New job or routine can mean a NEW card-to-insulin ratio!

So I worked in an office for the last 10+ years, typing away forming HTML code and editing photos, and mainly sat on my butt for 8 hours a day.  I remember when I would force myself to get up routinely for water and bathroom breaks....  My legs would need a good stretch, my neck was stiff, and I felt tired.  While I enjoy sitting on a regular basis, I finally convinced myself to take the leap and go for a TOTALLY different career where I would be active and on my feet.  I really wanted to be in a field where I would be helping others, and yet have a valuable skill.  This revolution mainly happened after I was diagnosed with diabetes.  Diabetes was the PUSH I needed when it came to trying to achieve ultimate happiness in my life.  I left my job shortly after and really did not hesitate once about the decision.  I always remember to remain positive about the future!  It can be bright :-)

I am pursuing a career in Ultrasound, Cardiac Ultrasound.  I found it interesting and challenging at the same time.  After a few longs months in the school of nonstop studying and test taking, full time, I finally started clinical sites at a local hospital.  I work 36 hours a week, shadowing other Sonographers, scanning patients hearts, and getting use to being in the field.  I get to talk to patients and help make a difference.  Coming from where I was, it is TRULY different...... that is the best way to describe it!

Being diabetic, using flex pens, you have the carb-to-insulin ratio that is SO very important.  You count your carbs per meal, and you inject - and done!  Well, that ratio was when I was sitting for eight hours, and not on my feet going to see patients in there hospital rooms pushing a very heavy ultrasound machine.  Needless to say, I was fighting lows the first 3 weeks and remained pretty nervous about going TOO low.  So of course, THEN I was fighting highs ... again, fearful of going too low.  These are the things I hate about diabetes.......but who would like them?  
I made the very conscious effort to STOP and redo the entire carb-to-insulin ratio.  It only took a few minutes to read my log book and see the changes.  My ratio went way down and my activity has definitely increased since I started this adventure.  I also remember to carry a few pieces of candy with me in my scrub pockets, that has definitely helped :-) 

I find it important to pay attention sooner than later, and in the end you will benefit and be happier.  For me, a more rewarding career, and to be in the environment where I can help others is definitely beneficial.  I think we would all agree Type 1 Diabetes is not terrible IF you have a control on it.  Control- meaning you know your limits on certain foods and/or you know how those foods will effect you...you pay attention to yourself!  It is all about loving and respecting yourself, diabetic or not.

A Normal A1C, deadly for a diabetic?

I had my usual check up at the end of March for my diabetes and, like usually, I am always very curious about my A1C.  I use to feel like I put a lot of effort into keeping it down, but not so anymore.  Or have I just adapted?  I do use the Dexcom G4 and that reading every 5 minutes, It is so valuable.   I can always correct when I see it treading up.  I guess it sounds annoying, and it can be, but the maintenance is about 5-7 minutes of your total day. 

Anyways, she said my A1C was 5.8% and I let out a big 'WOOHOOOO' an thought, 'Wow

that is great!'  I thought it would be higher 6's or close to 7% (which is just as well).
To my total disbelief, she did not exactly agree.... she said it could be dangerous to go so low with your A1C being a diabetic, and even told me a story, I guess to ring-truth to it............
Her brother's college roommate was a Type 1 diabetic and always obsessed with keeping his sugar low.  She said he shrived for it, and exercised often.  One day, her brother came in and found his 'type 1 diabetic roommate dead on the living room floor.'  She stated, his sugar dropped so low, that when he was trying to eat, he was not able to chew the sandwich.  She said it was the low blood sugar, that made his brain not able to know how to chew and/or swallow.

A bit harsh of a horror-diabetes-story?  I would say so... I replied with 'Interesting' and let it fade from there.. but I could not believe what I was hearing.  I am being punished for a lower A1C?  She said 'the perfect A1C is 6.5 - 7.0% for a diabetic' ... I have read several blogs and people posting there 5ish-percent-A1C's.  After all, aren't we all trying to aim for a health body?  

I changed the subject and told her I had the Dexcom G4 sensor and it alarmed and beeped or vibrated when it feel too low.  She replied that she did not know I had that device and yes, it helps a lot.   I told her that I understood her concern, but wanted to rule out those nasty complications of Diabetes. Maybe my control is too tight, but I do spike like normal diabetics and intend to have dessert, of course :) It is not all strict behavior over here, believe me... 

I went home and looked at different A1C charts for diabetics - not for just anybody.  I found a few that said 7-8% was 'BAD!' Other charts said the opposite...
It is nice to know I could loosen my control a bit ...I guess.  I am not sure I see myself doing it.  However, I must thank diabetes sometimes, because now I follow serving guidelines, I eat healthier and I am able to keep my figure.  That is important for your gulf coast summer living! :-)

The satisfaction from Continuous Glucose Monitoring ..

