Current Bloodsugar: 87
Today's Prompt: “Friends & Family Friday” – As the holidays approach, social events and family gatherings are bound to occur. If you could say anything, what would you tell your loved ones about your diabetes?
Ah...the holidays...I love spending time with my family at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have so many wonderful memories of the holidays with family. The last few years holidays have presented a new challenge for me. One that involves actually thinking and worrying about the food I eat and what will be available, how will my blood sugars behave, etc...etc...
I hate having that extra stress, it often overshadows what I enjoy so much about the holidays. This just means I have to work a little harder to remind myself what this time of year is really about and to try and not let the diabetes get in the way of enjoying that time.
If I could say anything to my loved ones about my diabetes (and I imagine I am at this moment since many of them read this blog) I would say....
Please take the time to understand what it truly means to live with diabetes. Be well informed of this disease and my lifestyle. Accept my choices. Accept my decisions about what is best for my body and my health. Ask questions. But, please, please do not worry about me. Although I may ask you from time to time to help me along this journey, living a life with diabetes is my burden to carry and I do not wish for you to carry it too.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wordless Wednesday
Current Bloodsugar: 144
I know it's "wordless Wednesday" but it is just too hard for me to be wordless. Here is a variation of a post I did a while ago that I have adjusted for life with diabetes.
Lessons about living with diabetes from the residents of a backyard farm....
I know it's "wordless Wednesday" but it is just too hard for me to be wordless. Here is a variation of a post I did a while ago that I have adjusted for life with diabetes.
Lessons about living with diabetes from the residents of a backyard farm....
We all need something (or someone) to lean on every now and then...
Diabetes management is stressful...take time to relax and feel the sand between your toes...
Diabetes is like a pile of rocks. Uncomfortable, heavy, unstable and always in the way. But there are bright sides to every situation, you can always find a good use for a pile of rocks (like a favorite napping spot!)
Friends and family are priceless and are an important part of diabetes management...
keep them close by....
Exercise is very important....
Life with diabetes often presents situations that are big and scary. Face these things head on and you may may find they are not as scary as they seem.
Find the resources available to help you manage your health. Use them wisely, make the most of them and turn them into something awesome!
It always helps to have some who can help look out for you, emotionally and physically...
It's great to have an outlet for your frustrations about diabetes...
Entertainment is sometimes the best medicine....
A good night's sleep is important for maintaining your health.
Get plenty of rest....
any chance you get....
Keep looking up..
and smiling....
and keep your eyes wide open...
you never know what the future will bring...
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Diabetes Etiquette
Current Blood sugar: 107...yep, that's good folks...I like it when my body decides to cooperate!
Today's prompt: What question do you get asked the most when you tell someone you have diabetes? Do you use any of these opportunities to help teach about diabetes, or do they get annoying? Or both?
Ok folks, get ready to learn a lesson about diabetes etiquette. Today's prompt makes me think not only of what questions I get asked but what comments folks make when they find out I have diabetes. I generally love getting questions about my diabetes, with the exception of a few. I consider it a chance to educate folks on the disease. Not to mention the more questions people ask me, the more they know about how my life works and that makes things easier for me.
The most annoying questions come from folks who lack information or think they know more than they do about diabetes. Now, don't get me wrong... I do not hold the lack of knowledge about diabetes over anyone's head. It's not expected for someone to know everything there is to know about every chronic illness. But, with the media streaming information to the public about Type II diabetes, people tend to be quite misinformed about Type I and how it works.
No matter what you know about diabetes, there are some things you should not say and should not ask when you are conversing with a diabetic.
Questions and comments that I endure on a regular basis that are cring-worthy...
(In other words, you should avoid asking these questions or making these comments)
1. "Oh, you have diabetes...but you are not overweight, did you lose a lot of weight recently?" yep folks, I have been asked this question. I know I am not overweight and no I did not lose massive poundage...you do not get Type I diabetes from being overweight.
2. "Oh, you have diabetes, did you get that from eating too much sugar?" I don't think I can even explain how this makes me feel...are you placing the blame on me? Like I did this to myself? No one causes diabetes. You don't get diabetes from eating too much sugar.
3. "Are you sure you are supposed to be eating that?" or "I know you can't eat this" or "I bet you wish you could have some of this yummy ______" Now I know that you may be looking out for my best interest, but do I question your food choices? Let me make my own decisions, I know better than anyone what is best for my body. As a Type I on insulin, I can eat anything you can, I just might make my choices differently.
