Sweetnd Truth: There's more to me than what you see...

Frustration consumes me. To stop these pessimistic thoughts, I decided to make a list of the positives related to diabetes... 1. I have become wizard at mathematics. ["So, I'm eating 50 carbs, and my blood sugar is 150...I need to figure out the correction factor and bolus for what I'm eating!"] 2. Being tough- especially  when it comes to needles!  3. Getting blood taken? No problem! 4. I have realized the true effects that food has on my body. 5. The special attention I get from my husband and cat when I am low or high. 6. The love my husband shows by changing my sensor because I can't reach where the site is on my back.  The way he comforts me if the needle stings. That's love. 7. Knowing the doctors and receptionists so well [because I am there so often!] that all I have to say when I call is "Hi, it's Joanna." 8. Being able to speak my own diabetic language: "bolus, basal, fixed prime..." No one except a diabeti...

The most awesome thing(s) I have done in spite of diabetes... I've never used diabetes as an excuse.  In fact, I can't stand it when adults use excuses to avoid work or anything that might be slightly challenging.  I make it a goal NOT to start or end a sentence with, "but my diabetes..." Diabetes is a pain in the butt.  There's no denying that.  However, I'm proud of all of the activities and accomplishments I have achieved in life so far (and continue to do!).  Here's just a few that I'd like to share: Traveling the world (Europe, Vegas, NYC, etc.) Teaching-always finding a new and exciting way to reach and motivate children  Participating in intense workouts, like body combat and hiking  Working two jobs, usually 12-14 hours per day Staying healthy by eating nutritiously-even if this means preparing my lunch and dinner at the same time, the night before What have YOU done in spite of something that might be physically/emotionally ch...

This weekend, hubby and I visited the Insulin Discovery Exhibit in NYC.  It was a revealing experience that was jam-packed with startling and enlightening information...Here are just some facts that I found thought-provoking: Thousands of animal pancreases were used to create artifical insulin.  I was astonished when I saw this picture ; all of the pancreases they needed to make just a little bit--no wonder there wasn't enough to help save all of the people with this disease.  They had to turn so many people away, only the most severe cases were treated.  For example, they helped save a three-year old child who only weighed 15 pounds.  After three months on insulin and consistent doctor support, the child weighed 29 pounds.  We should be grateful we don't have to go through what PWD did many years ago!  Imagine having to test your blood sugar using this  method ? Yes, you would actually have to put your urine in the test tube, mix, and ...

I have been meaning to post; life has been so hectic lately!  I went to the endocrinologist last week, for my 3 month appointment.  I have been religiously checking my blood sugar and eating extremely well.  I was ecstatic when I found out that my A1C went from an 9.1 to a 7.9! The higher A1C three months ago mainly had to do with my carby trip to Europe.   So, I have made a goal for myself for my next appointment in March. I want to bring my A1C into the 6's.  If I can do that, it will be the lowest A1C I have had since my diagnosis.  The start of the new year brings me high hopes of stable blood sugar and healthy eating.  I want to kick my old habits and bring my blood sugar down to where it should be! I am going to forget the past, my mistakes and frustrations with diabetes, and "toast" to new beginnings...the start of a new year with excellent blood sugars! Happy New Year everyone!

I just finished the book "Needles: A Memoir of Growing Up With Diabetes," by Andie Dominick. It talks about the trials and challenges of diabetes, and the truly powerful affect it can have on a diabetic's life.  The author proves what a daily task it really is.   The book starts out explaining how much Andie adores her sister who has Type 1 Diabetes.  She would play with the needles (orange caps still on them), and pretend to give shots to her stuffed animals.  Little did she know, she would soon be giving herself insulin shots.   Eventually, after years with diabetes, Andie has complications. It gave me a different perspective on the disease. It makes me want to work a little harder to avoid medical problems. She ends up having diabetic retinopathy.  She has to have laser surgeries to prevent more vessels in her eye from bursting.  Scary stuff--but it's reality. Then she goes through periods of denial and stops giving herself insulin. She ends...

Low #1...I can deal with it. Low #2...getting a little agitated. Low #3...feel like I wanna give up.   High #1...UGH! Not to mention, these lows happen within a 10 hour time frame.  I just want to shove every piece of food down my mouth to get rid of these sweaty, shaky, heart-racing lows.  My brain tells me "FOOD...NOW!!" Hours later, sky-rocketing numbers appear on my meter.  First low, I just felt weird while laying in bed.  I knew that if I didn't get up and test myself, I wouldn't be able to get to sleep.  I get up, test myself, and an ugly 58 is staring back at me from the test meter.  The frustrating thing is that I don't know what's causing these lows.  Am I giving myself too much insulin?  Or are my basal rates off?  This is too much math for an English major! What am I so scared of?  I am petrified that I will have a low while sleeping and not wake up.  The sensor gives me a peace of mind.  Some...

"What's that?" [pointing to my insulin pump]. It's a question I get asked on a daily basis--especially by children, since I am a teacher. I never know how exactly to answer this question.  I've always been a private person when it comes to my diabetes. Lately, I've been opening up more and more, and trying not to be shy or embarrassed by it.   My fear?  Being judged.  I can do a lot while managing my diabetes.  I have to admit that I am one tough cookie [pun intended :)] Earlier this year, I worked full-time, went for my masters degree, planned a wedding, and managed my diabetes--all at once! I'm not asking for a pat on the back, but I want people to know that I [and other diabetics] can handle a lot more than it looks like! We all answer the question "What's that?" differently when referring to the pump and diabetes.  Sometimes based on who is asking, but also sometimes on our comfort level.  We're like this for a reason.  So, ...