Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Like oil and vinegar..we just don't mix
Spring is here and in most places it already feels like summer. Spring is probably one of my favorite seasons of the year. All the birds starting singing (including the mocking bird that wakes me up every morning), flowers start to bloom, and the grass starts to grow and change colors.
Sounds perfect right? Well with Spring comes weeds and wildflowers, and poison. Neighbors come out of their homes and start cleaning up their properties. They start burning brush and God knows what else.
Last week two of our neighbors were burning. I woke up one morning with a scratchy throat and what I thought might be a bug bite. When I looked in the mirror I was covered in rashes. From past experiences I automatically knew what it was...poison ivy!
Nature and I just don't mix very well, and neither does poison ivy and diabetes. Since Type 1 is an autoimmune disease, my body really had a hard time fighting the attack that was happening to me. My blood sugar started to rise and I started filling ill.
On Saturday I just couldn't take it anymore. My throat was so itchy and swollen and my eyes were burning. My skin was beginning to look like I had been through a fire. It was red, rashy, and blistered. Plan one, get to the doctors quick...if their was one open, backup plan...emergency room.
Luckily for me our local express care is open 7 days a week. When the doctor saw me she immediately knew that I was having an allergic reaction. She took a scope and looked in my throat and it was blistered. My stomach was on fire and I had a weird itching sensation deep inside of me. Due to the smoke from the burning brush that I inhaled, the poison ivy was deep inside me.
She administered a shot of predisone and prescribed me steroids. Now for most diabetics this is a no-no. In my case though it was my only choice. Both the predisone and the steroids cause my blood sugar to rise. I have to keep a tight watch on it and really control what I eat.
I am having some symptoms from the medicine, but I guess that is to be expected in my case. I am still itchy but I am able to get some relief from benadryl (and sleep I must add). The rash has not cleared up yet, but the blisters are starting to dry up so that is a plus! Right now it is just a constant battle with my blood sugar...but that is something that I am use to already.
I am still keeping up with my 365 project, although I must say there will probably not be many close ups for awhile :) School starts back in 16 days, and although I am a little scared I am also very excited. As far as Dr. Ramharrack goes, I'm still on strike although I have been keeping in touch via phone due to my new situation.
Happy Monday!
-Kimberlee
FYI- Did you know that the percentage of body fat that you contain needs to be under 25%? Anything over that puts you at high risk for heart disease, metabolic disease such as type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Something as simple as 30 minutes of cardio five days a week will lower your body fat percentage and keep you healthy and happy! So get out and walk a little, if it is to hot for you outside maybe try and turn your radio on and start dancing. If dancing isn't your thing...their is always house work and believe it or not vacuuming is a great way to get your heart pumping!
Sounds perfect right? Well with Spring comes weeds and wildflowers, and poison. Neighbors come out of their homes and start cleaning up their properties. They start burning brush and God knows what else.
Last week two of our neighbors were burning. I woke up one morning with a scratchy throat and what I thought might be a bug bite. When I looked in the mirror I was covered in rashes. From past experiences I automatically knew what it was...poison ivy!
Nature and I just don't mix very well, and neither does poison ivy and diabetes. Since Type 1 is an autoimmune disease, my body really had a hard time fighting the attack that was happening to me. My blood sugar started to rise and I started filling ill.
On Saturday I just couldn't take it anymore. My throat was so itchy and swollen and my eyes were burning. My skin was beginning to look like I had been through a fire. It was red, rashy, and blistered. Plan one, get to the doctors quick...if their was one open, backup plan...emergency room.
Luckily for me our local express care is open 7 days a week. When the doctor saw me she immediately knew that I was having an allergic reaction. She took a scope and looked in my throat and it was blistered. My stomach was on fire and I had a weird itching sensation deep inside of me. Due to the smoke from the burning brush that I inhaled, the poison ivy was deep inside me.
She administered a shot of predisone and prescribed me steroids. Now for most diabetics this is a no-no. In my case though it was my only choice. Both the predisone and the steroids cause my blood sugar to rise. I have to keep a tight watch on it and really control what I eat.
I am having some symptoms from the medicine, but I guess that is to be expected in my case. I am still itchy but I am able to get some relief from benadryl (and sleep I must add). The rash has not cleared up yet, but the blisters are starting to dry up so that is a plus! Right now it is just a constant battle with my blood sugar...but that is something that I am use to already.
I am still keeping up with my 365 project, although I must say there will probably not be many close ups for awhile :) School starts back in 16 days, and although I am a little scared I am also very excited. As far as Dr. Ramharrack goes, I'm still on strike although I have been keeping in touch via phone due to my new situation.
Happy Monday!
-Kimberlee
FYI- Did you know that the percentage of body fat that you contain needs to be under 25%? Anything over that puts you at high risk for heart disease, metabolic disease such as type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Something as simple as 30 minutes of cardio five days a week will lower your body fat percentage and keep you healthy and happy! So get out and walk a little, if it is to hot for you outside maybe try and turn your radio on and start dancing. If dancing isn't your thing...their is always house work and believe it or not vacuuming is a great way to get your heart pumping!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Secret Garden 6:365
I was feeling a little more creative today...finally! My Saturday sucked though..boo! I'll explain in my blog on Monday. Happy Weekend everyone!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Boots 3:365
I don't know why, but I have this song stuck in my head today "These boots are made for walking, so thats just will they'll do, because one of these day these boots are gonna walk all over you."
I kind of lost my inspiration today, so this is all I got. Maybe it will come back tomorrow :)
Spring chicks 2:365
Baby birds hatched right outside of my door yesterday morning. They are adorable. I took this picture while mommy bird was off hunting for food for her babies. The camera made a beeping noise and I think one of the babies must have thought it was her mother because it kept opening it's mouth when it heard the noise.
Mama and babies are doing great today and the chicks have been sleeping a lot. The mama comes and goes, I am sure she is hunting for them. I can't wait until they are old enough to start flying...what an awesome feeling that must be!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sugar 101
I woke up this morning to some good news. They fellow I told you about yesterday FINALLY took my advice and went to the doctors. The not so good news is that his doctor diagnosed him with diabetic neuropathy. He is really down about it and unaware of the facts. I emailed him this morning with some words of encouragement.
Diabetic neuropathy is a very common diabetic complication. It is when the nerves are damaged by too much sugar in the blood (Hyperglycemia). The only treatment is to get tight control over your blood sugar levels. Most of the time it is not reversible, although I have heard of some cases where the diabetic got such good control over his blood sugar levels that the nerve endings actually started to heal.
Who knew sugar could cause such a disaster! The fact is, too much sugar can really be dangerous for your health. Sugar has been known to feed cancer cells, trigger weight gain, and cause premature aging (are you listening ladies?).
Here are some crazy facts for you:
In 1700, the average person consumed 4 pounds of sugar per year.
In 1800, the average person consumed about 18 pounds of sugar per year.
In 1900, individual consumption increased to about 90 pounds of sugar per year.
In 2009, more than 50 percent of Americans consume one-half pound of sugar per day, that is an average of 180 pounds of sugar per year.
Now for a visual... Imagine that you are the grocery store and you saw someone pushing a cart with 36, 5 pound bags of sugar. You would look at them like they are crazy right? Now go look at yourself in the mirror because their is a huge chance that you consumed that whole shopping cart of sugar last year alone.
It is easy to become confused by the various sugars and sweeteners out there today, so here is a quick overview:
Dextrose, fructose and glucose are all monosaccharides, known as simple sugars. The primary difference between them is how your body metabolizes them. Glucose and dextrose are essentially the same sugar. However, food manufacturers usually use the term “dextrose” in their ingredient list.
The simple sugars can combine to form more complex sugars, like the disaccharide sucrose (table sugar), which is half glucose and half fructose.
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is 55 percent fructose and 45 percent glucose.
Ethanol (drinking alcohol) is not a sugar, although beer and wine contain residual sugars and starches, in addition to alcohol.
Sugar alcohols like xylitol, glycerol, sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, and erythritol are neither sugars nor alcohols but are becoming increasingly popular as sweeteners. They are incompletely absorbed from your small intestine, for the most part, so they provide fewer calories than sugar but often cause problems with bloating, diarrhea and flatulence.
Sucralose (Splenda) is NOT a sugar, despite its sugar-like name and deceptive marketing slogan, “made from sugar.” It’s a chlorinated artificial sweetener in line with aspartame and saccharin, with detrimental health effects to match.
