I realize it's still officially 2016, but I am SO ready for this year to be over.
2016 has just been a complete dumpster fire. Between the US election, the war in Syria, the bombings of innocent civilians in Aleppo by their own government (not that that hasn't stopped people from vilifying Israel, as usual), and the many, many celebrity deaths since the beginning of the year, I'm ready to look forward to 2017 with a lot more positivity than 2016 is leaving us with.
I am, however, happy to report, that not one incident in 2016 can be blamed on diabetes - at least, not personally for me.
There have been some changes to my regime - an addition of an extra dose of insulin at meals, which has, weirdly, been difficult to remember to do, and an addition of a anti-cholesterol drug (Crestor) as a preventive measure.
But for the most part, any issues related to my diabetes has been mostly self-inflicted rather than disease progression.
So, here's hoping that 2017 is a happy and healthy year for all of us.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Monday, November 14, 2016
Happy Birthday, Frederick Banting!! Thank you for giving me my life!
Today is November 14. It's World Diabetes Day and it's also Sir Frederick Banting's birthday.
Diabetics around the world owe their lives to Sir Frederick (and of course, his co-discoverer, Charles Best) for their groundbreaking discovery of the use of insulin on humans with diabetes.
Here are 5 things you may not have known about Sir Frederick from The Canadian Diabetes Association:
1. He was a decorated war hero
Sir Frederick served in both the First and Second World Wars. He was with the Canadian Army Medical Service in 1916 and on September 28, 1916, he attended to his battalion on the front for 17 hours, saving many lives. He suffered a interosseous artery in his right arm, but refused to be sent to the rear, earning him the Military Cross for 'distinguished and meritorious services in time of war".
(an interosseous artery is about 1 cm. in length, arises immediately below the tuberosity of the radius from the ulnar artery. Passing backward to the upper border of the interosseous membrane, it divides into two branches, the anterior interosseous and posterior interosseous arteries)
2. He was an acclaimed artist
Sir Frederick painted with the renowned Group of Seven painters - alongside the likes of A.Y. Jackson and Tom Thompson. He formed a bond with the Group when, in 1923, he won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine and wanted refuge from his newfound professional pressures. He is still among Canada's most noteworthy amateur artists.
3. His home draws thousands of tourists every year
This home was bought by the Canadian Diabetes Association in 1981 and is known as the Banting House Historic Site. It has become one of London, Ontario's most important national and international tourist site.
Frederick Banting started his medical practice in this house in 1920 though now, it is a full-fledged National Historic Site of Canada. It holds an array of historical artifacts, artwork, and a restored bedroom that captures the moment in time when Banting conceived the idea for insulin.
People from around the world leave notes of thanks for his contribution to the betterment of their lives. His room is now a veritable shrine to the man who has made diabetes management so much easier than it was in the 20s.
Even the Queen has written a "Dear Dr. Banting" letter that is in the museum.
4. He was a comic book hero
In December, 1941, the Comic Book Corporation of America published its second issue of World Famous Heroes magazine. This comic book was dedicated to telling true stories behind noteworthy figures in history. Banting appeared alongside American President Andrew Jackson, baseball star Lou Gherig, and military legend General "Billy" Mitchell.
He was billed as "Canada's Renowned Scientist". The story in the magazine tells his complete life story including his service in World War 1, his discovery of insulin and his death during World War 2, in 1941.
5. He died serving his country
As mentioned a few times above, Sir Frederick served in both the First and Second World Wars. By the time the Second World War broke out, he was already famous for his discovery of insulin, but his research wasn't yet finished.
In 1938, he had begun working for the National Research Council to fix a critical gap in Allied scientific knowledge. He focused on aviation medicine.
His research helped develop the G-Suit, which is an outfit worn by pilots that prevents blood from pooling in the lower regions of their body, preventing them from passing out.
In 1941, he set off for Britain to continue his research as part of the Allied war efforts. After he took off from Gander, Newfoundland, his plane failed and crashed. He initially survived the crash, but succumbed to his injuries on February 21, 1941.
His loss was a tragic one in a time when his research was really branching out. But we diabetics will always be grateful for his contribution to our continuing health. Thanks to Drs. Banting and Best, us diabetics enjoy much longer, healthier lives.
So, raise a glass (or a vial of insulin) and let's toast Sir Frederick Banting.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Banting.
Diabetics around the world owe their lives to Sir Frederick (and of course, his co-discoverer, Charles Best) for their groundbreaking discovery of the use of insulin on humans with diabetes. Here are 5 things you may not have known about Sir Frederick from The Canadian Diabetes Association:
1. He was a decorated war hero
Sir Frederick served in both the First and Second World Wars. He was with the Canadian Army Medical Service in 1916 and on September 28, 1916, he attended to his battalion on the front for 17 hours, saving many lives. He suffered a interosseous artery in his right arm, but refused to be sent to the rear, earning him the Military Cross for 'distinguished and meritorious services in time of war".
(an interosseous artery is about 1 cm. in length, arises immediately below the tuberosity of the radius from the ulnar artery. Passing backward to the upper border of the interosseous membrane, it divides into two branches, the anterior interosseous and posterior interosseous arteries)
2. He was an acclaimed artist
Sir Frederick painted with the renowned Group of Seven painters - alongside the likes of A.Y. Jackson and Tom Thompson. He formed a bond with the Group when, in 1923, he won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine and wanted refuge from his newfound professional pressures. He is still among Canada's most noteworthy amateur artists.
3. His home draws thousands of tourists every year
This home was bought by the Canadian Diabetes Association in 1981 and is known as the Banting House Historic Site. It has become one of London, Ontario's most important national and international tourist site.
Frederick Banting started his medical practice in this house in 1920 though now, it is a full-fledged National Historic Site of Canada. It holds an array of historical artifacts, artwork, and a restored bedroom that captures the moment in time when Banting conceived the idea for insulin.
People from around the world leave notes of thanks for his contribution to the betterment of their lives. His room is now a veritable shrine to the man who has made diabetes management so much easier than it was in the 20s.
Even the Queen has written a "Dear Dr. Banting" letter that is in the museum.
4. He was a comic book hero
In December, 1941, the Comic Book Corporation of America published its second issue of World Famous Heroes magazine. This comic book was dedicated to telling true stories behind noteworthy figures in history. Banting appeared alongside American President Andrew Jackson, baseball star Lou Gherig, and military legend General "Billy" Mitchell.
He was billed as "Canada's Renowned Scientist". The story in the magazine tells his complete life story including his service in World War 1, his discovery of insulin and his death during World War 2, in 1941.
5. He died serving his country
As mentioned a few times above, Sir Frederick served in both the First and Second World Wars. By the time the Second World War broke out, he was already famous for his discovery of insulin, but his research wasn't yet finished.
