroying, really. And I think it’s about time that I get some help. I know that admitting you have a problem is the first step toward recovery, so here I go. I am a Nogver (that’s what we call Egg Nog lovers). I started with just a little splash in my coffee for flavor, but I’m at a point now where I just drink it straight. Andi if I have a stash in the fridge at my house, I can’t think of anything else all day.

This time of year is dreadful for a Nogver. Right now, I cannot walk into a grocery store or Starbucks without buying some nog. It’s impossible. This is a very serious problem for a guy that has been putting so much energy into controlling his blood glucose levels. And my problem is only complicated by what I think is a new popularity of flavored nogs (see image above).

There are over 30g of carbs in a small 1 cup serving of normal nog. And the flavored versions have even more. The first nog I bought from my dealer (Fry’s Marketplace) was a vanilla chai flavored half-gallon and was absolutely delicious. Oh jeeeez! This weekend I’ll be buying a half-gallon for use in my coffee only. I’ve promised myself that I would not do any straight nog shots.

I am very aware that my addiction is bad for me. It’s not that I can’t eat/drink anything I want…the problem is that as a Nogver I have no control over the amount of nog I drink. The problem is the way this substance controls my life and makes me steal (small sips of nog) from my family. Wish me luck, folks. It’s going to be a tough December.

Do you guys have any addictions that are rooted in holiday treats (don’t get me started on Marshmallow Peeps!)

“Happy” Holidays!

I hate to admit it but I LOVE LOLCats!  The funny pictures and captions of cats makes me smile no matter how stressed out my day is!  I love the terrible grammar and silly sentiments!  Who would have guessed that I would have my own crazy LOLCats story?

Some of you may remember my cat from one of my early blog posts before I joined Bill on 1happydiabetic.com.  My cat can be pretty tolerant of me as you can tell!

On Friday, October 21, I received some scary news.  My cat, China, has Type II diabetes.  She is 13 years old and had started peeing on the carpet in our living room, drinking lots of water and scarfing all of the dog’s hard food. Because she didn’t lose weight, I didn’t put it together that she was showing me diabetic symptoms.  Part of me feels guilty for not seeing that she was feeling sick and part of me realizes that sometimes you just don’t see stuff like this coming.

As my husband picked China up from the veterinarian and he was given the news of the diagnosis.  Her blood sugar was 380!  He was sent home with a prescription for Humulin N insulin and syringes.  He was told she needs to be tested 1-2 times a day from her EAR!  We were going to have to stick a lancet in her ear to test her!  We were both reeling!

I have to be honest, it has been really hard for me to be positive about my cat having diabetes.  I am usually the most positive person you will ever find!  I went to Twitter to talk to the DOC Friday night about my feelings and I got so much support! 

So the first 2 days into the I haz diabeetus adventure we have failed miserably at testing China’s blood sugar.  Getting a drop of blood from the ears of a cat is really, really hard!  We have successfully given the cat some shots of Humulin N.  The cat is on an expensive diabetes meal planfrom the vet that is high protein, low carb. See a pic below of all of the cat’s diabeetus supplies and food:

I have to be real, I am struggling with this diagnosis.  My vet said as we get the insulin regiment tuned in for China she may have hypoglycemic episodes.  How in the world will my cat be able to tell me she feels funny and she might be having a low blood sugar?  Sure, I have a big bottle of Karo syrup to use if she goes low but how will I know?  I can’t test her as often as I test myself and the vet says I don’t need to.   So lots of guessing on where the cat’s blood sugar is which makes me really uncomfortable. The truth is, I am scared.  Rationally I know I am one of the best people on the planet to deal with what a cat with diabetes needs.  Emotionally I am not there yet.

So how am I keeping a good attitude through this stress?  Well, I am celebrating the little victories.  My cat doesn’t flinch when I give her a shot. Our first successful blood glucose test tonight yielded a wonderful 126 after 3 insulin shots since the diagnosis.  She loves her new special diabetes diet.  The cat seems happier and has not peed on my carpet again since the insulin started.    This is how I am staying positive and keeping an upbeat attitude, being realistic in my expectations of what I can do and what I can control.

And now, my new LOLCats picture:

What does diabetes have to do with me?

Diabetes has everything to do with you.  Ever try doing exercise, taking a test, going on a job interview, play Wii without thinking about your diabetes?  If you haven't thought about your diabetes before doing any of those activities I'll bet you were not at peak performance.  And who wants to look bad playing guitar hero?  Not me.

I am one of those people who don't mind the term "diabetic"  heck I even did video about it LINK HERE… but anyways my point is I am at a point in my life where I am comfortable with my diabetes.  I am very lucky to say that.  One of the reasons I got to this point is because I think of my diabetes all the time, and how I can make it better or easier.

Diabetes stress anyone?  Have you heard of that term before?  What does that mean to you?  My personal definition of Diabetes Stress is - not giving yourself enough time to properly prepare for a diabetic situation.  Or maybe that is less of a definition and more the outcome if you don't properly prepare yourself in a diabetic situation. 

This is something you can limit.  By preparing.  Here are some simple steps to prepare yourself better.

•    Have extra pump supplies (if on a pump) in your car at all times.  Infusion sets, insulin cartridges, and batteries.

•    Have something to treat a low blood sugar, in your car, at school, by your bed at all times.

•    Ask every time you get your insulin and test strips how many refills you have left.