Agave syrup, falsely advertised as “natural,” is typically HIGHLY processed and is usually 80 percent fructose. The end product does not even remotely resemble the original agave plant.
Honey is about 53 percent fructose[2], but is completely natural in its raw form and has many health benefits when used in moderation, including as many antioxidants as spinach.
Stevia is a highly sweet herb derived from the leaf of the South American stevia plant, which is completely safe (in its natural form). Lo han (or luohanguo) is another natural sweetener, but derived from a fruit.
By now, you should have a nice sugar high :) Remember that buggy full of sugar today when you are sitting down at the table for a meal. Too much sugar is no good, no matter how sweet you are!!
Sweet and Sassy!
-Kimberlee
Diabetic neuropathy is a very common diabetic complication. It is when the nerves are damaged by too much sugar in the blood (Hyperglycemia). The only treatment is to get tight control over your blood sugar levels. Most of the time it is not reversible, although I have heard of some cases where the diabetic got such good control over his blood sugar levels that the nerve endings actually started to heal.
Who knew sugar could cause such a disaster! The fact is, too much sugar can really be dangerous for your health. Sugar has been known to feed cancer cells, trigger weight gain, and cause premature aging (are you listening ladies?).
Here are some crazy facts for you:
In 1700, the average person consumed 4 pounds of sugar per year.
In 1800, the average person consumed about 18 pounds of sugar per year.
In 1900, individual consumption increased to about 90 pounds of sugar per year.
In 2009, more than 50 percent of Americans consume one-half pound of sugar per day, that is an average of 180 pounds of sugar per year.
Now for a visual... Imagine that you are the grocery store and you saw someone pushing a cart with 36, 5 pound bags of sugar. You would look at them like they are crazy right? Now go look at yourself in the mirror because their is a huge chance that you consumed that whole shopping cart of sugar last year alone.
It is easy to become confused by the various sugars and sweeteners out there today, so here is a quick overview:
Dextrose, fructose and glucose are all monosaccharides, known as simple sugars. The primary difference between them is how your body metabolizes them. Glucose and dextrose are essentially the same sugar. However, food manufacturers usually use the term “dextrose” in their ingredient list.
The simple sugars can combine to form more complex sugars, like the disaccharide sucrose (table sugar), which is half glucose and half fructose.
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is 55 percent fructose and 45 percent glucose.
Ethanol (drinking alcohol) is not a sugar, although beer and wine contain residual sugars and starches, in addition to alcohol.
Sugar alcohols like xylitol, glycerol, sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, and erythritol are neither sugars nor alcohols but are becoming increasingly popular as sweeteners. They are incompletely absorbed from your small intestine, for the most part, so they provide fewer calories than sugar but often cause problems with bloating, diarrhea and flatulence.
Sucralose (Splenda) is NOT a sugar, despite its sugar-like name and deceptive marketing slogan, “made from sugar.” It’s a chlorinated artificial sweetener in line with aspartame and saccharin, with detrimental health effects to match.
Agave syrup, falsely advertised as “natural,” is typically HIGHLY processed and is usually 80 percent fructose. The end product does not even remotely resemble the original agave plant.
Honey is about 53 percent fructose[2], but is completely natural in its raw form and has many health benefits when used in moderation, including as many antioxidants as spinach.
Stevia is a highly sweet herb derived from the leaf of the South American stevia plant, which is completely safe (in its natural form). Lo han (or luohanguo) is another natural sweetener, but derived from a fruit.
By now, you should have a nice sugar high :) Remember that buggy full of sugar today when you are sitting down at the table for a meal. Too much sugar is no good, no matter how sweet you are!!
Sweet and Sassy!
-Kimberlee
Monday, April 19, 2010
1:365 Dizzy
This is my second or third attempt at the 365 project. Today is day one and I have already almost given up. I hated every picture I took today! Since I am commiting myself to this project though, I refused to NOT post something...so, here it is day 1 of 365.
A Helping Hand
I came across this guy who has type 1 diabetes. He isn't taking care of himself, and now he really has himself stuck in a rut. As far as I know his sugar has been running in the 600s for over a week now. He has pain in his legs and his vision has become blurry. When I found all this out I wasn't sure if I should intervene. I prayed to God about it and even talked to this guy's sister in law. I didn't want to step on any one's toes, but I felt like I had to do something.
I started off by emailing him and explaining to him what his body was going through. I told him he needed to call his doctor or go to the hospital. I gave him tips about checking for ketones and keeping himself hydrated. I made him well aware of the complications he may have to go through if he doesn't take action now.
After the email, I felt good about myself. I thought..finally I get to help someone. It was the email I got in return that made me wish I wasn't so kind. He emailed me back and the only thing it said was "XXX-XXXX, here is my number...call me." WHAT? Are you kidding me? I refuse to call this guy! Seeming how this a friend of mines brother and brother in law, I started to feel obligated to get this guy some help.
This morning I messaged him on Facebook with one simple question...."How is your blood sugar?" The reply I got back was not one I wanted to see. He said his sugar was still in the 600s and that he was still having pain in his legs and that he was completely clueless about what he should do. Grrrrr..... I told you what to do fool!
Maybe God is testing my Patience. If so, haha real funny! I continue to pray about the situation but I don't know what to do next, or if I should do anything else for that matter. I felt like I was doing the right thing, but now I'm starting to question myself.
How do you help someone that doesn't want help? Would you give up on them? Those are the questions I leave you with today. Please share with me what you would do. I can't wait to hear from you.
Peace & Patience,
Kimberlee
PS- I'm starting a project today to help me grow! It is called the 365 project and I tried it once before but didn't stick with it. This time though I AM AND WILL DO IT! The project consists of taking 1 picture a day for 365 days. At the end of the year you can look back and see how you have grown, not only as a photographer but also as a person. I will try and post some of my pictures on here for everyone. Wish me luck!
I started off by emailing him and explaining to him what his body was going through. I told him he needed to call his doctor or go to the hospital. I gave him tips about checking for ketones and keeping himself hydrated. I made him well aware of the complications he may have to go through if he doesn't take action now.
After the email, I felt good about myself. I thought..finally I get to help someone. It was the email I got in return that made me wish I wasn't so kind. He emailed me back and the only thing it said was "XXX-XXXX, here is my number...call me." WHAT? Are you kidding me? I refuse to call this guy! Seeming how this a friend of mines brother and brother in law, I started to feel obligated to get this guy some help.
This morning I messaged him on Facebook with one simple question...."How is your blood sugar?" The reply I got back was not one I wanted to see. He said his sugar was still in the 600s and that he was still having pain in his legs and that he was completely clueless about what he should do. Grrrrr..... I told you what to do fool!
Maybe God is testing my Patience. If so, haha real funny! I continue to pray about the situation but I don't know what to do next, or if I should do anything else for that matter. I felt like I was doing the right thing, but now I'm starting to question myself.
How do you help someone that doesn't want help? Would you give up on them? Those are the questions I leave you with today. Please share with me what you would do. I can't wait to hear from you.
Peace & Patience,
Kimberlee
PS- I'm starting a project today to help me grow! It is called the 365 project and I tried it once before but didn't stick with it. This time though I AM AND WILL DO IT! The project consists of taking 1 picture a day for 365 days. At the end of the year you can look back and see how you have grown, not only as a photographer but also as a person. I will try and post some of my pictures on here for everyone. Wish me luck!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Strike...Your Out!
Monday has come and gone and it has taken me a week to recover. Most people dread Mondays and I never really had that feeling until this past one. My Monday morning started at 8AM in the Endo's office. The doctor's order called for a blood sugar check every 30 minutes and then once my sugar reached 45 or below they could draw blood. I dreaded this information very much, especially since I wasn't allowed anything to eat since Sunday.
By the second sugar check my blood glucose level was at 46. I begged them to go ahead and take my blood but they refused and said it must be under 45. I was there for 9 hours that day and had a total of 19 sticks. I never went below 46 and I never had my blood drawn.
I was devastated, I felt cheated...cheated out of a Monday! Before leaving the office the doctor gave me a prescription for cortisol. I am to pick it up from the pharmacy and pay for it with my own money and then call his office and make an appointment for a cortisol test.
Luckily for me...I'm on strike again! I have no desire to get that prescription filled and make that appointment. Maybe that will change in time, but for now it isn't going to happen.
I am taking each day as it is given to me. I am eating right and I am adjusting my body to the insulin again. Any time I have to fast it always messes my body up and I have to start from the very beginning. I want to give my body a good month to adjust to the insulin before I make any major decisions on this cortisol test. Wish me luck!
