Living With Diabetes

Things I learned traveling this week.

Dexcom rocks.  The first day or two, not so much which means if it really was a 3 day sensor life would really suck.

When I drive, my blood sugar goes high.  I suspect I need the same setting as if I were in a workshop.  I need to work on this.

When I do agility, my blood sugar goes high.  Also, right before I go into the ring, I spike high.  It causes a surreal feeling.

I need my comforter.  I've talked to CPAP users and we all have the same problem, no matter the room temperature we get cold from the air on our face.  I cocoon, I completely wrap myself in my comforter, in fact, I might as well have a sleeping bag, the kind for arctic weather.  Well take that to Pittsburgh next week.

Taking three dogs was a mistake.

I feel bad for my husband, as I am leaving him with three for about 2 weeks.  Depends on how fast I get home.

Posted by at 8:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I went over to the Expo Center, ran my first class, decided to leave, packed, and on my way home.

Wish it were that simple and this is going to be a rough draft of a letter I am sending to the AKC, each of the trial chairs, and the Monroe Expo Center.

I suppose the first sign that these trials were not organized was the difficulty in getting a hotel room at a reasonable price. may be getting email confirnations only but I had an odd feeling.

I got into monroe at 3:00 on Wednesday and set up. There were no signs of the impending disaster.

The next morning did reveal the first clue. Marcie entry was available in self check in but Maggie's were not and she has been entered and competed at this show everytime Marcie has been. The trial secretary did not know what we needed to do to check in when I could not find my height cards. Huh? That is your job!

While this was on, the second clue that things were not right was also starting. my instructor had a handful of broken glass in her hand.

Quick background. I went through the windshield of a car years ago and as a result I have a paralyzing fear of glass.

Due to my fear, I shut out what Elizabeth was complaining about. I should have listened. Heck, I should have picked up and left at that point.

Each time I walked course, I found glass. I honestly tried to help and pick it up. I couldn't but I could ask someone else to and did.

the final straw was having the parking lot blocked off so the roof could be painted. As a result I could not park any where close to my set up. The trial committee refused to help, both on getting thevenue to change their mind or to help me get my truck near my setup so I could leave.

I wnt back to my truck, drove to the closed lot and moved the barriers so I could get my dogs and equipment. Then I left.

I will not be going back to their venue and i'll urge others not to go either in the future.

The total disregard for dog safety by purchasing glass filled dirt is unbelievable. Even my mother was appalled.

Posted by at 2:44 PM | Permalink

Wonder what this means for a pump user?  I actually find that Novolog works pretty well as expected, though Symlin really helps things along. 

Dr. Jean L. Ardilouze, a professor of medicine at University of Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada, and three colleagues presented “In Obese Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes, Are Short Acting Insulin Analogues That Short?”

Diabetes - Short-Acting Insulin Isn’t Short for Most Type 2s

Posted by at 8:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

 I actually DO think Symlin does help me with this -- but it just can't overcome stress eating.  Wish it did.

As many of us know to our dismay, the desire to chow down fatty, sugary food can be very strong indeed. In a recent six-week study of 88 obese, non-diabetic men and women, Symlin, a synthetic hormone currently used to dampen diabetic blood sugar swings, was found to dampen those very desires.

Symlin Curtails Fast Food Binges in Weight Loss Study - Diabetes Health

Posted by at 6:56 PM | Permalink

 Yes, I've decided to track these.  It's REALLY getting to bug me.

A 65-year-old St. Louis man is missing after Amtrak personnel, mistaking his diabetic shock for drunk and disorderly behavior, kicked him off a train in the middle of a national forest, according to police in Williams, Ariz.

Police: Diabetic Man Missing After Being Kicked Off Train - Local News Story - KPHO Phoenix

Posted by at 6:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Interesting -- and I certainly believe it is true.  First of all, what doctor wants to be bothered every three days?  I have to adjust boluses pretty often either when I lose or gain weight -- or just eat too many carbs for a few days. 

