Nuts for COCONUT OIL

My aunt recently emailed me about a new diet she is testing out. I am typically on board with the new diets she tries, but this one was different. It is a fat-based diet called the ketogenic diet. The chart below paints a clear picture of what I am talking about.

Just for some context, the typical American diet is:

• 55% Carbohydrates
• 30% Fat
• 15% Protein

I was shocked and decided that I had to do some more research. Ketogenic diets are extremely popular right now! Recently, Americans are going nuts over the Bulletproof Coffee trend. This also falls in line with the ketogenic diet. The more I scoured the internet, the more I kept finding articles about ketogenic diets and T1 Diabetes. The key in this diet for diabetics is coconut oil--a kitchen product I have never purchased.

I am not going full-swing into the ketogenic diet, but I am implementing the coconut oil. Basically, this diet is low-carb. As a diabetic, I would say I aim for this on a daily basis. If you would like more information on ketogenic diets, read here.

I began by replacing all of my cooking oils with coconut oil. I typically use olive oil for EVERYTHING. If you do not like the coconut taste, don't worry unless you use too much! Please note that coconut oil is solid (like butter). Once you heat it, it will melt into oil. You cannot taste the coconut flavor unless you use too much. A little goes a long way! Another note--be sure to buy virgin coconut oil. Regular coconut oil usually has chemicals added in and it won't work as well as pure/virgin coconut oil.

Secondly, I began eating 2t of coconut oil every morning and have worked to eating 2T each day. It doesn't taste bad, but the texture takes some getting used to. Imagine spooning butter/margarine in your mouth. Needless to say, it feels a little uncomfortable at first.

I have tried many different "quick fixes" for my T1, but incorporating coconut oil into my daily routine has by far been the most dramatic. My blood sugar levels are low and stable throughout the day and I stay full longer. This is important for me because I am a HUGE snacker. Other than being my saving grace with my health, coconut oil has many other benefits. For example, my roommate began swishing some in her mouth to reverse a cavity. See below for a short list of the great benefits:

I plan to keep you all updated on my progress. I am excited to see what my next AIC is when I visit my endocrinologist in March. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. I would also love to from anyone who has adopted the ketogenic diet lifestyle or has incorporated coconut oil into their diet. 

The DiaBlogger 

Drinking with Diabetes for Dummies

Drinking alcohol and Diabetes are two things that typically don't go hand-in-hand. My friends usually ask me to explain what to watch for when I drink or what things I should avoid.

I typically start off by explaining the sugar in alcohol, the function of the liver, etc. But let's get real....an audience doesn't hold on for long once you dive into medical terminology. I recently found this article by Scott Johnson, Author at mySugr, explaining alcohol consumption and Diabetes in a simple way. Check it out here. Save your breath and let Scott spill the facts to your family and friends in this easy-to-read article. 

As always, the decision to stay sober is always the best option. Especially because all diabetics react to liquor consumption differently. Know your body and learn what your limits are. 

The DiaBlogger 

Self-Control

Most people would tell you I am very organized, scheduled, and follow the rules. Typically I am. 

I strongly lack self-control in two areas of my life: eating and shopping. In these areas there are no rules for me. This becomes a problem for both my health and my wallet.

If I am craving something, I eat it. 

If I need want something, I buy it. 

I am currently sitting at Starbucks thinking about how I want to leave and pick up Chipotle before I babysit. No. Maybe yes. I will keep you posted. 

I am planning on posting soon about my health-related new years resolutions, but today I will give you a glimpse into how I am going to combat my bad habits. I think about ways to better my health every day, as I am sure many of you do. I wake up in the morning and think to myself I am not going to eat sugar today, I am going to check my blood sugar at least three times, I will drink plenty of water, etc. AND THEN I WAKE UP AND NONE OF THAT HAPPENS. 

I am motivated by incentives, so I am going to incentivize myself to eat healthy. I mentioned in an earlier post that I want to get back on Katie Couric's Fed Up Challenge. I fell off this band wagon, and I fell off hard. I also have a few big ticket purchases that I need to make. For every 10 days I can go without eating sugar, I will allow myself to purchase one item. 

When I get going on a diet and am truly committed, I find that it is hard for me to give in to one little temptation. I am trying to build back that endurance as holiday season approaches. My mom makes BOMB sugar cookies/cinnamon rolls, and it will take every thing I have to fight eating those at Christmas. I will start accepting prayers now. Thanks. 