4. "Oh you have diabetes...my great uncle, mom, sister, cousin, college roommate, dog had/has diabetes....they lost their vision/foot/arm/died/went into a coma and never woke up." Ok, this is dicey...I know you want to connect with me by talking about your family or friend that has dealt with the disease and I don't discredit that. But your family member and me are very different and I know very well what risk factors I have with this disease. I am happy to hear stories about your diabetic friend or family member but I do not want to hear about the gruesome foot amputation. I take care of myself to prevent those things from happening.
5. How is your diabetes? Honestly, what kind of question is this? Well...my diabetes is still not cured, its still wrecking my life on a daily basis. My pancreas still does not work and generally "my diabetes" sucks. I don't mind general questions about how I am feeling or how I am (I am not that sensitive)...its just when folks as how my diabetes is.
Questions and comments I welcome from friends, family, and even strangers:
1. Why are you pricking your finger? How does blood testing work? What do the numbers mean?
2. What is that pager like device? (my pump) I am even happy to take it out, show you how it works, how it is attached, and anything else you want to know about it. I mean seriously...I have a smart computer attached to my waist...its pretty cool!
3. What can you eat? How do you decide what to eat? What kind of foods do you have to avoid? How do you make choices about food? Notice the difference between these questions and the previous ones about food? I am happy to answer any questions as long as they are inquiries and not statements about what you think I can and cannot eat.
4. What is the difference between Type I and Type II? How do you get diabetes? What are the symptoms?
5. What are the complications that can come from having diabetes?
6. Do you have to give yourself injections?
7. I was watching Oprah the other day and I heard _________ about diabetes...is that true?
8. Oh you have Type I...but you are not a kid (shoot...I knew there was a reason why I couldn't fit into the clothes at the Baby Gap) I thought Type I was a kid's disease" This is a common misconception, so it is OK to ask if you are confused by someone being diagnosed in their late 20's .
Ask away my friends...just keep in mind what questions are appropriate and which ones are just down-right not cool. Oh and in general I am open to any other questions about my life...since you know...diabetes isn't all I do!
Today's prompt: What question do you get asked the most when you tell someone you have diabetes? Do you use any of these opportunities to help teach about diabetes, or do they get annoying? Or both?
Ok folks, get ready to learn a lesson about diabetes etiquette. Today's prompt makes me think not only of what questions I get asked but what comments folks make when they find out I have diabetes. I generally love getting questions about my diabetes, with the exception of a few. I consider it a chance to educate folks on the disease. Not to mention the more questions people ask me, the more they know about how my life works and that makes things easier for me.
The most annoying questions come from folks who lack information or think they know more than they do about diabetes. Now, don't get me wrong... I do not hold the lack of knowledge about diabetes over anyone's head. It's not expected for someone to know everything there is to know about every chronic illness. But, with the media streaming information to the public about Type II diabetes, people tend to be quite misinformed about Type I and how it works.
No matter what you know about diabetes, there are some things you should not say and should not ask when you are conversing with a diabetic.
Questions and comments that I endure on a regular basis that are cring-worthy...
(In other words, you should avoid asking these questions or making these comments)
1. "Oh, you have diabetes...but you are not overweight, did you lose a lot of weight recently?" yep folks, I have been asked this question. I know I am not overweight and no I did not lose massive poundage...you do not get Type I diabetes from being overweight.
2. "Oh, you have diabetes, did you get that from eating too much sugar?" I don't think I can even explain how this makes me feel...are you placing the blame on me? Like I did this to myself? No one causes diabetes. You don't get diabetes from eating too much sugar.
3. "Are you sure you are supposed to be eating that?" or "I know you can't eat this" or "I bet you wish you could have some of this yummy ______" Now I know that you may be looking out for my best interest, but do I question your food choices? Let me make my own decisions, I know better than anyone what is best for my body. As a Type I on insulin, I can eat anything you can, I just might make my choices differently.
4. "Oh you have diabetes...my great uncle, mom, sister, cousin, college roommate, dog had/has diabetes....they lost their vision/foot/arm/died/went into a coma and never woke up." Ok, this is dicey...I know you want to connect with me by talking about your family or friend that has dealt with the disease and I don't discredit that. But your family member and me are very different and I know very well what risk factors I have with this disease. I am happy to hear stories about your diabetic friend or family member but I do not want to hear about the gruesome foot amputation. I take care of myself to prevent those things from happening.
