Daily Living

Forum Post: Re: New pump user question.

Mtguy12 — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:26:00 GMT

I already do all that yeah, the screaming is coming from the usual meddling folks who think they know what it's like or that they could deal with it better because they've spent years watching you deal with it. As for the physician and his nurse the sad part is that they are who every other doctor in the area reference everyone to as it is the "diabetic center" =(

Forum Post: Re: Spike After Eating

Joe — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:56:00 GMT

mornings are tough because I tend to be more insulin resistant in the mornings. I take more insulin per carb in the AM than I do for lunch or dinner. I try to take my fast acting about 15-20 minutes before I eat in the morning to help. avoiding cereal helps (me) too. a little bit of exercise like walking helps a meal spike. what was your bs before the meal? what kind of carbs did you eat? did you do anything different? are you getting a cold? most people check at +2 hours.

if I am not being lazy I can keep a post meal rise to about 50-75 above where I was before I ate. At 2 hours after a meal, you are supposed to be about +50ish then you know you took about the right amount of insulin.

if a random bs 200's or 300's caused complications that fast i'd be dead a long time ago so I am going to say no, you aren't going to see complications from a short term spike.

a1c of 6.6 is great. keep up the great work. yes I have complications from 30+ years of this.

Forum Post: Re: Tired of my CGM hanging and i hate adhesives!

Ebgineer — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:42:00 GMT

I'm using a Dexcom G4 CGM. The adhesive lasts for about a week. After that I supplement with Opsite Flexifix adhesive. It lasts for about a week. For the third week I add more Flexifix.

As for catching on clothes and furniture, that is more about the site you choose. Putting the CGM sensor higher on my body seemed to help me. My favorite is my chest. Some people use the back of their arm.

Forum Post: RE: Checking Blood Sugar

jennagrant — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:28:00 GMT

I wasn't inspired to test when the information wasn't used for anything.

Do you use a pump? Do you adjust your insulin to your carbs and blood sugar? If so then your tests will help you stay in good range and have energy and feel good.

I'm also a fan of having a meter you like. Some of them are like dinosaurs and don't inspire testing.

What issues specifically are you struggling with?

Forum Post: Re: Getting an Insulin Pump

brad68der1 — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:02:00 GMT

Been using a Medtronic pardigm for 2+ yrs now and have had 2 "gushers" I keep a paper towel ready when removing my infusion set now and with gentle pressure and 2 or 3 minutes later, problem solved. after injecting insulin for more than 28 yrs I have to say, I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO INJECTIONS :) I finally have control of my diabetes rather than the other way around. Which ever pump you decide on I'm 100% sure after 6 mths you wont want to go back either. Welcome to pumping, your life is gonna change for the better.

Forum Post: Newly Diagnosed Adult Type 1 Pak

Gina — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:07:00 GMT

JDRF is proud to announce the launch of a new resource for newly-diagnosed adults living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Adult Type 1 Pak (shown in this photo) will include important resources and information to educate, support, and inspire adults, age 16 and above. In collaboration with JDRF's generous Industry Partners - Diabetes Care by Bayer,Medtronic Diabetes, and Novo Nordisk - the Adult Type 1 Pak is now available through local JDRF Chapters, and is free of charge. Read more about the Adult Type 1 Pak and learn how you can get one here: http://jdrf.org/press-releases/jdrf-announces-new-outreach-kit-to-support-adults-newly-diagnosed-with-type-1-diabetes/

Forum: Newly Diagnosed

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:05:00 GMT

For all those who were just diagnosed or have family newly diagnosed share your questions and concerns here.

Forum Post: Re: Managing Emotions after Diagnosis

T1Kari — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:52:00 GMT

This is so true. I have been diagnosed T1 less than a week, and I'm an emotional wreck. I would never have guessed how incredibly overwhelming all of this is...

Forum Post: Re: Hard to move cartridges

Terry — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 00:17:00 GMT

I called them. They want me to send them back.

Forum Post: Re: Dexcom G4

Terry — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:01:00 GMT

Works great but my daughter hates to use it. She forgets to carry the receiver with her. If it were built into the pump it would be perfect.

Forum Post: Pump accessories

JimDan — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:21:00 GMT

I recently ordered the Tandem t:slim insulin pump. I am an adult male and am wondering what containment accessories (cases, clips, etc,) work best. If I can't carry it in my pocket, I'll need something for my belt. Anyone have one they would recommend?

Forum Post: Re: Recurring Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Type 1

jennagrant — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:48:00 GMT

That's great! Glad you found something that's helping.

Forum Post: Re: favorite blood glucose monitor?

James — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:08:00 GMT

One Touch, Ping Meter Remote. But I have several One Touch meters. I keep one at work and one in the car because you never know when you may forget or lose a meter and other supplies. I have at least a couple in a closet too that either are old or I tried and didn't especially like. I also have one I bought on a trip when I forgot my supplies on a bus! I hated that expensive pharmacy detour but luckily the tour guide found my supplies the next morning - and I had back ups of everything but my meter. I only use one brand of meter so I can use the same strips with all.

Forum Post: Re: Ways to Beat the Blues

JimDan — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 23:01:00 GMT

After 48 years, diabetes does not give me the blues. I try to take care of myself and spend my time living, not fixating on the fact that I am a diabetic. Sure, I have to do things that other people do not, but my life is pretty normal. I can enjoy exercising, eating gourmet food, and loving my family. I'm 62 and all my stuff still works!

Forum Post: Re: TSA and Travel with Diabetes

Ebgineer — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:17:00 GMT

Just got back from my trip. No trouble from TSA going through the metal detector while wearing the G4 sensor/transmitter. They did stop us to look at the desktop computer and synthesizer in our carry-ons. For takeoff and landing they say to turn off anything that can be turned off, but the transmitter doesn't have an off switch. I hear they are considering changing the rules so electronics can be kept on at all times.

Forum Post: Helping your child or teen cope with T1D

Gina — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:03:00 GMT

This a great article taken from the JDRF.org website: http://jdrf.org/life-with-t1d/type-1-diabetes-information/control-and-management/helping-your-child-or-teen-live-with-type-1-diabetes/

Your Child Has T1D

For the individual child and the whole family, type 1 diabetes changes life. As parents of children with T1D, we know that. But we also know this: Type 1 diabetes may change your family’s life, but it needn’t become your family’s life.

First, we want to assure you, emphatically, that your child can lead a full and normal emotional life with T1D. This page introduces some of the psychological, emotional, and social challenges you may encounter in raising your child or teenager with T1D.

Young Children and T1D

Young children may have difficulty understanding the sudden changes–glucose monitoring, insulin injections, food restrictions–that type 1 diabetes brings to their lives. Some common reactions among children are:

A feeling that they are being punished for disobedience
Feelings of shame or guilt
Fear of death, because diabetes starts with the sound “die”

These reactions may prompt your child to act with hostility toward you, feeling that somehow you have failed him or her. Because children think their parents are all-powerful, your child may believe you can make the disease go away.

Self-Care and Your Care

One of your most important jobs as the parent of a child with T1D is to supervise, encourage, and foster the independence your child needs to successfully manage T1D. Try to avoid being overprotective. Overly protective parents undermine a child’s self-esteem. Instead of developing a feeling of mastery over his or her environment, the child may develop a “sickly” self-image, use T1D to exert control, use low blood sugar as a means to avoid unpleasant activities, or let high blood sugar develop to a point of crisis.

Self-care is the key to the development of a child’s independence and self-esteem. This point cannot be overstated: You must get your child involved in self-care as soon as he or she is able to master self-management tasks and is emotionally ready. At the same time, supervision by caregivers must continue.

Teenagers and T1D

Adolescence is a tough time for all kids and their parents. Teenagers with diabetes carry extra burdens. That child who was always so good about type 1 diabetes management may suddenly rebel against the routine. He or she may refuse to monitor blood sugar levels, go on food binges, be evasive about test results. Your teenager may be grumpy, angry, distant.

The Psychological Challenges: Sexual Identity, Independence, Self-Care

Sexual identity and independence are challenges for many teens and their parents. For teenagers with diabetes, they present some special issues. The demands of self-care also can create unique pressures. To develop a sexual identity, a person has to accept his or her own body. While this is difficult for all teenagers, type 1 diabetes makes it even harder. After all, successful people in movies and on TV are shown as young, beautiful, and physically perfect. Teenagers with diabetes know they’re not perfect. They wonder if they’ll be accepted by the opposite sex and by their peers.

Sometimes, fear of rejection will cause them to isolate themselves from their peer group. But isolation is even worse for self-esteem. If this happens to your child, you should try to break this potentially damaging cycle.

To achieve independence, teenagers often form bonds with their friends. But peer groups require conformity, and conformity creates conflict for teenagers with type 1 diabetes. How can they act just like their friends (for instance, getting behind the wheel of a car without checking their blood sugar first) and still keep control of their type 1 diabetes? Helping your child feel comfortable with the boundaries of his or her T1D management program can be a positive step in dealing with peer pressure.

Adolescents are expected to become totally self-sufficient in their T1D routine. While this self-reliance helps build confidence, for some it creates another kind of pressure and anxiety. When their blood sugar levels go out of control–in spite of their best efforts–they may feel frustrated, weak, and inadequate. They may react in one of two ways: denial of the disease, or with aggressive behavior, which may be acted out through food binges or skipping their insulin.