Me failing at everything. 

What are some ways you keep yourself from falling into holiday temptations? 

PLEASE LMK. 

The DiaBlogger 

It's a sugar-(full)free life for me

A few months ago my Mom told me about the Fed Up movie--have you heard about it? It is basically a documentary that talks about the food industry and how much added sugar Americans consume on a daily basis. Watch the trailer here:

Along with the movie, producers Katie Couric and Laurie David created the Fed Up Challenge. In order to complete the challenge you have to eat on a no-sugar added diet for 10 days. Unfortunately I have a HUGE sweet tooth. This becomes an issue with my T1 very easily. I am trying to get better at saying no to sweets...but if someone is offering dark chocolate covered pretzels, I am taking them.

I read about the challenge and thought I could definitely do it. I should not be eating added sugar any day of my life, so I could at least go 10 days, right? It was more difficult than I thought! I think I am going to try this challenge again...starting tomorrow.

Read about the challenge and the rules here.

This challenged really helped me become better at reading labels. At the grocery store, I typically look at 4 parts of a nutrition label: Carbohydrates, Fiber, Sugar and Sodium. I look at how many grams of each are in the product. However, now I am better at looking at the actual ingredients listed. Katie Couric explains that a food label may show that it is low in sugar, but in the ingredients you can find all of the dangerous sugar chemicals that have been added. At the top of this post is a list of all the names for sugar. Watch out for these + if you see it listed, do NOT buy it.

Products you should stay away from that are not obvious include:

• crackers
• Nutrition bars/granola bars
• bread
• pasta
• sauces/condiments/dressings
• alcohol

Challenge yourself to complete this and WATCH the movie! It has some great information and is truly shocking.

The DiaBlogger

Share your Sh!t

What is it like to live with T1/T2 or to care for someone that is diabetic? It is not fun. I can tell you that! It is funny how easy it is to feel alone with a disease that affects millions of people. 

The FDA is hosting a discussion with the diabetic community to better our understand our needs and where we are lacking in resources. Take this opportunity to share your concerns and struggles with leaders who CAN make a difference in our day-to-day lives. Here is a live survey that you can take and share with friends and family that have been affected by diabetes. 

Click here to find out more about the discussion taking place on November 3rd. 

Discussion coordinators are working to set up a live webcast to the event. So if you cannot make it, follow online! 

The DiaBlogger 

The cure is...now?

How many times have you heard: There will be a cure in 5 years...In the next 20 years nobody will have diabetes anymore...They are so close to finding an answer! 

I have heard this way too many times. After awhile I think I just began to zone it out. At my first endocrinologist appointment after a rough hospital stay (read my diagnosis story) I was shaking and crying as my nurse tried to check my blood sugar. It was too painful to get my finger pricked and I was not afraid to be defiant. Looking back at that image of myself makes me laugh and think "wow, you have no idea what is coming." The nurse tried to console me and started the well-rehearsed soothing lines... It is really okay. There will be a cure for diabetes in the next 10 years. It will be in your lifetime, you are going to be fine.

That was the first thing that made me perk up since being diagnosed. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad after all. Now, after living with diabetes for over 5 years it really just makes me laugh when I hear someone say that. You could say I have a negative outlook, but I think I am just realistic to a fault.

We have seen data on pancreas transplants, the bionic pancreas, different diets, etc. and things look promising, but not all that great. I was surprised this week when I read an article about these scientists at Harvard that are mass-producing new fully functioning beta cells. Check it out here. Beta cells are what produce insulin. Auto-immnune disease attacks these cells, and then we are left with manually injecting insulin into our bodies. Here is my favorite blunt quote from the article:

“A lot of the complications associated with manual insulin monitoring can lead to a lower quality of life.” Jeffrey Millman, a doctor in this research study 


Spot on, Jeffrey.

My biggest fear has always been that I will live for the discovery of how to stop T1 diabetes, but not be here for the day doctors learn to cure people already diagnosed with it. This research is exciting because the scientists were already able to rapidly cure one mouse in the experiment with their new cells. It is also exciting because I am an auto-immune cocktail recipe for disaster.

This is a huge breakthrough for the T1 community and for health research in general. If it is a potential cure, it will be years before we can get our hands on it. However, I am keeping my fingers crossed.

