To Flu or Not to Flu

That is the question...

Is the true for Diabetics also?

As I sit here blogging out to all of you, I am of course stricken flu symptoms. I am not a huge fan of the flu, and as I am sure neither are you. Growing up, the flu had its positives--skipping school, full attention from mom, "my throat hurts"--unlimited supply of popsicles, etc. 

But now that I am living on my own...over 500 miles away from my mom, and as a T1 Diabetic, there are a lot more negatives. 

At the beginning of January, my mom pleaded that I get a flu shot. Of course, I did not listen. I know that my immune system is pretty shady and that I can pick up things easily, however, I am extra cautious when it comes to taking my vitamins and washing my hands. Also, I tend to get mixed answers from endocrinologists when it comes to getting a flu shot. Some say to get one no matter what. and others seem pretty wary to suggest getting one due to us having a week immune system. What do your doctors say?

I have yet to vomit--HOORAY! But I do have a pretty high fever and a sore throat. When I previously felt flu symptoms coming on about a month ago, I talked to a Pharmacist in order to find out what the best immune system booster is for Diabetics--Vitamin C!! My dad lives and breathes Alka-Seltzer for reasons that I am unsure of, and he insisted that I give it a try. The Pharmacist instructed me that Alka-Seltzer tablets and Airborne are basically a Vitamin C supplement with additives, mainly sugary additives that diabetics do not need. 

According to Ask Dr. Sears: “You don’t have to take in massive amounts of vitamin C to boost your immune system. Around 200 milligrams a day seems to be a generally agreed-upon amount. If you take vitamin C supplements, it’s best to space them throughout the day rather than take one large dose, most of which may end up being excreted in the urine.”

So, currently I am pretty high on Vitamin C in case you were wondering. Obviously now that I am sick I am not going to run out and get a flu shot, but in the future I wonder if I should?

The DiaBlogger 

Happy ValenDIE Day.

So here it is.

Another holiday that is centered around sweets.....is it a blessing or a curse that I cannot indulge in all my sweet sweet candy fantasies?

I am currently in a Journalism class at DePaul and my Professor is a journalist for the Chicago Tribune. Needless to say, I am so fortunate to have an instructor who not only knows the business but is still actively a part of it. Her specialty is writing feature stories. She has been telling our class about a specific lead she got when talking to mothers about the various regulations that have been put in place to mandate Valentine's Day celebrations at children's schools.

Schools are fighting Valentine's Day treats for many reasons: bullying, allergies, and the war on obesity. These are all valid reasons to combat the sweets. At first I thought that the schools should just let the kids be. However, I was diagnosed with T1 at age 16. If I was a sweet 1st grader who had to watch all of my friends eat candy because I couldn't participate I would be heart broken--not a good way to be one Valentine's Day.

Please read her fabulous article here.

I have had Diabetes for such a short time in my life--not even 5 years! But it seems like forever. My heart really goes out to mother's who have raised children with T1 since they have been very young. I cannot imagine how hard it is to watch a child go through holidays such as Valentine's day without their heart sinking a little.

I would love to hear how you all combat this sugar-filled day with healthier options. Please let me know!!

On a happier note, Happy V-Day to all my fellow diabetics!! I hope your hearts are warmed and your blood sugars are consistent!

The DiaBlogger