In a real-world study, patients using a dose self-adjustment algorithm had significantly greater fasting plasma glucose reductions (P<0.0001) than those randomized to standard physician-driven adjustments, said Luigi Meneghini, M.D., of the University of Miami, and colleagues.

ADA: Patients Beat Physicians at Insulin Dose Adjustment

Posted by at 8:24 PM | Permalink

Wow!  If this is true -- it might be the right med for me.  I STILL think my mother should be on it. 

ing Byetta can reduce our risk of heart attacks and strokes, the most common and deadly complications of diabetes.

Diabetes - Byetta for the Heart

Posted by at 7:16 PM | Permalink

Posted by at 2:07 PM | Permalink

I'm off to Monroe (Louisiana) to an agility trial in a few minutes.  Bad thing about traveling with dogs, the truck is completely filled with their stuff and there isn't much room for my stuff.

They have an exercise pen and matt for the trial site, and an extra set of cages for the hotel -- that DOES make life easier, food, bowls, water, etc.  Three dogs takes up a lot of room in a small truck.

I'm traveling with the Dexcom for the first time.  I am going to leave manuals, etc. at home as they have 24/7 support AND have the manual on line, and I have that available to me.

I'm also taking Fitness4Diabetics on the road for the first time too.  My workouts will be curtailed to some extend, but then I've been known to put in over 15,000 steps at a trial.

Next week I'm going on a road trip by myself, so this will be a good rehearsal.

Posted by at 9:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Last night, after I got out of the hot tub, the sensor was reading disconnected.  I had already planned to switch sensors, as the back part of the adhesive was coming loose.  I wanted a new sensor in, stable and working before I drove to Monroe, Louisiana, and I wanted to have it going smoothly for at least the first day of dog agility.

Next time, I'll know better, I bet I could have gotten the sensor to go a full two weeks.  The majority of the adhesive was down good and solid.

This time I did feel the sensor needle go in and out.  But I do believe I have a good install -- I don't feel anything once I got everything in place -- including the sensor. 

So far, I am exceptionally pleased with the Dexcom sensor.  As I get more comfortable with it, I'll start pushing the envelope more and see if I can get my A1C and my weight down. 

Posted by at 9:45 AM | Permalink

I put the Dexcom sensor in last Friday afternoon.  I swear that it gets more accurate every day.  I am still showering and hot tubbing without a problem.

Yesterday, the system caught three lows.  Once in the morning when I went shopping.  I thought about eating something, but I wasn't low enough yet, so I just stopped shopping and was fine.

Same thing happened in the afternoon.  I was on the treadmill and was heading for the low (alarm went off), so I just got off the treadmill and let things stabilize.  Same thing happened in the evening.

I can see that the system could help me lose weight -- at least I have a choice now.

Posted by at 8:52 AM | Permalink

Reset everything again -- and seriously, this sucker gets more stable as time goes on.  Numbers are very close to the meter, trends make sense, etc.  I still finger stick as normal and dose as normal, but it is nice to see what is going on.

Also got in the hot tub again last night AND the shower yesterday morning and not only missed only one data point or two, but the system was stable then.

Still very pleased.

Posted by at 9:44 AM | Permalink

Came home from dog class, covered in dirt, sweat, sun block and bug spray.  Shed the clothing (leaving the receiver in my skirt) and dumped it into the hamper and hopped into the hot tub.

Completely bypassed the shower covers.

Oh well, I thought, probably have to replace it -- and that's after thinking I'd popped out the sensor in the humidity, but had popped out a set instead.

WOW!  Got out of the hot tub, dried off, pulled out the transmitter and it was dry and STILL working -- after retrieving the receiver from the hamper.

Are the numbers 100% accurate?  Are the meters?  Of course not (and those of you who still think they are, do two fingers sticks in a row and measure with your meter. Heck, measure the blood twice from the SAME finger stick.

Does the graph of the meter match what is happening in my body?  Yeah, it think so.  It peaks when I eat, it falls when I exercise or take insulin.

