New Year Count Down

BG[cgm]: 114

The New Year is sprinting towards me. Though I dare not make any official resolutions, I always have something I'm working on. I'm pre-prenancy weight all ready, which is awesome!! Now I just need to get to my pre-third-kid pregnancy weight. Hahaha. At 155, I could stand to lose a few pounds still.

As a diabetic, weight loss can often be difficult. I know I've struggled with my middle for years. I'm not looking for a miracle. I wouldn't even mind the middle if I wasn't still sitting at 155. So, I'll continue in that vein until I'm happy--could be a month [not likely] or a year or two!

Also, I've gone on a low[er] carb diet in the last couple of weeks [excluding Christmas of course]. I'm much happier now. I find my sugar swings are not as drastic. My insulin intake is WAY lower than it was immediately following the birth of my daughter [when I was still averaging about 240g CHO a day!!]. When I realized how much I was still eating, I was floored. ha! Stop EATING! :D

Anyhoo... the baby is doing wonderfully yet she's the most high-maintenance baby I've had so far. Likes to be held ALL THE TIME. So, outside of daily living skills, i'm not sure what kind of goals to make for the new year.
How about you?
You got anything on your plate for the New Year?

Hiding Food

BG[CGM]: 286 Argh. It's cookie exchange day, and though I haven't had a cookie since 3pm, my sugars are still WAY OUT OF WHACK!

Speaking of cookies, I always chuckle when I hear stories about parents who have hidden sweets from their diabetic children. It's true, though. Even my parents must have done it. It was their way of protecting me and loving me, too. I have to to admit, if one of my children were diagnosed with diabetes, I would probably stop buying cookies and sweets all together. In my heart, I know that isn't fair to the rest of the kids, but I also know my kids, and I would be so afraid that the temptation would be so hard. :(

The funny thing about hiding food is that my husband and I used to do it with kids who AREN'T diabetic. I remember when our oldest was about 2. Matt and I stood at the counter, with our backs to the living area, and we each ate from the cookie stash [yes, this was pre-pump days. what a nightmare!]. At the first hint of movement from behind us, we were stuffing the last bit into our mouth and quickly reshelving the package.

Even more ironically than that is the fact that I now have to hide my healthy food from the family [and when I say family, i mean MATT!]. The nuts I buy--gone before I know it. I've been considering buying a thing of natural peanut butter [the sugar content is sooo darn high in the regular stuff], but first I have to find a place to hide it. The regular NOT lowfat yogurt?? Fuhgetaboutit. :P :D

I forgot PICTURES!!!

Sugar Pie!

New Stuff

BG[CGM]: 86

We have a baby!
November 2, 2010 Darla Josephine joined our family. Weighing in at 8 pounds and 10 oz, she was no peanut. :) But we're all happy she's here. Yippee.

Diabetes is driving me nuts, but it's not out of control. Most likely, I'm just tired and that makes handling the diabetes more annoying. The ups and downs are a little too frequent for my liking, but I have a new doctor and we're working together to get it right.

...but, like most doctors I know. SUCH TINY BABY STEPS!! Ack. I end up making my own changes before a doctor gets it right. :P But I do like the doctor and he's keen on the pump. So I have to give him a chance before I run roughshod over him. haha.

Long Time No See

BG[CGM]: 60

I'm having a baby in 3 days.
*clapping* Whoo hooo!!!

I'm so ready for this crazy ride to be OVER.
Diabetes is treating me pretty well. It's a serious roller coaster, but the ups and downs haven't been debilitating. Handling it well with my pump and CGMS.

I feel I need a break from the CGMS, actually. So, though I'll be wearing it for a few weeks post delivery, I look forward to the day when I can take it off and give it a rest. Not forever, because I have come to rely on the little bugger, but just for a couple weeks. Back to the basics. Strip testing actually sounds like fun. LOL :D

I did hook up with a doctor recently. An Endocrinologist who I think is going to be good for me. When I got pregnant I was on the verge of breaking away from my PCP of Internal Medicine for someone more specialized. Lucky me, the CDE at my OB/GYN clinic had a name of someone highly recommended. I have an appointment with him on November 12th. Will keep you posted on how that goes. My fingers are crossed. :D

Otherwise... i'm a bit tired.
And ready to snuggle my new little baby.
Have a great start to November, friends!!!
See you with pictures as soon as I can get back on.
~Bethanne

Biggest Loser

BG[CGM]: 43, but don't worry I had a glass of OJ... as a matter of fact, I ate a cookie, too.

