Thursday, December 8, 2011

My Journey With Diabetes.

    When I was about 11 years old, and in grade 7, I was diagnosed with Juvenile (Type 1) Diabetes, it was about a week after Halloween, and my Mom noticed something wasn't right when I drank almost an entire 19 liter (5 US gal) water cooler bottle ... in less than 4 days. In addition to the constant thirst (and subsequent washroom breaks) I had a general feeling of malaise, I was incredibly tired and irritable. I stayed home from school for a few days and when I showed no signs of improvement, my Mom took me to see a doctor. The doctor sent me for some blood tests, and the next day we received a phone call from  the Dr.'s office telling me to go to the hospital asap, though couldn't tell us why over the phone. We got to the hospital emergency and ended up waiting for a few hours - I jokingly said '  There better be something really wrong with me, if they're making me wait this long' ... in retrospect, NOT FUNNY.I don't recall what my sugars were when I went in but I was not allowed to eat, and was immediately given insulin. My sugars were checked about every 3 hours (Via Finger pricks) needless to say, my finger pads felt worse than pin-cusions. I ended up staying 2-3 weeks, and besides the food, injections & finger pricks ever 3-4 hours all day & night,it really wasn't so bad, ...

as the doctors tried to stabilize my bloodsugar and find a regimen of insulin that suited my lifestyle, eating habits and day-to-day schedule, my parents and I were attending a daily Crash-course in Diabetes. my parents were required to understand diabetes as much as I was and there was ALOT to understand. The last part of the crash course was getting me to be ale to give myself injections - not an easy thing to become accustomed to at age 11 - we started off by injecting oranges, then when I had said I was ready, the nurses would measure out my insulin and guide me through injecting myself. eventually I was measuring my insulin and injecting myself. When it came to my parents learning how to test my sugars and inject me, ... whole 'nother story. Letting my mom do it I was fine, but when it came to letting my dad do it... not so much,... it took two nurses, my mom, and my dad kind of sitting on me, before he was able to inject me, I don't know what it was but the thought of my dad's rough, calloused Sausage fingers doing something that required precision and a delicate touch, I didn't trust him. By the time he was done, I was still cringing and waiting for him to get it over with ... I didn't even feel it.



If  Diabetes (Either type) Runs in your family, you are at risk of getting it. Be aware of your eating habits. Excessive consumption of refined sugars and otherwise processed foods can trigger Diabetes.


Types Of  Diabetes ;

Juvenile Diabetes
; (Type 1) - When a pancreas stops working altogether. (artificial Insulin is given to accommodate)

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes; (Type 2) Body responds abnormally to sugars though the pancreas is still working. (Oral Meds are given to boost insulin production )

Gestational Diabetes; (pregnancy Diabetes) Occasionally happens during pregnancy. Advanced age is a risk factor. - can often be treated with monitoring, diet and exercise

Risk Factors Include;

  •  Sedentary or otherwise inactive lifestyle
  •  Excessive consumption of sugary &/or processed foods
  • Family History (Diabetes can be genetic)
  • Race (Diabetes [Type 1] is more common in whites than other races) blacks, Hispanics, American Indians and Asians are at a higher risk for Type 2 


Prevention ;

  •  Maintain an active lifestyle; (This doesn't have to mean going to the gym, Do some reps Bench-pressing your baby, sit and bounce on a balance ball or walk on your treadmill instead of lounging on the couch,
  • Avoid Sugary, processed foods; Grab a Vitamin water, or Diet pop instead of  your regular Sugar laden pop or energy drink
  • Get tested; People with a family history should get tested for diabetes every 6 months or so. 
  • Lose some weight!; the fewer extra pounds you are carrying around, the less likely you are to get diabetes.



Treatment;

  •     Pre-Diabetes; If you are Diagnosed with  you will want to see the 'Prevention' section... Doctors orders!- Diet and exercise can be used to prevent the Diabetes from progressing to the point where Injections and pills are necessary ... If that's not reason enough to get yourself in shape, I don't know what is!
  • Glucose Testing; Involves Pricking your finger (Or arm - That's what I use, I find it hurts less- Consult your doctor) and using a blood-tester machine (About the size or a pager or cell-phone) to monitor your glucose levels - Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes all require this
  • Insulin; Can be administered VIA Injection (that's what I use, I'm oldshool) Pen or Pump - Type 1 Diabetics ALWAYS require this ...as well as SOME Type 2 diabetics...
  • Oral Meds; Generally used for type 2 Diabetics, Oral Medication (Such as Metformin) boost Insulin production but do not lower elevated glucose levels

My Diabetes 'Gear'
Insulin (Fast and slow-acting) 
Blood tester, Lancet and Test strips
Peace, Love & Goodhealth

14 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for linking up for my hop! I'm a new follower!

