I don't want to talk about it.

It is November.

November is Diabetes awareness month.

Last year I spent the entire month posting facts every day about the disease that our family and many of our friends deal with on a daily basis. (you can read last years posts under the Facts about T1 Diabetes tab at the top of my blog)

This year, you wouldn't even know diabetes was such a huge part of our lives. Not because it has gone anywhere. Not because I don't think about the stupid disease all.the.time. Because I do, of course. I spend every waking moment, and some sleeping ones too (weird dreams, so not fair to dream about diabetes).

The thing is, I just don't want to talk about it.

I am tired of this disease.

My Superhero is tired of this disease.

I don't want to talk about the fact that his last A1C was higher than it has been in a year and a half.

I don't want to talk about the fact that I have let pump sites go as long as 8 days before changing them because I am so incredibly busy that I can't keep my days straight. And I only changed it then because we had our very first low cartridge warning.

Even though I know THIS is our month to educate and inform the public about a disease that can take my kid's life, or any of theirs for that matter, I don't want to talk about it.

Major Diabetes burnout going on here.

And I don't want to talk about it.



*Disclaimer: I am a mom of a T1 Diabetic child and a child with ITP/Asthma/Dysphagia. I am NOT a doctor. I just play one in real life. Please do not take anything in this post or any other post on this blog as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns of your own, please seek advice from your doctor.*

The facade...

There has been a lot of talk of rainbows, unicorns, and glitter in the DOC lately (Diabetes Online Community).

It has also been brought up that people who blog are too negative and are perceived that their lives suck. I haven't said much about this until now. It got to me last night when I read another comment about it on Facebook.

Here is what I would like to say to those people.

I, like I know many of other bloggers are as well, am a very positive person. We live life just like you and see positive things going on in our lives. We really do. These typically are not the things that make it onto the blog to be shared with our readers.

And I think I know why.

Each and every day in our "normal" lives we are forced to put on a facade of sorts. The people we see and the interactions we have are not typically related to the disease our kids fight day in and day out.

We know our struggles.
We know we have long nights of checking blood sugar.
We know we have long nights of fighting highs and lows.
We have days where we fight them too.
We have battles where our kids sneak food.
And battles where we can't get them to eat at all.

This is truly what our lives consist of. Sure we have other things going on too. You know cooking meals, cleaning floors, doing laundry, etc. But it is these "extra" and highly necessary tasks that tend to bring us down.

We cannot share these things with our day to day interactions. They don't get it.

So, we put on our facade for them. They often see diabetes as "easy". Why? Because they don't see all the struggles. They might see a finger poke. They might see snacks being given. But to them that is it. Diabetes is no big deal.

But we know different. We know all the work that goes into every decision we make. We have to think and make decisions on why this low needs 5 skittles and that one needs 1/2 pack of fruit snacks.

We tend to hide what is really going on from the people who don't get it and don't have diabetes to deal with daily.

Hence the facade.

Instead, we bring that here.

To the DOC.

We use blogging and Facebook as a safe place to share what is going on. To share our frustrations. To share the "negative" stuff. This is where we get it off our chest so we can move forward. Once the emotions and feelings are OUT, we can move forward. Just because we may seem negative in our posts, that does not necessarily mean we are sitting around moping all the time.

And sure, there are times when we get into a little bit of a diabetes rut and we might be a little more down that normal. And you know what, that is ok! We all have our good days, weeks, and months managing a crappy disease. And we have our share of bad days, weeks, and months too.

Because no matter how you look at it, Diabetes sucks.

The only saving grace for me is that I have all of you for support and this blog to get out the negative crap so I can move on.

There are no rainbows, unicorns, and glitter on a daily basis with this disease.

And if you want to put on a facade of your own and make it appear that is what your life is all about, go for it. That is your choice. But please don't put those of us down that don't see life that way.

In my world, in the life I live, it is ok to have emotions other than rainbows, unicorns, and glitter.




*Disclaimer: I am a mom of a T1 Diabetic child and a child with ITP/Asthma/Dysphagia. I am NOT a doctor. I just play one in real life. Please do not take anything in this post or any other post on this blog as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns of your own, please seek advice from your doctor.*

3 years later...

3 years later...and we are still grieving. The stages of grief change over time and some days/weeks/months are harder than others. But we still grieve over our life with Diabetes.

3 years later...and we are still smiling. Sure we have our hard days, but we also have lots of good days and have learned to appreciate all the good things we have.

3 years later...and we are still learning. Sure, we have been managing this disease for 3 years now, but there is always something new to learn and something changing causing us to learn even more.

3 years later...and we are still grateful. So incredibly grateful that The Superhero is alive and well. Grateful for insulin. Grateful for the technology that allows us to manage this disease the best we can. And grateful for all the friends we have made along the way.

3 years later...and we are still sleep deprived. Diabetes has been known to cooperate and allow a night's sleep in 2-3 hour stretches. And also not cooperated and allowed a night's sleep in 1 hour or less stretches. We do whatever is necessary to keep him alive each and every night.

3 years later...and we are even closer as a family. I feel Rod and I know our kids and are much closer to them than we would be without Diabetes in our lives. We are also much closer to my parents than I ever thought we would need to be.

3 years later...and we are still scared. We try not to be scared all the time of course, but sometimes our emotions and the thoughts of "what if" get the better of us and we think about what could happen if we gave too much insulin, or not enough insulin, or what if he doesn't wake up this time. This is not all the time now, just sometimes these thoughts take over.

3 years later...and we are still hopeful. Hopeful that a CURE will come in The Superhero's life time. And until that cure, we will do everything possible to provide him the latest and greatest technology has to offer. We will continue fighting each and every day to keep him alive and healthy. And if the cure does not come in his lifetime, I only wish he can have the happiest and healthiest life possible!


