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

"I was almost ashamed of my diabetes. I didn't want to tell the producers I was diabetic because I didn't want that special attention. I didn't want to be branded as different. I let my priorities get mixed up, and I was sick because of it." -Crystal Bowersox Some people are afraid of spiders, snakes, or heights. But, what's my biggest fear? Diabetic judgement.   After reading the interview with  Crystal Bowersox in Diabetes Forecast , I realized that I  currently  feel the way she felt. For any of you that don't know, Bowersox was the  American Idol  contestant with Type 1 Diabetes. She didn't want to share the fact that she was a diabetic, and because of that, her health was severly jeopordized. I'm a very private person--regarding all aspects of my life.  For some reason, I am extremely quiet about my diabetes. I don't know what the fear is--but I think Crystal explains it well in the above quote. I don't want to be discrimin...

My strength is too much to handle. I exert an enourmous amount of power--that  even I  can't handle it. The mornings are always difficult for me. Showering, eating breakfast, packing my lunch--so much to do! This morning, my pump went off and on the display screen it said, "insulin low". Grr, now I have to change my tubing and reservoir amongst all of my other morning rituals. After filling up the resevoir with insulin, I needed to get the plunger out. But, it just wouldn't unscrew! Yank! Insulin...all....over. One hundred units of insulin all over my hands and dining room table. Lovely.  It took me three tries to change the tubing and reservoir successfully. Phew. Thanks, body combat... I  won the fight with my reservoir!

As I was reminiscing through old pictures on my computer, I came across the one you see above.  Just a few days before being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, and I am wearing glasses.  Why that might not seem like a big deal to you--just know that I previously had 20/20 vision.  All of these 'strange' things started to occur...one of them being that my vision was completely blurry! I was a senior in college, and my commute was about forty-five minutes to school.  I woke up one morning, and  could   not  see!  I, being the dork I am, had to make it to school--no ifs, and, or buts about it!!  I hate excuses, and I wasn't about to start using them.  I borrowed my husband's glasses to give me a clearer view of the world.   Later that day, I went to the eye doctor--the one in the mall .  I told them how I woke up and couldn't see! Without even thinking of asking me, "Have you been checked for diabetes?", they simply gave...

What a huge success this year-- Team Joanna Banana came in with a total of $1,746.25 . I think that is by far the best total we have had yet! It couldn't have been a more perfect day. Sunshining...simply beautiful!  Participating in this walk made me realize so much. For one, how giving people can be. So many people were able to donate. I stressed to everyone that it wasn't the amount  that was given; no matter what amount, it helps JDRF  and  shows your support. So,  thank you  again to everyone  that donated. It is appreciated so very much! It also made me realize how thoughtless people can be. If someone I knew had a serious chronic disease, I would donate. Granted, it may not be a lot of money compared to what others might give, but I know I could afford at least $1! I think that it is the  support of others that gets us through the day . All I asked for is $1. Everyone can afford that--look in your car or couch---I'm sure there...

This week is Invisible Illness Week. I want to share more about my disease with my readers. Sometimes it can affect me in a way that no one else knows. Somehow, diabetes makes me into the person I am today.   1. The illness I live with is: Type 1 Diabetes 2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2007 3. But I had symptoms since: 2006-2007; not quite sure when it was 'triggered'. 4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: Living 21 years of my life eating whatever and whenever I want; and suddenly, that changed.  I now have to count every carb I eat, and take insulin for it. 5. Most people assume: I had something to do with this happening to me; no, it was in my genes and something in the environment triggered it.  I didn't eat too many sweets, I exercised all the time, and I was not at all overweight. 6. The hardest part about mornings are: If I'm low--and I HAVE to eat some sugar to bring me back up. Especially if I'm in a hurry.  It's annoying to have...

Today is Diabetes Art Day.  My piece of art, which is titled, "My Life Line," represents feelings, people, and beliefs I have in regards to diabetes.  It is all connected together [with used testing strips] and linked to my heart.  See if you can read every word on the map of my crazy diabetic life. 

I’ve never seen such beautiful numbers on my test meter!  For the past several weeks, I have been religiously counting carbs and wearing my glucose sensor.  The past six months have been a little hectic for me, working two jobs...so I haven’t been what you’d call a “perfect diabetic.”  But, I decided to get more on top of it.   Last time I went to my endocrinologist, she suggested to test a little less while wearing the sensor.  I have never been recommended to do that!  I never thought testing LESS would be so hard!  What was happening was that I was testing 10+ times a day--and overcorrecting and the result was not good!  My doctor suggested that while I wear the sensor, I should test when I wake up, before breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before bed.  Of course, also test if I feel high or low.  I am learning to trust my sensor a little more.  At the beginning, this was very hard for me.  I don’t like putting my life in a...