So my kids are into Biggest Loser again--and when I said kids, I mean me. :P One of the contestants is from NY, on many pills, and also a type II diabetic who takes...

30 units of insulin at EVERY MEAL!!

Yes, you heard me correctly. I was shocked. Course, this is a big guy. Obviously, he made it onto the Biggest Loser, right? But still, I sorta gasped and thought, wow. That is more insulin that I bolus in a normal/conservative day...

and then I hit the third trimester in this pregnancy. *blush* My bolus average went from 20-30 at the beginning of this great event to now--60-70 units of insulin bolused in a day. EEEK! My breakfast carb to insulin ratio is at 3:1, but really if I don't want a spike, I have to do some math in my head and get 2:1. The pump doesn't offer that option. :/ Bad Minimed!!! :P :D

I have a few weeks left...
I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS TO BE OVER!

A Diabetes Meme

A Diabetes Meme.

Finally, a blog meme just for those of us with wonky pancreases (and for the people who love us). If you're in the mood for meme'ing today, have at it!

What type of diabetes do you have: Type 1

When were you diagnosed: November 1988 (22 years!!)

What's your current blood sugar: 141. i'm working on my post dinner levels :P

What kind of meter do you use: One Touch Ultra that hooks up with my awesome Minimed pump.

How many times a day do you test your blood sugar: With the CGMS, about 4-5x on the meter, and the CGMS picks up about 200+ more throughout 24 hours. :D I really love saying that.

What's a "high" number for you: Anything over 160 mg/dl.

What do you consider "low": Anything under 60 mg/dl.

What's your favorite low blood sugar reaction treater: Orange juice, except for now that I'm pregnant it will actually depend on the time of day. From midnight to 10am, all I need is a small glass of milk and my sugar will skyrocket. Other times of the day, it's the usual juice or sweet treat--brownie?

Describe your dream endo: Involved and vocal, yet willing to hear what I have to say about MY disease.

What's your biggest diabetes achievement: Having four healthy babies and being able to do one more [but that's it!! NO MORE! *knock on wood*]

What's your biggest diabetes-related fear: Staying so healthy only to have it all end badly anyway... on the other hand, diabetes or not, life always ends with death, so I don't know what the heck I'm hoping for. Oh! that reminds me of the movie, Sleepless in Seattle! Remember??? :D Sort of. The line about relationships ending badly, if it wasn't bad, it wouldn't be ending!

Who's on your support team: My husband, close friends, indirectly, my family, and my OB/GYN team for now!

Do you think there will be a cure in your lifetime: No.

What is a "cure" to you: I can't say I've thought about this. A cure doesn't always mean healing. Except for the financial burden, I don't mind the management...and it keeps getting better, too.

The most annoying thing people say to you about your diabetes is: "You can't eat that." (uh, yeah, thanks dude. I don't know what I've been doing without you for the last 20 years)

What is the most common misconception about diabetes: All the promotions and cool drugs are for type I, and that if I just exercise and diet I'll be able to manage this disease a-okay.

If you could say one thing to your pancreas, what would it be: "It would be nice if you could at least pick up some kind of signal... wifi, DirectTV?"

Waiting on RX

I got a call not long ago from my pump company. I have to admit, I ignored the call. I have something of an outstanding balance on my account, and since I didn't need any supplies, I didn't feel like talking to the accounting department, either. *blush* Well, last week, I mentioned to my dear hubby that we needed to cut down the balance a bit so that I could reorder some supplies. Did that, check! Then was told, there hadn't been a hold on the account afterall. Oh, really? Why did you call then??

"Your Rx for sensors is expired. We faxed the doctor and he renewed everything BUT the sensors." Ugh.

First of all, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S BEEN A YEAR!!! Wow, a year on sensors, and A1Cs in the 5s the entire time. :D BONUS! The proof is in the pudding, people, even if it is sugar free. haha. anyhoo. So now I'm waiting for that Rx to go through and hoping that I can get what I need before I run out.

DOH! Stupid, silly me.
Lesson learned: Don't avoid the hard stuff.