And with that, I would like to wish my Superhero a Happy 3 Year Diaversary! I can't wait to celebrate your life being saved 3 years ago today!

Thank you to those of you we have known since the beginning and to those we have "met" along the way. I don't know where we would be without all of you!


Related Links:
The Superhero's Diagnosis story (age 18 months)
The Superhero's 1 Year Diaversary
The Superhero's 2 Year Diaversary (Part 1)
The superhero's 2 Year Diaversary (Part 2-the Celebration)


*Disclaimer: I am a mom of a T1 Diabetic child and a child with ITP/Asthma/Dysphagia. I am NOT a doctor. I just play one in real life. Please do not take anything in this post or any other post on this blog as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns of your own, please seek advice from your doctor.*

Virtual 5K

Yep, that's right! A VIRTUAL 5K! If you haven't read about it yet, here are the details.

One of my favorite D Mama bloggers, Reyna over at Beta Buddies, has a super awesome sister. Her sister has come up with the idea to do a virtual 5K. This way, we can raise money for JDRF AND get active at the same time!

For all the details check out Tara's blog HERE. The cost is only $10 per person and ALL the money goes to JDRF.

There are prizes up for grabs and most importantly, we are raising money for a GOOD cause! I challenge ALL of my friends to sign up and walk/jog/run the 5K during the weekend of June 24-26th.


Go ahead, go sign up, now...HERE. And enjoy being active for a good cause!


*Disclaimer: I am a mom of a T1 Diabetic child and a child with ITP/Asthma/Dysphagia. I am NOT a doctor. I just play one in real life. Please do not take anything in this post or any other post on this blog as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns of your own, please seek advice from your doctor.*

Last night...

Last night.

Last night was one of the worst nights we have ever had.

Seriously sucked.

I will use our Dexcom graph to explain what took place...

Not sure where the 300's came from at dinner time. We bolused. He ate (cereal!). We bolused. He went HIGH. We changed his pump site. We bolused.

He seemed to come down fine. A little too much. We gave him a small "snack" before going to bed. When I went to bed at 10:30 Dex said 197 with a slanted arrow up. Rod was already sleeping in The Superhero's bed (he fell asleep with The Superhero). I went to bed.

1:30am. I wake up to The Superhero SCREAMING. I thought he fell out of bed and ran to his room. Rod was still in there and The Superhero was just SUPER upset. He said he heard a noise that scared him. He was genuinely SCARED. It was horrible to see him THAT scared.

I immediately grabbed Dex to see what we were dealing with.

I saw this...

Dex had said something in the 80's, but it looked like he had been LOW for 4 checks before going back up to the 80's. I did a finger check, 65!

I have no idea if he really went LOW (below 40) or not. We were sleeping. It was about 15 minutes after the LOWS that we were woken up to the screaming. I am really hoping he was laying on it weird and he didn't go THAT low.

But, if he did, THANK YOU GOD for keeping my boy safe while we were sleeping! And THANK YOU GOD for him waking when he did!

We treated the low with snacks. I also started a temp basal decrease. I had a feeling the lower numbers came due to the site change (often happens with new sites). And of course lots of hugs were given out. He was SO SCARED.

Rod and The Superhero got up and went to the couch. The Superhero was still SCARED. They were going to watch some TV for a bit.

Apparently when my temp basal decrease ended, The Superhero started to drop again. Rod treated and started another minus temp basal to get through the rest of the night.

This time, definitely over treated a bit. It is all such a "guessing" game.

I woke up at 5:30am to find The Superhero STILL awake on the couch. I told both Rod and The Superhero that he needed to go back to sleep, even if only for an hour. He has art class today and I am NOT taking an overly tired, cranky child with me.

I was happy to see when I woke up at 7, that both boys were sleeping on the couch.

I was not happy to see The Superhero had been HIGH for a couple of hours (to no fault of anyone, but Diabetes). Ugh.

An hour and a half later right now, and he is down to 367. I am RAGE bolusing this morning and need to get him DOWN.

Especially since he wants cereal for breakfast. I told him his blood sugar has to have a ONE in front of it.

I hate Diabetes. No silver lining. No rainbows. No unicorns here today.

*Disclaimer: I am a mom of a T1 Diabetic child and a child with ITP/Asthma/Dysphagia. I am NOT a doctor. I just play one in real life. Please do not take anything in this post or any other post on this blog as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns of your own, please seek advice from your doctor.*

Who's in charge...

...of decision making regarding your child's (or your own) Diabetes?

When The Superhero was diagnosed with Diabetes in July 2008 I seemed to understand the "science/math" part of it rather quickly. I was supposed to fax/email in BG logs every couple of days or once a week or whenever we thought a change was needed. This got old. Really fast.

I started using my knowledge and making small adjustments on my own. I would then call the doctor's office and let them know what I changed and why I made that adjustment. They always seemed to agree with what I was thinking. After a short time of this, I quit calling in numbers. I quit asking for their advice.

Since that time 2 1/2 years ago, I very rarely have to call and ask for any advice. In fact, I don't even remember the last time I asked the endo for help figuring out The Superhero's numbers. We do it on our own.

*I* am the one making all the adjustments and seeing how they go and making more changes as needed.

To me, this is now the "norm".

I figure we are the ones managing this disease 24/7 and someday The Superhero will have to manage it himself. We need to raise him to be able to make adjustments on his own.

But, I started thinking that maybe this is not the norm for everyone else with T1 out there.

I have a few other T1 Mamas who I know are NOT allowed to make ANY changes on their own. Seriously. One of them was told that if she made any changes on her own or put her son back on his pump, they would call CPS. So, her son ran HIGH for days before they would call her back. The endo made her take him off the pump while he was in the hospital for ketones. He is still back on shots now, and this was a while ago.

