I debated on even sharing my Omnipod post. I had it marked for deletion, for pending review, for draft, for anything but publish for a long time. I knew that it would possibly upset some people, but I didn’t realize it would cause this upset. This is the exact reason why I didn’t want to say anything… why I wanted to keep hush-hush about my trialing the Omnipod system again. I wish now that I hadn’t. I hate that the existing customers are being put off. These people have been loyal to Insulet and they aren’t being treated fairly in my opinion. Yes, the company would be taking a loss by simply shipping out the new system with the new pods right away, but honestly, with these people being as loyal as they have been, shouldn’t that speak for something??

I absolutely hate that my post has helped fuel the fire against them. While they say they will remain loyal, I know it is irritating and downright infuriating to see others with the new system. It was that way for me when Dexcom had their upgrade. Brand new customers were getting their systems before those of us who had been on it for a while could get our systems.

To those of you that I have upset – Lorraine and Caleb, Laura and Nate, Penny and Grace, and countless others –  I am deeply sorry. I hope that your posts will reach Insulet and speak volumes to them. I hope that they will listen and send out the new systems.

A friend posted the link to a crazy post about NC wanting to proclaim a certain religion. While I don’t agree with declaring a official state religion, I sort of understand why they are doing it (albeit it’s crazy). I think they think if they’re able to proclaim an official state religion, they feel they’ll be “protected” to be able to worship freely still.

If the constitution says we have the right to speak freely and that we have the freedom to believe whatever religion we would like, then why are the Christians being told to hush and being told that we are dumb and bigots for believing what we believe? Don’t we have a right just as much as the atheist or muslim or anyone else who does or doesn’t proclaim a religion? And besides, “Bigotry is the state of mind of a bigot: someone who, as a result of their prejudices, treats other people with hatred, contempt, and intolerance on the basis of a person’s race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, language, socioeconomic status, or other status.”(wiki) They think all of us who proclaim to be Christians are this way- we aren’t. Some of us are taught the right way to treat others, even if their lifestyle or actions are not in line with what we are taught from the Bible. And if we are bigots because only because we are Christians, then others are bigots because they have prejudices against us and treat us with hatred because of our religion. They seem to forget that “religion” is in that list too.

I understand that everyone has their own views. Different people are raised different ways. We are all supposed to respect each other and know that we are all different. If I am taught the ways of the Bible, and you aren’t, I’m not going to treat you differently because of that. If you are someone of a different race, religion, status, or anything else, so be it! Christ commanded us to treat others with love and respect – to love others just as Christ loved the church. It’s not my place to say whether you are living right or not because I’m not the Almighty and you can point the finger at my sins just as much as I could yours and in the end, neither one of us is better than the other. And I’m sorry that some other people and organizations can’t see that.

Just my peace. This will be my last post where I speak my mind on this subject. Tomorrow or maybe later today, I’ll go back to my regular scheduled programming of showing off my kid and speaking about my diabetes.

This girl used to run around the house with me while our electric piano played a weird beat. She used to lay out in the back yard with the NASCAR race going on beside her on the radio. When we were little and lived in another state, we played on our walkie-talkie “cell phones” we got for Christmas and she went outside to eat the falling snow with me, and in the summer, we ran around playing with water guns outside. I embarrassed her with her first date over at our house.  She used to play her guitar in her room, and I would bring my keyboard and we would play songs together. We sang songs really loud in her “Silver Thunderbird”.  We had our fights and all, but we were sisters.  At the end of the day… she was there beside me. Most of the time on the couch or even just across the hall, but she was there. That’s what sisters did.

I got upset when THE boy came along and married her. The sister that I sometimes could not stand to be around yet shared so many good memories with was no longer living across the hall from me. I was devastated. I never wanted to tell her, but I felt like she was no longer going to be there.. that she had gone away. But life moved on. Soon, she brought a beautiful baby girl into the world, and I became an aunt for the very first time. I got to see my sister in a different light. Not a girl like me, but as a wife and mom… all grown up. And still, she was there.. beside me… unknowingly teaching me “the ropes” of what it is like parenting a new baby.

Then, years passed, and I met THE boy. And she was there for me with everything. She was my matron of honor – and oh what an honor it was to have her stand beside me as I went from being a daughter, sister, and aunt – to adding the title of “wife”. She was there… beside me.

While I was pregnant.. through finding out I was pregnant through a text message with a picture of the positive test and calling me with a simple “SHUT UP!” as her greeting to going with us to find out if it was going to be a boy or a girl… and later going to see him there inside of me through 3D imaging and getting to see his chubby cheeks and watch him do the undeniable trade-mark of his father – the nose-rub – she was there… watching beside us. And even while I was in labor, after the delivery, she was there. Anything and everything I ever needed, she was there.. right beside me.