In 1938, he had begun working for the National Research Council to fix a critical gap in Allied scientific knowledge. He focused on aviation medicine.
His research helped develop the G-Suit, which is an outfit worn by pilots that prevents blood from pooling in the lower regions of their body, preventing them from passing out.
In 1941, he set off for Britain to continue his research as part of the Allied war efforts. After he took off from Gander, Newfoundland, his plane failed and crashed. He initially survived the crash, but succumbed to his injuries on February 21, 1941.
His loss was a tragic one in a time when his research was really branching out. But we diabetics will always be grateful for his contribution to our continuing health. Thanks to Drs. Banting and Best, us diabetics enjoy much longer, healthier lives.
So, raise a glass (or a vial of insulin) and let's toast Sir Frederick Banting.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Banting.
Friday, November 11, 2016
November 11, Remembrance Day
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
On November 11, we remember the soldiers who fought for our country, who were wounded for our country and who died for our country. We remember the sacrifices they made, mental and physical and the toll the wars our soldiers fought in took on our communities, our families, our country and our world.
In 1918, Sir Frederick Banting (1891-1941), one of the co-discoverers of Insulin, fought for Canada in Cambrai during World War 1.
He died defending our country in the Second World War, in February, 1941. Today, with the Canadian Diabetes Association, I pay homage to our hero, the man who helped make this disease easier to manage.
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
On November 11, we remember the soldiers who fought for our country, who were wounded for our country and who died for our country. We remember the sacrifices they made, mental and physical and the toll the wars our soldiers fought in took on our communities, our families, our country and our world.
In 1918, Sir Frederick Banting (1891-1941), one of the co-discoverers of Insulin, fought for Canada in Cambrai during World War 1.
He died defending our country in the Second World War, in February, 1941. Today, with the Canadian Diabetes Association, I pay homage to our hero, the man who helped make this disease easier to manage.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Diabetes Awareness Month
It's embarrassing that it's been another few months since my last post.
What's even more embarrassing is that I have completed all my testing of meters but haven't written my reviews yet.
But what got me back into this is this:
November is Diabetes Awareness Month.
So:
An estimated one million Canadians live with undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes - underlining the importance of raising awareness of risk factors.
The Canadian Diabetes Association has unveiled a new campaign "Don't Be Risky". You can fill out a CANRISK test to see if you are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Novo Nordisk Canada has pledged to donate $1 to the CDA for each test completed.
Some of the risks for Type 2 Diabetes include:
* having a parent or sibling with diabetes
* being a member of a high risk group, such as Aboriginal, Hispanic, South Asian, Asian or of African descent.
* Having health complications associated with diabetes (this can include heart disease, kidney disease or eye disease)
* Having given birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds or having had gestational diabetes during pregnancy
* Having high blood pressure
* having high cholesterol or other fats in the blood
* being overweight and carrying most of your weight around your stomach.
(www.diabetes.ca)
More than 9 million Canadians are currently living with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Diabetes affects more than just the patient. For children living with Type 1 Diabetes, their parents are on guard all the time to ensure blood sugars are checked and within range.
Adults living with Type 2 diabetes can sometimes find that the 'hassle' of maintaining healthy blood sugars is too hard and can cause further damage in the future.
November is Diabetes Awareness month. But don't let November be the only time you pay attention.
What's even more embarrassing is that I have completed all my testing of meters but haven't written my reviews yet.
But what got me back into this is this:
November is Diabetes Awareness Month.
So:
An estimated one million Canadians live with undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes - underlining the importance of raising awareness of risk factors.
The Canadian Diabetes Association has unveiled a new campaign "Don't Be Risky". You can fill out a CANRISK test to see if you are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Novo Nordisk Canada has pledged to donate $1 to the CDA for each test completed.
Some of the risks for Type 2 Diabetes include:
* having a parent or sibling with diabetes
* being a member of a high risk group, such as Aboriginal, Hispanic, South Asian, Asian or of African descent.
* Having health complications associated with diabetes (this can include heart disease, kidney disease or eye disease)
* Having given birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds or having had gestational diabetes during pregnancy
* Having high blood pressure
* having high cholesterol or other fats in the blood
* being overweight and carrying most of your weight around your stomach.
(www.diabetes.ca)
More than 9 million Canadians are currently living with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Diabetes affects more than just the patient. For children living with Type 1 Diabetes, their parents are on guard all the time to ensure blood sugars are checked and within range.
Adults living with Type 2 diabetes can sometimes find that the 'hassle' of maintaining healthy blood sugars is too hard and can cause further damage in the future.
November is Diabetes Awareness month. But don't let November be the only time you pay attention.
Friday, July 29, 2016
Traveling with Diabetes
Wow! Has it really been nearly two months since my last post?! I apologize to my readers! My only excuse - it's summer. And summer means travelling.
This summer my family and I took off on a trip across Eastern Canada in a 30 year old RV that my husband and his brother bought for next to nothing. It was soon apparent exactly WHY this RV was being sold so cheaply. But that's a topic for another post on another blog.
So, 2 weeks, 4 people, 1 RV and 1 diabetic. How to make it all work?
First thing we did was make sure that the refrigerator was working while the RV was running - and while we were parked but without electrical hook ups, to ensure my insulin could stay cool in the fridge. Once we established that, my next task was to see if I could find my Frio wallet. This near little piece of equipment is filled with gel beads that you activate by putting it in cold water for about 15 minutes. It stays cool for up to 3 days and doesn't get moldy. Very handy when you're exploring Quebec City on foot wth nothing but a back pack. Frio has several sizes. Check out their site to find what works best for you. My wallet holds 2 pens, but I only carry one.
The other important thing to ensure is proper equipment. When packing for a trip as a diabetic it is important to be vigilant as to what you're going to need. This is what I carried in my bag that came with me everywhere:
- A glucose monitor, lancing device and strips
- Hand sanitizer (you can't always get to a bathroom to wash your hands)
- My Frio wallet with an Apidra pen
- Pen needles
- Glucose tabs. At least a pack of 8. The Dex 4 tube is what I usually carry, but I use no name tabs that I buy at the drugstore in larger bottles
- Candy or other sweets in case the glucose tabs run out
- Granola bars
- Beef jerky or nuts
- A card with emergency info on it identifying me as a diabetic.
I'm sure people have variations on this list. When I'm at home, this is a much shorter list. But when you're travelling, you have to be ready for eventualities. Even when I play slo pitch, I have snacks and sweets in my kit.
In addition to the above, what I kept in a bag in the RV was an extra monitor and test strips, a large bottle of Dex 4 tabs to refill the small tube, extra lancets and juice boxes. Lows can come at any time. So can highs. And when you're travelling, it's not always easy to eat as carefully as you might usually at home.
