Living With Diabetes

I'm getting closer.

I am going to turn in my annotated bibliography sometime later in the day. It's due at noon tomorrow. We've got a final in that class and one more discussion to do.

I just checked through the other documents (and the bibliography again), and I'm pretty happy with all of them. I keep fixing formatting errors and tweaking things. I'm going to print out everything tomorrow afternoon for the presentation on Tuesday.

I get a final tomorrow which is answer 4 questions out of 8. However, I just got an extra credit question from the professor that is freaking me out. I'm afraid the rest of her questions will be like the extra credit. I keep reminding myself to take deep breaths.

It will be okay, and I'll be done soon. Hopefully by Wednesday or Thursday. Though the final isn't due until the 8th and neither is the discussion.

Posted by at 2:17 PM | Permalink

First, I love comments! As long as you aren't advertising a poker or porn site -- I have to delete those.

Jan makes some great comments. Yes, after the first week, I haven't found symlin to be that great of a wonder drug either. I'm definately using less insulin, but I am not getting the weight loss, etc. I did before, and my calorie count is much lower.

I'm hoping that some of the problem is that my activity level has been the lowest it's been this summer, due to the amount of writing I've been doing. I've honestly spent hours at the computer on my projects.

I'll also admit that for the past almost 3 years, diabetes management has been a full time, on my mind, no matter what I am doing, job. It is a drag. BUT, my energy level is higher, I'm happier, etc.

The symlin syringes and vial are major drags. I am keeping an eye out for the promised pen. FYI: On the way out of the elevator from my endo's appointment I ran into the Amalyn rep, and complained about the vial for us. He said that they really didn't expect approval when they got it, which is why they came out with the vial. They don't know when a pen will be coming out. I'm going to bug the 1-800 number about it too. 1-800-349-8919 for those to lazy to go to the Symlin site to look it up :-)

I honestly don't know how next school year is going to go, don't know what I'm teaching yet, or where, and I'm trying hard not to think about it. I've got enough on my mind with the master's.

Posted by at 7:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

One of the things the CDE and I decided to give as a try with the Symlin, is to start taking it about 30 minutes before meals. I'm already finding that my post prandial bloodsugars are better. I was hitting 180 2 hours after a meal and am now down to around 130 which is much better. I was finding I was correcting about as much insulin as I was saving from the meal, which wasn't helping.

I'm still focusing on my papers which is why I am not blogging much. I'm taking two classes, and I have the annotated bibliography done for the one class. It's ready to turn in. I have the research paper and the summary written for the other class, I just keep picking a different section of the paper and making sure it meets the appropriate critiria.

I got a letter today from UNT about graduation, and I'm glad I'm taking a pass on it. You aren't allowed to bring anything like a handbag with you so I can't take emergency supplies. Yeah, I can find a dress with pockets and make Rich carry the bag, but that's a pain. So it's a good excuse.

Posted by at 2:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

And while the freebies are great -- and take care of the copay --

the best thing is the result. For YEARS my primary care physician's (and allergist) struggled with my blood pressure. Never could get it low enough.

And for a couple of years my primary care physician strugged at getting my lipids lowered.

It's taken only about 6 months and my endo has everything where it should be. This is actually the second good lab report I've had -- the first one, I had an A1C of 6.2.

And don't get me wrong, I've had good primary care physicians -- but diabetes is a bit more complicated and it has taken loads of work to get the right mix of medication and blood sugar control to get it fixed.

Oh, and other good news, I've lost 24 pounds since I've started seeing him too.

Posted by at 6:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

FYI: I think every diabetic should see an endocronologist. Lots of reasons. First, they know the state of the art in diabetes care. Second, they deal with a lot of patients, you won't be unique. But the last and most important reason is "free stuff".

I left my endo's office with a new Freestyle meter. I don't really need another one, I carry one and keep one on my desk. I'll replace the oldest of the two with this new one, and then stash the new one somewhere, probably my classroom.

I've paid for 1 meter, and got the money back from that one too.

Anyway, numbers are good. A1C of 6.5 -- my best was 6.2. Fasting blood sugar was 105, kidneys are good, cholesterol 121, triglycerides 78, HDL 45, LDL is 60.

