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

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