I decided over the Christmas season I would give myself the gift of diabetic-health with the 'Dexcom G4 Continuous Glucose Monitor'  And I cant tell you how much I am enjoying it and how things have changed for the better.  
Since the start of my diabetic life, I have been hearing 'off and on' about a continuous glucose monitor..what they did, and how they worked.  I was always interested, but hmmm, how much different could it really be from my life now (not using a monitor, and just doing 5+ finger sticks a day)?  There can not be THAT big, or much, of a difference than now.  Right?  

WRONG!!! 
I would simply say, having a continuous glucose monitor is the difference between being blind and NOT being blind.  (I say that with the MOST respect to the blind population as well.. )

I was home over the Holidays and DEFINITELY much more active, running from here to there with my lovely family and visiting friends.  It was Christmas time, so I was in the malls, shopping.  My nephew is 2.5 years old now, and constantly wants to play with his Auntie.  There was plenty of food, wine, and several different forms of deliciousness coming at me, full force!  I suffered many lows, and a couple highs, and found it hard to remember to check my blood sugar, all the needed times.  It was a FAR cry from working at your desk 9 to 5- typing on a computer, then going home to your nightly exercise and HBO on the couch. How do I say what I am needing to say so everyone can understand?  I was OUT of my daily routine?  Yes that is it.  Basically.. 
I got home and researched the Dexcom G4, and I watched a few helpful Youtube videos.  One phone call and insurance check later, I had one delivered to my home.

The BEST parts of the Dexcom G4:
-You get a new blood sugar reading, every 5 minutes.  How cool is that?
-You only need to do 1-2 finger sticks a day to 'calibrate' the Dexcom.
(To keep it on track)
-You can set low and high alerts.  Catch your low/high and treat it before it gets BAD!
(We have all been there..)
-The arrow next to your reading/number REALLY says a lot.  I know if I am trending UP or if I am trending DOWN with Dex.  That alone makes me want to throw a party, especially when I am exercising!
-The sensors lasts 7+ days.  (Note the + sign ... that is all I will say about that, la la la!) 

So, there has to be a list of negatives, right?  I can really say I tried to think of some, and I did not have a 'progressive' list of negatives.  The price IS high, or can be high- and that is with insurance covering the transmitter and sensors.  I know some insurance companies, do not cover it at all.  Ouch!  So, to have the Dexcom G4 - you have to make sure to budget for it, sad but true, at least for me..
Oh, when you do change your sensor out (every 7+ days) you have to give it 2 hours to start up, after inserting it,  I think it is a BIT excessive, but nothing terrible.

I do not ever see myself not using the Dexcom G4.  As mentioned before, I felt blind without it.  You can take a blood sugar reading, but that is just 1 reading .. and does not paint a CLEAR picture of where you are going!  :) 
It has definitely changed my life as a diabetic, made my life easier and given me the freedom all diabetic deserve!

A Moment of A1C excitement

Last week I had blood work, and might I add, I have been trying my ABSOLUTE best to not

only eat right, (which everyone should strive for, not only Diabetics) but to (majorly) dose insulin correctly and get my levels to not (totally) spike when I have a meal.  The spikes are OK my doctor has said repeatedly, but I have to admit, if I can prevent it or lessen it, I will challenge myself to do so.
During the blood test last week, I thought 'OH MY GOODNESS!! ...I hope my hard work, and logging, and paying attention has paid off.'  

Of course I have called the Doctor's office everyday since I had the blood work, asking for the nurse to call me with the results, with the exception of weekends.  It took 3-4 long anticipating days...

AND THE RESULTS ARE IN...........
Dum, dum, dum!!! 

I found out Tuesday night, my A1C is/was 5.9%!! 
(Just an FYI, A diabetic should try to be at 7% or under.)

I was very happy with this number, and I will say right now, again, I believe education IS the key when it comes to managing your Type 1 or Type Diabetes.  If you are always willing to learn (and never stop) and strive to find that aspect of 'interesting yet challenging' to yourself, you will have better results and better health.  More importantly, you will be able to help and educate others in times of need.  I love running in to those people who can share what they know!

To learn more about A1C, what it means and WHY it is important, I found this article.  It really gave a lot of detailed, easy to read info.

Blood Work and Some Early Morning Motivation..

This morning was the lovely blood work that all Diabetics must 'grin and bear' on, sometimes, a regular basis.  Yes, on Friday the 13th ... I just noticed that.  (Hmmm..I wonder what good/weird movies are on A&E tonight??)

Blood work does not bother me much anymore.  I was always the type to get very 'stomach-churny' at the very MENTION of a needle and/or blood..  And at that slightest mention, I would hold my stomach and curl up with a weird face and say 'OK STOPPP!!' However, that was before Diabetes and today I dread more about the fact I have to go there SO early and wait and, I can't have coffee.  (I really hate that.)  I like to think that my diagnosis of Diabetes has allowed me to conquer these useless fears that I had.  It does make your outlook on life, and what you can do, more obtainable ... 