School's Back in Session

BG[CGM]: 78

Somehow, the idea of a schedule brings a smile to my face. The kids need it, I need it. Whoot! Next week, we get back into it. Early mornings, late afternoon homework sessions, allotted TV and Wii times. Order, or a sense of it, anyway.

In case you're curious, I'm 26 weeks along today. And as I've gone as early as 37 weeks before, I like to think I have about ten weeks left. *wink* :D It's all about positive perspective, right? I've found my insulin resistance to be confounding! The funniest [or ironicest] part is that no one ever even said those words to me in four previous pregnancies. Sure, adjusting my insulin was still part of the deal, but I can NOT believe how much knowledge comes in a small battery operated transmitter. There's no way I had control over this like I do now. I'm still in awe even after 26 weeks. :D I cannot recommend the CGMS and pump combination enough, especially for pregnancy.

In other news, my hubby is now employed by the US Army and is officially on the reserves list until he goes to Basic Training in January. How blessed for us that he will be here for the new baby and Christmas...not to mention the six months for the kids to let his absence sink in. I want to soak up all this time we have, soak up his presence, him. Lots of pictures are the order of the season. :D Lots of hugs and kisses and snuggling and wrestling--for the kids. *wink* LOL

Every thing in life makes a mark on how my disease is managed. There's a learning curve for each new situation. I would love to hear of any other diabetics out there who spend a significant amount of time without their spouses.
Have a great weekend,
~Bethanne

Bethanne-ology

I picked this up from a fellow blogger, www.singlewhitediabetic.wordpress.com, and I'm not sure where she got it... but I thought it would be fun filler for this week.

Let others know a little more about yourself, re-post this as your name followed by “ology”.

***********FOODOLOGY***************
What is your salad dressing of choice? – Ranch <--BORING! I know! Raspberry vinaigrette is tied for first, depending on my mood.
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? – Olive Garden
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? – Ice Cream
What are your pizza toppings of choice? – Bacon, mushroom and Chicken
What do you put on your toast? – Butter and strawberry simply fruit

***********TECHNOLOGY***************
How many televisions are in your house? – One.
How many computers? – Two, now. A desk top and laptop.
What kind of cell phone do you have? – Samsung with Net10 pre-bought minutes.
Do you have an iPod? – No.

***************BIOLOGY******************
Are you right-handed or left-handed? – Right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? – a cyst on my lip and one on my shoulder.
What is the last heavy item you lifted? – laundry basket
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? – KNOCKED? No.

************BULLOLOGY**************
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? NO!
If you could change your name, what would you change it to? – I already got lucky enough to change my name... I made it STRASSER.
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? – Hmm, everything in me wants to say yes, but I probably couldn't do it.

************DUMBOLOGY******************
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? Two.
Last time you had a run-in with the cops? – We had an issue once while living in Denver. That was 2000, maybe '01?
Last person you talked to? – Daughter
Last person you hugged? – Matt
Last person you kissed? – Matt

**************FAVORITOLOGY****************
Season? – FALL!!!!
Holiday? – Christmas
Day of the week? – Sunday
Month? – September

***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************
Missing someone? – It's hard to miss people when they are only a click away.
Mood? – Raring to go
What are you listening to? – The kids chat
Watching? – My computer screen
Worrying about? – Nothing

***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************
First place you went this morning? – Church
What’s the last movie you saw? – The Sandlot
Do you smile often? – Yes
Sleeping alone tonight? – No