I'm going to start taking the Symlin a bit before meals and see if it helps my blood sugar. It is still higher than I like postprandial.

Posted by at 4:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Cingular posted an update on the Palm website for the Treo. I've got 6 meg of memory back, which I am slowly using it up.

The best news is that I can hook up my notebook via bluetooth and get internet access. It's faster than dialup, slower than broadband, and might get me through problems I'm anticipating for next year.

I'm actually relying on the Treo much more than I did before.

My next debate -- is do I get a bluetooth headset. I'm thinking not. I don't talk on the phone that much, and I'll lose the headset in my hair. It's bad enough to see someone walking around talking to themselves and seeing a cord, but it makes it really weird when you don't see any visible means.

I'm also thinking about a keyboard. I actually did buy one, but it was a universal one, and wasn't fun to use with the Treo. The Treo 600 keyboard spoiled me, because it has keys for specific Treo functions.

Posted by at 10:49 AM | Permalink

New photos from the Monroe trial are on my website.

http://tinyurl.com/dpwee

Aren't you glad I didn't load all 74?

Posted by at 10:19 PM | Permalink

Spent about 20 minutes in the pool this evening and ever since, the screen keeps blinking at me. I think the up button is somehow stuck.

---

This is why I keep this blog. As soon as I took a deep breath and typed the above, I remember the first thing Animas always had me do when my IR1000 acted up. They had me take the battery out so it would reboot.

I've done that, and it seems better.

I have enough to deal with.

Posted by at 9:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I've been spending all of my writing energy on my final project. It's on WiMAX and is currently pretty close to 10 pages. I would like to have a couple more paragraphs and take it to 11 pages.

I also need to do a Presentation Summary of it once it is finished. That has to be no more than two pages.

I am starting to feel closer to the end of the tunnel. We get our final exam questions on Monday from my other class.

Had to get a blood draw this morning. My hand aches every since. The gal getting the blood couldn't find my veins. She finally did the back of my hand. It feels like it should be black and blue.

Also picked up another month's supply of Symlin while as I at the same building. I'm not 100% happy with it right now, I had the initial 10 pound weight loss, but am now at a slow crawl when it comes to losing weight, and I swear, I am not eating much and doing lots of exercise.

So I'm whining.

Posted by at 4:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Diabetes Mine: All About Sharps Disposal

I'm glad the issue hasn't "bitten" her as hard as it has me.

It's getting to be a daily issue for me again, since the Symlin is an injectable.

I'm also worried about it for next school year. Last year, in another state, a teacher lost his job because a student stepped on a sharp that he had dropped on the floor.

I've kept a sharps container in my room since I was diagnosed, keep a close eye on my stuff, and have warned students on the first day and a few times after, that my desk is off limits due to the medical equipment I have to keep.

I've also told the Powers that Be, because of the medical equipment issue, I can't float, though they keep assuring me that it isn't proper to ask someone with as many years in the district and building to float. Floating means you go from room to room.

Posted by at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Tight Control article

Now that I have my summer back ...

I tried the MDI (Multiple Daily Injection) method of tight control and it almost made me nuts. I could not keep a constant schedule. Summer was the utter living end of that for me, especially the teacher workshop thing.

Oh, and the school year where they changed our lunch periods every 4 weeks.

I can't imagine going back to shots and keeping this tight control. Today is a good example. Let's say that I ended up burning more blood sugar than I had planned. Now, while I might be able to figure out I need 40% more insulin than usual on a workshop day, and I could probably do a rough estimate and give myself a bigger long acting insulin dose, there is no way to guarantee WHEN that insulin would get released. Also, there is no way to change my mind once I give it.

With the pump, if I had checked at 10:00 and saw I was going towards low, I would have eaten a Snicker minature and then turned off the temporary basal. If I did it the shot way, I'd probably have to eat a large Snicker's minature, causing some weight gain.

Posted by at 6:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I survived. And I figured it out.

A 40% basal rate change kept me pretty stable today. I was between 120 and 150 all day, which isn't bad. Personally I like to be a bit lower, but I could function mentally.

Now if I can only remember to actually SET the basal rate two hours before the workshop, and for the entire duration.

I am now returning to my regular summer.