5. How is your diabetes? Honestly, what kind of question is this? Well...my diabetes is still not cured, its still wrecking my life on a daily basis. My pancreas still does not work and generally "my diabetes" sucks. I don't mind general questions about how I am feeling or how I am (I am not that sensitive)...its just when folks as how my diabetes is.
Questions and comments I welcome from friends, family, and even strangers:
1. Why are you pricking your finger? How does blood testing work? What do the numbers mean?
2. What is that pager like device? (my pump) I am even happy to take it out, show you how it works, how it is attached, and anything else you want to know about it. I mean seriously...I have a smart computer attached to my waist...its pretty cool!
3. What can you eat? How do you decide what to eat? What kind of foods do you have to avoid? How do you make choices about food? Notice the difference between these questions and the previous ones about food? I am happy to answer any questions as long as they are inquiries and not statements about what you think I can and cannot eat.
4. What is the difference between Type I and Type II? How do you get diabetes? What are the symptoms?
5. What are the complications that can come from having diabetes?
6. Do you have to give yourself injections?
7. I was watching Oprah the other day and I heard _________ about diabetes...is that true?
8. Oh you have Type I...but you are not a kid (shoot...I knew there was a reason why I couldn't fit into the clothes at the Baby Gap) I thought Type I was a kid's disease" This is a common misconception, so it is OK to ask if you are confused by someone being diagnosed in their late 20's .
Ask away my friends...just keep in mind what questions are appropriate and which ones are just down-right not cool. Oh and in general I am open to any other questions about my life...since you know...diabetes isn't all I do!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Mouthwatering Monday
Current Blood sugar: 148
Today's Prompt: “Mouthwatering Monday” – Carrot sticks and potato chips have a similar crunch, but the similarities end there. What’s your favorite snack?
My favorite snack? This one is not hard at all. For a salty snack I love mixed nuts. They are low in carb and work well for satisfying my hunger and not wrecking my blood sugar. I have recently started making my own roasted nuts, it's cheaper that way! I also like to make sugar coated pecans using xylitol (natural, low carb sugar replacement).
For a sweet snack I like dark chocolate. Sometimes I eat dark chocolate chips, sometimes it is a piece of an organic dark chocolate candy bar. Dark chocolate is good for you in moderation and it is low in carbs, so it works well in my book! I have also experimented with several recipes for sugar free cookies and brownies. These generally turn out well and are low carb. I tend to save making those for special occasions...they don't last long in our house!
Here is a recipe for homemade roasted pecans and one for sugar coated pecans.
Spicy Roasted Pecans
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
A dash of cumin
2 cups pecan halves and pieces
Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in medium skillet over medium heat. Add chili powder, salt and pepper and stir to blend. Remove from heat. Add pecans and stir to coat. Transfer to rimmed baking sheet. Bake until pecans are golden, about 8
minutes. Cool. Coarsely chop pecans. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.) from: http://www.angelfire.com/la3/gourmetkarl/spicedpecan.html
or just use salt to taste if you prefer plain non-spicy pecans
Sugar Coated Pecans
this is a good link to a recipe I have done in the past that works. Use whatever sugar replacement you like, if that is what fits your needs!
Today's Prompt: “Mouthwatering Monday” – Carrot sticks and potato chips have a similar crunch, but the similarities end there. What’s your favorite snack?
My favorite snack? This one is not hard at all. For a salty snack I love mixed nuts. They are low in carb and work well for satisfying my hunger and not wrecking my blood sugar. I have recently started making my own roasted nuts, it's cheaper that way! I also like to make sugar coated pecans using xylitol (natural, low carb sugar replacement).
For a sweet snack I like dark chocolate. Sometimes I eat dark chocolate chips, sometimes it is a piece of an organic dark chocolate candy bar. Dark chocolate is good for you in moderation and it is low in carbs, so it works well in my book! I have also experimented with several recipes for sugar free cookies and brownies. These generally turn out well and are low carb. I tend to save making those for special occasions...they don't last long in our house!
Here is a recipe for homemade roasted pecans and one for sugar coated pecans.