    My mom actually had gestational diabetes and now has type 2. But when she was pregnant with my sister (I was 11) I had to help give her shots. And she had such a strict diet! I still have to watch since I am over weight but have had no problems up till now even when I was pregnant both times. I consider myself very lucky!

    Hope you have a great weekend!

    Kim
    http://www.chubbycheeksthinks.com

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  2. This is interesting. My MIL is diabetic but, I haven't ever talked to her much about it....nice post.

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  3. Hello! Found you through the Fashion and Friends blog hop.

    This is such an interesting read. My grandfather and aunt both have diabetes. My father is showing signs too. That should put me at risk, right? My aunt is even planning to wear a customized bracelet which says "I am diabetic" to constantly remind her that she has diabetes and in case, just in case she gets into an emergency, the people around her would know that she is.

    Thanks for the informative post. I wonder what you had to go through when you were younger. I can only imagine your discipline with getting through your meds and diet.

    Anyways, good luck! And have a great weekend!

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  4. @Kim - Great to hear you haven't developed Gestational Diabetes, as you probably know by your mothers Diabetes, women who get Gestational Diabetes are at higher risk to develop Type 2 ...
    keep an eye on it, and keep the symptoms in the back of your mind :)
    @Melody - Thanks :)
    @Simonette - Yes, Both Types of Diabetes are genetic, so I would suggest getting tested every so often - as with early detection, Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented. Diabetes tends to skip a generation, so if your grandfather has it, you really need to take heed of the 'prevention' section :) Just be aware - medic alert bracelets are ALWAYS a good idea for any Medical issues - that way if ever there is an emergency, you (or in this case, your aunt) can get te help they need, and medics can rule out a Diabetic episode before treating her.

    Thanks for the comment love, ladies

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  5. It's something that's always in the back of mind. I get tested every year. Many MALE family members have Diabetes and I developed it with my last pregnancy. (I was able to control my numbers with diet and exercise though and needed no pills or injections. Phew!) Since most of the men on my husband's side AND my husband have developed Type II by 35, I already have my oldest (almost 13) watched, and I limit the sweets and have them outside playing (i.e. running around) hours most days. Thanks for sharing your story and information! New follower from Loving the Weekend Blog Hop!

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  6. HI!! thanks for the follow. I am now follow you too!!

    Mommie...Again

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  7. Wow what a journey at such a young age!

    Following you back! =)

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  8. Diabetes is such a scary thing! I worked with a guy once who didn't tell anyone he was diabetic. Then one he and I were in the storage room putting away some overstock and his speech started sounding funny. Next thing I know his hands were shaking and he was on the ground. I was 8 months pregnant and terrified because I didn't know what to do. I tried to calmly all my boss up but I must not have been calm enough because half of the employees there showed up thinking my water broke! Not long after this, he was closing the store, he locked everyone in while he went to the cash office. They should have been out by 9:30. When 10pm hit everyone tried to call him and he wasn't responding. By 11 they called me to come unlock the door so they could go home. By the time I got there I called an ambulance to get him out safely.
    Morale is, thank goodness you are taking care of yourself! Your journey sounds like it has been a very long one. Bless you for doing what you have to each day to keep yourself healthy.

    Thanks for the follow on Cooper Avenue :)

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  9. Hi Krystal! Sorry the sample turned out to be US only =P I'm actually a Canadian working as a nurse in the USA. I love you site and love your information on Diabetes, so many people need this info in a nice easy way to understand. You're awesome and have a new follower

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  10. I'm a new follower from Lovin the weekend!

    Great post. I have PCOS, so I'm at risk for Diabetes. My grandma also had Diabetes.

    Check out my post on Homemade Snowman Ornaments!
    http://www.rockindeals4you.com/freebies/craft-handprint-snowman-ornaments

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  11. Thanks for stopping by yesterday, I am happy to be following you back. What a great post, TONS if information there!! My mother-in-law is diabetic so my hubby takes steps to eat right and be active, so far so good, both he and his Dr. are happy. :)

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  12. So nice to meet you, I have just found your lovely blog through the blog hop this weekend wonderful to join in. I'm now following you hope you visit me and follow back so nice to find new friends to catch up with. Have a great day. Thanks so much for sharing all your information great post.

    Always Wendy

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  13. Thanks for sharing! I'm also a diabetic (type 2), and when I was diagnosed I really struggled because so many groups, resources, etc. were geared towards older people. Nice to find tips from and for the younger crowd since we face slightly different challenges.

    Glad I found your site on the Glamourous without the Guilt hop this weekend!

    Kristin - www.kristinhodnett.com

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  14. I wish you good health for the new year.

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