The DiaBlogger

Okay, I'm alive.

my backpacking route 

When I think of diabetes, I am constantly reminded of all the things I can't or shouldn't do. Most of these rules I break on a daily basis---like the fact that I am inhaling a bag of Wavy Lays as I type this. My backpacking trip was a small break from all of these rules because I accomplished something I thought I would never be able to do.

Some of my fears, doubts, concerns:

• What if my bag gets lost/stolen and my medicine is in it?
• How will I keep my insulin cool at all times?
• What if I slip into a low blood sugar and nobody knows that I am diabetic?
• Most importantly, how can one travel lightly when having to balance 3 months of medical supplies with a clothing addiction?

I started doing research online and with my doctor to figure out the best way to go about this trip. I was NOT about to lug around a cooler and ice packs, so I asked my doctor to be real with me...I asked how important is it to keep my insulin cool? She admitted that it is not about keeping insulin cool, as much as it is from keeping it from getting hot. My dad had a great idea: pack my pens in a thermos. This worked out great, because it was light and easy to cram in my backpack. If need be I thought I could drop a few ice cubes in the thermos, but I never ended up doing that.

My doctor wrote long letter with my list of prescriptions on it. I made one copy for my backpack and one for my purse. This was just in case my bag was lost /stolen and I needed to walk into a hospital and DEMAND insulin. Unfortunately, I am on a 90-day prescription cycle. So if I ran out when I was traveling, my insurance company said they would not be able to send me a refill. I never had to utilize this letter, but I felt much safer having it with me!

Another thing recommended to me was to pack 3x the amount of medicine that I would usually take for that time frame. 3x the needles, 3x the pens, 3x the pills. I still do not understand how I can walk onto a plane with 30 needles in my carry-on (let alone 300) without being stopped by security (Check out my post here).

And in case you were concerned about what I consumed..I did not hold back on drinking or eating anything...Sorry Dr. Aleppo.

Mykonos, Greece

Munich, Germany 

Ios, Greece

Paris, France

My trip was more than just seeing the world. It truly made me feel like I could accomplish something without my health holding me back. It was a great reminder that I can still do human things without feeling like I am on a regimented medical course everyday.


Contact me with any questions or similar traveling advice!
The DiaBlogger

HELP PLEASE!!

I am very excited to share that I will be backpacking around the Mediterranean this June + July! Unfortunately, due to my T1…the first thing I asked myself after I bought my plane tickets is can I do this?

I hate promoting that you can do ANYTHING with Diabetes, because truthfully deep inside I feel like I can't always do everything that I want to do. I will keep updating with my backpacking T1 checklist just in case anyone else is thinking about backpacking soon. This trip is do-able…but I do need to make sure that all of my ducks are in a row before taking off in June!

If you have been backpacking, I would LOVE some tips! So far, I have met with my endocrinologist and she said that the main things I need to do are:

• pack triple the insulin
• find a reliable travel cooler

I got the insulin covered, but I actually do not have a cooler. This is going to sound horrible--but I actually do not see the big deal about refrigerating insulin. However, I do think it will be important to keep my insulin refrigerated while living out of a backpack.

Any companies I should look at when making my decision on a cooler?? Also I would love to hear some suggestions on ice packs for traveling.
Please let me know!

xoxo
The DiaBlogger

Black Bean Brownies

I think that one of the most horrible parts about having T1 Diabetes, is knowing that I have the biggest sweet tooth of anyone I have ever met--dead serious. Clearly, this has become an issue time and time again. I think I am pretty good at controlling my cravings, but chocolate wins every time.

This recipe is a nice alternative to actual brownies. and ADDED BONUS: each brownie contains about 5g of protein AND 5g of fiber. This is obviously due to the main ingredient being black beans. I know it sounds disgusting, but you have to trust me..I think they might be better than actually brownies.

Here is the recipe:

Gluten-Free Brownies

 1 15oz Black Beans, rinsed and drained

3 eggs

3T vegetable oil

5T cocoa powder  (I added 6T)

1 pinch salt

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

¾ c sugar (can be substituted for artificial sweetener)

Nuts and chocolate chips (optional)  (I added chic chips--obviously) 

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth, absolutely NO chunks. Lightly grease 8x8 glass pan.  Bake 30 min @ 350°.

Enjoy this sweet treat along with some steady blood sugars!

xoxo

The DiaBlogger 

Blindsided by the Future

So you may know that Google has been woking on many new technologies that may or may not make it to the market place. One of their newest projects to come out is Google Glass--which in my opinion is pretty cool. 