For example, we were in New Brunswick where lobster is so fresh and delicious. But we stayed with friends who made lobster rolls for dinner. I couldn't say no because that would be rude. So I ate a lobster roll. And Oh Em Gee!! It was heaven.
Travelling with diabetes doesn't have to be hard, as long as you are careful and prepared.
What do you carry with you when you travel? Let me know in the comments.
Monday, June 6, 2016
A new meter review
And an apology. I have been seriously lacking in this regard. Work's been busy, which is a good thing.
So, Review #2.
This time I'm reviewing the Verio meter. Not the IQ or the Flex, but the regular Verio.
I like this meter. There are parts of it that I like compared to the Flex, and parts of it I don't like as much as compared to the IQ. But all in all, the OneTouch systems are really nice devices. Maybe their next one will be an integration of all the parts of these three. (hint, hint, OneTouch/LifeScan!!)
So, one of the great things about these three meters, the Verio, VerioIQ and the Verio Flex, is that they all use the same test strips. Which is nice, though pretty typical across the board for most monitors.
It's a bit hefty - though I haven't weighed it (and I think I might, in order to compare it to others), which is surprising. I mean, it's not heavy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's actually got a bit of weight to it.
As you can see in the photo, navigation is with the grey up and down arrow button and to go back is the bottom arrow. In order to power on the device without a test, you hold down the blue OK button at the top, as well as when making selections in the menu.
The screen is backlit, which I like if I'm testing in a dimly lit place, or at night (or early in the morning) and I don't want to turn on a lamp. The screen is colour, and the contrast is really nice.
The photo doesn't really do the display justice, but you can see that the contrast is quite nice and the readout is easy to read.
The results log is great and easy to navigate up and down. Of course, if you want to keep track of your numbers in a chart, you need to manually enter it into either the OneTouch app or into another monitoring app.
The best is the easy to read averages that lets you know what your averages are and over how many results. Since I'll be testing multiple monitors for this blog, the number of results is not going to be very high for may of the monitors.
As you can see here, the monitor comes much like the Flex did. It's in a vinyl carrying case, with the lancing device and test strips held in, and then all packaged up in a nice case. I won't lie - there were a few times I dropped the monitor out of the case and onto the tabletop because the monitor isn't anchored into the case. Something OneTouch/LifeScan might want to consider for the future is perhaps putting a small strap in for the monitor to hook on to in the case.
In comparison to the Flex, the thing I like best about this monitor is the backlit display and the ease of navigation. However, as I mentioned in the review of the Flex, one thing I find missing from the Verio is the light in the slot for the test strop that the IQ has. When you insert a strip in the IQ, the light turns on and you can use that light to see to test your blood, and to place the drop. With the Verio, I had to use my phone's flashlight in the dark. (yes, I test these things, too).
My ideal LifeScan/OneTouch meter would incorporate the backlit display of the Verio and the IQ, the light of the IQ in the test strip slot, and the Bluetooth technology of the Flex.
OneTouch/LifeScan make great products, and their strips are pretty average in cost to the other meters, (if slightly more expensive, but really not significantly) and work in all three Verio monitors.
With this monitor, the biggest problem I had with it was actually just the lack of light in the top. I love the backlit display - as I do with any backlit anything.
So, Review #2.
This time I'm reviewing the Verio meter. Not the IQ or the Flex, but the regular Verio.
I like this meter. There are parts of it that I like compared to the Flex, and parts of it I don't like as much as compared to the IQ. But all in all, the OneTouch systems are really nice devices. Maybe their next one will be an integration of all the parts of these three. (hint, hint, OneTouch/LifeScan!!)
So, one of the great things about these three meters, the Verio, VerioIQ and the Verio Flex, is that they all use the same test strips. Which is nice, though pretty typical across the board for most monitors. It's a bit hefty - though I haven't weighed it (and I think I might, in order to compare it to others), which is surprising. I mean, it's not heavy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's actually got a bit of weight to it.
As you can see in the photo, navigation is with the grey up and down arrow button and to go back is the bottom arrow. In order to power on the device without a test, you hold down the blue OK button at the top, as well as when making selections in the menu.
The screen is backlit, which I like if I'm testing in a dimly lit place, or at night (or early in the morning) and I don't want to turn on a lamp. The screen is colour, and the contrast is really nice.
The best is the easy to read averages that lets you know what your averages are and over how many results. Since I'll be testing multiple monitors for this blog, the number of results is not going to be very high for may of the monitors.
As you can see here, the monitor comes much like the Flex did. It's in a vinyl carrying case, with the lancing device and test strips held in, and then all packaged up in a nice case. I won't lie - there were a few times I dropped the monitor out of the case and onto the tabletop because the monitor isn't anchored into the case. Something OneTouch/LifeScan might want to consider for the future is perhaps putting a small strap in for the monitor to hook on to in the case. In comparison to the Flex, the thing I like best about this monitor is the backlit display and the ease of navigation. However, as I mentioned in the review of the Flex, one thing I find missing from the Verio is the light in the slot for the test strop that the IQ has. When you insert a strip in the IQ, the light turns on and you can use that light to see to test your blood, and to place the drop. With the Verio, I had to use my phone's flashlight in the dark. (yes, I test these things, too).
My ideal LifeScan/OneTouch meter would incorporate the backlit display of the Verio and the IQ, the light of the IQ in the test strip slot, and the Bluetooth technology of the Flex.
OneTouch/LifeScan make great products, and their strips are pretty average in cost to the other meters, (if slightly more expensive, but really not significantly) and work in all three Verio monitors.
With this monitor, the biggest problem I had with it was actually just the lack of light in the top. I love the backlit display - as I do with any backlit anything.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Navigating Amusement Parks as a Diabetic.
This summer, my family and I bought Seasons Passes for our local amusement park. Because it's summer and summer is hot, it's a nice place to spend a day, and even use the water park to cool off with.
However, being a diabetic also means that I carry insulin and snacks with me. And most amusement parks don't allow outside food (unless you're awesome, like Disney). Our local park does not allow food in. But I can't be standing in line trying to get a snack if my sugar drops, and I can't be standing around in the heat if my sugar is going up.
We went yesterday (Victoria Day) to our local park and I figured it was as good a time as any to test out some of their policies for patrons with disabilities (diabetes is considered a disability in terms of access and accommodations).
First test - passing security with snacks and an insulin needle in my bag... When we got to the front of the security line and he opened my bag he saw the granola bar and snack cakes. I explained I'm a diabetic and I need to carry snacks. He said it was no problem and waved us through. First 'test' passed.