Am I going to use Dexcom every day?  I don't know -- it depends on if I can afford it and if I need it.  I'm certainly going to use it the next few weeks while life is weird, especially since I'm driving so much.

Posted by at 9:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Dexcom is still working well. 

Weight is going well. 

Exercise with Fitness for Diabetics is going well.

 However ... apparently it hit the whole city -- no storm, but the power kept going out.  It would go out, then back on for a few minutes than out again.

First, that's a huge problem with the CPAP, because all of a sudden I don't get any air and I start strangling.  Needless to say, the mask comes off.

I did grab my emergency battery and use it.

However, I need a cool room to sleep and the humidifier on the cpap, neither of which was happening.

I'm hoping to finish the major project I was whining about this week.  Hopefully tomorrow.

Dog classes have been completely rescheduled -- those of you who read the real news would have seen we had major flooding in north Texas which flooded the agility barn.  Not a major problem since our school is the only school that has been able to hold classes on a regular basis.

Posted by at 12:21 PM | Permalink

I've actually TRIED the iPort -- and still have a partial box.  I'll save them in case I have surgery again but they aren't worth the hassle.  You'll find more about them if you check my archives. 

The other iPort stands for injection port, a little extended-wear doohickey that attaches to your skin for easy injecting, without the need for repeated skin punctures.

Diabetes Mine: The Other iPort

Posted by at 10:01 AM | Permalink

Yesterday was interesting -- numbers were really off -- missing a lot of night time data but the trends definitely matched what was going on.  Things settled back down in the late afternoon.

I think I saved the cost of an insertion set last night.  Dexcom woke me up about 4:00 am saying I was low.  I was at 101 according to my blood glucose monitor and extremely groggy.  I couldn't wake up enough to really do anything about it but got up, moved around and I think that was enough to fix this.  Same thing happened about 6:30.

In the past, I think I would have woke up enough to pull the set and roll over and go back to sleep until things got fixed.  I do that two or three times a month. 

Yes, I'm still happy with it.

I got brave and took a shower with out a shower cover, and haven't lost communications yet. 

Posted by at 7:16 AM | Permalink

Scott Verplank is my athletic hero -- he was even before I knew he was a diabetic and an pumper -- he is a graduate of my school district (next high school over), grew up at the golf course down the street, etc.  He is having a fabulous year, placing in the top 10 at several tournaments and winning the Nelson this year. 

Former Oklahoma State golf standout Scott Verplank finishes tied for seventh behind Cabrera. Verplank closed with a 2-over-par 72 and ended at 10-over 290 for the tournament. He earned a little more than $194,000.

Angel Cabrera captures U.S. open title - FOX23 News

Posted by at 8:54 PM | Permalink

Okay -- Diabetes OC -- time to get on the band wagon again.  This one happened down the road from me. 

Waxahachie resident Allen Nelms says a call to 911 to get medical attention for his diabetic seizure got him Tasered by police instead.

Waxahachie Daily Light - News - Man calls for EMS, gets police Tasers

Posted by at 3:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Posted by at 10:18 AM | Permalink

Still working well -- however again at night,  I am missing lots of data points.  I'm going to try keeping the receiver closer to the transmitter tonight, I'm not sure head of the bed is working.

Used an IV3000 during my shower this morning and haven't lost contact because of it.  I'm too superstitious to try doing it without.

I have to be up in McKinney at 6:45, so this will be short, the group I train agility with is putting on a fun match.

Posted by at 6:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I am working on a project with two other people.  I have been working with them for a portion of the last two weeks.

They drive me nuts.  One has only shown up when he said he was going to once.  He often leaves long before he said he was going to -- and spends most of the time on the phone.  He does have excuses, but I'm not sure I am buying it.

The other person does show up on time, but is very bitter about everything.  She is extremely stubborn.  The only way I can work with her, is to make her make all the decisions and tell me what to do.  I can sometimes get my way by just doing something.  I certainly can't if I ask first.  Also she mumbles.  She spends a great deal of her time spinning her wheels, visiting with others, etc.