Posted by at 5:40 PM | Permalink

RNweb - Tight insulin control: Making it work

Tight insulin control: Making it work

Posted by at 3:36 AM | Permalink

It hit me in the afternoon, that my "diet coke" from McDonald's tasted funny. Good thing I didn't throw it out, because I tested it in the car. Yep, with my blood sugar meter, dipped a strip in, and sure enough it was high. Hit the "C" button so it won't show up in the logs.

However, I don't think +40% was too high. I was nice and stable all afternoon. Was 125 when I got home and I even did 25 minutes on the treadmill.

However, I AM taking tomorrow off exercise wise. One more day of workshops and I'm done until school starts.

Posted by at 6:40 PM | Permalink

I am doing better this afternoon. I am very shocked that it is taking such a high basal rate to compensate for the workshop. I'm at 40%!

kweaver – from my Treo

Posted by at 2:07 PM | Permalink

The correction helped. I'm back at 146 but man I want a nap! Being high wears me out. Also hungry but I don't want to add any more sugar to the mix.

Now I have to watch and make sure I don't go low.

kweaver – from my Treo

Posted by at 11:06 AM | Permalink

Now I'm at 115.

FYI: There are several reasons I'm blogging this. For one, these rollar coasters affect the mind and I need to know what is going on so I can discuss with my CDE and the rest of the health team.

I might not remember exactly what went on.

Also if anyone else has clue with this, I would love some input.

kweaver – from my Treo

Posted by at 11:05 AM | Permalink

I thought I was being smart. I set my temp basal to 30+ at around 6:30 for 8 hours but my blood sugar is 216 and I ate a known breakfast and did my symlin.

I upped the temp basal to 40% and did a correction and checking every hour.

Part of the problem is organization. Once I got here no one was sure where I was supposed to go.

Then the district had my registration but the company putting on the workshop didn't have my name. I have some paranoia on the score that I won't get into here.

kweaver – from my Treo

Posted by at 9:46 AM | Permalink

Cyber-Pancreas: Computers and Diabetes

Good subject Jay! (From Cyber Pancreas)

I've blogged about my software in the past, and I differ a bit from Jay. Rather than having my software web-based, I prefer to have it private and in my hand, so I like PDA-based software.

I use EzManager, which comes with my pump, but is available from Animas. One problem though, we seem to have run across a bug in the conduit lately, and it doesn't perform well with Documents to Go. I'll let people know if and when they fix.

The PC version produces reports which can be printed out -- the PDA part only shows logs, which are useful for my health care team, but I would like the PDA to produce at least the daily report.

I like Diabetes Pilot also.

I've tried the other pieces of software he mentioned, and I agree. You need a complete management system.

Calorie King produces some nice nutritional software and I've tried their diabetes management software, but I like Diabetes Pilot better.

Posted by at 5:58 AM | Permalink

Dog Dancing - My beagle and I try America's weirdest pet hobby. By Emily Yoffe

After reading this, I decided to write her -- and then decided to post my email to her here.

Before getting into this -- People I really like and spend weekends with occasionally do Dog Dancing. I don't.

People I like and spend weekends with occasionally do Dock Diving. We get along and our dogs get along, but the beagles eye them with suspicion because they actually LIKE being wet.

So here's the email:

Okay, I have to start out by admitting that the beagle I tried dog dancing with WAS the Number 1 Obedience Beagle in the country (for 8 years, bless her), so both of us were a bit more motivated than you and Sasha. Also a lot more prepared, she actually did things when I told her to do them.
Sometimes. Always when I had food in my hand.

The bad news, was at the time, I think she was 9 years old, too blind for the obedience ring, but however DID walk to the beat of one of the Peanuts tunes, and did do spins and stuff. We tried it for a couple of weeks and I can't remember who decided if it was for the border collies ... she or I. (And no, I didn't have border collies at the time, and I've sworn off them).

Okay, I promised the weirdest dog sport. Big Air is almost the weirdest dog sport -- it was on Great Outdoor Games this weekend, however, those people came up with a weirder one. The Launch. At least Big Air demands the handler to actually throw something. The Launch only requires the dog to run down a dog and grab a dummy suspended in air. The dog that grabs the highest one wins.

Sorry, that's weird.

