Life After a Cure--Diabetes Blog Week Day 7

Life after a cure would be pretty amazing. Here some of the things (in no particular order)that immediately come to mind that I would no longer have to worry about. I used to take these things for granted before I was diabetic!

Having to carry a big purse. Sometimes I want to carry a small purse, but can't because then where would I put my insulin pens, glucose meter, juice box, granola bar, ice pack to keep insulin cool in the summer, etc.

Accidentally staining my shirt with blood. Sometimes after pricking my finger, I don't realize it's still bleeding and I'll get it on my clothes! Or I'll give myself a shot in my tummy and not realize I bled a little---on my shirt!I hate that...

Having to always see the doctor. I feel like I always have an appointment. It would be nice to not have to worry about my health all the time.

Diabetes is expensive! It's like having an extra bill every month. I feel like I'm paying to have a chronic disease. It would be great to not have to budget for it anymore.

All the health risks that I would no longer have to worry about is by far the thing that I would be most happy about. I hate that I'm considered "high risk" when it comes to everything. I would love to be considered
"normal risk" again.

And lastly, I would never have to worry about what I would do if I were ever on a plane that crashed onto an island. I would be the first to go because my insulin supply would run out in a matter of days. If there were a cure, it would be one less thing to worry about. I really have thought about this.

To Carb or Not to Carb--Diabetes Blog Week Day 4

When I was first diagnosed with diabetes a few years ago, I was really confused about what I was supposed to eat and not eat. During my hospital stay, I was taught about all the restrictions I would have to put on my diet. A nutritionist visited me and completely overwhelmed me with all these new rules. I was given a chart that showed examples of types of meals I should be eating for breakfast, lunch, dinner and for snacks. I was not even allowed to go over a certain amount of calories per week. I was about 88 pounds at this point and the thought of being on a diet confused me to no end. Did the hospital not see me? I was wilting away to nothing! I was completely miserable after leaving the hospital because I was always hungry and was not gaining any of my weight back. During my first visit to my endocrinologist at the time, I was asked why I still weighed around 90 pounds. I told him that I was put on a strict diet that entailed measuring out all my food. He explained that I really could be eating anything I wanted just as long as I gave myself enough insulin to cover the amount of carbs I was eating. I was so excited to eat a cheeseburger right after that appointment! I still don’t know why the hospital made me watch my calorie intake!

Nowadays, I really do eat whatever I want, just as long as I measure out the right amount of insulin for what my meal is. I do, however, still eat as healthy as I can, with some fried foods thrown in there too. If there is a sugar free or “light” option for something, I’ll usually go with that (unless it’s chocolate. I can’t eat sugar free chocolate, it’s just not the same). While lows are never fun, sometimes I don’t mind them because it gives me an excuse to eat some sweets! I would consider my eating habits pretty normal and nothing really out of the ordinary!

Your Biggest Supporter--Diabetes Blog Week Day 3

I’m a little late jumping in, but I just discovered Karen’s Bitter-Sweet diabetes blog http://bittersweet-karen.blogspot.com/ and her post about Diabetes Blog Week. In an effort to post on a more consistent basis, I thought it would be fun to participate!

Figuring out my biggest supporter is tough because all my friends and family care about me and my health. I’m always asked how I’m feeling and if I’m ok. They let me give insulin injections right in front of them without looking grossed out and I love that they ask questions to try to understand more about what I’m going through.

Although, I have to say, my biggest supporter would have to be my husband. He’s there with me every day so he gets to be involved in it all. I was diagnosed about five years ago when I turned 21. It wasn't the most fun experience, but as my boyfriend at the time, he was there for me 100%. Every day after class at college, he would visit me at the hospital, which was about two hours away (I was there for a few days) and he showed no sign of wanting to bail out of the situation. It was comforting to know I could count on him. Since then, he’s had to deal with me and my fluctuating blood sugars on a constant basis. For the most part I’m pretty normal, but I do have my off days. When I am really stressed about it, I’m sure it effects him too.

Yay for all the awesome supporters in my life!