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.
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