My husband and I were discussing it in beagle terms -- I would get one of the girls on a boat dock, point out the dummy suspended in air, convince them to run down the dog with food, and then when they saw the water, they would put on the beagle brakes -- curse at me in beagle curses -- silent in Marcie's case, very loud bellows in Maggie's. And I would NEVER EVER get them on a boat dock again.

And I'm someone dumb enough to compete in Dog Obedience for 8 years (but be really good at it), and play dog agility now -- not good at it, but we have an much better time at it than we did with Dog Obedience.

And yes, I cheerfully acknowledge that it is a weird hobby, but a) keeps me off the streets and b) keeps me from killing teenagers (I'm a teacher).

Posted by at 4:35 PM | Permalink

Today is my "official" weigh in day and I weigh the least I have since Spring Break and all the stress started in. I'm not quite to that weight yet, but I have hopes.

The symlin has helped the most. Between the side effects of satiety and the reduction in insulin, I've been able to cut down on both the insulin I've used and the amount of food I eat. I haven't had to change my basal or bolus rates, yet though, but I think I might be getting close.

Posted by at 8:45 AM | Permalink

I just turned in my last assignment for my "district" class. I still have the project to do, but that's it for that class. I've also got major progress done on it.

I have the major assignment done for the other class, and we're still doing our discussions, but I've led mine and so I feel like this is going to end too. I have a final, but I'm not worried about it at all.

So I am finally feeling like I'm going to graduate.

Posted by at 1:26 PM | Permalink

Blackwell Synergy: Diabet Med, Vol 22, Issue 8, pp. 1037-1046: Insulin pump therapy vs. multiple daily injections in obese Type 2 diabetic patients (Abstract)

Insulin pump therapy vs. multiple daily injections in obese Type 2 diabetic patients

Posted by at 12:28 AM | Permalink

Nothing like going in, expecting a $280 crown (I know a good price) and leaving with a $40 filling.

I still can't help but wonder if part of the problem was the slightly elevated blood sugar this weekend. Of course, the filling could have caused it too. (The old chicken and egg thing).

It's at least incentive to keep things under control.

Posted by at 11:50 AM | Permalink

I've blogged about this before, but a conversation came up today and it's been rolling in my head for a while after reading someone else's blog entry.

One thing that was covered in my diabetes training, but something I'm not sure diabetics think a lot about is Sharps Disposal. However, what I was taught in diabetes training is wrong for my community and it might be an issue for yours.

I was taught to do one of two things:

Buy a sharps container -- which was my choice, because it was quick and easy.

Take an old laundry soap container, soak off the label and mark it sharps with a "sharpie" pen. When finished, tape the lid down.

Well neither works where I live. I got a cryptic note from the city the two times I put a sharps container in the trash, and when I finally figured out what was going on, I called. Come to find out, one of our city workers was injured because our city grinds up the trash. Okay, I don't really get it, but the gist is, we can't dispose of sharps in trash in my community. You might be able to in yours.

They thought that the local hospital would deal with it, but they won't. I did find a guy that hauls sharps for the local doctors who said he'd take them at no charge but it's a bit out of the way.

So here's the solution I use:

You either contact your pharmacy and order a BD Sharps by Mail kit OR you can order them from an outfit online. The NDC number for the BC Sharps by Mail kid is 08290323488. If you give that number to your pharmacist, they can order it.

I really like these people though, because they have quart containers I can stash in various places: http://www.sharpsdisposal.com/

And everything we stick ourselves with is a sharp. Lancelets, syringes, pen needles and even the inseration part of sets. Though the Inset is designed to be disposed in regular trash and I haven't gotten a nasty note about them.

Posted by at 4:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

To begin with, let me say that I love the Best Buy in Farmers Branch. In fact, I've found things at the Worst Buy in Lewisville, couldn't get service and gone to the Best Buy in Farmers Branch and bought the item.

Plus there is a guy in appliances at the Best Buy in FB who is out of this world. Besides, buying in Farmers Branch is better for me anyway -- we get some sales tax money.

SO ... I met a friend for lunch and we ate at a restaurant right in front of the Worst Buy in Lewisville, and I need a hard drive -- which is another story.