This is not the only one I have heard of. I have read lots of FB posts where people are waiting to hear from endo's offices to make changes. And they are dealing with highs or lows in the meantime.

So, what is YOUR take on this? Do you adjust on your own or wait for the endo?



*Disclaimer: I am a mom of a T1 Diabetic child. I am NOT a doctor. I just play one in real life. Please do not take anything in this post or any other post on this blog as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns of your own, please seek advice from your doctor.*

Gone too soon...

 

This week has been difficult. Hearing the news of not just one death due to T1 Diabetes, but SIX in the last couple of  weeks. FIVE of them THIS week.

There have been several deaths related to T1 Diabetes in the past several months. I could not bring myself to blog about them previously. But this time is different. SIX in just a short time. I am in shock.

This is hard.

You may have heard about them.

If you are on FB, blue candles are everywhere in honor and support of these lives lost too soon.

A 24 year old girl in Australia. Her parents were on vacation and she went into DKA, a coma, and then a week later passed away.

A 27 year old mother of two.

A 16 year old boy.

A 16 year old girl who passed away while napping.

A 9 year old girl who couldn't take the stress and depression of the disease any longer and took her own life.

And finally an 18 month old child. Here in AZ. This 18 month old died because of a misdiagnosis.

This last one has hit me the hardest. They are all sad in their own way. They all have their stories that break our hearts. But, this last one. This 18 month old who was misdiagnosed and died because he/she was not diagnosed with T1 Diabetes until it was TOO LATE.

This is NOT right. The Superhero was diagnosed at 18 months old. He was misdiagnosed throughout the week leading up to his T1 Diagnosis. Another few hours and WE would be in those parents' shoes.

ONE loss to undiagnosed T1 Diabetes is ONE TOO MANY. This should not be happening. These babies should be diagnosed correctly. EVERYONE NEEDS to be aware of the signs.

The week of The Superhero's diagnosis he started breathing "funny". This is one of the symptoms listed on the JDRF site.

Warning signs of type 1 diabetes (these may occur suddenly):
Extreme thirst Frequent urination Sudden vision changes Sugar in urine Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath	Increased appetite Sudden weight loss Drowsiness, lethargy Heavy, labored breathing Stupor, unconsciousness

Education about the symptoms of type 1 diabetes is critical because type 1 can easily be mistaken for more common illnesses, such as the flu.

And looking back now, The Superhero had MANY of these signs/symptoms. We just passed them off as something else.

Drinking a lot. It is HOT outside.

Peeing a lot. Drinking a lot makes you pee a lot.

Weight loss. Losing baby fat.


It was EASY to blame the symptoms on ANYTHING else.

This was NOT even on the ER docs' radar or our pediatrician's.

And for somewhat good reason, at the time anyway.

T1 Diabetes WAS not that common in kids this age.

Of course, now I hear of it more and more.

And OUR pediatrician has LEARNED from The Superhero's dx. She is now helping to teach the med students who come through her office about the signs. And she did tell me one time when we were there that they were testing the BG of a child in her office RIGHT THEN because of our experience.

WE are the lucky ones.

We got a diagnosis.

Not without pushing though. I had to ask the ER docs at the Children's hospital if they THOUGHT it could be Diabetes. I had googled until I was blue in the face. Diabetes was the one disease that kept coming back up after typing in the symptoms.

The kids who do not get diagnosed until it is too late just break my heart.

I know Diabetes is hard.

It is hard to hear my now 4 year old tell me that "Diabetes sucks". He is right! It does suck. There is no nice way to say it. It sucks. It hurts. It is exhausting. It is overwhelming. It is complicated. It is relentless.

A few more hours on that fateful day and WE would be another statistic. WE would be feeling EXACTLY what these parents must be going through. WE would not have OUR Superhero in our lives. Scares me to even think about the "What ifs".


BUT, the truth is...I would MUCH rather have to go through this...

Than to NOT have THIS smiling face in my life...

And I KNOW the parents of the misdiagnosed toddler would too. My prayers go out to them and to all of the families who have lost their battle with T1 Diabetes too soon. Even though I don't know any of them personally, they were FAMILY to me. We share a common bond that connects us as strangers.

PLEASE take the time to learn and SHARE the signs. YOU could end up saving a life.


*Disclaimer: I am a mom of a T1 Diabetic child. I am NOT a doctor. I just play one in real life. Please do not take anything in this post or any other post on this blog as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns of your own, please seek advice from your doctor.*

The BEST support network EVER

(NaBloPoMo Day 30, whew!)

When The Superhero was diagnosed with T1 diabetes, we knew our lives were going to change. We had NO IDEA just how much things would change.

Our lives became so consumed with diabetes that it became difficult to have relationships with the friends in our lives. Our life was so much different than theirs. Of course we still love those friends, things are just different now.

Before The Superhero was even released from the hospital my dad had found Children With Diabetes and sent the link my way. I signed up and started reading while The Superhero was still in ICU. I felt a connection to the people and posts I was reading.

I also found a local yahoo group for families with T1 Diabetes. This is an online group of families living in our area that post messages to each other online and have meet ups in person once in a while.

Over time, I started "friending" many of the D Mamas on facebook and we got to know each other more and more. The connection continued to grow as I posted and read status updates about blood sugars, site changes, insulin, hospital trips, etc. I never felt like any of us were complaining, we were just looking for the "I have been there" or the "Sorry you have to deal with that" or the "Sorry he/she has been high/low all night and you got no sleep" comments.

It meant A LOT to have the support from other families who knew exactly what every day and every night were like for us in our house.