Spicy Roasted Pecans
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
A dash of cumin
2 cups pecan halves and pieces
Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in medium skillet over medium heat. Add chili powder, salt and pepper and stir to blend. Remove from heat. Add pecans and stir to coat. Transfer to rimmed baking sheet. Bake until pecans are golden, about 8
minutes. Cool. Coarsely chop pecans. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.) from: http://www.angelfire.com/la3/gourmetkarl/spicedpecan.html
or just use salt to taste if you prefer plain non-spicy pecans
Sugar Coated Pecans
this is a good link to a recipe I have done in the past that works. Use whatever sugar replacement you like, if that is what fits your needs!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
World Diabetes Day
Current Bloodsugar: 130...after a long walk with a friend, I feel pretty content about this number, not bad, not great, but diabetes is not on my mind at the moment.
Today's Prompt: World Diabetes Day – Today is World Diabetes Day, recognized by the United Nations, so across the globe people are taking an action to raise diabetes awareness. What about you?
As important as advocacy is for diabetes, I am not doing much of anything today to raise awareness. Well, I am blogging and I will post some links and information on various multimedia and social pages, but that is the extent of my activism for the day.
I think it is so important to have World Diabetes Day and Diabetes Awareness month, I do not intend to discredit the value of these events by not putting forth more effort for diabetes awareness today. I guess it is my tendency to be shy which prevents me from standing on my rooftop and screaming about the importance of education and activism.
So what am I doing to promote awareness for diabetes? I check my blood sugar in plain view of others. I don't go through extreme measures to hide my pump. I vocalize my needs to others. Sure, I don't say to people..."Hello, my name is Melissa and I have Type I diabetes" when we first meet, but I don't hide the fact if it comes up in conversation. I answer questions and ask questions and dispel myths when I get a chance. I proudly wear my medical ID bracelet and welcome questions and comments. I do these things every day. This is my way of advocating. Diabetes is a invisible disease. I look normal on the outside but I am not. How are folks to learn more about this disease if I hide it from the world?
It's Sunday and I am spending the day relaxing and spending time doing the things I enjoy. I am living my life and trying to be normal and not letting diabetes get me down today. Sometimes that is all the activism I need.
Today's Prompt: World Diabetes Day – Today is World Diabetes Day, recognized by the United Nations, so across the globe people are taking an action to raise diabetes awareness. What about you?
As important as advocacy is for diabetes, I am not doing much of anything today to raise awareness. Well, I am blogging and I will post some links and information on various multimedia and social pages, but that is the extent of my activism for the day.
I think it is so important to have World Diabetes Day and Diabetes Awareness month, I do not intend to discredit the value of these events by not putting forth more effort for diabetes awareness today. I guess it is my tendency to be shy which prevents me from standing on my rooftop and screaming about the importance of education and activism.
So what am I doing to promote awareness for diabetes? I check my blood sugar in plain view of others. I don't go through extreme measures to hide my pump. I vocalize my needs to others. Sure, I don't say to people..."Hello, my name is Melissa and I have Type I diabetes" when we first meet, but I don't hide the fact if it comes up in conversation. I answer questions and ask questions and dispel myths when I get a chance. I proudly wear my medical ID bracelet and welcome questions and comments. I do these things every day. This is my way of advocating. Diabetes is a invisible disease. I look normal on the outside but I am not. How are folks to learn more about this disease if I hide it from the world?
It's Sunday and I am spending the day relaxing and spending time doing the things I enjoy. I am living my life and trying to be normal and not letting diabetes get me down today. Sometimes that is all the activism I need.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Feel the Burn
Current Blood sugar: 87...whoohoo...I love numbers like this! After exercise with very little insulin left on board and it's almost time to eat lunch. This is one of those times I start to think I have it all under control....better not get too sure of myself!
Today's Prompt: Unexpected Exercise – Raking leaves can be such a chore, but it can also be a great way to sneak in some exercise. What are some ways you sneak in some exercise? (And no, we don’t think “Jedi mind tricks” count!)
I have never been one for exercise. I like doing outdoorsy type activities, hiking, biking, walking, etc...but tell me I have to exercise and I am likely to kick you in the shin (well not really, I am really a non-violent person!). I just don't like exercising for the sake of exercising.
I do however like to be healthy and to stay in shape and if exercise is how that happens, well then so be it. The need to exercise to maintain control of my diabetes is one of the positive sides of being diagnosed. I now have something to force me to exercise. I have positive results with long term management of my blood sugars when I exercise and I always feel better. For a girl who lacked the motivation to exercise daily before my diagnosis, I have more motivation than ever to do it now.