So I popped in, and couldn't find the hard drives, and couldn't find anyone to tell me where they were....

When I finally found them, there was a big heavy stocking ladder thingy in front of the ones I wanted to look at. I finally figured out how to reach one and went to check out.

Only one person was checking out people and here I was, third in line. They were slow enough for me to start wondering why I was standing in line!

So I dropped the hard drive down on the counter and left. Told the door person that they had lousy service that day and was leaving. (I would call them a greeter, but he didn't).

When I got in the car, I decided to go to the Office Depot in Dallas, just across the bridge from Farmers Branch. When I got there, they greeted me, as did every person I worked by in the store.

The hard drives were in a locked cabinet and it took me seconds to locate the employee with the key. Guess what! They had 200 MB hard drives on sale for $80.00 and the WB drive was 80 gig for $90.

Guess who won?

Posted by at 3:38 PM | Permalink

I've been seeing this in the news, and finally, curiosity got the best of me.

Parkinson's Treatment and the Urge to Gamble - New York Times

Mirapex is a common treatment for restless leg syndrome. I have taken it in the past, but haven't noticed compulsive behavior. I believe, but don't know that I took it at a much lower dose.

Posted by at 10:26 PM | Permalink

Actually it isn't a lot, but I have learned that Symlin does NOT fix pizza.

Unfortunately Pizza does bad things to me for days. First, I'm left with high blood sugars for about 24 hours. That causes food cravings.

I need to learn how to do the pizza bolus but so far, I've never gotten it to work.

Anyway, the weight loss has stopped for a bit, but hopefully stabilized.
I'm definately still feeling the effects of the symlin, especially on high fiber meals.

So that's the second thing I've learned -- eat lots of fiber when you are doing Symlin if you want to lose weight, it will make you fill fuller faster.

Posted by at 5:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

My mouth is STILL very sore especially under the cap. Can't get into the dentist until Thursday morning. I am guessing I really DO need a root canal and I'm not going to fight it. It will be easier to get it done now than wait until after school starts.

Posted by at 5:38 PM | Permalink

This is under discussion right now, on the insulin-pumpers mailing list.

It's scary that doctors don't talk to diabetics about driving. I check my blood sugar before driving unless I just finished eating and I've used checked before the meal.

I also check frequently when making long trips, at least once an hour, as I can think of few things worse than going low while driving. I also keep Snickers minatures in the car and use them to keep from having an emergency -- they are about 5 grams of carb each of slow sugar. I also keep a couple of bags of lifesavers in the car for fast sugar.

Diabetes Care: Diabetes and driving mishaps: frequency and correlations from a multinational survey - Original article: epidemiology/health services/psychosocial research

Posted by at 1:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Part of the reason I woke up so early was a GERD attack. I ate a baked potato fairly late -- hoping that the warm mushiness would make my mouth feel better.

All day yesterday my mouth had been bothering me. Sore where I'd just gotten a crown in the past month. Finally in the late afternoon, a bit piece of the tooth next to it broke off. That made things feel worse, as it bleed and I'm sure that the nerves are all inflamed.

Needless to say, I'm calling the dentist when they open and making an appointment.

I'm getting tired of the teeth thing. No, make that I AM tired of the teeth thing. I'm sort a lot of the dental problem happens to be a complication of the GERD, and I think it's better than the sore throats and ear infections of the past. I also don't think it is new damage, but long built up damage.

Posted by at 5:04 AM | Permalink

She's just started blogging.

the beautiful diabetic

It also goes to show you, that the "Type 2" profile doesn't fit everyone.

Posted by at 5:01 AM | Permalink

I'm about halfway on both of my classes. We just finished Week 5, and the term is 10 weeks.

I've got a perfect score so far in the Readings class. We have 4 more weeks of discussions, I've done my turn as discussion leader, and we have two major assignments. One is an annotated bibliography, and I have the entries found and identified. I would like to have 5 more, since a couple of the readings were provided by the instructors. We also have a final -- essay form.

The telecommunications class is going well too. I've lost 4 1/2 points so far on the assignments. We have two left, the research project which I am doing on WiMAX, and the last assignment which they haven't told us how to do yet. We have a face-to-face on Tuesday, which should help.

I think it is all do able.