Next, since it was really hot out yesterday, and I had insulin in my bag, I didn't think it was a good idea to be standing in line in the heat while my insulin boiled. So I asked at the Ride Accommodation window what could be done. I was given a form to take to any ride I want to go on, and any one in my party could go up the exit ramp to the ride operator and get a loading time. Then all we had to do was return to the ride at the time on the form, and we could get on. That way, my insulin could stay in my bag and stay cool, and I could go somewhere air conditioned to make sure the bag didn't overheat.
This accommodation is available for anyone with accessibility issues, ASD or physical disabilities. So long as the person meets specific requirements (being able to hold their centre of gravity on their own, have at least one good arm and leg in order to hold on to the ride, and be able to hold themselves upright in a seated position).
Alternatively, there is a fridge at the First Aid station where my insulin can also be stored for the day. The only problem with that is if I need my insulin and I'm on the other side of the park, I could find myself in trouble. But there are options and it's nice to know that they are there for the asking.
Make sure you know what accommodations are available to you, or someone you know, with diabetes. Or with any other health issue. You might be surprised.
However, being a diabetic also means that I carry insulin and snacks with me. And most amusement parks don't allow outside food (unless you're awesome, like Disney). Our local park does not allow food in. But I can't be standing in line trying to get a snack if my sugar drops, and I can't be standing around in the heat if my sugar is going up.
We went yesterday (Victoria Day) to our local park and I figured it was as good a time as any to test out some of their policies for patrons with disabilities (diabetes is considered a disability in terms of access and accommodations).
First test - passing security with snacks and an insulin needle in my bag... When we got to the front of the security line and he opened my bag he saw the granola bar and snack cakes. I explained I'm a diabetic and I need to carry snacks. He said it was no problem and waved us through. First 'test' passed.
Next, since it was really hot out yesterday, and I had insulin in my bag, I didn't think it was a good idea to be standing in line in the heat while my insulin boiled. So I asked at the Ride Accommodation window what could be done. I was given a form to take to any ride I want to go on, and any one in my party could go up the exit ramp to the ride operator and get a loading time. Then all we had to do was return to the ride at the time on the form, and we could get on. That way, my insulin could stay in my bag and stay cool, and I could go somewhere air conditioned to make sure the bag didn't overheat.
This accommodation is available for anyone with accessibility issues, ASD or physical disabilities. So long as the person meets specific requirements (being able to hold their centre of gravity on their own, have at least one good arm and leg in order to hold on to the ride, and be able to hold themselves upright in a seated position).
Alternatively, there is a fridge at the First Aid station where my insulin can also be stored for the day. The only problem with that is if I need my insulin and I'm on the other side of the park, I could find myself in trouble. But there are options and it's nice to know that they are there for the asking.
Make sure you know what accommodations are available to you, or someone you know, with diabetes. Or with any other health issue. You might be surprised.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
First Time Playing Slo-Pitch as a Diabetic
Tonight I play my first Slo-Pitch game in more than 10 years. Last time I played my kids were very young, I was 10 years younger and I wasn't diabetic.
I have played some form of baseball for a large part of my life. T-Ball when I was little, Softball when I was a little older (between 8-11, I think). Slo-Pitch as an adult in a recreational league.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous.
Not because of the diabetes - I know what to do if I feel low, and I keep myself pretty well controlled. I've also told my coach (well, Team Rep - we're adults. We don't need no stinkin' coaches! Plus, we're a recreational league) and my teammates that I'm diabetic.
That said, I still have to make sure I am prepared for any possible emergency that may arise.
So, I'm packing my kit to make sure that I am prepared for any eventuality. Here's what will be coming with me weekly to my games:
Baseball gear - that should be obvious.
Diabetes gear:
In a cooler I will pack weekly I will have:
A "Diabetes Alerts" sheet, which lists symptoms of hypo and hyperglycemia and how to treat them.
An ID card with similar information.
Several bottles of water. It gets hot in Ontario, even at night. And it's humid here - especially in July and August.
Glucose tabs. Some people don't like them. I do. I'm weird.
Juice boxes. Probably just one or two.
Granola Bars - they usually travel well, don't go bad, and aren't gross to eat squashed.
A glucose monitor, lancing device, test strips. If I'm acting weird, I need to be able to test and see if I'm low.
Insulin. I'll have my Apidra (fast acting) with me each week because a) we may go out to the bar afterwards and b) if my sugar goes high, I need to be able to treat that.
Ice packs - insulin doesn't like being out in the heat.
I also wear a MedicAlert bracelet and recently got this really nice one...
I think that's about it.
How about you? What do you keep in your bag when you go out for an extended period of time - or know you'll be spending a lot of time being active?
I have played some form of baseball for a large part of my life. T-Ball when I was little, Softball when I was a little older (between 8-11, I think). Slo-Pitch as an adult in a recreational league.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous.
Not because of the diabetes - I know what to do if I feel low, and I keep myself pretty well controlled. I've also told my coach (well, Team Rep - we're adults. We don't need no stinkin' coaches! Plus, we're a recreational league) and my teammates that I'm diabetic.
That said, I still have to make sure I am prepared for any possible emergency that may arise.
So, I'm packing my kit to make sure that I am prepared for any eventuality. Here's what will be coming with me weekly to my games:
Baseball gear - that should be obvious.
Diabetes gear:
In a cooler I will pack weekly I will have:
A "Diabetes Alerts" sheet, which lists symptoms of hypo and hyperglycemia and how to treat them.
An ID card with similar information.
Several bottles of water. It gets hot in Ontario, even at night. And it's humid here - especially in July and August.
Glucose tabs. Some people don't like them. I do. I'm weird.
Juice boxes. Probably just one or two.
Granola Bars - they usually travel well, don't go bad, and aren't gross to eat squashed.
A glucose monitor, lancing device, test strips. If I'm acting weird, I need to be able to test and see if I'm low.
Insulin. I'll have my Apidra (fast acting) with me each week because a) we may go out to the bar afterwards and b) if my sugar goes high, I need to be able to treat that.
Ice packs - insulin doesn't like being out in the heat.
I also wear a MedicAlert bracelet and recently got this really nice one...
I think that's about it.
How about you? What do you keep in your bag when you go out for an extended period of time - or know you'll be spending a lot of time being active?
Thursday, May 12, 2016
First Meter Review!
I completed my first review of a glucose meter and am ready to share it with you now.
I started reviewing the One Touch Verio Flex. This is one I was excited to try. It comes with Bluetooth capabilities and links to an app on your phone very easily. I'll go through the process as I go through this review.