I think most readers can tell that when I'm assigned to do something, I do it as quickly as possible to get it done.  I think we wasted at least two sessions if you chain all the time together.

I need to spend at least another week to get the second half of the project done.  Then we need to sit down and proof our work in at least 4 more sessions. 

I honestly don't want to work on the project next week, but it's the last time we can get together for a concentrated effort before the end of July.  What I really want to do is quit and not worry about it.  I think that is an option.

In the meantime, I'm trying to have some summer, and am going to double check in on Monday morning, that it is even worth coming in -- we need some data before we can do the next part of the project.

Posted by at 10:08 AM | Permalink

Just did a nice relax in the hot tub and then took a shower -- figured that would be the most efficient use of a shower cover.  Worked very well, haven't missed any data points.  I'm going to pick up some press and seal later on today -- I figure using a razor blade to pre cut it might work.

Numbers are still fascinating -- watched the graph rise after breakfast, fall while I was on the treadmill and then rise again when I got out of the shower. 

Posted by at 9:57 AM | Permalink

Still getting good readings -- the Dexcom has been within 10 points of my meter every finger stick so far.  It would be very tempting to rely on it.

Guess I should add -- I'm not super surprised that the Dexcom is working so well for me.  I actually had extremely good luck with the Glucowatch even though it did burn the heck out of me.

I did have a few hours of missing data last night.  However, what is there is a good trend. 

It is the EASIEST medical device to sleep with I've ever dealt with, and this is a lady who sleeps with both a pump and a CPAP machine.

So yes, still happy.

Posted by at 6:59 AM | Permalink

Seriously -- I've been within 10 points between the meter and the Dexcom when I've checked.  That is SO cool! 

Of course, I'm only an few hours in (4 1/2 hours to be exact).

Posted by at 8:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Well, I did have the first week off and got some progress made on my projects.

The second week was staff development AND two afternoons of working on one of two test.

This week has felt like all I did was work on test BUT at least we have fall turned in.  We're supposed to work on Spring next week and I want to have it turned in by Thursday afternoon, IF I work on it.  It's been hard working on it and there are things I want to say but won't in a public form, so that's why I haven't been blogging.

It's hard to blog when most of what you want to say, you shouldn't.

Posted by at 5:46 PM | Permalink

I've been hooked and calibrated since 3:30 -- so I have 2 hours worth of reasonable data.  i saw a trend up just after eating and now a trend down.  I got an alert when  I got to my high setting.

All in all, I'm very happy with it so far.  The sensor doesn't interfere with anything I do though the length of it creeped me out.  Don't ever show that thing to me again if you want me to use it, and the rep shouldn't have in the first place.

It was a good deal.  $450 for the Starter Kit, the software and a free upgrade to the 7-day sensor.  Not sure when software will come but then again, the Animas software for the IR2020 hasn't arrived either.

Posted by at 5:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Posted by at 2:19 PM | Permalink

 Good article on diabetes in general, but especially Type 1.  AND another catch by an eye doctor.

A year before turning 50, Michele Thomas learned she had type 1 diabetes, a condition that used to be associated mainly with children.

'Juvenile' diabetes at 49: 'You deal with it' - CNN.com

Posted by at 2:49 PM | Permalink

Scott's right!  Tu Diabetes runs on Ning, which is an interesting website.  I've been a Ning member since it was started.  Check it out -- it's not just for insulin users. 

"It's like 'MySpace' on insulin..." - Scott Johnson

Tu Diabetes - A Social Network for Diabetics

Posted by at 7:49 AM | Permalink

I've had a busy week.  I've knocked out 2 1/2 days of staff development -- all on Wed Mastering topics.  Tuesday, the first day, made me remember just how tired I get in staff development.  Sitting still all day is hard work when you are used to running around the room. 

I am also working on test development for my district.  That's also stressful, but getting better.