•    Always ask your yourself before going anywhere… what would be the worst thing (diabetes related) that could happen, and do I have a solution for that.

But just doing these simple steps you just might be able to relieve some of the diabetes stress that comes when you don't expect it.  When you take the time to really think about your day, and what that means to your diabetic needs, the days get easier.  You are more prepared!  Being prepared means less stress and happy faces!

So do yourself a favor and think of yourself with diabetes…  and smile!  When I do, I don't frown anymore, I am actually excited.  I tell myself how can I do it better, not how better it would be without it!

This is my blood glucose for the past 12 hours. No spikes and almost entirely under 100. And I've eaten twice during this time -chicken and salad for dinner, eggs with onions and peppers and bacon for breakfast.

Pretty good, yeah?

I thought I had learned my lesson with spoiled insulin. But I had a second incident while on a motorcycle road trip across the USA, from Texas to Connecticut. The hottest part of my journey was between El Paso Texas and Midland Texas with tempertures over 110 degrees! I thought I was prepared, as my little blue cooler had 2 blue ices and a ziplock bag filled with ice cubes. Within an hour or two the 110 tempertures, plus the heat from the bike's engine melted all my ice! When I was finally able to stop at a place that had ice to refill my bag, my insuiln was HOT to the touch!

I was sure these pens would be spoiled, but I tried them anyway and again experienced the same poor blood sugar control. Since I was in the USA this time, it was a quick fix. I went to Walgreens and got some new pens (I had to let my insurance company know it was an early, emergency renewel).

Diabetes is a lot like breastfeeding.

I know at first it sounds a bit outlandish, but hear me out.  Yesterday I was walking into Target with Andrew.  Sitting on a bench right inside the store was a woman breastfeeding (under a nursing blanket).

Andrew said, “why doesn’t she go into the bathroom to do that?”

I was really quick to agree with Andrew.  But then as we were strategically hitting up all the clearance shelves tucked away on the endcaps, I started to compare the woman with her boob in her child’s mouth to my diabetes.

In the past I’ve been told that I should inject insulin and test my blood in the bathroom – away from people who might be squeamish when it comes to blood or needles.  When I started injecting insulin I would always go to the restroom and into a closed stall to inject.

Then in February of 2009, I had a really great conversation with Jill (Momsl8 about our “fear” of testing in public and getting looks.  She even made a cool YouTube video where she tests at a restaurant to see if anyone reacts.  And at that time something just clicked for me.

I realized that running to the bathroom to test or inject says that I’m somehow ashamed of my dysfunctional pancreas.  It says that I don’t want people to know that I may be a little unique and I manage my world differently than most.  It says that I’m so self-conscious about my diabetes that I’d prefer to go sit on a nasty public toilet instead of possibly getting a sideways glance or two.

So now I don’t hide.

I understand that, like boobs and babies, not everyone wants to see my blood and needles.  So look the other way. Just like a breastfeeding woman, I’m going to do what needs to be done quickly, then I’ll put away my boobs and get on with it.  If you happen to see me performing a diabetes trick like testing my glucose levels and you don’t like the sight of blood…just don’t watch.

Coming out of the diabetes closet was easy…it was kind of like when that kid from Who’s The Boss told everyone he was gay.  Nobody was really shocked or even cared.  At restaurants I inject at the table.  At work I test my blood a few times a day, and I don’t think anyone even notices.

About twenty minutes after spotting the breastfeeder, we approached the Target cashier.  ”Would you eat your dinner in the bathroom?” I blurted out.

“What?” asked a very confused Drew.

“You said that the woman breastfeeding earlier should go to the bathroom.  That’s sick, man.  Why should she go sit on a toilet to feed her kid?”

“I’ve forgotten all about that,” he said.

This post was originally posted on my personal blog What Some Would Call Lies.

I’ve had 2 incidents of insulin going bad on me in the past few months during my travels. I’d like to share my experiences with this.

Expired insulin is sometimes hard to notice because it wont stop working completely. It will still work, but depending on how spoiled it is, it will be less potent. So it is tough to know if your insulin is bad, or if you just had a bit too much at your last meal.

The first time my insulin went bad I was in Bolivia (see my previous post with my videos from the Puma and Jaguar refuge). The camp I was living on while working here had no electricity, and therefore no refrigeration. I found a small village about 20 minutes away and a nice lady agreed to let me keep my little blue cooler (see above) in her refrigerator which she uses for soft drinks. After a month and a half of working at the camp I left and I retrieved my cooler and a fresh pen. The next couple of days I noticed really bad blood sugar control. A meal that would take 3-5 units of insulin was taking 6-8 units or more, and wasn't very predictable.

I’m guessing this soft drink refrigerator was not kept on all the time. The village was very remote and I imagine they only turned it on when they knew they’d have some business. Also, electricity was very unpredictable, so I’m sure they lost power a few times while my bag was there.

The shop where my insulin was stored

My next stop after Bolivia was Mexico. I decided to stock back up on my supplies there. Buying insulin in Mexico was surprisingly easy. I was able to find cartiriges of humalog at several pharmacies (no prescription needed and pretty cheap. I had a generic reusable pen that fit the cartiges, but I went to the Lilly office in Mexico City and they gave me a new pen for free. I had heard about pens that administer half units (usually aimed for children), I asked for one of these, since it gives me much tighter control of my doses. They had one and gave it to me!