***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************
Do you always answer your phone? – No.
If you could change your eye color what would it be? – More Blue, LOL
Do you own a digital camera? – Yes.
Have you ever had a pet fish? – No.
Favorite Christmas song(s)? – Golly--it's way too soon! Um, White Christmas. O Holy Night.
What’s on your wish list for your birthday? – A haircut... or an e-reader.
Can you do push ups? – Yes
Can you do a chin up? – Maybe ONE or TWO.
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? – EXCITED!
Do you have any saved texts? – No
Ever been in a car wreck? – No. A fender-bender, yes.
Do you have an accent? – No, everyone else has an accent.
What is the last song to make you cry? – Lots of songs make me cry when I'm pregnant.
Plans tonight? – WRITE and watch That 70s Show
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? – Yes.
Name 3 things you bought yesterday? – Calculator, phone card, diet cola
Have you ever been given roses? – Yes
Current worry? – None, duh. See above.
Current hate right now? – I can't think of anything, except the fact that they're building a mosque at ground zero. I DON'T GET THAT!!!
Met someone who changed your life? – Yes. My son.
How will you bring in the New Year? – Even I don’t plan that far away
What song represents you? – I don't do thoughtful and philosophical. I have no idea.
Name three people who might complete this? – I can't.
Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? – Definitely! there is so much cool stuff in history!!
Have you ever dated someone longer than a year solid? – Yes
Do you have any tattoos/piercings? – Pierced ears
Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now? – Most definitely.
Does anyone love you? – Yes.
Would you be a pirate? – Yes!
What songs do you sing in the shower? – Not very often.
Ever had someone sing to you? – Yes.
When did you last cry? – Recently, just not sure when, exactly.
Do you like to cuddle? – Yes
Have you held hands with anyone today? – Yes. Church is good for that.
Who was the last person you took a picture of? – Family
What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school? – I have no idea!
Do you believe in staying close with your ex’s? – No.
Are most of the friends in your life new or old? – Both.
Do you like pulpy orange juice? – Yes.
What is something your friends make fun of you for? – Hmmm... my friends make fun of me???? :D

Sooo, I've been a little neglectful

And I've been contemplating it, too.
At first I thought it was just a case of too busy, too lazy.
Now, I'm not so sure.
Here's the thing, we live diabetes so much. We are focused on sugars and food the majority of the day. For me, about 60 percent.

I'm trying to cut back. I've found a wonderful routine. I've got a GREAT certified diabetes educator on my team who helps me. I've got a pregnancy that is going so darn smoothly, there are days I don't feel diabetic at all.

The question is, how do I incorporate that into my blog?
I want people to know that diabetes can be managed well.
But if I come in here more than a couple times a week, my focus becomes the diabetes.
And you know what? I'm more than my illness. <--and I didn't even need to read the book to figure that out. :D

On the other hand, I do love to blog. I don't think I'm ready to close this one down.
Is there such a thing as a blogging identity crisis?! haha. I think there is and I'm having one.

Hi FRIENDS! It's finally AUGUST! My kids will be back in school soon. My days will find routine. My writing efforts will increase. My new baby will grow so that I am uncomfortable [and fat]. And I will prepare for my husband's coming departure for Basic Training, which happens at the end of January. Yup. There is a lot to do this fall.

I hope, hope, hope and pray that your diabetic life is as full as mine, that you find yourself looking forward to tomorrow with an ambition that will push you to succeed despite the doubts and uncertainties.
Come back soon. I'm going to do a VLOG!
With Love,
Bethanne

What the Kids Hear

BG[CGM]: 120

Tonight was sooo cute. My Number Three, after playing Wii for about an hour or so, came to me with complaints of feeling sick. He looked a little off as well, so I asked him if he felt like he was going to throw up. I suggested we get a towel and a trashcan and set him up on the floor in the living room where he could watch a movie and relax. As I prepared, he came back to me and said, "I think it's just low blood sugar."

I bit my smile back. Seriously! He is sooooo cute! And I asked him if he would like some juice. He nodded his head and got his juice. Then laid down in the living room to watch Cars.

The really funny thing is that about 5 minutes after Number Three came to me and I had him all settled down, Number Four threw up. Ugh!

In other news...
Doing this pregnancy with a CGMS and with an attentive CDE [certified diabetes educator] who is familiar with the insulin pump has been soooo different. Enlightening, really. I always had [good]better control during pregnancy before. I checked my sugars more, etc. BUT I never could have talked about how my sugar levels were trending. No one ever talked about what I should expect my sugars to do. Even with my favorite doctor in the whole world, Dr. Ronald Thomas, I would bring my logbook in and he would look at it and we would talk about how the sugars looked...

I know, I must have had some advice for basal rates, but I can't remember. I honestly don't think of diabetes when I think of my previous pregnancies. Weird, huh? Maybe it's that I don't really think about diabetes when I think of me.

AND THAT is a good thing, if you ask me. :D
Enjoy this next weekend.
Though we don't have any of our own cucumbers yet, we got some from out neighbor and YUM!! I'm so happy it's summer! I love the garden!!
Let me know if you have a garden this summer. I hear Ohio is a great place to have a garden!
~Bethanne

Diabetes on the Go

BG[CGM]: 77

After two weeks on the road, I am soooo happy to be home! I found my diabetes was managable. I had some what-the moments, but over all that was to be expected. Weddings, days at the beach, eating out... it gets tiring to have to be so aware of everything that could possibly effect my diabetes. Checking often and eating moderately was worth the effort, though. :D Me and my shoebox full of supplies made it home--happy and healthy.