If you notice anything new about my blog...I have started my own blog site. I will still be posting on TuDiabetes but I feel to reach more people I need to venture out a little so that is what I am doing. You can subscribe to my blog now, and you can even become a follower. I am planning on posting recipes, tips, workouts, must read books, etc. to my blog so be sure to subscribe. Also, you will now be able to leave comments on the blog post. This is great for me because I would love to hear some feed back.
Most of all, I just hope to continue to educate and help others in need, including myself.
Hope to hear from you soon
-Kimberlee
By the second sugar check my blood glucose level was at 46. I begged them to go ahead and take my blood but they refused and said it must be under 45. I was there for 9 hours that day and had a total of 19 sticks. I never went below 46 and I never had my blood drawn.
I was devastated, I felt cheated...cheated out of a Monday! Before leaving the office the doctor gave me a prescription for cortisol. I am to pick it up from the pharmacy and pay for it with my own money and then call his office and make an appointment for a cortisol test.
Luckily for me...I'm on strike again! I have no desire to get that prescription filled and make that appointment. Maybe that will change in time, but for now it isn't going to happen.
I am taking each day as it is given to me. I am eating right and I am adjusting my body to the insulin again. Any time I have to fast it always messes my body up and I have to start from the very beginning. I want to give my body a good month to adjust to the insulin before I make any major decisions on this cortisol test. Wish me luck!
If you notice anything new about my blog...I have started my own blog site. I will still be posting on TuDiabetes but I feel to reach more people I need to venture out a little so that is what I am doing. You can subscribe to my blog now, and you can even become a follower. I am planning on posting recipes, tips, workouts, must read books, etc. to my blog so be sure to subscribe. Also, you will now be able to leave comments on the blog post. This is great for me because I would love to hear some feed back.
Most of all, I just hope to continue to educate and help others in need, including myself.
Hope to hear from you soon
-Kimberlee
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Enough!
When is enough, enough?
Yesterday was a bad day for me. My doctor appointment didn't go they way that I think it should have. I was able to see my regular doctor today and discuss my lab results with him. I also explained to him that the endocrinologist wants me to sit in his office on Monday so he can draw blood from me every hour. Although the test results showed the EXACT same thing as my other THREE lab results showed, my regular doctor suggested that I go to my appointment on Monday for further testing. He explained to me that my hypoglycemia episodes are severe enough that they can be deadly.
So when is enough, enough? How much of my blood do they possibly want? Over the last three months I have given up about 100 tubes of blood. Isn't that enough? Obviously not! Yesterday I went on strike and now today I am forced to come off.
Although my doctor sided with me today, he also stuck up for my endo. He believes that he is a smart man and the only doctor that can get me a diagnosis. He suggested that if I don't get a diagnosis from him from this set of blood work that I ask my endo "nicely" if he can send me to a teaching hospital. To me, all of this seems like a big game of trial and error.
I am trying not to give up...but I'm tired. Tired of all the lab test, finger sticks, urine collections, CT scans, EKGs, Echos, injections, stress tests, the list goes on and on.....
Tired!
-Kimberlee
Yesterday was a bad day for me. My doctor appointment didn't go they way that I think it should have. I was able to see my regular doctor today and discuss my lab results with him. I also explained to him that the endocrinologist wants me to sit in his office on Monday so he can draw blood from me every hour. Although the test results showed the EXACT same thing as my other THREE lab results showed, my regular doctor suggested that I go to my appointment on Monday for further testing. He explained to me that my hypoglycemia episodes are severe enough that they can be deadly.
So when is enough, enough? How much of my blood do they possibly want? Over the last three months I have given up about 100 tubes of blood. Isn't that enough? Obviously not! Yesterday I went on strike and now today I am forced to come off.
Although my doctor sided with me today, he also stuck up for my endo. He believes that he is a smart man and the only doctor that can get me a diagnosis. He suggested that if I don't get a diagnosis from him from this set of blood work that I ask my endo "nicely" if he can send me to a teaching hospital. To me, all of this seems like a big game of trial and error.
I am trying not to give up...but I'm tired. Tired of all the lab test, finger sticks, urine collections, CT scans, EKGs, Echos, injections, stress tests, the list goes on and on.....
Tired!
-Kimberlee
I Just Want To Scream!
At about 8:30 this morning my phone rang. It was Dr. Ramharrack's office telling me that they received the test results from my stay at the hospital. The Dr wanted to see me ASAP to go over the results. So I got dressed and I drove all the way across Ocala to see my Dr. When he first came into the room he started listening to my heart. I gave him a really odd look and he told me he would go over the results with me as soon as he was done. He took a seat in his chair and already started making excuses. Supposedly the nurses at the hospital didn't draw my blood at the times that they were supposed to. I thought to myself..hmmm, that's odd because I remember them drawing blood every couple of hours so how could they not be getting what "the dr. needed." Then he started talking gibberish aka doctor talk.
Now I have been waiting for two very specific test. I have called the doctor's office every other day going on three weeks asking for the results and they told me that they had sent them to the University of Florida for more testing. I was expecting to get them today, FINALLY! As my doctor went on with his gibberish talk I interrupted him and asked him for the results of my cortisol levels and my ACTH levels. He then proceeded to tell me that the hospital failed to do those two test. WHAT? Do I look stupid? I am the patient and I was in that hospital bed for 20 hours. I know for a fact that the nurse came in at 6:00pm and gave me a huge dose of cortisol and then at 6:10 pm someone came in and took my blood. I know that the test was done...I was there, he was not!
He acted like everything was okay. Like it was no big deal that "someone" didn't do their job. Now he wants me to come into his office on Monday and sit there all day long so he can draw blood from me every hour. While I was checking out I asked for copies of my results. I immediately came home and started googling every little thing that they DID test for. As I was looking over the results I realized that the hospital sent the labs to the Mayo clinic in Jacksonville. Now I am beginning to wonder if the story they have been feeding me over the phone for the last three weeks about the test results going to UF is a lie. If these are truly even my results then from what I can tell my body is pretty out of whack, but hey I'm no doctor!
I have phone call into my regular doctor. He is the one who referred me to Dr. Ramharrack. I am hoping that I can get an appointment with him this week. I am going to tell him to send me somewhere else, besides Dr. Ramharrack. Mine and Ramharrack's relationship is over and I refuse to give him one more once of my sweet blood. I put my health and most of all, my trust in Dr. Ramharrack and he has failed me. I am not some lab rat that you can just poke over and over again. I refuse to be tortured! As of right now...I'M ON STRIKE!!
Unsatisfied!
-Kimberlee
Now I have been waiting for two very specific test. I have called the doctor's office every other day going on three weeks asking for the results and they told me that they had sent them to the University of Florida for more testing. I was expecting to get them today, FINALLY! As my doctor went on with his gibberish talk I interrupted him and asked him for the results of my cortisol levels and my ACTH levels. He then proceeded to tell me that the hospital failed to do those two test. WHAT? Do I look stupid? I am the patient and I was in that hospital bed for 20 hours. I know for a fact that the nurse came in at 6:00pm and gave me a huge dose of cortisol and then at 6:10 pm someone came in and took my blood. I know that the test was done...I was there, he was not!
He acted like everything was okay. Like it was no big deal that "someone" didn't do their job. Now he wants me to come into his office on Monday and sit there all day long so he can draw blood from me every hour. While I was checking out I asked for copies of my results. I immediately came home and started googling every little thing that they DID test for. As I was looking over the results I realized that the hospital sent the labs to the Mayo clinic in Jacksonville. Now I am beginning to wonder if the story they have been feeding me over the phone for the last three weeks about the test results going to UF is a lie. If these are truly even my results then from what I can tell my body is pretty out of whack, but hey I'm no doctor!
I have phone call into my regular doctor. He is the one who referred me to Dr. Ramharrack. I am hoping that I can get an appointment with him this week. I am going to tell him to send me somewhere else, besides Dr. Ramharrack. Mine and Ramharrack's relationship is over and I refuse to give him one more once of my sweet blood. I put my health and most of all, my trust in Dr. Ramharrack and he has failed me. I am not some lab rat that you can just poke over and over again. I refuse to be tortured! As of right now...I'M ON STRIKE!!
Unsatisfied!
-Kimberlee
My Second Family
Meet my second family...TuDiabetes
I have had a lot of people ask me what TuDiabetes is. I feel very fortunate that I get to share with my family and friends exactly what this group is. First, I should tell you that when I was first diagnosed I was desperate to not feel alone. I needed to know that their were others like me. I don't know if it is because my husband is a forum addict and he has rubbed off on me or if God was just pointing me in a certain direction but one day while researching diabetes online I came across the TuDiabetes website and I felt obligated to get to know this group of people better. They soon became my second family.