Then through the most awfullest period of my life… of our lives…. going through a sudden divorce of our parents that was not nice at all… she was there. She became the closest person to me. While she was doing her best to deal, she was helping me and my brother deal. She was there for us the whole time…

My sister is the best sister I could have ever been given. I couldn’t understand it back then. We were too busy being fussy kids and she was busy trying to help mom take care of me. I couldn’t see that her constant nagging and being all up in my business – diabetes or otherwise – was her way of trying to care and protect me. I wish I could go back and share with myself all of the wonderful things she has done for me throughout my life. And tell myself that no matter how angry or tiffed I thought I was, to let it go because she is the greatest sister anyone could ever ask for.

She’s always been there… I just hope and pray I can be that same sister back to her. Because she deserves it. And she’s amazing.

My brother, me, and my sister.

Happy birthday, Steph. I love you.

A while back, I was contacted about doing a product review on the new Ringpops… the sugar-free version. While it’s exciting to see companies trying to make an effort to make more choices for us diabetics, I am also skeptical when it comes to reviewing such products since they can have varied effects on different people.  My main concern with the products that claim to be sugar free often have just as many carbs as the regular versions of the candies/food, thus still having the same effect on blood sugars.

When I received the package, my blood sugars were out of control with the rising hormones due to the pregnancy, so I wanted to wait until they were stable enough to really do a test on the pops to find out about this “sugar-free” yet not carb-free treat. This week, I was able to do just that.

The package came with three flavors – blue raspberry, watermelon, and strawberry. While the taste of the two that I tried was good, it does still taste like a sugar-free candy.. what I mean by that is it has that after-taste to it that you don’t get with regular versions. It is a very hard candy, so it would be good for kids since you practically cannot bite down on this sucker (pun intended!).

Granted, the pop does have 13g carb, but to be honest, with the time it takes to eat the thing, I didn’t see any spikes in blood sugar. If it had been any other food or candy that were 13g carb and sugar free and able to be eaten within minutes, I probably would have. But it took me well over an hour to eat the strawberry one last night and I’m currently working on the watermelon one.

So, with that, I’ll leave you with pictures of the watermelon package to see the ingredients and nutritional facts. I do like the pops, though I’m sure it’s a sight to see being 8 1/2 months pregnant and looking like I’M the one sucking on a pacifier, so I’ll probably leave these to the kids to enjoy. If you’ve tried these and liked them or actually seen blood glucose differences from eating them, please leave a comment.

I have the red meter remote skin and the green Ping skin.

I have decided that since I haven’t used the skins I bought for my pump when I first got them, I’d let them go. But instead of throwing them out (and at $20 brand new, I can’t bear to throw them out!!!), I thought I’d give someone else the chance to have them for half-price. So, I’m selling them. I promise, these skins aren’t hurt at all. I mostly just didn’t like the colors after I got them, so I never really used them. If you’d like to have them, I’m selling them for $10 each.

If you’re interested, please contact me and I’ll send you an invoice over Paypal for them (or it, depending on if you want both or just one).

Thanks!

Sarah

Today was the big day where we would see the little bean for the first time. I was up early, not from nerves or excitement, but from actually being hungry for the first time in three weeks. But, since the morning sickness is still in full swing, I was only able to eat a bowl of grits and drink some milk. I tell ya, bland foods are your friends when you’re pregnant and have the blessed morning sickness.

We arrived, I signed in, and we waited. Mondays must be their OB appointment day because almost every woman that was there was going back to the diagnostics suite and coming back out with an ultrasound picture, and the ones that were far enough along to have it, were coming out with the DVD’s of the 3D ultrasounds.

Finally, almost an hour after arriving, we were called back. We discussed a few things and got ready for the ultrasound. Right away you could see it. The little bean. The little bean that now had a little drummer of a heartbeat -drumming away at 140 beats per minute. It was at that exact moment that everything seemed to focus in on that little bean – our baby. Holding Erik’s hand, I did my best but failed at containing my tears. I was speechless. Something that I thought I would never be able to hear and even blocked out the possibility of hearing due to the fear of diabetes complications was now filling not only the room, but my heart beyond capacity.

I could have left and been satisfied from there, but we still had to see the doctor. After going to the lab and being stuck again (btw, I REALLY like the lab tech who drew those 5 vials – she was so gentle I barely felt it. She was AWESOME!), we sat for another hour or so to wait on the doctor.

