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

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

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