So here was this family, all who had diabetes, and all who had their own story to tell. Every person was full of hope and determination. They all had goals, and I liked that. Each person was looking for a friend or someone they could help. Here was this group of amazing people who had diabetes and did amazing things- some conquered mountains, some competed in the Olympics, and one is even on American Idol right not, this list goes on and on. Here stood this family that understood everything about diabetes- the hilariousness of where we find used test strips, the desperation of trying to get rid of ketones. Here were diabetics all grown up. They were the people I want to be. Having kids, getting jobs, living life...even with diabetes.
It is TuDiabetes that I feel such a strong connection to. They opened my eyes to the diabetic world. A world that is not full of hate and shame but a world of hope, determination, love and most of all...acceptance. Everyday we struggle and fight together to end this disease. We educate one another, we test our sugars, we fight off nasty ketones, and we LIVE life.
This group of people have made me feel like I can walk down the street and hold my head high. They continue to teach me that just because I have diabetes, no one has the right to label me. They are helping me accept my diabetes and they are teaching me to cope with it.
Don't get me wrong. My first family is the BEST and they are like no other family in this world. I love them and I cherish them, but they are not diabetics and sometimes they don't understand exactly what I am going through or how diabetes is effecting me as an individual. They are my support group at home, in the kitchen, when I'm eating, when I'm testing, when I'm injecting..but TuDiabetes is my support group behind closed doors when I am having feelings and symptoms that no one could understand but a diabetic themselves.
So thank you to all of my family and friends who are always here for me, and thank you to TuDiabetes for making me a little wiser about diabetes.
Sincerely,
Kimberlee
I have had a lot of people ask me what TuDiabetes is. I feel very fortunate that I get to share with my family and friends exactly what this group is. First, I should tell you that when I was first diagnosed I was desperate to not feel alone. I needed to know that their were others like me. I don't know if it is because my husband is a forum addict and he has rubbed off on me or if God was just pointing me in a certain direction but one day while researching diabetes online I came across the TuDiabetes website and I felt obligated to get to know this group of people better. They soon became my second family.
So here was this family, all who had diabetes, and all who had their own story to tell. Every person was full of hope and determination. They all had goals, and I liked that. Each person was looking for a friend or someone they could help. Here was this group of amazing people who had diabetes and did amazing things- some conquered mountains, some competed in the Olympics, and one is even on American Idol right not, this list goes on and on. Here stood this family that understood everything about diabetes- the hilariousness of where we find used test strips, the desperation of trying to get rid of ketones. Here were diabetics all grown up. They were the people I want to be. Having kids, getting jobs, living life...even with diabetes.
It is TuDiabetes that I feel such a strong connection to. They opened my eyes to the diabetic world. A world that is not full of hate and shame but a world of hope, determination, love and most of all...acceptance. Everyday we struggle and fight together to end this disease. We educate one another, we test our sugars, we fight off nasty ketones, and we LIVE life.
This group of people have made me feel like I can walk down the street and hold my head high. They continue to teach me that just because I have diabetes, no one has the right to label me. They are helping me accept my diabetes and they are teaching me to cope with it.
Don't get me wrong. My first family is the BEST and they are like no other family in this world. I love them and I cherish them, but they are not diabetics and sometimes they don't understand exactly what I am going through or how diabetes is effecting me as an individual. They are my support group at home, in the kitchen, when I'm eating, when I'm testing, when I'm injecting..but TuDiabetes is my support group behind closed doors when I am having feelings and symptoms that no one could understand but a diabetic themselves.
So thank you to all of my family and friends who are always here for me, and thank you to TuDiabetes for making me a little wiser about diabetes.
Sincerely,
Kimberlee
Dear Diabetes...You Suck
It amazes me how many people are uneducated about diabetes. While out in public the other day it was time for a dose of insulin. I went into the bathroom and began to inject my insulin when a mother and her little girl walked in. First, I was given a look like I was a druggie and then she hurried her daughter into the bathroom stall. When they came out I was then checking my blood sugar level on my monitor and I think that she then realized that I was a diabetic. I was just feeling thankful that she finally "got it" but then she and her daughter started acting really odd. They wouldn't get to close to me and they grabbed paper towels to turn on and off the sink. The mother even told her little girl to stay by her side and not to touch anything. My blood was boiling and I was angry and embarrassed. On their way out they walked aways around me being sure not to get to close. I told them that diabetes isn't contagious, but she just quickly let the door shut in my face.
I guess this would be another faux pas moment. How could someone be uneducated about something so important in life? Doesn't she know that diabetes is on the rise in the US and even someone like her and her daughter can be diagnosed with it? Maybe she is just a major germ phob! I don't think I have ever felt like that before.
I am hoping to take something from that experience besides anger. I know everything happens for a reason, and I hope God shows me what I am supposed to do, because right now I am just kind of lost.
Dear diabetes...YOU SUCK!
-Kimberlee
I guess this would be another faux pas moment. How could someone be uneducated about something so important in life? Doesn't she know that diabetes is on the rise in the US and even someone like her and her daughter can be diagnosed with it? Maybe she is just a major germ phob! I don't think I have ever felt like that before.
I am hoping to take something from that experience besides anger. I know everything happens for a reason, and I hope God shows me what I am supposed to do, because right now I am just kind of lost.
Dear diabetes...YOU SUCK!
-Kimberlee
Learning to....Just Be
I'm a diabetic. My blood sugar tells me so, my lack of insulin tells me so, my A1C tells me so. But why do I have such a hard time accepting it? Probably because for the past 23 years I lived a non-diabetic life. I ate what I wanted, drank what I wanted, and did what I wanted. Now those days are over and I am having to take baby steps.
Something as simple as eating lunch or taking my insulin seems to be impossible for me right now. I forgot to eat lunch today so therefor I also forgot to take my insulin and then tonight at dinner I sat down and started eating without even thinking twice about my insulin. My husband had to remind me and then fix it for me. What am I 2? No, I'm not...I'm actually a month old. So maybe all of this stuff is supposed to be so new to me that I forget sometimes...or maybe forgetfulness is just part of this disease. Yeah that is probably it :)
I want so badly to learn to "just be." I don't even know if that is possible, but if it is, I wanted it to happen yesterday. I am trying so hard to educate myself and be a "good diabetic," but I seem to keep tripping. Is it because I am trying to walk before I learn how to crawl? Do I need to slow down and take all of this in? If that is the case...I don't think diabetes is going to fit very well in to my plan. Or do I have to fit into the diabetes plan?
Everyone keeps saying that things will get better and I will figure out a routine, but what if I don't want a new routine...I like my old one just fine thank you! I do want to feel better though, and I do want to live so how do I manage to settle in to my new life with diabetes? It isn't as easy as some people think, but I'm trying..honestly I am!
Trying...
-Kimberlee
Something as simple as eating lunch or taking my insulin seems to be impossible for me right now. I forgot to eat lunch today so therefor I also forgot to take my insulin and then tonight at dinner I sat down and started eating without even thinking twice about my insulin. My husband had to remind me and then fix it for me. What am I 2? No, I'm not...I'm actually a month old. So maybe all of this stuff is supposed to be so new to me that I forget sometimes...or maybe forgetfulness is just part of this disease. Yeah that is probably it :)
I want so badly to learn to "just be." I don't even know if that is possible, but if it is, I wanted it to happen yesterday. I am trying so hard to educate myself and be a "good diabetic," but I seem to keep tripping. Is it because I am trying to walk before I learn how to crawl? Do I need to slow down and take all of this in? If that is the case...I don't think diabetes is going to fit very well in to my plan. Or do I have to fit into the diabetes plan?
Everyone keeps saying that things will get better and I will figure out a routine, but what if I don't want a new routine...I like my old one just fine thank you! I do want to feel better though, and I do want to live so how do I manage to settle in to my new life with diabetes? It isn't as easy as some people think, but I'm trying..honestly I am!
Trying...
-Kimberlee
Eating For A Better You
Obesity is on the rise in America and across the globe. On every corner of every street there is a McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell, or KFC. Turn on your TV and you are bombarded with food commercials. If you were not hungry then, you probably are now. Flip through a magazine and you will find full page spreads of food advertisements or best brownie of 2010 recipes. The food industry has even had a relationship with children for years...come on you remember the Easy Bake Oven!