Then I read some posts with links to BLOGS. After reading a few of them (Wendy, Beth, and Leigh) I decided to start my own. Then Wendy got me joining in on Sunday chats with some of the other D Mamas and I felt such a strong connection to these women scattered throughout the US and Canada.

I became friends with all of them through facebook too. We have formed such a strong bond with one another and I feel incredibly Blessed to have each one of them in my life.

We share Christmas Cards. We have gift exchanges. We have participated in a kids gift exchange. We check on each other when someone goes MIA for a while. We pray for each other. We give virtual (((HUGS))) and support each other like I could never have imagined.

D Mamas are always there when you need them. Someone is always available through text or chat. And D Mamas ALWAYS support each other in times of need.

And it is ALWAYS fun when we get to meet in person!

I posted about a play date with Wendy and her girls, which was mostly fun.

I also posted about a gathering among some other D Mama Bloggers.

Laura posted about the first time she met Joanne.

Laura posted about a play date with Joanne and Jessica.

Wendy posted about her WDD meet up with several D Mamas. Heidi posted about WDD as well.

Wendy posted about her awesome D Mama meet up in VEGAS with Shamae and Megann.

Wendy posted about several local D Mama meet-ups. Our local support in AZ is pretty awesome, I think you ALL should move here. :-)

Wendy posted about a D pot luck even in which she forgot the INSULIN. Thank goodness for D Mamas who can come to the rescue!

Joanne posted about how much she loves the DOC.

Heidi posted about how Every Dark Cloud has a Silver Lining.

Hallie posted about meeting Lora and her meet up with Misty.

Hallie also posted about meeting The Princess and I in September.

More posts about the AWESOMENESS of the DOC (Diabetes Online Community):

Lora posted about how blogging helped lift a fog.

Meri posted about the friendships she has found inside her computer.

Nicole posted about the DOC being one of their biggest supporters.

Laura also posted about the DOC being her biggest supporter.

Heidi posted about her online friends she has never met.

I honestly don't know how I would get through each day without them. Lots of love to you all!

I hate that we have diabetes in our lives, but I LOVE that we are lucky enough to have the BEST support network, EVER.


Diabetes Fact #30: Diabetes sucks, but, we have the BEST support network EVER.

Diabetes Fact #29: It is important to know and understand the signs of a HIGH blood sugar for a person with T1 Diabetes.

Diabetes Fact #28: The siblings of people with T1 Diabetes are AMAZING.

Diabetes Fact #27: Knowing the signs of a LOW blood sugar and how to treat the low can save someone's life!

Diabetes Fact #26: Adults and children with T1 Diabetes are incredibly BRAVE and STRONG.

Diabetes Fact #25:A Diabetes diagnosis can put strain on the marriage of the person with T1 (for adults) or for the parents of the child diagnosed.

Diabetes Fact #24:Complications from out of range blood sugars with T1 Diabetics are very real and very worrisome to those living with the disease (and their parents/loved ones).

Diabetes Fact #23:The only thing constant with Diabetes, is that nothing stays the same.

Diabetes Fact #22:Diabetes is a family disease and affects every person in the family, near and far.

Diabetes Fact #21:Having Type 1 Diabetes means finger pokes 8-10 times per day (or more) and YES that means using BLOOD to do this.

Diabetes Fact #20:Despite always injecting the proper amount of insulin, people with type 1 Diabetes face many other factors that can adversely affect efforts to tightly control blood sugar levels. These factors include stress, hormonal changes, periods of growth, physical activity, medications, illness/infection, fatigue, and EVERYTHING they do or don't do every.single.day.

Diabetes Fact #19: T1 Diabetes is a 24/7/365 disease. It NEVER sleeps and neither do the parents of the children who have it (or the T1 people themselves).

Diabetes Fact #18: T1 Diabetes can happen to ANYONE, it is not necessarily hereditary. This means that yes, it CAN happen to YOU or to someone YOU know.

Diabetes Fact #17: People with T1 or T2 Diabetes (and their caregivers) are more likely to experience depression than their peers without Diabetes.

Diabetes Fact #16: The out of pocket cost of managing T1 Diabetes is EXPENSIVE.

Diabetes Fact #15: Having Type 1 and getting an illness (especially a tummy bug) CAN be dangerous.

Diabetes Fact #14: Without insulin, a person with T1 Diabetes would DIE within ONE week.

Diabetes Fact #13: Type 1 Diabetes usually strikes children, adolescents, and young adults, but it CAN be diagnosed in adults as well.

Diabetes Fact #12: It is important for families of Diabetic children or the people with Diabetes themselves to genuinely try to understand what we go through, to learn about Diabetes along with us, and to support us through encouraging comments.

Diabetes Fact #11: Diabetes is ALL consuming. It is NOT our life, but it is a HUGE part of it.

Diabetes Fact #10: Parents of children with Diabetes HATE when people say "I could NEVER do it!" when referring to the management of their kid's disease. In reality, YOU could, and WOULD do it if you HAD to. We probably had the same thoughts as you and now look at us, doing it 24/7.

Diabetes Fact #9: The term "Juvenile Diabetes" is outdated. We now call it "T1 Diabetes" or "Insulin Dependent Diabetes". People with this type of Diabetes will NEVER outgrow it. EVER. They will have this relentless disease until a CURE is found.

Diabetes Fact #8: A cure would be great, but a long life without complications is a close second for people with T1 Diabetes.

Diabetes Fact #7: Diabetes kills more people each year than cancer and AIDS combined. It is serious. We NEED a cure!

Diabetes Fact #6: While people with T1 Diabetes strive for blood glucose (BG) numbers from 80-120, it is NOT uncommon to see numbers MUCH lower or MUCH higher. There are SO many factors that go into each number and it is very challenging to see readings that are “in range” for EVERY reading.