Apparently their newest research has led them to create something similar to Google Glass, but in a contact lens. The technology would operate based on using glucose from your eyeball. This is very exciting in the T1 world because it might just mean no more finger pricks…check out the article here!! 

Until then….KEEP CHECKING YOUR SUGAR

xoxo

The DiaBlogger 

T1 Support

Diabetes is a complicated disease that makes me personally feel like it is me vs. the world. It is a diagnosis that is isolating and depressing. Many patients that are diagnosed feel the heavy weight of the disease just due to the name. Our society paints a very negative picture around the disease, and sometimes just using it as a word to describe me makes me unbearably sad. It is difficult for me to be surrounded everyday by people who do not comprehend my constant struggle. Here is an article that discusses the severe risks that diabetics face when they do not seek out support.

I love my friends and family more than anything, but sometimes they are no the support system I need when it comes to my health. When I was first diagnosed, it was difficult for me to take my health seriously because nobody around me did. Sometimes I felt like people either underestimated or exaggerated my disease...there was nothing in between.

My biggest pet peeve is when people without diabetes try to correct something that is related to my health or act like they know how my diagnosis makes me feel. I do not always make the best choices for my health, but if I want some chocolate every once in awhile, I am NOT about to let my burdensome disease stop me.

Joining Glu was a turning point in my life with Diabetes. Glu and other online communities are so important for people who are looking for support and information. Being connected online has taught me so much about my health, and little tips and tricks that I never learned at my doctor's office.

I love communicating with other T1's online, because I feel like we are equal.

Another great option for people who want face-to-face support is finding a therapist or a local community. Many college campuses have College Diabetes Network (CDN) Chapters. This is a great way to connect with other people in your community that you can reach out to. Also, look at your community centers. This is an easy place to find groups that use the community centers for a meeting place. If you are striking out, always ask your doctor or nutritionist--they should be in the know, if not, we are in trouble!!

If you find yourself down in the dumps about your diagnosis, always remember this:

"If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back."

xoxoxo
The DiaBlogger

Snacky Snax

One of the hardest things for me to face with diabetes is snacking. Isn't that something we should all stop doing?

Easy things to snack on for me have been crackers, turkey, cheese sticks, an apple, or a clementine. However, recently with my new gluten-intolerance and the summer heat, I have been looking for gluten free snacks that are low-carb and will not perish in the summer heat.

Trader Joe's has been a life saver for me. It is hard for me to find snacks that fit my requirements and are not overly expensive. Here are some of my favorites that can all be found at your local Trader Joe's:

Un-Sweetened Dried Fruit: 

Dried fruit is a great way to get in your nutrients without worrying about eating them in a timely matter. My favorite dried fruits are apricots, prunes, and cranberries. Dates apricots and prunes are great choices for a diabetic in particluar because they are high in fiber. Unfortunately, they can also be high in carbs but the fiber helps maintain and stabalize your blood sugar. These are great for road trips or to throw in a backpack if you are going to be out for a day. My other favorites are cranberries and cherries. These have more of a sweet and tart taste. They taste much more like a desert than a healthy snack.

LARABAR: 

I have had a lot of trouble finding granola bars that are gluten-free, low-carb, low-sugar, and high in fiber. I think LARABAR takes the win. The bars have no sugar added, are high in fiber, and only use minimal ingredients of nuts, fruits, and spices. One of my favorites is Cashew Cookie. This bar only contains cashews and dates. It has 23g of carbs, 6g of protein, and 3g of fiber.

Skinny Pop: 

Skinny Pop or any air-popped popcorn is a perfect snack that does not go stale and will stay fresh even in hot weather. I like Skinny Pop because it does not have any added salts or butter. It is simply air popped. If you buy other sir-popped popcorn, make sure that you check the ingredients listed, and also the amount of sodium listed on the package.

That's It Bar: 

This bar is one of my favorites. There are a variety of different flavors, but essentially this bar is an apple and another fruit in a bar. The listed ingredients on the package of this bar is: Apple, Cherries. That's it! This is another great solution to taking fruit on-the-go with you. The bars do not perish easily and are nicer than dried fruit because you do not have to worry about resealing.

Nut Based Trail Mix:

Trail mix is a hard one to find. Unfortunately, any trail mixes are high in carbohydrates and in gluten. However, at Trader Joe's I have been able to find many assorted nut and fruit based trail mixes. Stay away from mixes that include pretzels, chocolate, or mini-breadsticks.