So I waited...  I waited 25 minutes or so, with no coffee or breakfast in sight- Oh, and 8 hours of work still ahead of me.  I could only think, 'I'm going to sleep much longer than 5:30am tomorrow!' ... that is for sure :-)
An older woman came in, and sat beside me minutes after I arrived.  I said 'Good Morning', she said 'Merry Christmas' with a smile, and it stopped there.
10 minutes later of playing with the iphone, she wanted to know if I had waited long.  I told her, 'a little while, but there is only 2 here today, usually there is 3.'  Soon after, we were in deep conversation. 

She was a Type 2 diabetic, her husband was, and her son.  She was angry at everything, I could tell, and how easy it is to fall into that spell with Diabetes, I do know.  She said 'honey, it is not Diabetus that will kill you, it is the many complications, that is what will kill you!'  Nice!! ...She was definitely more pessimistic than I was, however I felt she needed someone to listen.  So I let her talk.  She also told me, her son acquired 'Diabetus' from always running around on the job, and having thirst from being active.  She said 'he would always drink Coke. When he was thirsty, he wanted a cold coke'  
(Hmmmm..... that is a big RED no no in my book.)  

I really tried to stop myself, from saying..... and OPPS! ...it just came FLYING out, 'Oh Well...When you are thirsty, the best drink is water.  Did he not like to drink water?'   
Also, shortly following that comment.. 'and those complications can be avoided with keeping your blood sugar low.  That is the reward in your hard work!  I always try my ultimate best to do that, but yes it is not always easy.. I was just at home this month and enjoyed dessert more than I should have..' 
She smiled and agreed.  She knew I was that 'half-full-glass' kind of girl.  She said 'how terribly sorry' she was that I had Diabetes, being 'so young and pretty.'  I replied, 'Well, it's ok.... I will be ok.'  I could only hope when I said goodbye that some of my positiveness rubbed off on her.  She needed it.

Blood work was so quick, so fast, and so painless.... the nurse was very nice, and she had a 10 year old daughter, and her Xmas shopping was done.  I honestly can't even remember much else...Happy Friday!

Foot Care with a Foreign Language Lesson Attached!

I was online last week Googling 'topics of interest' (of course about Diabetes- what else?) and I ran across these cute-cartoon-images about foot care for Diabetics... in Espanol!!! Might as well get your foreign language and foot care concerns addressed in one Subject, right?  :-)

I did not give it too much thought upon first glance, but then I noticed each picture was pretty self exclamatory.
One side says 'No' and the other 'Si' ... so I thought at least I can understand that much.
Check it out .. 

The best way to (start) taking care of your feet is to, firstly, keep your blood sugars in range of 70 to 130 ... My Endo says it takes away many risk factors and concerns for diabetics!  Also, check your feet every day. Look at your bare feet for red spots, cuts and blisters. If you can't see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror.

I also found these helpful tips: 
-Be active. Plan your physical activity and stick to it.
-Wash your feet every day. Dry them, especially between the toes.
-Keep your skin soft and smooth. Rub a skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet
-Trim your toes when needed. 
-Wear comfortable shoes (I know I don't always do this) and shoes that fit well and protect your feet.

Two for One Holiday Special ..

With Thanksgiving upon us in under a week and Christmas only four weeks after that, it is probably a safe assumption that most of us have the tree trimmed and some gifts under it. I have currently witnessed so many individuals getting mad or upset over the fact that before one holiday is completely over, the next one is being celebrated.  However, I have to disagree.  For me, the time that falls between November 1st and December 25th is truly a special time in the lives of many.  With the beginning of a new season, we suddenly all have something in common, again: the joining of family and friends.

Can't we all be filled with the Christmas Spirit and be thankful at the same time?  Is two not better one?  Forgive me if I offend anyone, but I do believe that is the best part of the seasons.  We can mix them (somewhat) and keep them around LONGER.  For example, I like having my turkey dinner with a 'side of' Christmas tree in the background! :) It can make for a homey feel..
For most, the presence of spending time with family is the best time (I did say most) and we get two Holidays to do that, instead of one.  Of course, I will also say, I am very fortunate to have the family that I have.  The Mom and Dad that dropped everything and drove 9+ hours when I told them that 'I may be diabetic', and my two sisters whose sense of humor, mimics my own.  I like to call sisters 'instant friends' .. because well, they are.

That being said, I guess we all have our Start and Expiration dates that linger in our head.  After all, our whole life IS about time.  I was in Big Lots two days before Halloween picking up some Necessities.  I passed the Halloween aisle and saw the costumes, the candy, foam tombstones, and fake bloody arms and legs.  I guess about 20 steps forward, BOOM! A winter wonderland was laid out before me!  I had to bust out laughing...