Posted by at 6:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This round of episodes is heads above the first round. In fact, I recommend burning those

Tonight's was good -- focused on advocacy and on training. Am I the only one that kind of thought the congressman was withholding?

I'm really glad they no longer do group interviews!

I really hope they can get a different time slot. Being up against 60 Minutes is not a good idea, and not everyone DVRs.

Posted by at 6:25 PM | Permalink

The title of her blog is a bit dramatic. She's just started blogging.

I'm dying

Tried to leave a comment, but her blog only allows Blogger members to comment.

Posted by at 11:06 AM | Permalink

I'm so funny -- I was meeting with my CDE and a couple of other people about something else, but when my CDE asked me how I was doing on the Symlin, I told her I had to show her something and led her to her scales.

I cheerfully hoped on them (I hate doctors scale, so she knew something good was up).

Well, according to her scales I've lost 7 pounds in 1 1/2 weeks. What is even better, is that I weighed at 9:00 a.m. with only 1 diet coke in me, and I weighed after several meals and lots of fluid and at 1:30.

Posted by at 5:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

City Officials Aim to Track How Diabetics Manage Illness - New York Times

I'm not sure I want anyone besides my doctor and I seeing my A1C results. If the data was reported without being linked to individual patients I would have less of a problem with this.

Posted by at 7:53 AM | Permalink

I think I've had my worst "side effects" of Symlin this morning. I don't usually eat a lot of carbs in the morning, but decided to give it a try today. I had some breakfast pizza -- 45 carbs.

I also did my exercise routine right after. I had a brief bout of queasiness and nausea while I was working out but since I've finished and showered, everything seems to be calming down.

Weight is still going down on a fairly rapid basis, even after yesterday's sitting still all day.

Posted by at 9:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I have to decide in a hurry -- August 13 is our graduation. I guess one thing to find out, is if they make robes and hoods big enough... I could call in the morning.

I should explain ... I have been working on my master's degree for a long time. I took my first master's classes back in 1990. Of course, I didn't intend to get a degree then, I was working on a post-Bachelor's degree teaching certification.

I had decided that I should take a few extra classes and get certified in Math, which has helped in flexibility, especially getting my first teaching job.

When I finished those classes, my advisor was looking at my transcript and said, "hey, if you take x number of classes and write a thesis, you could have a Master's in Math". Well, I took the classes, and couldn't get going on the thesis.

A few years later, I got the bright idea of getting my master's in Computer Science. Unfortunately I switched university's -- I'm not even sure the other one offers a Master's in CS -- and that department wasn't teacher friendly.

Then I decided I wanted a technology certification. I could do it with 4 online courses. Better yet, after I signed up for the first two class, the university refunded my tuition. Long story.

In the middle of the last two classes, I found out I qualified for a program my district was putting on. When I turned in my degree plan, they gave me credit for two classes and I figured out I could finish this August if I took two classes this summer.

So I'm about done. I hope. I still have an assignment and a paper for one class, and an annotated biography, a "final exam", and 5 more weeks of discussions.

My husband says he'll come watch. I haven't heard from my mother. I don't know who else I'd invite. I really don't know any of the other people who are graduating in August -- the group from the district doesn't finish until this spring.

Regalia costs $100. So I just don't know right now, but I need to decide if I'm going to soon.

Posted by at 11:34 PM | Permalink

A new commenter brought up the term "brittle" diabetic. Well, it reminded me of a comment today.

I just posted about how I hate teacher workshops, that sitting in one place all day always makes my blood sugar go up and that I've finally figured out that maybe 30%+ temporary basal might handle it.

Well, today, I didn't have the pump cranked up high enough, so I was doing lots of corrections and lots of testing. Finally, middle of the afternoon, the person next to me asked if I were a "level 3" diabetic.

So I took a moment to explain that sitting still made me blood sugar go up, and makes me extremely ill when it does, so I was trying to keep it low.

I've got two days of workshops coming up in two weeks, and I'm planning on upping the temporary basal to 30%+ That means I'm going to have to do a lot of testing, just to make sure I don't over do it.

Wonder what the person next to me will come up this time?

Posted by at 8:55 PM | Permalink

I just thought of another reason not to like this pump.