The Flex is very easy to use, as are most glucose monitors, to be honest. Test strips range in price based on where you buy your strips. Costco Pharmacy sells them for about $75 for 100. Shoppers Drug Mart sells them for about $85. The strips can be used on the Verio, Verio IQ and Verio Flex interchangeably - which is nice if you have strips for one and get a different Verio meter from your previous.
Setting up the Bluetooth to talk to my phone was no problem. Easy peasy. You turn on the meter, make sure the Bluetooth is on on the meter and your phone and wait for the app to 'discover' your meter. Your meter will have an identification name/number that you will enter into the app, and then, your app and meter can chat with each other.
One of the great things about the Bluetooth capabilities that I really liked was that I could use the meter as I usually do, throughout the day, and then upload all the information at the end of the day. I didn't have to enter anything manually unless I used a different meter. The front of the meter shows whether or not your blood sugar is in range (a range you select in the app, which you can customize in the app - the ranges on the meter and the app may differ).
What I found very interesting with this meter is that when you manually enter your information, it will differentiate between meter readings and manual inputs with a different font, which is kind of neat. At a quick glance you can tell which readings came from where. Same goes for whether you've tagged any of your readings. The chart (pictured to the left) differentiates between readings that are tagged, and before and after meals.
All of the readings are kept in an easy to read format. You can enter pretty much any information you want to keep track of. There is an area for notes, so if you take a fasting reading, you can note that. Otherwise, before and after meals is your only option. You can also note in the app your insulin dose, and your activity and grams of carbs at your meal. What I could not find was a capability to access nutritional information for food - which some apps do allow. You could always look it up with an app such as My Fitness Pal, and enter the food in your notes, but having a search capability for foods is one of those "not necessary, but nice to have" features in some other apps.
All in all, this meter is a great meter - really easy to use, and the app is very user-friendly as well as easy to navigate. I've used other OneTouch meters in the past (reviews for those are upcoming).
One feature that I miss on the Flex and the regular Verio (review upcoming) that the IQ has is that the screen is not backlit, and if you want to test in a darker setting, say early in the morning when you wake up, or if you wake in the middle of the night and need to test, there's no light where you insert your strip (I'll discuss this further in my review of the IQ, but it is a feature of the IQ that I quite enjoy. I hate turning on my lamp if it's dark and my plan is to test then go back to sleep).
Opinion: Great meter for everyone. The display is large enough to read. Fantastic for the tech savvy because hey, who doesn't like techy stuff? I loved the Bluetooth capabilities.
Wish List: A light in the strip port (like on the IQ), and/or a backlit screen; access to a food list for carb calculation through the app.
I started reviewing the One Touch Verio Flex. This is one I was excited to try. It comes with Bluetooth capabilities and links to an app on your phone very easily. I'll go through the process as I go through this review.
 |
| The app icon |
Setting up the Bluetooth to talk to my phone was no problem. Easy peasy. You turn on the meter, make sure the Bluetooth is on on the meter and your phone and wait for the app to 'discover' your meter. Your meter will have an identification name/number that you will enter into the app, and then, your app and meter can chat with each other.  |
| Chart showing tagged and untagged readings |
 |
| Manually Entered reading |
 |
| Manually Entered and uploaded readings |
 |
| Manual Entry Screen |
All in all, this meter is a great meter - really easy to use, and the app is very user-friendly as well as easy to navigate. I've used other OneTouch meters in the past (reviews for those are upcoming).
One feature that I miss on the Flex and the regular Verio (review upcoming) that the IQ has is that the screen is not backlit, and if you want to test in a darker setting, say early in the morning when you wake up, or if you wake in the middle of the night and need to test, there's no light where you insert your strip (I'll discuss this further in my review of the IQ, but it is a feature of the IQ that I quite enjoy. I hate turning on my lamp if it's dark and my plan is to test then go back to sleep).
Opinion: Great meter for everyone. The display is large enough to read. Fantastic for the tech savvy because hey, who doesn't like techy stuff? I loved the Bluetooth capabilities.
Wish List: A light in the strip port (like on the IQ), and/or a backlit screen; access to a food list for carb calculation through the app.
Monday, May 9, 2016
Tech Savvy Families Use Home-Built Diabetes Device
Okay, this is seriously cool.
Type 1 Diabetics, and I suppose this could be useful for Type 2s as well, are one step closer to an artificial pancreas - if they know how to program a computer, and have an old pump they can use.
Read the article here:
Tech Savvy Families Use Home Built Diabetes Device
Type 1 Diabetics, and I suppose this could be useful for Type 2s as well, are one step closer to an artificial pancreas - if they know how to program a computer, and have an old pump they can use.
Read the article here:
Tech Savvy Families Use Home Built Diabetes Device
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Normalizing Diabetes - American Girl does it right.
When I was in high school, I knew one kid with diabetes. And the only reason I knew she had diabetes was because she did a presentation for my Health class on diabetes. I knew about diabetes - and in some ways, based on her presentation - it seemed I knew more about diabetes than she did. She joked about eating chips knowing it would skew her numbers and that she would wind up higher than she should have been. I knew that it needed to be properly controlled. But I didn't say anything, because we were 15, and I figured, well, maybe she knows more than I do, since she's the one with diabetes.
Little did I know, 20 years later, I'd be diagnosed with diabetes as well. And I could totally see why sometimes she would eat something she shouldn't because it gets tedious, and sometimes, telling people you're diabetic isn't something you want to do.
It can be especially hard for kids to explain to their friends why they test their blood, why they take needles and why they need to carry things on them like juice boxes and candies, that they don't eat - unless they have to.
I remember my sister having a friend in Grade 4 who was diabetic. One incredibly hot day at the end of the school year, the teacher brought in popsicles (in the days when teachers could actually bring food into the class as a treat without somebody screaming about allergies or unhealthy snacks). Obviously, this well controlled diabetic 9 year old couldn't have a popsicle - so she said "All I have to do is run around outside for about 10 minutes and that will bring my blood sugar down enough that I can have a popsicle". She lasted about 3 minutes outside before the heat got to her. But I think she did wind up able to have that popsicle - with the extra bonus of NOT going so low that she needed more than one popsicle.
These days, kids have so many more options for monitoring and treatment than they did 20 or 30 years ago. But the stigma of being 'the sick kid' hasn't entirely gone away.
Enter: American Girl. Now, I'm not going to go off on my usual rant about American Girl and how ridiculously expensive these dolls are ($100 for a bunch of PLASTIC!?), because in this case, American Girl is doing something right. They are making diabetes something normal. They have made a blood kit and pump for the American Girl doll. At the very least, this company has recognized that American Girls (and Canadian, and every other type of girl) come in many different varieties. There are Girls in wheelchairs, blind Girls, and now, diabetic Girls. The New York Times (not my favourite paper, but for a different reason) wrote a blog discussing the new diabetic Girl kit.