Diabetes Fact #5: Type 1 Diabetes strikes 15,000 children every year in the US. That's 40 children per day. On July 10, 2008 The Superhero was one of the 40. Today, it could be YOUR child, or someone you know. This is why it is SO important to take the time to learn about the disease.

Diabetes Fact #4: Type 1 Diabetics may take insulin through syringes, insulin pens, or insulin pumps. What they use is a reflection of their choice and/or finances, NOT disease severity.

Diabetes Fact #3: People with Diabetes CAN eat anything they want as long as they match the carbohydrates with insulin.

Diabetes Fact #2: T1 Diabetes is NOT caused by eating too much sugar or being over weight. It IS an autoimmune disease and cannot be prevented.

Diabetes Fact #1: T1 Diabetes CANNOT be treated with medication. The only way to manage T1 Diabetes is with insulin. Without insulin, T1 Diabetics would die. Period.

*Disclaimer: I am a mom of a T1 Diabetic child. I am NOT a doctor. I just play one in real life. Please do not take anything in this post or any other post on this blog as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns of your own, please seek advice from your doctor.*

Symptoms of a high

(NaBloPoMo Day 29)

While it is important to know the symptoms of a LOW blood sugar, I think it is also important for people to understand a little more about HIGH blood sugars.

Again, from the JDRF site:

High Blood Sugar: Definition, Symptoms

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, occurs when the body has too much food or glucose, or too little insulin. The following are all potential reasons that a person with type 1 diabetes might have high blood sugar:

• Not enough insulin taken
• Eating more than usual
• Eating earlier than usual
• Eating food with higher glucose content without injecting extra insulin
• Injecting insulin at a site on the body where the absorption rate is slower
• Missing or skipping an insulin dose
• A clog in insulin pump tubing
• Less exercise than normal
• Stress
• Illness or injury
• Other hormones
• Medications

High blood sugar generally does not immediately put the person with type 1 diabetes in danger. However, high blood sugar levels over long periods of time can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and amputation.

Very high blood sugar levels can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), or a "diabetic coma." DKA occurs when the cells can't get the energy they need from glucose, and the body begins to burn fat and body tissue for energy. This causes the release of byproducts called ketones, which are dangerous when released at high levels. Ketones become like poison to the body and are passed in the urine as they build up in the blood.

A person with type 1 diabetes and high blood sugar may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:

• Thirst (dehydration)
• Frequent urination
• Blurry vision
• Stomach pain
• Increased hunger
• Nausea
• Drowsiness, lethargy, exhaustion
• Confusion
• Sweating
• Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath
• Vomiting
• Inability to concentrate
• Weight loss (a longer-term symptom) that eventually leads to coma

So, what do people with T1 need to do when their blood sugar is higher than normal?

Click HERE to read what JDRF recommends.


When The Superhero is high, he needs insulin.

We typically give insulin through his pump, unless it is suspected that his site is the problem. In that case we would use a syringe to administer his insulin.

We monitor his blood sugar closely to make sure he comes down, SAFELY.

We check for ketones as needed to prevent DKA.

When The Superhero is high, he is MEAN. I don't just mean, ordinarily not nice, I mean MEAN. He turns into a monster.

He drinks a lot.

He pees a lot.

He sweats a lot.

He is MEAN. (didn't I say that?)

M.E.A.N.

I try to cut him a little slack for his behavior when he is high for a lengthy period of time. I know he has a hard time controlling his behavior. I try to make sure The Princess is not around him too much, or she will get hurt. Seriously.

Then we just WAIT it out. And hope/pray the BG comes down so he can be back to his normal self.


Diabetes Fact #29: It is important to know and understand the signs of a HIGH blood sugar for a person with T1 Diabetes.

Diabetes Fact #28: The siblings of people with T1 Diabetes are AMAZING.

Diabetes Fact #27: Knowing the signs of a LOW blood sugar and how to treat the low can save someone's life!

Diabetes Fact #26: Adults and children with T1 Diabetes are incredibly BRAVE and STRONG.

Diabetes Fact #25:A Diabetes diagnosis can put strain on the marriage of the person with T1 (for adults) or for the parents of the child diagnosed.

Diabetes Fact #24:Complications from out of range blood sugars with T1 Diabetics are very real and very worrisome to those living with the disease (and their parents/loved ones).

Diabetes Fact #23:The only thing constant with Diabetes, is that nothing stays the same.

Diabetes Fact #22:Diabetes is a family disease and affects every person in the family, near and far.

Diabetes Fact #21:Having Type 1 Diabetes means finger pokes 8-10 times per day (or more) and YES that means using BLOOD to do this.

Diabetes Fact #20:Despite always injecting the proper amount of insulin, people with type 1 Diabetes face many other factors that can adversely affect efforts to tightly control blood sugar levels. These factors include stress, hormonal changes, periods of growth, physical activity, medications, illness/infection, fatigue, and EVERYTHING they do or don't do every.single.day.

Diabetes Fact #19: T1 Diabetes is a 24/7/365 disease. It NEVER sleeps and neither do the parents of the children who have it (or the T1 people themselves).

Diabetes Fact #18: T1 Diabetes can happen to ANYONE, it is not necessarily hereditary. This means that yes, it CAN happen to YOU or to someone YOU know.

Diabetes Fact #17: People with T1 or T2 Diabetes (and their caregivers) are more likely to experience depression than their peers without Diabetes.

Diabetes Fact #16: The out of pocket cost of managing T1 Diabetes is EXPENSIVE.

Diabetes Fact #15: Having Type 1 and getting an illness (especially a tummy bug) CAN be dangerous.

Diabetes Fact #14: Without insulin, a person with T1 Diabetes would DIE within ONE week.