It is no wonder that almost 50% of Americans are overweight with 30% of those being obese. I think it is time we start thinking out of the box or sack for that matter. Type 2 Diabetes is on the rise and that is due to the food choices people are making.
As a baby type 1, I am having to take a step back and look at my diet. Counting carbohydrates is a new skill I am having to learn as well as portion size. I am not depriving myself of the things I enjoy though (well except for Bruster's ice cream, but that is more my husband depriving me of that than myself), and neither should you. I think eating sweets in moderation is okay, but we all need to learn when enough is enough. Diabetics can be the sickest or the healthiest people, and so can non-diabetics. Your body depends on you to care for it and if you are feeding it junk all the time don't be surprised if your body starts to hate you for it.
Maybe take a step back and look at what you are eating. Ask yourself these questions: How will I benefit from this? Where could I add another vegetable? How could I subtract another starch? Water or coke? Medium or Biggie sized? It is up to us to educate ourselves about proper diet and correct our poor eating habits. Our bodies will thank us for it!
Here are some helpful tips I have been adding to my everyday life. Water...lots of water! Our bodies are made up of 70% water so it is only natural that we drink more water in order to keep us hydrated. Eat lots of green veggies. Green vegetables are full of chlorophyll and when we eat them we are taking in oxygen. Oxygen is a natural blood cleanser, so be sure not to skip on the broccoli! Go light on the juice. Store bought juices contain way to much sugar. Have you ever looked at the label? Most of them contain anywhere from 20g to 60g of sugar per glass. That means every glass of juice, in most cases, is equivalent to 2 candy bars! Instead of store bought juices try your hand at making green juices at home. My favorite is my cucumber goddess juice. I'll list the recipe below.
Today I challenge you to eat for a healthier you. Maybe skip on that mocha in the morning and satisfy your taste buds with green juice. Indulge in a tossed salad with all of your favorite veggies, nuts, and fruits. Pig out on some green vegetables for a snack instead of that snickers. Get creative with your foods. The possibilities are endless! Don't forget to reward yourself for your new good eating habits...that is the best part! Just remember eating in moderation is the key.
Peace and Veggies!
-Kimberlee
Green goddess juice
2 -cucumbers
1- 1 green bell pepper
1- celery stalk
Juice the three together adding the green bell pepper last for taste. This juice always wakes up my taste buds and gives me my morning energy!
It is no wonder that almost 50% of Americans are overweight with 30% of those being obese. I think it is time we start thinking out of the box or sack for that matter. Type 2 Diabetes is on the rise and that is due to the food choices people are making.
As a baby type 1, I am having to take a step back and look at my diet. Counting carbohydrates is a new skill I am having to learn as well as portion size. I am not depriving myself of the things I enjoy though (well except for Bruster's ice cream, but that is more my husband depriving me of that than myself), and neither should you. I think eating sweets in moderation is okay, but we all need to learn when enough is enough. Diabetics can be the sickest or the healthiest people, and so can non-diabetics. Your body depends on you to care for it and if you are feeding it junk all the time don't be surprised if your body starts to hate you for it.
Maybe take a step back and look at what you are eating. Ask yourself these questions: How will I benefit from this? Where could I add another vegetable? How could I subtract another starch? Water or coke? Medium or Biggie sized? It is up to us to educate ourselves about proper diet and correct our poor eating habits. Our bodies will thank us for it!
Here are some helpful tips I have been adding to my everyday life. Water...lots of water! Our bodies are made up of 70% water so it is only natural that we drink more water in order to keep us hydrated. Eat lots of green veggies. Green vegetables are full of chlorophyll and when we eat them we are taking in oxygen. Oxygen is a natural blood cleanser, so be sure not to skip on the broccoli! Go light on the juice. Store bought juices contain way to much sugar. Have you ever looked at the label? Most of them contain anywhere from 20g to 60g of sugar per glass. That means every glass of juice, in most cases, is equivalent to 2 candy bars! Instead of store bought juices try your hand at making green juices at home. My favorite is my cucumber goddess juice. I'll list the recipe below.
Today I challenge you to eat for a healthier you. Maybe skip on that mocha in the morning and satisfy your taste buds with green juice. Indulge in a tossed salad with all of your favorite veggies, nuts, and fruits. Pig out on some green vegetables for a snack instead of that snickers. Get creative with your foods. The possibilities are endless! Don't forget to reward yourself for your new good eating habits...that is the best part! Just remember eating in moderation is the key.
Peace and Veggies!
-Kimberlee
Green goddess juice
2 -cucumbers
1- 1 green bell pepper
1- celery stalk
Juice the three together adding the green bell pepper last for taste. This juice always wakes up my taste buds and gives me my morning energy!
A New Dawn, A New Day
Last night my diabetes and I had it out. I think it was trying to play a numbers game with me. I took my insulin at 5:30pm and had my dinner at 6pm. At 8pm I was ready for my routine two hours after dinner check. I got a message on my glucose machine I had never seen before, it said... "HI- ABOVE 500 CHECK FOR KETONES." Naturally, I freaked out. Over 500? WHAT? I have never experienced that before. I calmed myself down and rechecked, hoping for an error. Again, I received the message. Freaking out again, I gathered my syringe and insulin and gave myself a correction does. One hour later I checked my sugar again, this time I was at 345 and I am still receiving the check for ketones message. So, I check myself for ketones and I show I have a trace so I start loading up on water. Where did I go wrong?
I spent most of the night beside myself. How could I let my sugar get that high? What did I eat that my body didn't like? Am I becoming resistant to insulin already? Oh Lord, help me! I ended up having to give myself another correction dose later on. I tossed and turned all night worried about where my sugar levels were heading, and I was completely disgusted with myself.
This morning when I woke up I had a long talk with myself. I told myself I wouldn't freak out like I did last night. I reminded myself that stress only leads to higher blood sugar levels, and I am sure I didn't improve my situation last night by my worrying. There is only so much that I can do, and I am only human. I am going to make mistakes and that is ok. I need to not be so hard on myself, and I need to learn how to give myself a break!
Do you ever find yourself giving YOU a really hard time? Does it usually make the situation worse? What do you do to calm yourself down in difficult or stressful situations?
Be Happy, No Worries!
-Kimberlee
I spent most of the night beside myself. How could I let my sugar get that high? What did I eat that my body didn't like? Am I becoming resistant to insulin already? Oh Lord, help me! I ended up having to give myself another correction dose later on. I tossed and turned all night worried about where my sugar levels were heading, and I was completely disgusted with myself.
This morning when I woke up I had a long talk with myself. I told myself I wouldn't freak out like I did last night. I reminded myself that stress only leads to higher blood sugar levels, and I am sure I didn't improve my situation last night by my worrying. There is only so much that I can do, and I am only human. I am going to make mistakes and that is ok. I need to not be so hard on myself, and I need to learn how to give myself a break!
Do you ever find yourself giving YOU a really hard time? Does it usually make the situation worse? What do you do to calm yourself down in difficult or stressful situations?
Be Happy, No Worries!
-Kimberlee
I'll Live With you, but I'll Never Be Your Friend!
Friday morning I had my follow up appointment with my endocrinologist. The CT scan that I had done a week ago showed no tumors in my pancreas, so praise the Lord for that. We had talked in the past about a hospital evaluation, but I honestly didn't think it would come down to that. Surely enough, I was wrong. At my appointment with him that morning he admitted me to the hospital. A 72 hour stay luckily turned into a 20 hour stay. He thought it was going to take 3 days to get me into a hypo state. He was wrong and I knew he was going to be wrong from the start. My body needs food in order for my blood sugar to somewhat behave. My stay started off with a fast. No food for me means severe hypoglycemia. It took me about 8 hours and I was lower then I could ever remember being. My blood sugar was 30 and I had no symptoms whatsoever. I was sitting up watching TV and waiting for my husbands arrival. I took the nurses by surprise for sure. They told me I should be
unconscious right now and I blew there mind when I told them I felt perfectly fine.