The kit itself (which retails for US$24) was the brainchild of a child brain. 13 year old Anja Busse of Wisconsin started a petition to American Girl asking them to make the kit for girls like her. At 11, Anja was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. And now, her American Girl doll has too. But she is well taken care of by Anja, who can test her doll's "blood" with a fake lancing device and check it on the make-believe monitor. She can attach her doll's insulin pump to her clothes, and make sure any sugar lows are treated with the make believe glucose tabs that come in the kit. (the online catalogue page can be found here). What's amazing about this... it's currently backordered. Which means the product is popular enough that they have sold out. Although it could also mean they don't make that many - but I think the popularity of the request was enough that they have actually sold out.
At the bottom of the page linked above - there are related items. American Girl really has made it so that "different" is normal. A quick look at the few products available they carry an "allergy free lunch" for your doll, crutches and a wheelchair, and even a cast and crutches (the "Feel Better" kit) if your real girl breaks her leg.
Kids have a much different and in some ways much more difficult life than we did 20-30, and more years ago. It's nice that there are companies who make it so that their differences - aren't different.
Little did I know, 20 years later, I'd be diagnosed with diabetes as well. And I could totally see why sometimes she would eat something she shouldn't because it gets tedious, and sometimes, telling people you're diabetic isn't something you want to do.
It can be especially hard for kids to explain to their friends why they test their blood, why they take needles and why they need to carry things on them like juice boxes and candies, that they don't eat - unless they have to.
I remember my sister having a friend in Grade 4 who was diabetic. One incredibly hot day at the end of the school year, the teacher brought in popsicles (in the days when teachers could actually bring food into the class as a treat without somebody screaming about allergies or unhealthy snacks). Obviously, this well controlled diabetic 9 year old couldn't have a popsicle - so she said "All I have to do is run around outside for about 10 minutes and that will bring my blood sugar down enough that I can have a popsicle". She lasted about 3 minutes outside before the heat got to her. But I think she did wind up able to have that popsicle - with the extra bonus of NOT going so low that she needed more than one popsicle.
These days, kids have so many more options for monitoring and treatment than they did 20 or 30 years ago. But the stigma of being 'the sick kid' hasn't entirely gone away.
Enter: American Girl. Now, I'm not going to go off on my usual rant about American Girl and how ridiculously expensive these dolls are ($100 for a bunch of PLASTIC!?), because in this case, American Girl is doing something right. They are making diabetes something normal. They have made a blood kit and pump for the American Girl doll. At the very least, this company has recognized that American Girls (and Canadian, and every other type of girl) come in many different varieties. There are Girls in wheelchairs, blind Girls, and now, diabetic Girls. The New York Times (not my favourite paper, but for a different reason) wrote a blog discussing the new diabetic Girl kit.
The kit itself (which retails for US$24) was the brainchild of a child brain. 13 year old Anja Busse of Wisconsin started a petition to American Girl asking them to make the kit for girls like her. At 11, Anja was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. And now, her American Girl doll has too. But she is well taken care of by Anja, who can test her doll's "blood" with a fake lancing device and check it on the make-believe monitor. She can attach her doll's insulin pump to her clothes, and make sure any sugar lows are treated with the make believe glucose tabs that come in the kit. (the online catalogue page can be found here). What's amazing about this... it's currently backordered. Which means the product is popular enough that they have sold out. Although it could also mean they don't make that many - but I think the popularity of the request was enough that they have actually sold out.
At the bottom of the page linked above - there are related items. American Girl really has made it so that "different" is normal. A quick look at the few products available they carry an "allergy free lunch" for your doll, crutches and a wheelchair, and even a cast and crutches (the "Feel Better" kit) if your real girl breaks her leg.
Kids have a much different and in some ways much more difficult life than we did 20-30, and more years ago. It's nice that there are companies who make it so that their differences - aren't different.
Monday, May 2, 2016
I have an infection. Now what?
I was going to write a post about the use of cinnamon for blood glucose control (and I will, soon), but I got an ear infection and it prompted me to write about infections and antibiotics with regards to diabetes.
I am very prone to ear infections. I have been pretty much my entire life. Becoming a diabetic did not make it worse. But it did make treating them sometimes difficult.
I remember about 3 or 4 years ago, I got an ear infection and went to the doctor at the walk-in clinic and was prescribed an antibiotic. Cool. I started taking the meds and things did not improve after a few days. In fact, they got worse and the pain increased. I was practically crying when I went to my own family doctor for help.
She told me that the antibiotic the doctor at the walk-in had prescribed was a good one, but not for diabetics. She said that that Cipro (ciprofloxacin) just didn't work well in most diabetics, and prescribed me something stronger - Keflex - as well as some antibiotic ear drops (funnily enough - CiproDex - a ciprofloxacin drop).
So, I did some reading into this, and read some papers and while I haven't actually found anything that says Cipro doesn't work in diabetics, I did find that Cipro class drugs can in fact cause wide swings in blood sugars - hypos or hypers(1). And as many diabetics know, uncontrolled blood sugars can make infections worse, or can encourage them to develop.
So while it's not a matter that the antibiotic won't work for diabetics, but rather that the antibiotic can cause blood sugar swings, that can encourage the growth of bacteria, it needs to be taken into account when a patient presents with infection. On the other hand, the infection itself, can also cause a loss of glucose control. It's really a vicious cycle when you get an infection of any sort.
If you think you have an ear infection, or any type of infection, you really should talk to your doctor about the appropriate antibiotic to treat the infection, as well as maintaining good blood glucose control. Not every diabetic who takes Cipro has the same effect. For me, it just didn't seem to reach the infection, and I needed something stronger. For others, they may not find that they have any problem maintaining control with Cipro, and it clears up their infection. This, of course, is the main reason why it's important to discuss with your medical team any medications and to contact them as soon as you notice any change in your health - especially if the infection you're treating seems to be getting worse, or you are having problems controlling your blood glucose levels
Another problem with antibiotics in diabetics is that there is often an increased resistance. The main reason seems to be because diabetics can have recurring and common infections, and therefore are treated with antibiotics more frequently. This of course, can lead to a resistance after time. (2) Antibiotics need to be prescribed with care. But of course, you shouldn't avoid taking antibiotics if you really do need them.
As always, my advice is to talk with your doctor about your medical regimen and make sure you are getting the best care possible for your particular needs.
I remain, as always,
Gayla Ber
Sugar Free Mamma Be(a)r
(1)http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=172680
(2)http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/803748_5
Other sources:
http://www.drugs.com/disease-interactions/ciprofloxacin.html
I am very prone to ear infections. I have been pretty much my entire life. Becoming a diabetic did not make it worse. But it did make treating them sometimes difficult.