I'm halfway through my pregnancy [well, almost halfway, but it just sounds so nice, doesn't it???]. The baby is moving a ton but too small to make me uncomfortable. I have an appointment on Monday and expect I'll find everything is normal.

have a great week all you friends out there. Enjoy the sunshine!!
~Bethanne

June

BG[CGM]: 76 and falling. Really?! Again?! Now?!

:D June is going to be crazy.
If I'm not posting, you know why.
Summer = kids, travel, offline/real life activities...

When I am at the computer, I'll be making up for lost time on my manuscripts.

Have a great month.
I'll see you soon.
~Bethanne

Trying to get back on TRACK

BG[CGM]: 80

I took a vacation to NY and visited my family there. GREAT time. GREAT company. Wacky sugars. I only ate out a few times, and really tried to keep things even, but I think my sugars are starting to have issues with the new baby. I don't think it's my behavior as much as circumstance that is rocking my boat.

Well, what can you do. I expected some wackiness. Tomorrow I meet with my CDE and OB/GYN for a week 14 check up. Should be able to get things back on track.

BTW, if you ever get the chance to do a food tour in NYC, GO FOR IT! It was wonderful. The food, as you can imagine, was WONDERFUL! The historian tour guide engaged me and captivated me with her stories and knowledge. I could really tell she loved the city. It was a job, but it was more. That made it special.

Hope everyone is doing fine out there with their D-lives.
Take care,
Bethanne

Leg Abuse

BG[CGM]: 95

After some discussion on tudiabetes, I was surprised to find that people are wearing their CGMS sensor and transmitter combos on their legs and even their arms!! *Gasp* I know!! So, I took a leap today and went with my leg.

So far so good. I did have one moment when I ran into the short counter in my kitchen and rapped the transmitter. OUCH! It ended up causes some pain and a WEAK signal, which shot me over to the Start screen, but I'd just experienced that with a previous sensor so I sorta knew what to expect.

The only thing I'm having trouble with right now is finding a place to hang my pump with maternity clothes on. Pants are just not the same without a waistband! I have several of the variety that are soft in front with a regular waist on the back, but there's a new variety on the market since I was pregnant five years ago...

SOFT ALL THE WAY AROUND! It's like a band of stretch material that goes around your belly. It's going to be an interesting hurdle.

Well, take care out there.
~Bethanne

A day late...

BG[CGM]: 94

I just can't keep up. Seriously. I'm always a day late on this D-blogging stuff. I did hear about an 'event' this week... a blogging event. I'm going to assume there are different themes for each day. I don't know how people do it--keep up with what everyone else is doing. :D LOL

Anyhoo... Kerri is talking about low glucose kits of today and the past--but mostly the past. I too remember the chalky tablets, and I've had my share of glucagon injections [but those came a little later in life when my hormones ruled everything about my life and my husband was already taking on a task that he probably would never have asked for if he'd really known about it beforehand]. Okay, I value myself more than that... still, I wonder if he ever wondered what he was getting himself into.

What I remember MOST as a kid were the nights my parents would shove a tube of decorating frosting into my mouth, bits at a time. I understand why they had to do it. I wouldn't hold a cup of juice. I couldn't chew or even hardly swallow. But that frosting would just get absorbed into my body as soon as it hit my mouth, eventually most of it going down my throat. I hated it. I hated waking up with blue everywhere... But that was the life, you know?

Nursing School

BG[meter]: 86
BG[CGM]: Sensor Error *shrug* I don't know. I just started the damn thing over again, and hope for a better run. I am on day 4, so calling the company would be pointless. Their sensors are tested for a 3 day run, no more. Anymore finagling is up to me.

After reading Holly's blog today, I got to thinking about when I was diagnosed and the upheaval/emotional rollercoaster it put into motion. Oh, I wouldn't ever look back and call it upheaval. I definitely remember ups and downs. I can easily commiserate with other d-bloggers who share my experience, but overall I had a pretty happy childhood.