Do any of you have other favorite snacks that easy to take on-the-go??
I could use some other recommendations!

Stay cool, we are definitely still chillin' out here in Chicago...don't worry!!

xoxo
The DiaBlogger

HERE COMES SUMMER

HOW TO: pump iron while pumping insulin.

Putting on a swimsuit is just not in my cards anytime soon. Now that nice weather is here to stay, I need to put my winter body away. However, this is much easier said than done when you throw diabetes into the mix. I have really been struggling with keeping weight off and also following my daily medical routine. I recently took up running, which I have really enjoyed, but have found that running has repetitively given me high blood sugars. This is extremely frustrating.

With summer approaching I need to find recreational activities that keep my blood sugar consistent. Is this possible?

Here is an interesting web page I found with tips on exercising with T1. 

For the most part, I think that the goodness of staying active and participating in physical activities outweighs the bad of a slight higher or lower blood sugar. It is so important to stay active with diabetes, because we hold on to fat so easily due to our insulin intake.

The trickiest part of dealing with my health during the summer is not wanting to lug all of my medicine and medical supplies around. I feel like I can never go anywhere without a giant bags to cover all of my “what-if” situations. BUT NEVER GO WITHOUT. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Plus, with my luck if I ever tried to go without….that would be the time that I find myself in a compromising situation. AND ALWAYS, ALWAYS wear a medical ID. 

Stay active and enjoy the fresh air and flowers!!!!

xoxo

The DiaBlogger 

Educating Co-Workers

I have always worked in retail, so I have never really been in a work environment that was too strenuous for my health to handle. My managers all know that if I work in the evening I have to take a quick break to shoot up some Lantus and check my BG periodically throughout my work shift.

My biggest concern with Diabetes in a workplace setting is not putting myself in a position where I feel unsafe but actually educating my co-workers on diabetes.

I think it is safe to say that we have all become comfortable with diabetes, we live with it. The problem is that  I think sometimes it is easy to forget to mention crucial things when explaining how to treat diabetes to others. We deal with this stuff ALL the time.

[True story, I had a dream the other night that I was out to dinner and before my meal I counted my carbs...in my dream. Needless to say, I was pretty impressed when I woke up. ]

So who do you educate, when do you tell them, and what do you say?

In my opinion, the most important people to educate are your superior, and the people that you are surrounded by the most. These will be the people who will notice a change in behavior or attitude that can be attributed a low blood sugar.

Depending on the job, I don't necessarily think that your health status needs to be brought up in an interview. However, after landing the job it is important to make your close co-workers aware. I have found that it is the easiest to bring up my struggles with T1 diabetes when I am out to lunch with somebody. It easily explains why I have made certain food choices or why I mysteriously leave for the restroom with a sack full of needles before each of my meals.

When you do talk to your co-workers, they may be overwhelmed if you over-educate them. You want to focus on telling them what a low blood sugar is and what they can do to help you.

Something I always share when educating people on my health is the way I act during a low blood sugar. I am usually stubborn and am adamant that I do not have a low blood sugar.

"I don't need to check my blood sugar, I'm fine"

That is probable when I do need to check my blood sugar. Make the people around of aware of this. I think that people feel like you know what you are talking about and do not want to bother you about your health. However, in situations like blood sugars it is important for them to step in.

xoxo
The DiaBlogger

Gluttony for Gluten

My favorite part of being diagnosed with T1 was sitting with my nutritionist and listening to the long list of fabulous diseases and disorders that I now have a 26% higher, 13% higher, 67% higher or 42% higher chance of getting. 

"Congratulations. You just got T1 Diabetes. Regardless if you take care of your health or not, here is a long list of problems you will probably come in contact with in your far, or not so very far, future."

Am I the only one who feels this way???

The only disorder that struck my attention the most from this looong list was Celiac Disease.  I think it caught my eye simply because gluten-free diseases have been so trendy recently. I am sure you are all aware...but just in case....Celiac Disease is a condition in which you must go on a strict gluten-free diet. 

FUN FACT: 3-8 % of people with type 1 diabetes will have biopsy-confirmed celiac disease. 

So...recently (over the past month or so) I have been experiencing some severe stomach pain after eating. I tried to track exactly what food I was eating that was causing the pain. Unfortunately, many of the meals I had pain after had a combination of dairy and gluten. When I ate dairy or gluten separately, I would have absolutely no stomach pain at all. This led my doctor to believe that my stomach pain was IBS related because it was also occurring during more stressful times for me. 