After all was said and done and the doctor did his thing, we met with him. He answered our questions, gave me a prescription for nausea meds and prenatal vitamins (hoping to cut down on the nausea symptoms – thinking the OTC ones were too strong), and sent me home with a jug for a 24hr urine collection (oh joy!) so that we can get a baseline for my kidney function.

I still haven’t heard back from my A1c and thyroid levels, so I’m hoping that will be by tomorrow. I’ll let you guys know as soon as I do.

Today’s post is coming from someone very special to my heart. Most everyone knows George (a.k.a. Ninjabetic), but for those of you who don’t, let me tell you – He is the one of the most awesome diabetic dudes I know. He’s a wonderful singer, loving husband and father, a brother to all in the DOC, and the most awesome-est ninja I know! I could go on, but I’ll hush so you can read his post. And now, without further adieu, I give you George’s post:

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Most of the time I go through my diabetes life as a routine. I wake up and test. Before I eat I test, count carbs, and bolus for said carbs. Two hours later I test, correct if needed, and continue on.My days are a lot alike. Although diabetes is a pain in the neck I try to get through the day just accepting it and moving on sometimes I just snap. Sometimes just going through the day is impossible.

Like when someone asks, “Would you like a cookie?” Then they remember that I have diabetes and say, “Oh wait you can’t have this! Don’t worry they taste awful.” They often giggle out loud rewarding themselves with such a witty response. Like I haven’t heard that one about since about a week after I was diagnosed.

Or when I am reading my email and I get an offer to cure my diabetes by drinking paprika shakes, rubbing snake oil on my big toe, and doing the running man. I get so upset that people can get away with cashing in on peoples hopes and dreams of being free of this disease with ridiculous claims and false cures. I get so angry.

Then there those times when I am at an Independence Day celebration and someone asks all those people who served our country in the armed forces to stand up and be recognized. Every time I want to stand up and say, “I would have done it had diabetes not robbed me from that chance.” I get so sad and angry every time because I can’t stand up and say that. Diabetes did take my future away.

I get so upset.

But when I stop and look at my life I have to see that I have found a silver lining. I have found a reason to wake up everyday and not be depressed about having a chronic illness. It is all because of the support I get and the friends (family) I have online. You are the reason the tears stop when I read about someone losing the battle against this disease. You are the reason I know I will not be alone again. You are the reason I feel I need to stand up and fight for our right to live.

 
The DOC gives me strength and picks me up whenever I am down in the dumps.
We all get mad sometimes but happiness is such a better feeling.

Thank you for making me happy!

And thank you Sarah for asking me to guest post on your blog. It is an honor and a privilege.

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You can read more about George on his blog, www.ninjabetic.com. He’s on Twitter too = @ninjabetic. And, I love his motto: “”Because it takes being a Ninja to live successfully with Diabetes.”.

Thank you so very much, G, for guest blogging for me today!!!

Today’s post is brought to you by the number 6. Gina Capone has declared today D-Blog Day and the topic for this year is “6 things we would like others to know about diabetes”. So, here’s my list:

1. Just because I take insulin and not a pill or control my diabetes with diet and exercise alone doesn’t mean my diabetes is more “severe” or “serious” than those who do. All types of diabetes are seriously severe in their own way and pose the same risk for the same complications. Sure, one may take more work than the other, but diabetes is diabetes. That’s that.

2. Diabetes is always at the forefront of our minds. Everything we do – activities, eat, drink, etc. – directly affects how our diabetes makes us feel and act. We have to think about everything, weigh the consequences and make the best decision we can based on that to help keep us alive and safe. Trust me, if we had a scrolling marquee on top of our heads that spelled out everything we think of when you ask us to go for a walk with you or offer us a cookie or piece of cake, your mind would blow.

3. Speaking of cake, we can have ours and eat it too. Having diabetes doesn’t mean we can’t have sweets. It’s just one of those things that becomes a true treat. Everything in moderation. Sure, we have to do a little more work to enjoy it (figuring out boluses, temp basals if needed, that kind of thing), but we can have it. Besides, shouldn’t it be that way for everyone, not just diabetics?

4. Shot, finger pricks, and sites do hurt sometimes, even after doing it for years. You do get used to it, but not always. Sometimes we hit a sensitive spot that hurts like a ……, well, you know. But we put on a brave face for you so it doesn’t seem so bad.

5. Just because you may have been Type 2 and you lose the weight and go off of your medication doesn’t mean you don’t have diabetes anymore. The truth is, you’re more susceptible to having it later because you know your body can’t handle extra weight or the types of foods you were eating before. You should still be cautious of it and be aware that it can come back.