Have they figured out a way to keep a hot tub from killing it or at least the insulin?

I do our hot tub at least 5 days a week, even in July and August, and right now, disconnecting is enough. However, the temperature of a hot tub is going to kill the insulin if it is kept on at the site.

Posted by at 6:41 PM | Permalink

The 'betes: Focusing on the pump

As I posted on her blog though, I'll keep mine, thank you

Posted by at 4:58 PM | Permalink

The problem is that I sit too still. Two hours after breakfast, one and half hours in the workshop, I'm at 165. Normal for me then with that meal, is 135-145.

Before 11:00 I'm at 185 without eating anything! So I did a correction and cranked up the basal 10% and I'm at 165 at 12:00. Eat lunch, test 2 hours, and I'm up to 185 again. Basal had run out so I cracked up to 20%.

Next time, going in, I'm just going to do the 20% and be done with it.

FYI: Before the pump, I'd hit 300-400 at a teacher workshop and be sicker than a dog at the end of the day, so I'm doing better.

Posted by at 4:52 PM | Permalink

I just blogged on this last week -- and seems I got bit.

Here's the deal -- if you are a Type 1 diabetic you need two vials of symlin a month. However, if you are a Type 2 diabetic, you're on twice the dose, so you need 4!

Guess what, when I got my Symlin, I got two vials.

Imagine my panic this weekend when I realized I had almost gone through one vial in one week. I did the math, and I got four vials, not two.

I was so freaked, that I called Amylin -- nice people and asked and they verified that yes, I was supposed to have 4.

So I called the pharmacy and found out that they filled it wrong. Script was written one month's supply, 20 units. Which is right, but they filled with 2 vials.

So I ran by and picked it up and whew, have my 4 (I still can nurse at least one dose out) vials.

Posted by at 6:34 PM | Permalink

That's probably going to be in my obituary and it has been in the news lately.

Amy blogged about it in talking about Luther Vandross's death at Diabetes Mine: Salute to Luther Vandross, Divabetic

It's in the news again with Hank Stram's passing. This article in the Indianapolis Star
indicates that he died of diabetic complications.

It's dangerous to assume that when someone dies of diabetic complications that the person isn't taking care of themselves.

People, even my OWN health care providers (but not the diabetic ones), often make the assumption that I don't take care of myself.

However, there is a treadmill downstairs and free weights, and I just finished over 40 minutes on the treadmill and a short weight session.

My A1C ranges from 6.0 - 7.0, mostly at the lower range.

I test my blood sugar over 8 times a day, and I work hard to keep it as low as I can but remain safe.

You can tell from the dog photos that I'm having weight issues, and they are something I think about constantly. The weight issues interfer with my way of life and my ability to do things that I want to do.

In my opinion, every one needs to be screened for diabetes, everyone at risk for diabetes needs to be educated about it and everyone needs a health care team that listens and helps them to achieve their goals.

No one deserves to be blamed for their condition though. By anyone.

Posted by at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

We had our neighborhood parade today.

I actually walked in the parade this year, which I think may be a first, but certainly it has been at least 3 years since I walked it.

This is something I really think is cool. Our "block" faces a park, and the neighbors who have been here the longest have been organizing it. I think they are ready to pass it on to the younger generation, and I'm hoping the younger moms will take it on.

Posted by at 3:37 PM | Permalink

Unfortunately I missed last week. I think a lot of Dr. Bernstein, I've got two of his books.

I expected tonight to be a rerun, but was pleasantly surprised.

I think the words of the person who was bringing out the new products was the best piece of advice I've ever heard and something I live by -- do the best you can with the tools at hand to control your diabetes, so you'll live long enough to take advantage of the newer technologies.

Anyway, the latest episodes are heads above the beginning episodes.

Posted by at 9:11 PM | Permalink

Today is my weigh in day. I've been ignoring most of them, but right now, I weigh the least I have weighed this summer.

I think I am finally destressed and I do think the Symlin is helping. It definately makes controlling eating easier.

Posted by at 8:58 AM | Permalink

I did email and complain. Unfortunately I can't read the bulk of the information.

Welcome to Divabetic!

Posted by at 4:13 PM | Permalink

Since the symlin introduction went so smoothly, I probably won't be commenting on it much. I really am not having any bad side effects, and am seeing the good ones.