It was a painful stay indeed, both mentally and physically. Mentally, because I felt trapped and defeated. I had felt like this disease had gotten the best of me and I wasn't sure how to take back control. Physically, because I endured about 20 finger sticks and gave up 19 tubes of blood. I was given IV glucose when my sugar reached 30. My sugars rushed up to over 100 in about 10 minutes time. That feeling is never something I enjoy. The headache, the nauseating pains in my stomach and the dizziness is almost to much to bear. What kept me going though was me knowing that once this was over I was going to get a sandwich :)
So I ate my sandwich and my sugar was elevated at about 180. I was able to get about a hour of sleep until I was being tortured again. Four hours later my sugar was on its way down to another low. I was allowed a glass a milk and a half of a peanut butter sandwich. I thought this time for sure my sugars were going to be elevated but I was yet, wrong again. At 8 AM I was sweating really bad, my heart was pounding and this time I knew something was wrong. My sugar checked out at 35. At this point I thought there was no way I was going home early. Breakfast arrived and although I wasn't really hungry I forced myself to eat everything that was given to me in hopes that my sugar would go up and stay up and I could go home. Thankfully, my sugar did go up and I was discharged that afternoon.
The testing that was done was to see why I have such severe hypoglycemia when I have little to no insulin in my body. It could be my cortisol level, my adrenal glands, or my pancreas is just completely out of it's mind. I am waiting on answers from my doctor and I expect them any time now.
Sunday I was allowed my regular diabetic diet and was able to start on my insulin again. This is the second time I have had to stop my insulin for testing, and it is really aggravating. When I start the insulin again I feel like I am starting from the bottom. Giving my self the shot doesn't feel normal to me, maybe it never will. Every injection is a constant reminder of this disease. Diabetes is like a big bully that refuses to leave me alone. It keeps pushing my buttons, and sometimes I don't know how to fight back.
Dear diabetes...just to let you know, I accept that I must live with you, BUT we will NEVER be friends.
Happy Monday Everyone!
-Kimberlee
unconscious right now and I blew there mind when I told them I felt perfectly fine.
It was a painful stay indeed, both mentally and physically. Mentally, because I felt trapped and defeated. I had felt like this disease had gotten the best of me and I wasn't sure how to take back control. Physically, because I endured about 20 finger sticks and gave up 19 tubes of blood. I was given IV glucose when my sugar reached 30. My sugars rushed up to over 100 in about 10 minutes time. That feeling is never something I enjoy. The headache, the nauseating pains in my stomach and the dizziness is almost to much to bear. What kept me going though was me knowing that once this was over I was going to get a sandwich :)
So I ate my sandwich and my sugar was elevated at about 180. I was able to get about a hour of sleep until I was being tortured again. Four hours later my sugar was on its way down to another low. I was allowed a glass a milk and a half of a peanut butter sandwich. I thought this time for sure my sugars were going to be elevated but I was yet, wrong again. At 8 AM I was sweating really bad, my heart was pounding and this time I knew something was wrong. My sugar checked out at 35. At this point I thought there was no way I was going home early. Breakfast arrived and although I wasn't really hungry I forced myself to eat everything that was given to me in hopes that my sugar would go up and stay up and I could go home. Thankfully, my sugar did go up and I was discharged that afternoon.
The testing that was done was to see why I have such severe hypoglycemia when I have little to no insulin in my body. It could be my cortisol level, my adrenal glands, or my pancreas is just completely out of it's mind. I am waiting on answers from my doctor and I expect them any time now.
Sunday I was allowed my regular diabetic diet and was able to start on my insulin again. This is the second time I have had to stop my insulin for testing, and it is really aggravating. When I start the insulin again I feel like I am starting from the bottom. Giving my self the shot doesn't feel normal to me, maybe it never will. Every injection is a constant reminder of this disease. Diabetes is like a big bully that refuses to leave me alone. It keeps pushing my buttons, and sometimes I don't know how to fight back.
Dear diabetes...just to let you know, I accept that I must live with you, BUT we will NEVER be friends.
Happy Monday Everyone!
-Kimberlee
The Cure
Will there be a cure for diabetes in my life time? That is a question that I have been asking myself a lot lately. It saddens me when I have to answer that question with a no. I know there are both diabetics and non-diabetics out there that think "the cure" is just around the corner, but I don't seen it happening anytime soon. I feel that this country is too corrupt. The insurance companies and drug companies would be broke as a joke if it wasn't for diabetes. Hey, at least someone is benefiting from this disease. Drug companies like sick people, so why would they take millions of them and cure them? They answer to that question is...THEY WOULDN'T! That would be mean less cash in there pocket and lets face it, they like there money honey!
Does this mean that I don't support the search for the cure? Of course not. I would love to walk into my doctors office and him say drink this and you will be all better. There has been some "recent breakthroughs," but I just don't find them very promising. JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) started working with Islet (pronounced EYE-LITS) in 1999. They tried transplanting them into the pancreas in hope that the beta cells would start producing insulin again. At first only 1 out of 10 cases were successful, now there are 8 reported cases out of 300 that have been a success. So why is this not on the market? Well you see Islets are very very fragile and they are almost impossible to isolate, making there not be enough to cure every one. JDRF reports that scientist are working around the clock trying to figure out how to make more Islets. Here are there ideas thus far: One is with stemcell research but there are political, moral and ethical views stopping that from happening, another is from animal cells but then that might mean humans will start getting animal diseases and well that would be no fun. Could you imagine coming home and saying hey mom I was cured from diabetes today but I brought home heart worms! Last would be genetic engineering of cells but scientist face complex technical difficulties...go figure, I thought they were supposed to geniuses! Another big problem that scientist and researchers are facing is that the human body is rejecting the transplantation of Islets. Your body tends to fight off any foreign object that it comes in contact with and these Islets are one of them.The way I see it, a diabetics body attacks its own islets to begin with so why would anyone think that it wouldn't attack new islets.
Here is some pretty interesting information from JDRF:
Where Do Pancreases Come From? A cadaver is the body of a person who has died. Organs are obtained from cadavers 1) with the permission of the donor before death (many people make it known they would like to be an organ donor when obtaining a driver's license, where it is clearly marked) and his or her family, and 2) after the person is determined to have no brain function, while machines are still maintaining the vital organs. The pancreas and its islets must be taken out ("recovered") rapidly. The time from removal of the pancreas to injection of islets into the patient with diabetes is limited, generally only 12 hours, although new advances are giving doctors more time.
2,000: Pancreases available in U.S. for islet transplants each year.
About 1 million: Islets from a healthy pancreas.
700,000: Islets needed per transplant for a 150-pound person.
At least 1: Islet transplant needed to be free from insulin.
At least 1: Pancreas needed per transplant patient.
More than 1 million: Patients with Juvenile in the U.S. alone.
With that information it doesn't look like there will be a cure for a really long time let alone the chance to get my hands on a donated pancreas. JDRF is trying to fund these researches but the government is a tightwad, well unless it comes to bonuses they like to give out, jetting off to Hawaii, bailing out GM, or the trillions of dollars they are spending on this war. JDRF rely on support from fellow Americans. They ask kids to participate in events like Walk To Cure Diabetes, so they can raise money to pay for scientist salaries and laboratories.
So, let me know what you think. Will there be a cure in the next 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? Ever? I would love to hear your opinion on this matter. Also, I challenge you to get involved with JDRF. They are in need of volunteers and donations and there are several Walk To Cure Diabetes events forming now.
Thank you for allowing me to share this info with you! Until there is a cure...
-Kimberlee
Does this mean that I don't support the search for the cure? Of course not. I would love to walk into my doctors office and him say drink this and you will be all better. There has been some "recent breakthroughs," but I just don't find them very promising. JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) started working with Islet (pronounced EYE-LITS) in 1999. They tried transplanting them into the pancreas in hope that the beta cells would start producing insulin again. At first only 1 out of 10 cases were successful, now there are 8 reported cases out of 300 that have been a success. So why is this not on the market? Well you see Islets are very very fragile and they are almost impossible to isolate, making there not be enough to cure every one. JDRF reports that scientist are working around the clock trying to figure out how to make more Islets. Here are there ideas thus far: One is with stemcell research but there are political, moral and ethical views stopping that from happening, another is from animal cells but then that might mean humans will start getting animal diseases and well that would be no fun. Could you imagine coming home and saying hey mom I was cured from diabetes today but I brought home heart worms! Last would be genetic engineering of cells but scientist face complex technical difficulties...go figure, I thought they were supposed to geniuses! Another big problem that scientist and researchers are facing is that the human body is rejecting the transplantation of Islets. Your body tends to fight off any foreign object that it comes in contact with and these Islets are one of them.The way I see it, a diabetics body attacks its own islets to begin with so why would anyone think that it wouldn't attack new islets.