I remember about 3 or 4 years ago, I got an ear infection and went to the doctor at the walk-in clinic and was prescribed an antibiotic. Cool. I started taking the meds and things did not improve after a few days. In fact, they got worse and the pain increased. I was practically crying when I went to my own family doctor for help.
She told me that the antibiotic the doctor at the walk-in had prescribed was a good one, but not for diabetics. She said that that Cipro (ciprofloxacin) just didn't work well in most diabetics, and prescribed me something stronger - Keflex - as well as some antibiotic ear drops (funnily enough - CiproDex - a ciprofloxacin drop).
So, I did some reading into this, and read some papers and while I haven't actually found anything that says Cipro doesn't work in diabetics, I did find that Cipro class drugs can in fact cause wide swings in blood sugars - hypos or hypers(1). And as many diabetics know, uncontrolled blood sugars can make infections worse, or can encourage them to develop.
So while it's not a matter that the antibiotic won't work for diabetics, but rather that the antibiotic can cause blood sugar swings, that can encourage the growth of bacteria, it needs to be taken into account when a patient presents with infection. On the other hand, the infection itself, can also cause a loss of glucose control. It's really a vicious cycle when you get an infection of any sort.
If you think you have an ear infection, or any type of infection, you really should talk to your doctor about the appropriate antibiotic to treat the infection, as well as maintaining good blood glucose control. Not every diabetic who takes Cipro has the same effect. For me, it just didn't seem to reach the infection, and I needed something stronger. For others, they may not find that they have any problem maintaining control with Cipro, and it clears up their infection. This, of course, is the main reason why it's important to discuss with your medical team any medications and to contact them as soon as you notice any change in your health - especially if the infection you're treating seems to be getting worse, or you are having problems controlling your blood glucose levels
Another problem with antibiotics in diabetics is that there is often an increased resistance. The main reason seems to be because diabetics can have recurring and common infections, and therefore are treated with antibiotics more frequently. This of course, can lead to a resistance after time. (2) Antibiotics need to be prescribed with care. But of course, you shouldn't avoid taking antibiotics if you really do need them.
As always, my advice is to talk with your doctor about your medical regimen and make sure you are getting the best care possible for your particular needs.
I remain, as always,
Gayla Ber
Sugar Free Mamma Be(a)r
(1)http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=172680
(2)http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/803748_5
Other sources:
http://www.drugs.com/disease-interactions/ciprofloxacin.html
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Unboxing!!
Earlier today I posted photos of the boxes I received from a couple of awesome pharmaceutical companies who were kind enough to send meters that I could review for you, and for them.
I received three Verio meters from OneTouch.ca, the Verio, Verio IQ and the new Verio Flex
From Abbot I got the Freestyle Precision Neo. I can't wait to start using these meters so that I can review them for all of you!
And, as promised, I took video of the unboxing - but I'm afraid it's in 3 parts as first my phone ran out of space, and then my daughter came in and interrupted me - but then offered to be my camerawoman for the last bit.
So, please enjoy the unboxing!!
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3 (coming soon - It's 1AM. I'm tired and don't feel like fighting with my slow internet anymore. I'll post the rest tomorrow (well, really today).
I received three Verio meters from OneTouch.ca, the Verio, Verio IQ and the new Verio Flex
From Abbot I got the Freestyle Precision Neo. I can't wait to start using these meters so that I can review them for all of you!
And, as promised, I took video of the unboxing - but I'm afraid it's in 3 parts as first my phone ran out of space, and then my daughter came in and interrupted me - but then offered to be my camerawoman for the last bit.
So, please enjoy the unboxing!!
Part 1
Part 2
Monday, April 25, 2016
Look what came!!!
It's like Christmas (Or Hannukah) in April!!
I'm so excited. Tonight I'll be doing my very first unboxing video ever. I had these delivered to my office, so I would be sure to get them and I wouldn't have to run to the post office after work - or *gasp* tomorrow to get these!!
I wound up opening the top box because I thought it was something else. But it's another meter for review. The bigger box on the bottom - that came from Johnson & Johnson and should contain three Verio meters - the Verio, the Verio IQ and the new Verio Flex.
Watch out for tonight's video!
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Rabbinical Changes to 800 year old Passover Law
Last night was the start of the eight day Passover holiday.
In the weeks leading up to the holiday, there was some interesting chattering the Internet and in the papers. http://www.cjnews.com/news/international/conservative-ashkenazis-can-finally-eat-rice-legumes-during-passover
After 800 years or so, Rabbinic law has changed a pretty major dietary rule for Passover.
If you are Ashkenazic descent and Conservative (and thereby by extension, Reform), you are now allowed to eat Kitnyot, as the Sephardic have done for generations.
For those who don't observe Passover, you're probably wondering, "First, what the heck ilsa Kitnyot? And second, why couldn't you eat it before?"
A Brief History of Passover
Thousands of years ago, the Israelites (Jews), were slaves of Pharoh in Egypt. After much ... Shall we say 'persuasion'... Pharoh let the enslaved Israelites leave Egypt. But the had to go fast before Pharoh changed his mind. So the Israelites left without time for the bread they were preparing, to rise.
Blah blah blah, 40 years in the desert and manna from heaven, the Israelites arrived in what is now modern day Israel.
So we commemorate the exodus by holding Seders and eating matzah for eight days.
So Where Does Kitnyot Come In?
For Ashkenazic Jews, that is Jews who trace their heritage back to Europe, Kitnyot was a no no during the holiday. This category of food includes: corn, millet, beans, peas, legumes, and seeds, such as rice. That pretty much left us eating matzah with butter (because peanuts are a legume and even oils derived from Kitnyot were off limits, so no peanut butter), fish, poultry, beef, some vegetables and eggs and potatoes. Not a very exciting selection for eight straight days.
But this year, the Committee on Jewish Life & Standards affirmed the use of Kitnyot for Ashkenazic Jews.
What does this mean?
Well, that now depends on how you manage your diabetes.
I, for one, avoid carbs, so I won't be eating rice and matzah anyway. But since I do indulge in sushi as a treat, should the opportunity arise, I won't feel guilty about it. Although, I don't actually see it being a problem...
Another plus is that I can eat peanut butter. Which was always off-limits at Passover. As well, my kids can also eat it.
How will the new laws affect you? Tell me in the comments, or shoot me off an email.
Friday, April 22, 2016
Ask, and ye shall receive.
As mentioned in my initial post, I am hoping to offer reviews of the leading brands of blood glucose meters on the market, and helping you, my fellow diabetics, find a meter that does what you need it to. One that fits your lifestyle, and your treatment plan.