I do need to find a better way to transport the Symlin. I've already "lost" the vial once, and the syringes aren't very handy or attractive either. If anyone has a suggestion for a small container for carrying injectables, please let me know. Temperature isn't an issue. Having room for both vials would be nice.

AND would the manufacture please give us pens!

I'm a spoiled brat since I started out on pens.

Posted by at 2:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The beagles and I found a new hang out place today. It's a bit out of the way, but the girls are welcome, so I'll be going again. It's called The Pooch Patio, and they serve coffee, soft drinks, wine and beer.

If anyone would like to get together with us sometime, send me an email.

Posted by at 2:53 PM | Permalink

Byetta is a new injectable for Type 2s on some oral medications, so I can't help you with that one. However, there is a discussion forum for it at the Diabetes Blog.

Diabetes.Blog.Com :: Discussion forum: Byetta

I personally call it lizard spit.

Posted by at 2:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Does the below sound like anyone you guys know?

They are concerned, and they should be, as to safety. You can easily mess up the dosage.

Mg, mcg, units, mL: How Will Symlin's Safety Measure Up?

According to the product information, Symlin should only be used in patients who: use their insulin as prescribed, but still need better blood glucose control; will follow their doctor's instructions exactly; will follow up with their doctor often; will test their blood glucose levels before and after every meal and at bedtime; and understand how to adjust Symlin and insulin doses. Also, the prescribing information contains a boxed warning that highlights the risk of insulin-induced severe hypoglycemia, especially in type 1 patients. It also stresses the explicit need for appropriate patient selection. Due to the risk of hypoglycemia, all patients treated with Symlin should be instructed to initially reduce preprandial rapid- or short-acting insulin dosages, including fixed-mixture insulins (e.g., 70/30) by 50%.

Posted by at 9:00 PM | Permalink

Everything is going fine. I really haven't had any bad side effects from the Symlin. I am definately seeing good side effects. I was having problems with food and wanting to eat, and I don't have that problem with the Symlin. Definately am using much less insulin.

The scale is going in the right direction too. I try not to obsess, but having a scale with .1 markings really helps me.

Took an off cardio day today. Good thing, feet and legs are really hurting.

I had done 3 days in a row of 75 minutes. Not all at once, but got it done, so having the off day was good.

Posted by at 6:33 PM | Permalink

A commenter has asked if there are resources for diabetic pumpers without insurance.

I don't know much about obtaining insurance independently -- I'm "lucky", one of the compensations for being a teacher is having decent insurance -- at least compared to my husband's company.

However, when I went on the pump, the pump itself and supplies were not covered, and I had to pay for everything myself for 6 months. I was able to obtain some supplies through ebay at an extremely reasonable cost. Be careful, because once, the cartridges I obtained were expired. Ask specifically for expiration dates.

Also the insulin pumpers group at http://www.insulinpumpers.org "exchanges" supplies. Whenever I get too much of something, I ship them to the IP headquarters and they send them to someone in need. For example, when I switched pumps, I had serveral boxes of the old cartridges that I no longer needed.

Posted by at 5:10 PM | Permalink

I needed to eat something before dog agility as I was lower than I liked for two hours of activity. Planned a fast food excusion, but when I got the food, I couldn't find the symlin. Looked everywhere for it, but it wasn't in the car.

Tried again when I got to class, still couldn't find it, so finished the bolus. Ended up good blood sugar at the end of class, so it was okay.

When I got home, I traced my path from the last time I had the vial, and it wasn't there, so I pulled the car out the garage, opened the passenger door, and out it rolled.

It should be fine, the evening had cooled considerable by the time I got to class, and the car was open.

I hate that -- but as the routine gets better, I shouldn't misplace things as much.

Posted by at 1:15 AM | Permalink

I'm still bummed the 600 broke and my provider only had 650s, but I figured out what was going on with the 650 and I am liking it better.

The user manual says not to sync to another device of a different type, and boy I should have listened. After doing a hard reset, clearing everything and reinstalling from scratch, I have 10 mb left rather than 1 mb.

I do like the better screen resolution.

Posted by at 1:11 AM | Permalink