I generally don't have to sneak in exercise since I plan exercise into my daily schedule. I rotate riding my bike trainer, lifting weights, pilates, swimming laps and walking. I do these things most every day or at least 4 times a week. Scheduling exercise is the only way I can make it happen.
Exercise can definitely be a thorn in my side. Take all of the scheduling, time, and motivation that most folks have to pull together to get an exercise routine that works and then add on trying to manage blood sugars before, during, and after exercise.
Imagine eating, changing, getting all of your gear together and going to the gym, hoping on your bike, or heading out for a walk, only to find after you have laced up your kicks, that your blood sugar is too low. Then imagine making the decision to either pack it all up and head home or consume more calories in juice or food than you will burn during your exercise just to be able to get through the session.
Or imagine you are all ready to exercise and your blood sugar shows up at 250 or 300, way too high and too dangerous to exercise. Or you have a perfect exercise session, a perfect blood sugar after the session, only to find 2 hours later that your blood sugar has risen to the 200's, 300's or even 400's. Then you spend the rest of the day correcting with insulin for an exercise related high blood sugar. Or how about a perfect exercise, perfect blood sugar and then the rest of the day your blood sugar plummets so that you are constantly stuffing your face to keep up with your body's need for carbs. All because you didn't calculate your insulin and carbs correctly or you worked out harder than you planned.
These are all of the things I face every single time I exercise. It takes months of trial and error to get an exercise routine to the point of maintaining reasonable blood sugars before, during, and after exercise. Not to mention, those things often change once your body becomes more efficient at that particular exercise. It's an ongoing battle, one I face every day. Can you see why it is so hard for diabetics to maintain a healthy exercise schedule?
So back to the original question. How do I sneak exercise into my schedule? Everyday I feed and water the animals, carrying bags of feed and buckets of water. Once a week I rake the chicken pen. I clean the house on a daily basis. I walk the dog, work in the garden and do yard work on a regular basis. These are the things that make up my life and the things I love to do. This is not exercise to me. I guess they do fit into the guidelines for physical activity, so some folks would consider it exercise. I am lucky enough to have a daily schedule that involves a lot of physical activity.
Any and all physical activity affects my bloodsugar. Twenty minutes of unplanned work in the yard can make me drop from a normal 130 or 150 to a 47 reading on my meter. Housework and yardwork, daily chores...they all affect my blood sugar. It is a lot of work to stay healthy. However, I am grateful for the ability to exercise and take care of my home and family. I am grateful I can reasonably manage an exercise schedule. I just wish sometimes it could be a little easier.
Today's Prompt: Unexpected Exercise – Raking leaves can be such a chore, but it can also be a great way to sneak in some exercise. What are some ways you sneak in some exercise? (And no, we don’t think “Jedi mind tricks” count!)
I have never been one for exercise. I like doing outdoorsy type activities, hiking, biking, walking, etc...but tell me I have to exercise and I am likely to kick you in the shin (well not really, I am really a non-violent person!). I just don't like exercising for the sake of exercising.
I do however like to be healthy and to stay in shape and if exercise is how that happens, well then so be it. The need to exercise to maintain control of my diabetes is one of the positive sides of being diagnosed. I now have something to force me to exercise. I have positive results with long term management of my blood sugars when I exercise and I always feel better. For a girl who lacked the motivation to exercise daily before my diagnosis, I have more motivation than ever to do it now.
I generally don't have to sneak in exercise since I plan exercise into my daily schedule. I rotate riding my bike trainer, lifting weights, pilates, swimming laps and walking. I do these things most every day or at least 4 times a week. Scheduling exercise is the only way I can make it happen.
Exercise can definitely be a thorn in my side. Take all of the scheduling, time, and motivation that most folks have to pull together to get an exercise routine that works and then add on trying to manage blood sugars before, during, and after exercise.
Imagine eating, changing, getting all of your gear together and going to the gym, hoping on your bike, or heading out for a walk, only to find after you have laced up your kicks, that your blood sugar is too low. Then imagine making the decision to either pack it all up and head home or consume more calories in juice or food than you will burn during your exercise just to be able to get through the session.