To make a long story shorter than I am making it....This past week, my stomach pain has evolved into some digestion issues. I will elaborate this way: when I eat gluten, I have about 5 minutes to get to the nearest bathroom. 

According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness:

Celiac disease associated with diabetes is usually silent, showing no symptoms, and may only be found upon screening. Signs and symptoms, such as abdominal pain, gas, bloating, malabsorption, weight loss, and abnormal liver function tests may also be seen and easily confused with poor glucose control of type 1 diabetes or gastroparesis - when the muscles in the wall of the stomach do not function normally.

So tonight, when I was low blood sugar I opted for eating a piece of toast with crunchy peanut butter. YUM. I was getting ready to leave my apartment to get on a 10 hour long Megabus ride home for the weekend. So I figured the toast would raise my blood sugar and the protein in the peanut butter would keep my blood sugar stable. 

CARBS  + PROTEIN= GOOD DECISION

TOAST= BAD DECISION

 I am not diagnosed with Celiac or gluten intolerance, but my body is speaking LOUDLY, clearly and very brownly [sorry if that was too much information]. 

Well, I am leaving you all there. Please, PLEASE let me know of your experiences with T1 & Celiac. I am new to the business. And wish me luck on my bus ride with my digestive issues..... only 8 more hors to go, right?

xoxoxo

The DiaBlogger

How to make your GPA a 7.0

As we all know, each time we strut into our endocrinologist's office we aim to walk out with a good report. At least a 7.0, correct?

When first diagnosed, my AIC was always around a 6.3, which my doctors were extremely impressed with. However about a year ago, I was sitting at about an 8.6 which was not favorable.

A few weeks ago, I tested at a 6.4 I think. My doctors were excited until they saw all of my consistently low blood sugars. Clearly my AIC was not reflective of good control but rather many miscalculations.

My goal for the spring is to incorporate new habits into my everyday life that will help me consistently stay in the 70-40 BG range.


1. Always have access to glucose tablets.
-A glucose tablet has a set amount of carbs in it that you can control. It is better than just popping in a piece of candy because it will always have the same amount of carbs. This allows you to have better control. Instead of reaching for the first piece of food you see when you have a low blood sugar, try to reach for glucose tablets that you have made easily available.

2. Count and eliminate carbs.
-Counting carbs is always important. No doctor would recommend completely eliminating carbs from a diet because carbohydrates are essential to the body. However, eliminating heavy carbs can alleviate spikes in blood sugars. Consuming calories through other sources such as whole fruits and vegetables can help maintain a constant blood sugar level.

3. Eat at regularly scheduled times.
-You should schedule your meals at about the same time each day. This is extremely difficult for me to do. Skipping a meal can lead to high spikes in blood sugars. Another reason why breakfast is SO SO important.

4. Limit snacking.
-Snacking is the biggest trouble with diabetes. It is a terrible habit of mine that is taking a long while to kill off. Snacking is problematic because it occurs in between meals. When you bolus, insulin takes about four complete hours to be fully activated. After two hours, your insulin is about 50% activated, or has reached about 50% of its potential. If you take insulin for a snack two hours after a meal and notice your blood sugar is high, you may choose to add extra insulin for a correction. This could cause you do go low later during the day because the other 50% of your insulin from your earlier meal has still not hit you yet.


There is many other things I could add into my diabetic life, but I think this is a good start to achieving great health.


What kinds of things do you do to maintain appropriate blood sugars?

I will keep you posted on my success,
The DiaBlogger

CGM

After moving to Chicago, I was forced to find all new doctors. Starting with an Endocrinologist. Lucky for me, I found a doctor I love at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in downtown Chicago.

I was able to have my first appointment in February, but I left wary because she explained to me that in order to be a part of her practice it was mandatory that I submit my body for a full week of observation. Meaning, I had to come in and get a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) placed under my skin and wear it for a week.

Anyone who knows me well or has read about my feelings about wearing diabetic devices knows how uncomfortable this makes me feel. Yet, here I am in the endocrinology clinic now getting ready to receive my CGM.

From my research, I don't think that wearing it for a week will be that big of a deal. I am on spring break this week, so a lot of my friends are not at school. That eliminates my fear and insecurity of having to respond to "What is that?!"