Diabetes Fact #13: Type 1 Diabetes usually strikes children, adolescents, and young adults, but it CAN be diagnosed in adults as well.

Diabetes Fact #12: It is important for families of Diabetic children or the people with Diabetes themselves to genuinely try to understand what we go through, to learn about Diabetes along with us, and to support us through encouraging comments.

Diabetes Fact #11: Diabetes is ALL consuming. It is NOT our life, but it is a HUGE part of it.

Diabetes Fact #10: Parents of children with Diabetes HATE when people say "I could NEVER do it!" when referring to the management of their kid's disease. In reality, YOU could, and WOULD do it if you HAD to. We probably had the same thoughts as you and now look at us, doing it 24/7.

Diabetes Fact #9: The term "Juvenile Diabetes" is outdated. We now call it "T1 Diabetes" or "Insulin Dependent Diabetes". People with this type of Diabetes will NEVER outgrow it. EVER. They will have this relentless disease until a CURE is found.

Diabetes Fact #8: A cure would be great, but a long life without complications is a close second for people with T1 Diabetes.

Diabetes Fact #7: Diabetes kills more people each year than cancer and AIDS combined. It is serious. We NEED a cure!

Diabetes Fact #6: While people with T1 Diabetes strive for blood glucose (BG) numbers from 80-120, it is NOT uncommon to see numbers MUCH lower or MUCH higher. There are SO many factors that go into each number and it is very challenging to see readings that are “in range” for EVERY reading.

Diabetes Fact #5: Type 1 Diabetes strikes 15,000 children every year in the US. That's 40 children per day. On July 10, 2008 The Superhero was one of the 40. Today, it could be YOUR child, or someone you know. This is why it is SO important to take the time to learn about the disease.

Diabetes Fact #4: Type 1 Diabetics may take insulin through syringes, insulin pens, or insulin pumps. What they use is a reflection of their choice and/or finances, NOT disease severity.

Diabetes Fact #3: People with Diabetes CAN eat anything they want as long as they match the carbohydrates with insulin.

Diabetes Fact #2: T1 Diabetes is NOT caused by eating too much sugar or being over weight. It IS an autoimmune disease and cannot be prevented.

Diabetes Fact #1: T1 Diabetes CANNOT be treated with medication. The only way to manage T1 Diabetes is with insulin. Without insulin, T1 Diabetics would die. Period.

*Disclaimer: I am a mom of a T1 Diabetic child. I am NOT a doctor. I just play one in real life. Please do not take anything in this post or any other post on this blog as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns of your own, please seek advice from your doctor.*

Diabetes Siblings: The Princess

(NaBloPoMo Day 28)

Special Sib of a D-Kid Day is an event/day that was created on Facebook to honor/celebrate the siblings of those living with T1 Diabetes.

It is not uncommon for Diabetes and the children living with it to overshadow their non-Diabetic siblings. This is something as parents of children with Diabetes we would never intentionally do, diabetes tends to take over our lives.

None of us love any of our kids any more or less than the others. I am thankful THIS day has been set aside to talk about the SPECIAL Siblings, and in our case, The Princess.

I am going to share about The Princess in 2 parts because I don't want Diabetes to take over what I write about her, but I think it is important to include the D part too.

How Diabetes affects The Princess...

She knows no life without Diabetes. I often think she thinks that SHE has Diabetes. She is always wanting me to check her "ginger" (finger). She gets MAD if I don't when she requests it. I usually give in and check her. (and yes, all numbers have been in range, whew!)

If The Superhero is low, she wants juice or fruit snacks too. I usually give in to this one as well.

And sadly, there are times when Diabetes HAS to come first. If I am changing a site, treating a combative LOW, etc. She tends to get pushed aside and HAS to wait until I am done. I hate this, but there are times when Diabetes has to come first.

She knows all of his supplies. She knows what his Dexie is and can go get it out of his room if he forgets it in there in the morning or at nap time. She will see his "black kit" for checking his finger and know exactly what it is. She can even see supplies of OTHER people when we are out with D families and know what they are, even if The Superhero is not around!

She gets sad when The Superhero is not feeling well due to a low. She rubs his back while I hold him. She is adorable when it comes to all of the D stuff. I just hope we never really have to do any of it for her too!


Some non-Diabetes things that make us LOVE our Princess.

She is ADORABLE.

She has a GREAT smile.

She laughs A LOT and makes us laugh too.

She has the cutest little voice.

She is SUPER smart, too much for her own good sometimes.

She is a MONKEY.

She LOVES taking her clothes off. ALL.THE.TIME. It is annoying, yet cute at the same time.

She is BEYOND INDEPENDENT. And apparently just like I was at this age, I survived, so I am sure she will too!

She has a LOVE/HATE relationship with shoes. She loves whatever is the newest pair. And won't leave the rest on her feet.

She LOVES babies. A. LOT. (dolls and real ones)

She loves tutus. And twirling.

She loves hair bows. And flowers.

She loves to get dirty.

She loves swimming.

She loves to cuddle, when SHE is in the mood.

She did not learn to talk until after 18 months old. And now, she can say SO many words, she amazes me every day.

She loves her brother, even if they don't always get along.

She is drama.

She has TEARS that can break your heart!

She gives the BEST squeezy hugs, EVER.

She is simply, amazing.

And The Superhero is LUCKY to have her as his D Sibling.


Diabetes Fact #28: The siblings of people with T1 Diabetes are AMAZING.

Diabetes Fact #27: Knowing the signs of a LOW blood sugar and how to treat the low can save someone's life!

Diabetes Fact #26: Adults and children with T1 Diabetes are incredibly BRAVE and STRONG.

Diabetes Fact #25:A Diabetes diagnosis can put strain on the marriage of the person with T1 (for adults) or for the parents of the child diagnosed.