6. We all want a cure for diabetes. Yes, so we can live healthier lives, but so we can stop people from dying from diabetes. We don’t like that the only cure we have now is death. That’s not an option we want. It hurts us to the core to hear of lives that are lost to diabetes, especially children. We all feel like we’ve lost a little brother or sister when that happens. We feel robbed of a life that could have made a difference in the world, but diabetes won the battle and took them.

When thinking of people to guest blog for me, I instantly thought of Cherise (aka: Diabetic_Iz_Me). She is not just a fellow DOC blogger, tweeter, and facebooker, she’s my right-hand gal. She is an awesome person who just takes friendship to a whole new level because we “get” each other – diabetes and all. She’s always been there for me, encouraging me to do more and be the best I can be. She’s a wonderful army wife and great mom to a cute-as-a-button 4 year old girl, who she talks about in this post. Enjoy!

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The other day I was hanging out in the kitchen with my 4-year old daughter. She looked at me and said,” Mom, I don’t want to stop diabetes.”.
I paused…
“Why don’t you want to stop diabetes?” I asked her.
She said, “Mom, you get to meet a lot of cool people when you have diabetes. Diabetes is cool. If we stop diabetes then you wouldn’t get to hang out with your friends anymore.”
I paused again…
“I know you truly don’t understand diabetes right now. but. Diabetes isn’t fun. I can’t eat what I want when I want too. I can’t eat cake or ice cream without counting carbs. Baby, diabetes needs to be stopped or a cure needs to be found.”
She looked at me with her pretty brown eyes.
She paused.
She smiled.
She said,”Mom, if we stop diabetes or find a cure can you eat as many Popsicles with me as you can? maybe eat 6?”
I paused.
“Baby, if we find a cure I promise to eat 6 Popsicles, cake, ice cream and throw a party too.”
She looked at me and said,”Mom, I REALLY want to find a cure.”
I gave her a hug and smiled.

Be Blessed
Cherise

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Thank you, Cherise, for writing this guest blog for me. You are AWESOME!

Cherise blogs at Diabetes Daily and Well,Then , and is the brains behind and moderator of DSMA (Diabetes Social Media Advocacy).

This week, My husband and I are taking a few days to enjoy the mountain scenery. While we are gone, I have asked a few people to guest blog for me, and they have happily obliged.

Today’s post is compliments of the wonderful Martin Wood. He is a medical librarian, cyclist, diabetes advocate, and type 1 diabetic (since 1981). He’s also a great blogger with some great positive posts about living with diabetes. After reading his post here, why don’t you go on over and check out his site? He blogs over at Diabetically Speaking and tweets under the name of @woodonwheels.

Thank you so very much for blogging for me today, Martin! You are awesome!

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As serious as diabetes is, sometimes I have to have a little fun at its expense. One of the go-to laughs I have with diabetes is joking around with people when they ask me what my pump is. Before telling them the real story, of course. Some of my favorite jokes about my insulin pump include:

- I’m a doctor. It’s my pager. I have it wired under my clothes just in case I’m somewhere loud and don’t hear it, it will give me a slight electric shock to notify me of an emergency.

- Actually I’m wired for sound, and will be presenting my research on winged monkeys right here at the top of the hour. NOTE: This one is especially fun if you’re somewhere out of the ordinary for a presentation, like on public transportation.

- I was so inspired by my Prius that I decided to become a hybrid myself. This is my battery pack.

- It’s a new kind of cell phone I’m testing, where the antenna is built into my clothes. The only problem is I have to take my pants off to answer the phone every time it rings.

- It’s a walkie talkie. (Followed by me unclipping it from my belt, holding it next to my face, and saying, “Copy that Captain 100, you are clear to hold your position.”)

The list goes on and on, and I usually pick up on something in the environment or situation I’m in to play off of. For example, I told someone in the library the other day that it was a mobile barcode reader. The point is to make it an ice breaker, so that the person I’m sharing with doesn’t feel nervous or embarrassed for asking. I want people to be comfortable with the fact that I have diabetes, because I certainly have to be. I use humor to open up an opportunity to educate and share a little bit of my world with someone who may be able to use my knowledge to help someone else, or even themselves.

We are advocates for diabetes every day just by having the disease, and certainly there are things we are more comfortable with sharing about it than others. But for the most part, I think people are curious when they see something like an insulin pump, a continuous glucose monitor, a blood test meter, insulin pens, and other tools we sometimes show a glimpse of in public. By sharing, not only are we increasing awareness, but it also helps us to live easier with diabetes ourselves.

So go ahead, have a laugh at the expense of diabetes. Make a joke about it. You can’t hurt its feelings. After a good laugh, you may be surprised to find that not only have you increased awareness and educated someone else, but your own outlook has improved as well.