However, my biggest concern is that I will be running a 10K on Sunday and I don't want it to like....fall out it something. Can that happen? I'm so nervous!

I would love to get feedback from anyone with experience with a CGM. I have NO idea what to expect.

Wish me luck!!
The DiaBlogger

DON'T FORGET THE INSULIN!!

All of us have our own special ways to keep our diabetes supplies organized and accessible at all times...some of our ways are much better than others. I would hope that all of your organization tools are better than mine.

MY WAY: a gallon ziploc bag containing multiple humalog and lantus pens, handfuls of needles and alcohol swabs, a glucose monitor, extra testing strips, a glucagon pen, glucose tablets, and a tube of frosting.

It's quite a site watching me pull it out at sleepovers, restaurants, and in airports. I would love to know what goes through people's minds while they watch me pull out a ziploc bag full of frosting and needles. However, it is what works best for me.

The bad part is when I forget the bag....I forget everything. SO- I am definitely taking notes if anyone has suggestions on how I can better keep track of my supplies. I also am known to overpack (see picture above). So once I finally get my suitcase zipped, it is extremely depressing to see that I have packed everything I don't need and not the one thing I do need, my diabetes supplies.

When it comes to traveling, diabetes supplies are ALWAYS at the top of my travel list (right next to blankie and cell phone charger, obviously). Even though I always try to remember, I have been put in multiple situations where I did leave my bag and was left to venture on an insulin-less vacation...sounds great right?? But an insulin-less vacation is anything from fun as I am sure you have all experienced.

Here are my tips for you:

1. I know I feel too old to be reminded things, but there is NO shame in having a designated person to remind you while you are packing your things to pack your supplies. 
2. Write it at the TOP of your packing list. 
3. Pack supplies in your main suitcase as well as in your carry on. That way if you forget to throw the supplies in your carry on bag, at least you will have something to fall back on when you open your main suitcase. 
4. Switch your prescription over to a drugstore. I like to keep my prescriptions at a grocery store, however, having access to your medications at places such as CVS or Walgreens will come in handy when you are some place that your grocery store is not located. 

By the way, I have always wondered how needles are allowed through security? I am sure it is very common for the TSA to see needles in security, but I have never been stopped or questioned. Are they trained to look for certain needles? I have always been curious and would love to know. 

I'll being flying out to Pennsylvania next Thursday to see my grandparents for Easter. So maybe I will cross my fingers that the TSA stops me...just so I can ask them a few questions myself!

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter and Spring Break. and please, please DON'T FORGET YOUR INSULIN. 

safe travels, 

The DiaBlogger 

Our Future as DiaRobots

I just read this fabulous article about Diabetes research going on in Israel!
Please read and share with all of your dia-friends...maybe we have something to look forward to in the near future!

Check it out here!

I hope you are having a consistent sugar kind of day,

The DiaBlogger

HASHiMOTO

Hashi..whaaaat?

Yes. My body seems to have a things for diseases with asian names. Starting with my diagnosis of Kawasaki disease back in 2010, I have had a strange path of foreign-born illnesses.

However, Hashimoto is very common with us diabetic people. I knew that eventually I would be diagnosed with this thyroid disease, I just did not realize how soon it would sneak up on me.

When I recently visited my doctor, she instructed me to start taking Levothyroxine. I was very excited because I had clearly been gaining weight and been blaming my own laziness. It was nice to blame my thyroid for packing on the pounds rather than myself (lazy...right?).

My dad has recently started taking a thyroid pill as well, and we were shocked to learn all the details about taking a pill for hypothyroidism. There are some very strict rules when it comes to taking thyroid medication that I was pretty unaware of. I have done some research and here is my list of things YOU SHOULD KNOW if you are treating Hashimoto, or taking a pill to help your thyroid activity:

• Take pill as a single dose, 
• Take on an empty stomach, 
• Take in the morning, one-half to one hour before breakfast. 
• Take with a FULL glass of water
• Do not take with other medications. It can make the thyroid pill less effective. 
• Many experts recommend you take vitamins or supplements with iron at least two to three hours apart from thyroid hormone. Iron can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption if taken too close together.
• You should avoid infant soy formula, cotton seed meal, walnuts, and high-fiber foods while taking medication.

Following these rules have been difficult for me considering I wake up at different times each morning and usually start my day with a multivitamin. However, I have been doing alright for the most part and have seen great results.

happy bolusing...

The DiaBlogger