Here is some pretty interesting information from JDRF:
Where Do Pancreases Come From? A cadaver is the body of a person who has died. Organs are obtained from cadavers 1) with the permission of the donor before death (many people make it known they would like to be an organ donor when obtaining a driver's license, where it is clearly marked) and his or her family, and 2) after the person is determined to have no brain function, while machines are still maintaining the vital organs. The pancreas and its islets must be taken out ("recovered") rapidly. The time from removal of the pancreas to injection of islets into the patient with diabetes is limited, generally only 12 hours, although new advances are giving doctors more time.
2,000: Pancreases available in U.S. for islet transplants each year.
About 1 million: Islets from a healthy pancreas.
700,000: Islets needed per transplant for a 150-pound person.
At least 1: Islet transplant needed to be free from insulin.
At least 1: Pancreas needed per transplant patient.
More than 1 million: Patients with Juvenile in the U.S. alone.
With that information it doesn't look like there will be a cure for a really long time let alone the chance to get my hands on a donated pancreas. JDRF is trying to fund these researches but the government is a tightwad, well unless it comes to bonuses they like to give out, jetting off to Hawaii, bailing out GM, or the trillions of dollars they are spending on this war. JDRF rely on support from fellow Americans. They ask kids to participate in events like Walk To Cure Diabetes, so they can raise money to pay for scientist salaries and laboratories.
So, let me know what you think. Will there be a cure in the next 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? Ever? I would love to hear your opinion on this matter. Also, I challenge you to get involved with JDRF. They are in need of volunteers and donations and there are several Walk To Cure Diabetes events forming now.
Thank you for allowing me to share this info with you! Until there is a cure...
-Kimberlee
Life With Insulin
As a baby type 1 this insulin stuff is pretty new to me. At times, it can be overwhelming and even intimidating. Insulin is my life line now though, and my new best friend. So what am I doing about it? I am educating myself and I am working or at least trying to work it into my plan.
Life with insulin is a new life indeed. I have to worry about what I take, when I take it, how much of it I need, will it cover my meals, will my meal cover my insulin. I haven't really gotten the hang of carb counting and how to factor that into my insulin dosages yet, so that leads to a whole new set or worries...oh yippee!
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) has been an enemy of mine long before I was diagnosed. My sugar would usually spike and then crash a hour or so later. Mr. Hypo would come tapping on my shoulder bringing along the shakes, the sweats, dizziness, stomach cramps, nauseating hunger, headaches, blurred vision and sometimes fainting spells. Insulin introduces Mr. Hypo to me all over again, or at least the fear of him. Things like exercising, playing sports, sleeping and driving all come with a warning label.
As a college student I am beginning to wonder how is insulin and school going to mix. I took this semester off so I could get a better control over my health, but I am picking back up my classes in May. The stress of nursing school is also another thing I have to worry about. Stress is blood sugars enemy. The two don't get along at all, making control sometimes out of reach. I often take four or five classes a semester making some days impossible for me to eat lunch. Insulin without lunch is often a death wish, so I am trying to revise my plan. Before I know it I will have a whole new plan :)
So what is insulin? Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas. Scientist have been able re-create insulin for people like me. There are many forms of insulin. They include:
Prompt: Lispro and Humalog, this type of insulin takes effect about 15 minutes after injection.
Regular: Humulin R and Novolin R, this type of insulin takes effect about 30 minutes to a hour after injection.
Intermediate: Humulin and Novolin, This type of insulin takes effect about 2 to 4 hours after injection.
Not only are there several types of insulin but there are also different way to administer insulin. Syringe and vial (which is what I am currently using), insulin pens, and insulin pumps. One of my goals is to qualify for an insulin pump. It is my understanding though that you can not qualify for one until after a year of displaying good control of your diabetes. Boohoo! I want one now! During my year wait though I am making it a point to educate myself as much as possible on insulin pumps, the pros and cons. There are two companies out right now that have started the tubeless insulin pump and I have contacted both of these companies. I will be testing out there models over the next couple of weeks. I will keep you all updated on that, who knows...I may decide I don't want one after all.
Running on insulin
-Kimberlee
Life with insulin is a new life indeed. I have to worry about what I take, when I take it, how much of it I need, will it cover my meals, will my meal cover my insulin. I haven't really gotten the hang of carb counting and how to factor that into my insulin dosages yet, so that leads to a whole new set or worries...oh yippee!
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) has been an enemy of mine long before I was diagnosed. My sugar would usually spike and then crash a hour or so later. Mr. Hypo would come tapping on my shoulder bringing along the shakes, the sweats, dizziness, stomach cramps, nauseating hunger, headaches, blurred vision and sometimes fainting spells. Insulin introduces Mr. Hypo to me all over again, or at least the fear of him. Things like exercising, playing sports, sleeping and driving all come with a warning label.
As a college student I am beginning to wonder how is insulin and school going to mix. I took this semester off so I could get a better control over my health, but I am picking back up my classes in May. The stress of nursing school is also another thing I have to worry about. Stress is blood sugars enemy. The two don't get along at all, making control sometimes out of reach. I often take four or five classes a semester making some days impossible for me to eat lunch. Insulin without lunch is often a death wish, so I am trying to revise my plan. Before I know it I will have a whole new plan :)
So what is insulin? Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas. Scientist have been able re-create insulin for people like me. There are many forms of insulin. They include:
Prompt: Lispro and Humalog, this type of insulin takes effect about 15 minutes after injection.
Regular: Humulin R and Novolin R, this type of insulin takes effect about 30 minutes to a hour after injection.
Intermediate: Humulin and Novolin, This type of insulin takes effect about 2 to 4 hours after injection.
Not only are there several types of insulin but there are also different way to administer insulin. Syringe and vial (which is what I am currently using), insulin pens, and insulin pumps. One of my goals is to qualify for an insulin pump. It is my understanding though that you can not qualify for one until after a year of displaying good control of your diabetes. Boohoo! I want one now! During my year wait though I am making it a point to educate myself as much as possible on insulin pumps, the pros and cons. There are two companies out right now that have started the tubeless insulin pump and I have contacted both of these companies. I will be testing out there models over the next couple of weeks. I will keep you all updated on that, who knows...I may decide I don't want one after all.
Running on insulin
-Kimberlee
Type 1 University
A lot of people are unaware of the difference between Type 1 and Type 2. It is often frusterating to any diabetic, so I am going to try and clearify. Get your pen and paper ready for some note taking and prepare yourself to be schooled!
First...some simple definitions (definitions provided by Mayo clinic)
Type1:
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to properly control blood sugar levels.
Type2:
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
Still confused?
Don't worry I'm not going to leave you hanging. Type 1 is also known as Juvenile diabetes, although you seem to not hear that term much anymore because more and more GROWN adults are being diagnosed with Type 1. Type 1 is also an autoimmune disease and something as simple as a cold can cause it to come out of hiding and interupt your life forever. Treatment for type 1 is often very different than that of type 2. When you have type 1, you are insulin dependant. That means your body requires insulin injections or inhalants in order to survive. Type 2 on the other hand is often controlled by diet and exercise, but that does not mean that a type 2 will not need insulin. Some type 2 diabetics become resistant to there own insulin and may require insulin injections in order to keep a tighter control on there blood sugars.
The results of poor diabetic care in both type 1 and type 2 are the same. Poor care or the lack of care can result in amputation of limbs, cardiovascular disease, poor eye sight including blindness, nerve damage, and kidney disease. Thank God that diabetic complications can be avoided by proper treatment, diet, exercise, and a tight control on blood sugar levels. Just because you have diabetes, doesn't mean that any of these things have to happen to you. Any diabetic MUST be wise about the decisions they make when it comes to care and treatment, keeping them complication free.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or tips please let me know...I would love to hear from you! I think proper care in both diabetics and non-diabetics comes from educating yourself. So I challenge you to educate yourself on something you have been thinking about doing lately.
Peace and education!
-Kimberlee
First...some simple definitions (definitions provided by Mayo clinic)
Type1:
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to properly control blood sugar levels.
Type2:
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
Still confused?
Don't worry I'm not going to leave you hanging. Type 1 is also known as Juvenile diabetes, although you seem to not hear that term much anymore because more and more GROWN adults are being diagnosed with Type 1. Type 1 is also an autoimmune disease and something as simple as a cold can cause it to come out of hiding and interupt your life forever. Treatment for type 1 is often very different than that of type 2. When you have type 1, you are insulin dependant. That means your body requires insulin injections or inhalants in order to survive. Type 2 on the other hand is often controlled by diet and exercise, but that does not mean that a type 2 will not need insulin. Some type 2 diabetics become resistant to there own insulin and may require insulin injections in order to keep a tighter control on there blood sugars.
