World Diabetes Day

The photo above is the creative work of my grand daughter, Britt. She has such a creative eye and knows how to work the camera to express herself and get her point across. Many of you that are regular readers to my post will remember that Britt was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes the last few weeks before her summer vacation was over this year. She has written some of her thoughts and feelings concerning Diabetes to share with you today.

~A Note From Britt~

Diabetes is a big part of life, but it's not as hard to deal with as some people, myself included until just a few months ago, sometimes think. If you work hard to keep your blood sugars level and are responsible and take all the shots or medicine you're supposed to, life is for the most part normal. At times the shots and blood sugar checking can get to be bothersome, but after too long it becomes a very routine part of your day, just like brushing your teeth or showering. My friends have been supportive of me through my transition into life with diabetes (besides the occasional Wilford Brimley joke) and have really helped me along, even if they don't entirely understand WHY I'm "sick" or have to take shots.

World Diabetes Day should be used as an opportunity to help those around us understand what diabetes is and to bust some of the common misconceptions and stereotypes about people with diabetes. Based on some of the questions I get on an almost daily basis from my peers, ("Doesn't sticking yourself hurt?", "Did you get it from eating too much sugar?, "Are you really allowed to eat that?") there are a lot of questions that would do well to be answered for the normal-pancreased among us.

Diabetes is a disease that can be dealt with when you take the proper measures, and it's not as different of a lifestyle as you might think. Let's use today to help people understand what it's all about.

(Thank you sweetheart for sharing with all of us. G'ma and G'pa love you!)

~My Story~

I posted my story about diabetes last spring. It is pretty lengthy so I won't repeat it in this post. Instead I am giving you a link to "Just One Of Those Interruptions". This way if you are pressed for time you can check it out later.

~Help Is As Close As The Click Of A Button~

There is such an abundance of help out there just waiting for everyone touched by Diabetes. There is no discrimination where Diabetes is concerned. Not only does it effect the person that is diagnosed with it, but also our families and friends.

I recently found and joined a wonderful community called TuDiabetics . It is a community made up of Diabetics, families, friends, and care givers. It is a free program that is there to help by giving support, which we all need from time to time, no matter how long we have had Diabetes. You might want to check it out, TuDiabetics really has a lot to offer.

Another great program that is available is AmMed Direct. If you are struggling with the expence of your testing supplies, go by and find out what is available to you there. I posted about my experience with AmMed Direct a while back. I inquired about an ad I had seen about this time last year. I received a follow up phone call from Vicky and life with Diabetes became a little bit easier. I gave her my insurance information and she took care of the rest. About every four months I receive a package from AmMed Direct with my testing supplies. All I have to do is sign and return a little permission card that comes in the package and just like clock work, my next package arrives in another four months. When I tell this story, I like to say that yes, there is a Santa, but sometimes the name is Vicky. Jeffery, another associate of AmMed Direct had found my blog through google and left a really nice comment. You won't regret contacting AmMed Direct, they bend over backwards to help you get your testing supplies with little or no cost to you. By the way...... You don't have to be on medicare to get help from AmMed Direct.

Another favorite web site of mine is Dlife . It has a wealth of information available as well as recipes and support. Dlife is also available as a TV program. We get it here on MSNBC Sunday evenings. check your TV listings.

~Signs Of Diabetes~

1.Frequent trips to the bathroom

2.Unquenchable thirst

3.Losing weight without trying

4.Weakness and fatique

5.Tingling or numbness in your hands, feet or legs

~Signs That Your Blood Sugar Is High~

Causes: Too much food, too little insulin or diabetes medicine, illness or stress.

Onset: Gradual, may progree to a diabetic coma.

~Symptoms~

1. Extreme Thirst
2. Frequent Urination
3. Dry skin
4. Hunger
5. Blurred Vision
6. Drowsiness
7. Decreased Healing

~What To Do~

1. Test Blood Glucose
   
2. If over 200 mg/dl for several tests or for 2 days >CALL YOUR DOCTOR<
   

~Signs Of Low Blood Sugar~

Contrary to popular belief, when you are Diabetic and taking insulin or diabetic medicine you do need to have some carbs in your diet. If not you will find your blood sugar bottoming out on you.

Causes: Too little food, too much insulin or diabetes medicine, or extra activity.

Onset: Sudden, may progress to insulin shock.

1. Shaking
   
2. Fast Heartbeat
   
3. Sweating
   
4. Dizziness
   
5. Anxious
   
6. Hunger
   
7. Impaired vision
   
8. Weakness and fatigue
   
9. Headache
   
10. Irritable

~What To Do~

1. Drink 1/2 glass of juice or regular soft drink, or 1 glass of milk, or eat some soft candies (not Chocolate).
   
2. Within 20 minutes after treatment Test Blood Glucose. If symptoms don't stop, call your doctor.
   
3. Then eat a light snack(1/2 peanut butter or meat sandwich and 1/2 glass of milk).

I hope that when you leave Moodscapes, you will be leaving with a little more knowledge of Diabetes. The greatest gift you can give someone with Diabetes is the gift of support and understanding.

I pray that we will see a cure for Diabetes in our lifetime. May your day bring you many blessings and more happiness then you know what to do with.

~Jo