Diabetes Fact #24:Complications from out of range blood sugars with T1 Diabetics are very real and very worrisome to those living with the disease (and their parents/loved ones).

Diabetes Fact #23:The only thing constant with Diabetes, is that nothing stays the same.

Diabetes Fact #22:Diabetes is a family disease and affects every person in the family, near and far.

Diabetes Fact #21:Having Type 1 Diabetes means finger pokes 8-10 times per day (or more) and YES that means using BLOOD to do this.

Diabetes Fact #20:Despite always injecting the proper amount of insulin, people with type 1 Diabetes face many other factors that can adversely affect efforts to tightly control blood sugar levels. These factors include stress, hormonal changes, periods of growth, physical activity, medications, illness/infection, fatigue, and EVERYTHING they do or don't do every.single.day.

Diabetes Fact #19: T1 Diabetes is a 24/7/365 disease. It NEVER sleeps and neither do the parents of the children who have it (or the T1 people themselves).

Diabetes Fact #18: T1 Diabetes can happen to ANYONE, it is not necessarily hereditary. This means that yes, it CAN happen to YOU or to someone YOU know.

Diabetes Fact #17: People with T1 or T2 Diabetes (and their caregivers) are more likely to experience depression than their peers without Diabetes.

Diabetes Fact #16: The out of pocket cost of managing T1 Diabetes is EXPENSIVE.

Diabetes Fact #15: Having Type 1 and getting an illness (especially a tummy bug) CAN be dangerous.

Diabetes Fact #14: Without insulin, a person with T1 Diabetes would DIE within ONE week.

Diabetes Fact #13: Type 1 Diabetes usually strikes children, adolescents, and young adults, but it CAN be diagnosed in adults as well.

Diabetes Fact #12: It is important for families of Diabetic children or the people with Diabetes themselves to genuinely try to understand what we go through, to learn about Diabetes along with us, and to support us through encouraging comments.

Diabetes Fact #11: Diabetes is ALL consuming. It is NOT our life, but it is a HUGE part of it.

Diabetes Fact #10: Parents of children with Diabetes HATE when people say "I could NEVER do it!" when referring to the management of their kid's disease. In reality, YOU could, and WOULD do it if you HAD to. We probably had the same thoughts as you and now look at us, doing it 24/7.

Diabetes Fact #9: The term "Juvenile Diabetes" is outdated. We now call it "T1 Diabetes" or "Insulin Dependent Diabetes". People with this type of Diabetes will NEVER outgrow it. EVER. They will have this relentless disease until a CURE is found.

Diabetes Fact #8: A cure would be great, but a long life without complications is a close second for people with T1 Diabetes.

Diabetes Fact #7: Diabetes kills more people each year than cancer and AIDS combined. It is serious. We NEED a cure!

Diabetes Fact #6: While people with T1 Diabetes strive for blood glucose (BG) numbers from 80-120, it is NOT uncommon to see numbers MUCH lower or MUCH higher. There are SO many factors that go into each number and it is very challenging to see readings that are “in range” for EVERY reading.

Diabetes Fact #5: Type 1 Diabetes strikes 15,000 children every year in the US. That's 40 children per day. On July 10, 2008 The Superhero was one of the 40. Today, it could be YOUR child, or someone you know. This is why it is SO important to take the time to learn about the disease.

Diabetes Fact #4: Type 1 Diabetics may take insulin through syringes, insulin pens, or insulin pumps. What they use is a reflection of their choice and/or finances, NOT disease severity.

Diabetes Fact #3: People with Diabetes CAN eat anything they want as long as they match the carbohydrates with insulin.

Diabetes Fact #2: T1 Diabetes is NOT caused by eating too much sugar or being over weight. It IS an autoimmune disease and cannot be prevented.

Diabetes Fact #1: T1 Diabetes CANNOT be treated with medication. The only way to manage T1 Diabetes is with insulin. Without insulin, T1 Diabetics would die. Period.

*Disclaimer: I am a mom of a T1 Diabetic child. I am NOT a doctor. I just play one in real life. Please do not take anything in this post or any other post on this blog as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns of your own, please seek advice from your doctor.*

Symptoms of a low

(NaBloPoMo Day 27)

As we near the end of National Diabetes Month, I thought it would be important to share the signs of a LOW blood sugar (signs of a High blood sugar will come on Monday).

For those of you without Diabetes in your family, these signs could still come in handy. You may see someone with Diabetes exhibit these signs and they may need YOUR help.

I know in the school where The Superhero goes they mentioned letting all the staff know about his Diabetes so they could help him if he were found wandering on campus.

You never know when this info might come in handy, so PLEASE continue reading and then stick these signs in the back of your mind.



From the JDRF website:

Low Blood Sugar: Definition, Symptoms

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is the most common and most dangerous condition for many people with type 1 diabetes. Very low blood sugar may lead to insulin shock, which can be life threatening if not promptly treated. Low blood sugar occurs when the body has too little food/glucose or too much insulin.

The following are all potential reasons that a person with diabetes might have low blood sugar:

• Too much insulin taken
• Eating less than usual
• Eating later than usual
• Insulin was injected at a site on the body where the absorption rate is faster than usual
• Injecting extra insulin after forgetting about a previous dose
• More exercise than normal
• Illness or injury
• Other hormones
• Medication interaction

The following is a list of general symptoms that indicate low blood sugar (the person with type 1 diabetes may exhibit one or more of these):

• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Personality change/irrational behavior
• Blurry vision
• Shakiness
• Nausea
• Crying
• Sluggishness
• Sweating
• Poor coordination
• Hunger
• Lightheadedness
• Irritability
• Drowsiness
• Erratic response to questions
• Inability to concentrate

Severe symptoms (symptoms as listed above, plus):

• Convulsions
• Unconsciousness

Some people can "feel" their lows and treat them without worry. Others (such as The Superhero, due to age) do not always feel their lows. And some people develop Hypoglycemia Unawareness in which they can no longer detect their lows.