Or imagine you are all ready to exercise and your blood sugar shows up at 250 or 300, way too high and too dangerous to exercise. Or you have a perfect exercise session, a perfect blood sugar after the session, only to find 2 hours later that your blood sugar has risen to the 200's, 300's or even 400's. Then you spend the rest of the day correcting with insulin for an exercise related high blood sugar. Or how about a perfect exercise, perfect blood sugar and then the rest of the day your blood sugar plummets so that you are constantly stuffing your face to keep up with your body's need for carbs. All because you didn't calculate your insulin and carbs correctly or you worked out harder than you planned.
These are all of the things I face every single time I exercise. It takes months of trial and error to get an exercise routine to the point of maintaining reasonable blood sugars before, during, and after exercise. Not to mention, those things often change once your body becomes more efficient at that particular exercise. It's an ongoing battle, one I face every day. Can you see why it is so hard for diabetics to maintain a healthy exercise schedule?
So back to the original question. How do I sneak exercise into my schedule? Everyday I feed and water the animals, carrying bags of feed and buckets of water. Once a week I rake the chicken pen. I clean the house on a daily basis. I walk the dog, work in the garden and do yard work on a regular basis. These are the things that make up my life and the things I love to do. This is not exercise to me. I guess they do fit into the guidelines for physical activity, so some folks would consider it exercise. I am lucky enough to have a daily schedule that involves a lot of physical activity.
Any and all physical activity affects my bloodsugar. Twenty minutes of unplanned work in the yard can make me drop from a normal 130 or 150 to a 47 reading on my meter. Housework and yardwork, daily chores...they all affect my blood sugar. It is a lot of work to stay healthy. However, I am grateful for the ability to exercise and take care of my home and family. I am grateful I can reasonably manage an exercise schedule. I just wish sometimes it could be a little easier.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Family and Friends Friday
Current Bloodsugar: 150....this is not bad...but frustrating after riding the bike trainer for 30 minutes, lifting weights, and dancing around the den like a madwoman to the songs of Rocky Horror Picture Show (I was watching the movie while I road my trainer...I know...I know...you don' t have to tell me). Now I am waiting for it to come down a little to eat lunch.
Today's Post: “Friends & Family Friday” – Who is your biggest support and how do they help you in managing your diabetes?
Awww...shucks...where to do I even begin with this one? I have lots of folks in my life for who I am very grateful. All of my family and friends are supportive. So I guess the easiest way to do this is to just list some of those folks that really stand out, who go above and beyond to support me.
Disclaimer: These are in no particular order, and there are many, many folks who I wont list on here, simply because I can't list everyone! These are just a few of those special folks!
1. My nephews G-man and Lil'D: G-man is only 9. It may seem odd that I, a 30 year-old would tell you that some of my main supporters are children. First of all, G-man is a wise soul. He is compassionate, intelligent, and he questions everything. He doesn't take things as the come, he wants to know the whole truth. He asks questions about my diabetes, he listens to what I say, and he never forgets. You know how 9 year olds are...they remember everything. I don't have to dispel any myths with him, I don't have to explain the same thing over and over. He doesn't question my choices or offer advice, he just gets that this is what I do and he accepts it. Lil' D is only 5, too young to be burdened with the details of my disease. But he knows about my pump and knows it gives me something my body cannot produce. They both see me for who I am and not for the disease I have, and that my friends is what I call support.
2. My parents, my brother, my sister, and my friends: These folks have been there with me from the very beginning. They worry about me (sometimes too much) and they care about my health. They think of me when they plan meals. Sometimes they are a shoulder to lean on or an advocate. They love me and they are always there when I need them. I would not trade them for the world.
3. My dog: We have two dogs and I love them both dearly. Kyra has been by my side for the last 12 years, Waylon has been with us for 4. Although Kyra will always be my one and only baby-girl, she is not one for cuddling. Waylon loves to cuddle and he looks at you with soulful eyes. I always feel comfort when I cuddle with that furball. He likes to nuzzle against you. He is very aware. When we walk, he waits patiently as I stop to check my blood sugar, watching me. He has even gotten to the point that he stops when I take out my meter, he knows it means a quick break. When I find myself frustrated and annoyed about my blood sugar while walking, I look down and his blue eyes have such a peaceful look, I can't help but relax. He offers a non-judgmental, unconditional support.