The results of poor diabetic care in both type 1 and type 2 are the same. Poor care or the lack of care can result in amputation of limbs, cardiovascular disease, poor eye sight including blindness, nerve damage, and kidney disease. Thank God that diabetic complications can be avoided by proper treatment, diet, exercise, and a tight control on blood sugar levels. Just because you have diabetes, doesn't mean that any of these things have to happen to you. Any diabetic MUST be wise about the decisions they make when it comes to care and treatment, keeping them complication free.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or tips please let me know...I would love to hear from you! I think proper care in both diabetics and non-diabetics comes from educating yourself. So I challenge you to educate yourself on something you have been thinking about doing lately.
Peace and education!
-Kimberlee
Faux Pas
I understand that there are a lot of people who are not educated about diabetes but come on! One of the most annoying things I have heard since I was diagnosed is "you have diabetes? Oh my grandpa has diabetes and he had to have both of his legs amputated." Major FAUX PAS!
Just like every non-diabetic is different, every diabetic is also different. Just because your brother, or you mama, or your daddy's mama, or your mama's mama, or your auntie has diabetes does not mean that they are like me nor am I like them. Yes...God made us equal, but we are still our own individual.
Treatment for diabetes is also the same. What may work for one does not always work for another. Being a baby diabetic means that I get to hear a lot of "try this." Luckily I am the type of person who goes into situations with an open mind. If someone suggests something to me I will usually research it and see if I will actually benefit from it. I have to admit though that there has been a lot of suggestions that could of wreaked havok on any diabetics body.
Here is one of my favorite faux pas moment..." Wow! It would suck to have to live life with diabetes." Yes! Someone actually said that to me, and you are going to get a kick out of who said it. One day (actually one of the many days) I was having some blood work done at Lab Corp here in Ocala ( I am telling you the name of the lab so you can stay clear of this place) this phlebotomist who looked like she could be a perfect candidate of Type 2 diabetes ( I hate to judge, but it's true) stumbled into the room I was waiting to patiently to be "stuck" in. I like to think that I am pretty good at reading personalities, so from the start I knew I was in for a real treat. I automatically started smiling at her in hopes that she would not jab me real hard with the needle. Unfortunately, she didn't smile back so I knew for sure then that this was going to hurt! Luckily the stick didn't hurt but what you are about to read really hurt! So here I was sitting in this chair with my arm out giving up 5 tubes of my sweet sweet blood and this lady starts asking me why I am having these tests done. Not that it was any of her business (especially since she is NOT my Dr. or a Dr. at all for that fact), but I shared my story with her hoping that maybe I could be an inspiration. Inspiration...I was not. Instead I was told how my life was going to suck now that I have diabetes. I was in shock, I was hurt, how could anyone be so mean? Needless to say, after my long talk with the regional manager followed by an email to CEO this lady is either in deep poo or fired! Do I feel bad? No, and I am happy about that.
So what does all this mean for you and me? It simply means think before you speak. Remember that people both diabetics and non-diabetics have feelings, and those feelings can be easily hurt.
Remember! Faux pas....NOT fox paws :o)
-Kimberlee
Just like every non-diabetic is different, every diabetic is also different. Just because your brother, or you mama, or your daddy's mama, or your mama's mama, or your auntie has diabetes does not mean that they are like me nor am I like them. Yes...God made us equal, but we are still our own individual.
Treatment for diabetes is also the same. What may work for one does not always work for another. Being a baby diabetic means that I get to hear a lot of "try this." Luckily I am the type of person who goes into situations with an open mind. If someone suggests something to me I will usually research it and see if I will actually benefit from it. I have to admit though that there has been a lot of suggestions that could of wreaked havok on any diabetics body.
Here is one of my favorite faux pas moment..." Wow! It would suck to have to live life with diabetes." Yes! Someone actually said that to me, and you are going to get a kick out of who said it. One day (actually one of the many days) I was having some blood work done at Lab Corp here in Ocala ( I am telling you the name of the lab so you can stay clear of this place) this phlebotomist who looked like she could be a perfect candidate of Type 2 diabetes ( I hate to judge, but it's true) stumbled into the room I was waiting to patiently to be "stuck" in. I like to think that I am pretty good at reading personalities, so from the start I knew I was in for a real treat. I automatically started smiling at her in hopes that she would not jab me real hard with the needle. Unfortunately, she didn't smile back so I knew for sure then that this was going to hurt! Luckily the stick didn't hurt but what you are about to read really hurt! So here I was sitting in this chair with my arm out giving up 5 tubes of my sweet sweet blood and this lady starts asking me why I am having these tests done. Not that it was any of her business (especially since she is NOT my Dr. or a Dr. at all for that fact), but I shared my story with her hoping that maybe I could be an inspiration. Inspiration...I was not. Instead I was told how my life was going to suck now that I have diabetes. I was in shock, I was hurt, how could anyone be so mean? Needless to say, after my long talk with the regional manager followed by an email to CEO this lady is either in deep poo or fired! Do I feel bad? No, and I am happy about that.
So what does all this mean for you and me? It simply means think before you speak. Remember that people both diabetics and non-diabetics have feelings, and those feelings can be easily hurt.
Remember! Faux pas....NOT fox paws :o)
-Kimberlee
The Start Of A New Beginning
My name is Kimberlee and I was 23 years. I am now 21 days old. How is that you ask? Well, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 21 days ago. I am taking this diagnosis as a new beginning for me. I am educating myself daily, in hopes that I will be benefit from it.
So, how am I doing as a baby Type 1? Well, I guess you could say that I am managing. I am trying to take it day by day and not worry about the future, but I am the type of person who MUST have a plan. Needless to say...diabetes doesn't exactly fit into my plan so I am having to make some revisions. The doctor appointments are really starting to annoy me. How is it when you leave the docotor's office you leave with an extra appointment or two? That seems to be my life for the past two months. Every test is followed up by another test. Will this end? If so, when? Like I said...I MUST have a plan!
The injections haven't been as bad as I thought, but I will say that I am so tired of giving them to myself. I dread breakfast, lunch, and dinner because I know there will be insulin involved. Did you know that when you are diagnosed with diabetes you are automatically assigned food and insulin police? Mine are always asking me, can you eat that? Did you take your insulin first? How many units did you take? Is that enough to cover your meal? BLAH BLAH BLAH! I'm sorry...but just go ahead and arrest me already.
Am I scared of diabetes? As a baby diabetic I think I would be lying to myself, and you if I said no. I will say though that it isn't the disease itself that I am scared of but rather the side effects. For instance, when I go to bed at night I ask myself, ok have I checked my sugar, will my blood sugar go to low in my sleep, what if it does, who will help me, where are my glucose tablets, should I test again. I am losing sleep over all of this, and lets face it people...I NEED my beauty rest!
All in all, I am doing ok. I guess the benefit of having diabetes is that I get to grow up AGAIN...oh and don't forget that cup of ice cream for the times that I am really low :)
Peace and Veggies!
-Kimberlee
So, how am I doing as a baby Type 1? Well, I guess you could say that I am managing. I am trying to take it day by day and not worry about the future, but I am the type of person who MUST have a plan. Needless to say...diabetes doesn't exactly fit into my plan so I am having to make some revisions. The doctor appointments are really starting to annoy me. How is it when you leave the docotor's office you leave with an extra appointment or two? That seems to be my life for the past two months. Every test is followed up by another test. Will this end? If so, when? Like I said...I MUST have a plan!
The injections haven't been as bad as I thought, but I will say that I am so tired of giving them to myself. I dread breakfast, lunch, and dinner because I know there will be insulin involved. Did you know that when you are diagnosed with diabetes you are automatically assigned food and insulin police? Mine are always asking me, can you eat that? Did you take your insulin first? How many units did you take? Is that enough to cover your meal? BLAH BLAH BLAH! I'm sorry...but just go ahead and arrest me already.
Am I scared of diabetes? As a baby diabetic I think I would be lying to myself, and you if I said no. I will say though that it isn't the disease itself that I am scared of but rather the side effects. For instance, when I go to bed at night I ask myself, ok have I checked my sugar, will my blood sugar go to low in my sleep, what if it does, who will help me, where are my glucose tablets, should I test again. I am losing sleep over all of this, and lets face it people...I NEED my beauty rest!
All in all, I am doing ok. I guess the benefit of having diabetes is that I get to grow up AGAIN...oh and don't forget that cup of ice cream for the times that I am really low :)
Peace and Veggies!
-Kimberlee
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