I'm using a new style of insertion set -- clinical trial, and am having erratic blood sugars, but it could be the heat, the workshops, the stress from different work, or the phases of the moon. 

 My Fitness4Diabetics workouts are still going well, and also my food intake.  I've lost 15 pounds now, and I think I'm also starting to notice.  I'm up to 25 minutes of straight walking, which I couldn't do at the start.

I'm definitely going to resign the exercise the portion, haven't decided entirely on the nutrition, but I probably ought to since I'll be eating away from home during my Monroe and Pittsburgh trips.

Still working on planning Pittsburgh, but I'm pretty sure about Monroe right now -- I am planning to pack and start my drive after dog class on Monday night (several weeks from now), and getting some of the trip out of the way.  I am going to take my emergency CPAP battery and sleep on the road.  I have 3 dogs, so no one can really sneak up on me.  One thing I'm thinking about is getting my concealed carry license and carry a weapon but I have to find out about laws in Louisiana and Mississippi.  Same thing for my trip to Pittsburgh.

Posted by at 9:38 AM | Permalink

 This study might be helpful in preventing car accidents, etc.  I would really like to know what the pattern is.

Predicting Severe Hypoglycemia

Diabetes In Control - Predicting Severe Hypoglycemia

Posted by at 6:28 AM | Permalink

Amy sent me a comment today, and I do have some strong feelings about this. 

Diabetes Mine: When Things Get Ugly

First, the Doug Burns is pretty cut and dried to me -- he went to the lobby for help, they didn't and in fact reported him as intoxicated when he wasn't.  Therefore if anyone is at fault in this case, it is the movie theater NOT Doug Burns.  If they have just sold him some sugar, everyone would have gone home happily that night.

Second, I feel strongly, as a driver, I have a responsibility to make sure I do not endanger others.   I don't have the right to a bad day.  Thus, I check my blood sugar before I get into the car.  I also check my blood sugar periodically -- in fact, I have my pump set to remind me every two hours after a bolus.  That is my responsibility as a driver.  I also keep a whole bag of Smarties in the console of my car. 

Today is a typical day.  Check morning blood sugar, was at 145.  Bolused, loaded up the car, went to McD's a few blocks away and picked up an egga muffin (did I show my age?), and ate it on the way in.  If my blood sugar had been below 100, I would have eaten before I got in the car.

At the end of the day, I checked my blood sugar before I started -- it was 160, so no worry.  Went home, ate dinner, loaded up the beagles and headed to agility.  Just ate, blood sugar 160, and before dog agility so no bolus.  Still checked blood sugar two hours after dinner while I road -- 165, still no problem, but grabbed a sandwich since I was running three dogs.

Ran the three dogs, checking blood sugar between each class, and then checked blood sugar before I got in the car to leave.  160 after the second dog, the 125 after the third dog, so was good.  If I had been any lower, I would have eaten one of the snacks I keep in the car.

Yeah that's a heck of a lot of blood sticks -- but the point is, I do that, and my fellow drivers are much happier.

I am taking at least two major road trips this summer, and my regimen on the road will be similar.  In fact, I often check every hour if I am making major changes.

Posted by at 11:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Argh!

Tell that to my mother -- with her reoccuring infections, feeling bad, etc.

Heck tell it to the people around me.  Though I will buy that oral medications really don't work that well, and I do much better on insulin and even better on the pump.

By the way, I remember Bextra, and I liked it. 

However, no one feels better for a lower blood sugar. Some feel worse or get fatter depending on the drug. And no one feels worse for a high blood sugar, except for the rare patient with adult onset type 2 diabetes who can mobilize an extremely high blood sugar.

Source: ABC News: Riding Out the Medical 'Scare of the Week'

Posted by at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

As predicted, I was so exhausted last night, I know longer cared about my new CPAP mask.  I was able to sleep about 7 hours before it bothered me.  I'm really hoping to get up to 9 hours straight -- but it's been a LONG time since I had a mask that I could sleep that long in.

Posted by at 12:43 PM | Permalink