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

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

New Year, New Pancreas

JUST KIDDING.

So, just like every other year of my life...I have about 5,000 different new years resolutions that I am going to try to keep afloat this year. However, this year I have made my health a major priority.

I have always said that I would be a better terminally ill patient than a diabetic. I am a person who is a consistent check list maker and completer. (At the bottom of my checklists, my last task is always: make new to-do list). I am good at completing tasks, but I am not good at accomplishing things that are long term. I have to segment my life into smaller sections in order to feel like I have better control of them.

For example: I can run sprints, but not long distance.

When I was diagnosed with T1 Diabetes, my mind was turned upside down. If I had a cold, I simply followed the steps until I was better a few days later. Done. But how can I possibly take care of my health when there is no goal? There is no finish line. My mind could not wrap around this concept. the concept that I will die with this disease. I kept asking: How do I get better? What are the next steps" How long until I am no longer Diabetic" When will it go away"

I slowly learned, it doesn't.

My biggest resolution for this year is to train my mind to have goals that are farther in the future. I decided the easiest way to do this was to set a goal, right? By then end of 2013, I want to have ran a half-marathon. I am not a long distance runner by any means so this will be difficult. I am hoping that doing daily training will not only train my mind, but will train my body to make more healthy choices and to be more in touch with my blood-sugars and insulin levels.

Before I get up and run a half-marathon, I am starting small by training for a 10K. I found this simple 8-week training chart on Google and I have found it to be working very well.

I will keep you updated as I am running. My first run is scheduled for March 24th! I hope your 2013 has been happy and healthy!!

xoxo
The DiaBlogger