4. My hubby: I am not even sure I can describe the support he gives me. I was diagnosed with Type I during our first year of marriage. Hubby married a laid back, easy going, active, biking, hiking, rock climbing girl and then 8 months later was thrown into a spiral with an emotional and physical wreck of a wife. It has taken 3 years to get back to some semblance of who I was before my diagnosis.
Three years to get it under control to where I feel like myself again. Three years of shots and finger pricks, carb counting, food issues, data charts, and pumps to get to a point where I control my diabetes instead of diabetes controlling me. It takes a strong man to deal with all of the crap we have been through in the last few years.
There is no doubt that diabetes has changed a little bit of me and hubby still loves me all the same. We have learned to deal with the loops and wrenches this disease throws us. He has weathered that crazy storm. I like to think we are stronger because of it all.
Hubby offers the kind of support no others can. He knows enough about my care to ask questions when they need to be asked and keep his mouth shut when they don't. He walks the tight rope of emotions with me and always catches me when I fall. He maintains the perfect balance between knowing enough to help and not helping too much. He keeps me grounded and provides the perspective and strength that has allowed me to stay true to who I am, diabetes and all.
Today's Post: “Friends & Family Friday” – Who is your biggest support and how do they help you in managing your diabetes?
Awww...shucks...where to do I even begin with this one? I have lots of folks in my life for who I am very grateful. All of my family and friends are supportive. So I guess the easiest way to do this is to just list some of those folks that really stand out, who go above and beyond to support me.
Disclaimer: These are in no particular order, and there are many, many folks who I wont list on here, simply because I can't list everyone! These are just a few of those special folks!
1. My nephews G-man and Lil'D: G-man is only 9. It may seem odd that I, a 30 year-old would tell you that some of my main supporters are children. First of all, G-man is a wise soul. He is compassionate, intelligent, and he questions everything. He doesn't take things as the come, he wants to know the whole truth. He asks questions about my diabetes, he listens to what I say, and he never forgets. You know how 9 year olds are...they remember everything. I don't have to dispel any myths with him, I don't have to explain the same thing over and over. He doesn't question my choices or offer advice, he just gets that this is what I do and he accepts it. Lil' D is only 5, too young to be burdened with the details of my disease. But he knows about my pump and knows it gives me something my body cannot produce. They both see me for who I am and not for the disease I have, and that my friends is what I call support.
2. My parents, my brother, my sister, and my friends: These folks have been there with me from the very beginning. They worry about me (sometimes too much) and they care about my health. They think of me when they plan meals. Sometimes they are a shoulder to lean on or an advocate. They love me and they are always there when I need them. I would not trade them for the world.
3. My dog: We have two dogs and I love them both dearly. Kyra has been by my side for the last 12 years, Waylon has been with us for 4. Although Kyra will always be my one and only baby-girl, she is not one for cuddling. Waylon loves to cuddle and he looks at you with soulful eyes. I always feel comfort when I cuddle with that furball. He likes to nuzzle against you. He is very aware. When we walk, he waits patiently as I stop to check my blood sugar, watching me. He has even gotten to the point that he stops when I take out my meter, he knows it means a quick break. When I find myself frustrated and annoyed about my blood sugar while walking, I look down and his blue eyes have such a peaceful look, I can't help but relax. He offers a non-judgmental, unconditional support.
4. My hubby: I am not even sure I can describe the support he gives me. I was diagnosed with Type I during our first year of marriage. Hubby married a laid back, easy going, active, biking, hiking, rock climbing girl and then 8 months later was thrown into a spiral with an emotional and physical wreck of a wife. It has taken 3 years to get back to some semblance of who I was before my diagnosis.
Three years to get it under control to where I feel like myself again. Three years of shots and finger pricks, carb counting, food issues, data charts, and pumps to get to a point where I control my diabetes instead of diabetes controlling me. It takes a strong man to deal with all of the crap we have been through in the last few years.
There is no doubt that diabetes has changed a little bit of me and hubby still loves me all the same. We have learned to deal with the loops and wrenches this disease throws us. He has weathered that crazy storm. I like to think we are stronger because of it all.
Hubby offers the kind of support no others can. He knows enough about my care to ask questions when they need to be asked and keep his mouth shut when they don't. He walks the tight rope of emotions with me and always catches me when I fall. He maintains the perfect balance between knowing enough to help and not helping too much. He keeps me grounded and provides the perspective and strength that has allowed me to stay true to who I am, diabetes and all.
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