Diabetes Discussion

[thrillgeek]

Thought I'd start a topic for us Diabetics to discuss how we're handling our diabetes. Even if you don't have it you may have family/friends who do.

 

Anyway...for the past 7 years I've had type 1 Diabetes. Which means I'm insulin dependent. I used to have to inject insulin with syringes but for the past 2-3 years have had a pump. Right now my blood glucose is averaging around 200 a day which is down from what it used to be. With the pump it gives me so much more freedom to eat whatever I want as long as I check my blood and punch in the carbs. It's literally a life saver for me!

 

So what are everyone elses thoughts about Diabetes and how is your control if you have it?

[Teacups Make Me Sick]

Funny that this thread started right above Robbs Loose 30 lbs in 30 days...is this an omen??

[WillMontu]

I think Dan should be posting in this thread.

 

E-mail him at mrt0ad13@aol.com!

[ebl]

^ Don't forget the old guy...ME!!! Dan and I talk about this on a regular basis, by the way, being that we share the same problem.

 

I was diagnosed as Type 2 back in 2002, but I've moved on to become insulin dependent a couple of years ago. So far, so good. I get an occasional high reading, but for the most part, I stay within an acceptable range.

 

As of my last bloodwork (August 2008), my a1c is 7.2---a bit higher than the desired 7, but not as bad as two years ago when it was 12 or 13.

 

My weight is holding at about 170 (I'm 5'-8", so that's just about right for my build).

 

I really don't miss the donuts, fries, and regular Coke. And I know I'll be better off for it in the end.

 

Good topic, and I hope everyone, diabetic or not, takes the time to read this because I have a feeling that this is an epidemic whose time hasn't come yet---and it's pretty bad now.

 

Eric

[thrillgeek]

Yeah I think last time I got my A1C checked it was around 7.8. That was about 2 months ago. It used to be in the 10's.

[Dan]

Did someone say my name?!

[ebl]

^ Someone said your name. Now tell us all about your a1c!!!

 

Eric

[thrillgeek]

Yeah Dan how are you controlling your numbers?

[AlmereStars]

i'm diabetic too, type 1. I was diagnosed back in 2005 (5th of januari, so I geuss i'm having a birthday by monday or something) I still inject insuline instead of a pump, i'm thinking about changing though.

 

I think the testers are different here it's good when its between 3.5 and 8(ish) i'm around 7 now. If I had a glucose around 200 I would be long gone a1c is the same as yours (at least looks like it). last time (december) was 7.4

[ebl]

"I still inject insuline instead of a pump" (AlmereStars)

 

I still do as well, depsite having friends encourage me to look into getting the pump. One of the guys I work with has a four-year-old son who is Type 1 and was fitted with a pump back in November. My buddy says it's great for the boy because that particular model has a remote control that allows the parents to monitor and control the insulin without having to make actual contact with the unit. That works out great for family gatherings, parties, etc. where having to take the kid off to the side or into a bathroom might be inconvenient.

 

Honestly, while it may be more convenient even for me, doing an injection of insulin before each meal (quick-acting Humalog) and before going to bed (long-lasting Lantus) has worked out OK for me. Maybe as the disease progresses or until pancreas transplants become more common, but till then, I'll continue the way I've been.

 

Eric

[thrillgeek]

I think if your at all curious about a pump and have the money to spend on it, it is well worth it. It's going to help me so much when I go on the Texas Trip in 7 months.

[ebl]

^ Some insurance may cover getting it; I haven't looked into what mine covers. Right now I couldn't even tell you what one costs if you had to pay for it out-of-pocket.

 

Eric

[Lenaapple1974]

My son has Type 1... and his A1C's were so good up until early last year. He has been hitting puberty, (he is now 13) and his numbers are all out of whack! The nurse he had in school last year sucked to boot, and she didn't want to do her job. Caused his BS to roller coaster! The nurse this year, I do not hear a peep from, but school has been difficult to say the least. The doctor attributes that mostly to the puberty thing. I also am looking into the pump for him this year. I have the email from the company actually in my inbox so I can read it over and see what I have to do. It's funny, because his grandmother wanted to cry when I said we are going to be getting him on the pump! She thought is was something bad! I definitely know better.

 

The one thing I hate are all those people in the family who SWEAR they know what they are talking about, but they do not. No one ever wanted to watch him as he was younger. Not one person ever really wanted to try, or get involved. So in essence, they are all uneducated. And the diabetes education they think they have is all mislead by this and that.

 

Sorry to rant. So now that I am in this topic too - how does everyone handle diabetes, the parks and vacations? I'm very interested to hear stories about that. IMO, we do pretty good. Just now that his BS has been slightly crazy, I feel like my vacation this year may be a little different!