If a person has a low blood sugar, he/she needs to consume carbohydrates to bring the low up to a safe blood sugar. The carbohydrates can be anything from juice or glucose tablets to candy or milk.

Typically, with a low blood sugar you would want to have a "fast" acting carbohydrate in order to get the blood sugar up more quickly. It may also be good to add some complex carbohydrates or some protein to help keep the blood sugar stable once it rises.

If a person with T1 diabetes is unable to treat their own low blood sugar due to unconsciousness, it is important for there to be someone trained (and willing) to use glucagon to save the person's life.



It is not uncommon for the Superhero to be combative when he is low (and others with Diabetes as well). He will FIGHT you on eating/drinking carbs until you force them in him and he starts to feel better.

There have been times when I have had to draw some juice into the end of a straw and force it in his mouth. And this usually leads to both of us covered in juice, but his blood sugar starts to come up quickly and he is more willing to finish the juice box with no problems. I hate when this happens, it can be SCARY!


Diabetes Fact #27: Knowing the signs of a LOW blood sugar and how to treat the low can save someone's life!

Diabetes Fact #26: Adults and children with T1 Diabetes are incredibly BRAVE and STRONG.

Diabetes Fact #25:A Diabetes diagnosis can put strain on the marriage of the person with T1 (for adults) or for the parents of the child diagnosed.

Diabetes Fact #24:Complications from out of range blood sugars with T1 Diabetics are very real and very worrisome to those living with the disease (and their parents/loved ones).

Diabetes Fact #23:The only thing constant with Diabetes, is that nothing stays the same.

Diabetes Fact #22:Diabetes is a family disease and affects every person in the family, near and far.

Diabetes Fact #21:Having Type 1 Diabetes means finger pokes 8-10 times per day (or more) and YES that means using BLOOD to do this.

Diabetes Fact #20:Despite always injecting the proper amount of insulin, people with type 1 Diabetes face many other factors that can adversely affect efforts to tightly control blood sugar levels. These factors include stress, hormonal changes, periods of growth, physical activity, medications, illness/infection, fatigue, and EVERYTHING they do or don't do every.single.day.

Diabetes Fact #19: T1 Diabetes is a 24/7/365 disease. It NEVER sleeps and neither do the parents of the children who have it (or the T1 people themselves).

Diabetes Fact #18: T1 Diabetes can happen to ANYONE, it is not necessarily hereditary. This means that yes, it CAN happen to YOU or to someone YOU know.

Diabetes Fact #17: People with T1 or T2 Diabetes (and their caregivers) are more likely to experience depression than their peers without Diabetes.

Diabetes Fact #16: The out of pocket cost of managing T1 Diabetes is EXPENSIVE.

Diabetes Fact #15: Having Type 1 and getting an illness (especially a tummy bug) CAN be dangerous.

Diabetes Fact #14: Without insulin, a person with T1 Diabetes would DIE within ONE week.

Diabetes Fact #13: Type 1 Diabetes usually strikes children, adolescents, and young adults, but it CAN be diagnosed in adults as well.

Diabetes Fact #12: It is important for families of Diabetic children or the people with Diabetes themselves to genuinely try to understand what we go through, to learn about Diabetes along with us, and to support us through encouraging comments.

Diabetes Fact #11: Diabetes is ALL consuming. It is NOT our life, but it is a HUGE part of it.

Diabetes Fact #10: Parents of children with Diabetes HATE when people say "I could NEVER do it!" when referring to the management of their kid's disease. In reality, YOU could, and WOULD do it if you HAD to. We probably had the same thoughts as you and now look at us, doing it 24/7.

Diabetes Fact #9: The term "Juvenile Diabetes" is outdated. We now call it "T1 Diabetes" or "Insulin Dependent Diabetes". People with this type of Diabetes will NEVER outgrow it. EVER. They will have this relentless disease until a CURE is found.

Diabetes Fact #8: A cure would be great, but a long life without complications is a close second for people with T1 Diabetes.

Diabetes Fact #7: Diabetes kills more people each year than cancer and AIDS combined. It is serious. We NEED a cure!

Diabetes Fact #6: While people with T1 Diabetes strive for blood glucose (BG) numbers from 80-120, it is NOT uncommon to see numbers MUCH lower or MUCH higher. There are SO many factors that go into each number and it is very challenging to see readings that are “in range” for EVERY reading.

Diabetes Fact #5: Type 1 Diabetes strikes 15,000 children every year in the US. That's 40 children per day. On July 10, 2008 The Superhero was one of the 40. Today, it could be YOUR child, or someone you know. This is why it is SO important to take the time to learn about the disease.

Diabetes Fact #4: Type 1 Diabetics may take insulin through syringes, insulin pens, or insulin pumps. What they use is a reflection of their choice and/or finances, NOT disease severity.

Diabetes Fact #3: People with Diabetes CAN eat anything they want as long as they match the carbohydrates with insulin.

Diabetes Fact #2: T1 Diabetes is NOT caused by eating too much sugar or being over weight. It IS an autoimmune disease and cannot be prevented.

Diabetes Fact #1: T1 Diabetes CANNOT be treated with medication. The only way to manage T1 Diabetes is with insulin. Without insulin, T1 Diabetics would die. Period.

*Disclaimer: I am a mom of a T1 Diabetic child. I am NOT a doctor. I just play one in real life. Please do not take anything in this post or any other post on this blog as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns of your own, please seek advice from your doctor.*