So, I started reaching out to some of the meter companies - like Bayer, OneTouch, Sanofi, etc. And I'm getting some responses.
Today, OneTouch got in touch with me and they are sending me not one but THREE meters, extra strips and some control solution (which to date I have never used) for me to review.
How awesome is that!? So next week, look out for an unboxing video when I get the shipment from OneTouch - I'm expecting to get the Verio, the VerioIQ and the Verio Flex, which is their newest meter.
And following the unboxing, I will start to use the meters so I can review them and post the reviews here, and link them to the companies.
Thank you, OneTouch!
I am, as always,
Sugar Free Mamma Bear
So, I started reaching out to some of the meter companies - like Bayer, OneTouch, Sanofi, etc. And I'm getting some responses.
Today, OneTouch got in touch with me and they are sending me not one but THREE meters, extra strips and some control solution (which to date I have never used) for me to review.
How awesome is that!? So next week, look out for an unboxing video when I get the shipment from OneTouch - I'm expecting to get the Verio, the VerioIQ and the Verio Flex, which is their newest meter.
And following the unboxing, I will start to use the meters so I can review them and post the reviews here, and link them to the companies.
Thank you, OneTouch!
I am, as always,
Sugar Free Mamma Bear
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Welcome to Sugar Free Mamma Be(a)r
Hi there!
If you've found your way here, either you're a friend of mine and I told you about this blog, or you're looking for information on diabetes or how to live a sugar-free lifestyle.
Whatever your reason for stumbling upon my blog, I thank you for visiting and I do hope you'll stay and visit often. Comment. Learn. Contribute.
I try to be funny, honest and am extremely sarcastic. Fair warning.
My Story
In 2012, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. The diagnosis was not surprising or shocking. My doctor and I had been monitoring my HbA1C for a year or so already, so the official diagnosis was not at all surprising.
It did, however, become the slap upside the head to actually start taking care of myself and make the lifestyle changes I should have been making already. I have PCOS, so it's entirely possible I wouldn't have been able to avoid the diagnosis anyway.
Once I had the diagnosis in hand, and a healthcare team in place, I started to read, learn, research (well, more reading), study, listen, ask questions, try new things, ask more questions and learn more.
That brings us to:
The Blog, the Reasons and What this Blog Will Be and What It Won't Be
I got the idea to start this blog when I looked at all the glucose monitors I have collected over the past few years, and when someone in one of the support groups I am a member of on Facebook asked a question about monitors. Why not review the variety of monitors I have, and see if I can't keep on top of new ones as they come to market?
I have a lot of monitors from a variety of sources - a friend gave me a few of his old ones, along with a ton of test strips (if you're newly diagnosed, just know - you will find test strips EVERYWHERE). I plan to review the ones I have so that anyone reading can see what the monitor does, and whether to invest the money in a certain brand or model.
I'll also share what I learn about this disease from new research from reputable sources, and how certain therapies and such work for me.
Which brings me to a very important piece of information:
I am not a doctor. I am a mom. I have an understanding of medical science both from the fact that I pay attention to my doctor and I have worked in the medical field - but as an Administrative Assistant and not a doctor.
I say that because while I will talk about how things work for me, these are therapies, treatments or diets that I have discussed with my doctors. I implore you to discuss anything you are interested in trying with your medical team. This blog is not a medical blog. It's a personal blog and any research I post will be linked to its original source. Again, I AM NOT A DOCTOR and this will not be a place where medical advice is handed out. This is not a place where you will find the latest MLM "cure", or information from dubious sources. Anything you read here that is not my own 'research' or reading will be linked to its original source. And if you feel a source is missing - again I implore you to bring it up to me, so I can ensure the link is ... uh ... linked, and that you discuss with your medical team.
My diabetes is not your diabetes, and your diabetes not my diabetes. What works for me may not work for you, what works for you may not work for me. I will not be handing out medical advice beyond "if you want to try it, please speak with your doctor before you change ANYTHING".
So, please, stay, chat, grab a cup of coffee (with sugar free sweetener, of course!) and enjoy.
If you've found your way here, either you're a friend of mine and I told you about this blog, or you're looking for information on diabetes or how to live a sugar-free lifestyle.
Whatever your reason for stumbling upon my blog, I thank you for visiting and I do hope you'll stay and visit often. Comment. Learn. Contribute.
I try to be funny, honest and am extremely sarcastic. Fair warning.
My Story
In 2012, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. The diagnosis was not surprising or shocking. My doctor and I had been monitoring my HbA1C for a year or so already, so the official diagnosis was not at all surprising.
It did, however, become the slap upside the head to actually start taking care of myself and make the lifestyle changes I should have been making already. I have PCOS, so it's entirely possible I wouldn't have been able to avoid the diagnosis anyway.
Once I had the diagnosis in hand, and a healthcare team in place, I started to read, learn, research (well, more reading), study, listen, ask questions, try new things, ask more questions and learn more.
That brings us to:
The Blog, the Reasons and What this Blog Will Be and What It Won't Be
I got the idea to start this blog when I looked at all the glucose monitors I have collected over the past few years, and when someone in one of the support groups I am a member of on Facebook asked a question about monitors. Why not review the variety of monitors I have, and see if I can't keep on top of new ones as they come to market?
I have a lot of monitors from a variety of sources - a friend gave me a few of his old ones, along with a ton of test strips (if you're newly diagnosed, just know - you will find test strips EVERYWHERE). I plan to review the ones I have so that anyone reading can see what the monitor does, and whether to invest the money in a certain brand or model.
I'll also share what I learn about this disease from new research from reputable sources, and how certain therapies and such work for me.
Which brings me to a very important piece of information:
I am not a doctor. I am a mom. I have an understanding of medical science both from the fact that I pay attention to my doctor and I have worked in the medical field - but as an Administrative Assistant and not a doctor.
I say that because while I will talk about how things work for me, these are therapies, treatments or diets that I have discussed with my doctors. I implore you to discuss anything you are interested in trying with your medical team. This blog is not a medical blog. It's a personal blog and any research I post will be linked to its original source. Again, I AM NOT A DOCTOR and this will not be a place where medical advice is handed out. This is not a place where you will find the latest MLM "cure", or information from dubious sources. Anything you read here that is not my own 'research' or reading will be linked to its original source. And if you feel a source is missing - again I implore you to bring it up to me, so I can ensure the link is ... uh ... linked, and that you discuss with your medical team.
My diabetes is not your diabetes, and your diabetes not my diabetes. What works for me may not work for you, what works for you may not work for me. I will not be handing out medical advice beyond "if you want to try it, please speak with your doctor before you change ANYTHING".
So, please, stay, chat, grab a cup of coffee (with sugar free sweetener, of course!) and enjoy.
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