It is important that you and your teenager understand the dynamics of blood sugar during the teenage years.

The Physical Challenge: Blood Sugar Control

One of the most frustrating and persistent problems during adolescence is the inability to control blood sugar. Research has shown that physiological changes are at work. It is believed that a hormone called Growth Hormone (GH), which stimulates the growth of bone and muscle mass during puberty, also acts as an anti-insulin agent. Moreover, falling blood sugar stimulates the release of adrenaline, which in turn triggers the release of stored glucose. The result: blood sugar levels that swing from too low to too high.

You and your teenager should both realize that poor blood sugar control is not all his or her fault.

Tips for Helping Your Teenager

Understanding and recognizing the limits of your control are key elements in helping your teenager with T1D work through the challenges of adolescence. Three areas of special importance are:

Understand the Need for Spontaneity. Teens want to be spontaneous–to be able to do things, eat things, try things. T1D requires the opposite. A teen with T1D must realize that freedom only comes with knowledge and responsibility. Only by fully understanding and controlling his or her diabetes can a teen achieve the flexibility he or she craves.
Understand the Need for Control. Teens want to be masters of their own lives. They want to define their own identities. To accomplish these objectives, they have to keep testing their limits. You can help show how they can use the discipline and control of diabetes care to gain strength and mastery in other parts of their lives.
Recognize the Limits of Your Control. Be realistic. Accept the fact that you can’t watch over your teen every minute of the day. You, too, have to learn that it’s your child’s T1D, not yours.

By no means do these suggestions mean you should turn your back on your teen and allow him or her to self-destruct. You can talk with your teen about the choices he or she is making. Talk about grown-up matters, like career, marriage, and alcohol. Talking with your teenager shows you think of him or her as an adult and helps keep the lines of communication open during this difficult period.

Get your teen involved in type 1 diabetes support groups and diabetes camps, where he or she can meet other teens with type 1 diabetes. If you believe your child is in serious trouble, don’t be embarrassed about seeking professional help.

Parents and T1D

Your child isn’t the only one struggling with the emotional challenge that diabetes presents. You are too, and you need support–because it will help you and because it will help your child.

You’re not alone in your struggle, and there’s no reason to feel alone. Get involved in support groups and type 1 diabetes organizations. Your child will benefit from being around other young people with T1D, and you will benefit from sharing information and insights with other parents who know the pitfalls, frustrations, and anxieties of a life with type 1 diabetes.

** The information provided here is not intended to take the place of medical advice. For guidance on topics discussed, consult your health care professional.

Forum Post: Re: LifeScan OneTouch Verio IQ Recall

Joe — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:03:00 GMT

Milpitas, CA – March 25, 2013 – LifeScan, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall and replacement for all of its OneTouch® Verio®IQ blood glucose meters in the United States, effective immediately.

LifeScan is recalling and replacing all OneTouch® Verio®IQ Meters because at extremely high blood glucose levels of 1024 mg/dL and above, the meter will not provide a warning that the blood glucose is extremely high and will shut off, thereby potentially leading to incorrect treatment and delaying proper treatment.

The likelihood of experiencing an extremely high blood glucose level of 1024 mg/dL or higher is remote; however, when such a blood glucose level occurs, it is a serious health risk requiring immediate medical attention. Because these products do not provide an appropriate warning at glucose levels of 1024 mg/dL or higher, diagnosis and treatment of extreme hyperglycemia may be delayed or incorrect treatment may be given resulting in potentially serious health risk or fatality.

... apparently it's head explodes at 1024, as would mine.

Forum Post: Re: I hate Animas- now time for a new pump, but which? Tandem?

Philadelph — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:27:00 GMT

That's really strange! I haven't had any problem like that with the pump at all. I would try calling your local rep if you have one. They would probably be more suited to check out the problem and diagnose it with you. Maybe the cartridges are only designed to be filled to 300u to give an accurate reading? I know that you cannot "refill" the cartridges once they have been loaded in the pump- that will mess up the reading I believe.

Forum Post: Re: Gastroparesis

James — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:03:00 GMT

I have Gastroparesis and from what I have researched there is great variaety in symptoms. For me sugar free carbonated drinks and digestive enzymes are a blessing. Neither of the articles below are as good as something I read a couple yeras ago, some details are better than none.

community.diabetes.org/.../293918

www.medpagetoday.com/.../9611

Forum Post: Re: DM as a risk factor for quadriceps tendon rupture?

James — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:47:00 GMT

The endocrine system controls hormones and many other factors - such as elecrolytes. Your muscles and other cells need proper nutrition and metabolism and DM impacts your bodys ability to keep everything balanced.