Hind sight being 20/20, now that I've touched the d-community online, I can see how I missed out on sharing my disease, sharing who I was with people who really understood. No one really gets it unless they get it... you know? All the books in the world [like, I am not my Illness, which I never did read. Sorry Mom!] are not going to make a person feel less alone. God helps in that instance, but God also gave us to us...he gave us community, family, church, knowing that in our humanity we would need other people.

I had a lot of people in my life to support me and love me. I just didn't have diabetes people. I never did get to a diabetes camp. Hmm. Maybe I'm forgetting something. I do remember a gal in high school who had diabetes, but I went to a LARGE high school, and we never really connected. My neighbor friend was diagnosed with diabetes, but we moved. Pfft.

Now, I have my husband Matt who understands me when my disease is front and center. When my facial expressions are just a hair off because my sugars have dropped or my pump is beeping at me because my sugar is high. He keeps up with the new stuff and is interested in keeping me working correctly. It's like we were made one... oh that's right. We were. :D

Wow, there was a time, I never would have even admitted high sugars existed. I'm one of those people who didn't understand that it wasn't my fault. I would fudge logs, lie about numbers when asked... [it's amazing that I can't remember having any A1c's over 8 in my adult lifetime] Highs happen, even when I do everything right. It's freeing to admit that, and oddly enough it makes the highs that ARE my fault [forgetting to bolus, overeating] easier to be accountable for.

Lots of Blood Work

BG: 78

I met my new OB/GYN last week. I was extremely pleased with the visit. Dr. Rodrigo inspired confidence by making me comfortable. He addressed my concerns all the while confirming that he knew what he was doing. Since I've done this a few times, it was nice to hear him speak of things of which I am familiar. And even better news, he's okay with going for a natural [and by natural, I mean vaginal] delivery, IF everything is still honky-dory at that point in the pregnancy. So, that's my goal... to keep things going smoothly as much as is possible and in my hands. Which reminds me, this week: get blood work taken care of. An ungodly amount of baseline bloodwork. Whooppee!

When it comes down to it though, if that can't happen, I'll be pleased to have Dr. Rodrigo in charge of cutting me open. :D

Have I lost anyone yet? hahaha.

Diabetes plays a role in my life, no matter what. My sugars have been keen for the last few weeks. I'm quite happy with them, even though I've been quite unhappy with my CGMS. It works well for what it's guarantees...and I guess I shouldn't ask more than that except for when I hear Kerri Sparling's delivery story and she says that she had to remove her CGM prior to the C-section...and the removal was on day FIFTEEN!!! Why does she get fifteen days... IN HER LEG?! If I put my CGM anywhere besides my abdomen, sides and part of the back, I no longer have that guarantee. So SUCKY! The longest I've pulled from a Minimed sensor is 6 days, but by then, it was starting to itch and irritate under all that irritating tape.

So, I have to think back to why I chose the Minimed over the Dexcom--thank God for Blogger. And I remember, I really wanted the integrated system. I was more comfortable on the Minimed than the Dexcom after trying both of them. I still love that about the Minimed. But I'll tell you something, when the warranty is up on this Minimed, if Dexcom and Animas FINALLY have a system set up together, I'll be looking to make some more comparisons. I'll be looking for that pie in the sky. ;-)

Sunday Posts

BG[CGM]: 177 and trending down. Panera Bread day at Church makes for a very carb-ridden lunch. :D

I've found a simple routine. Posting on Sundays. Though there are times I fret that I can't get into my blogger account to do more, I just can't do too much more!! :)

What's going on in Diabetesworld today?
Though it isn't said when the study was done, success was met for a small trial of an Artificial Pancreas. READ HERE. The article mentions the AP is comprised of a glucose monitor [inserted directly into the vein], insulin pump and use of both hormones, insulin and glucagon. It's an interesting read as it talks about how to make something absolutely personal universal. Though they are able to adust the parameters of the APs function so that the test group as a whole resulted in no hypoglycemia, it does mention that a percent of the group was settling for blood sugars that were slightly higher than the original rate i.e. the rate that cause some of the group to experience hypoglycemic reactions. So the question is... is that satisfactory?

They want to combine this new technology with the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. Which brings me to another topic. Do they really think the CGM is good enough? Lately, I'm having some doubts that it would be accurate enough to regulate my body without human interaction. Yes, the sensor has been good for me. Yes it helps me see trends, but unless that sensor is in a frickin' vein, it's not enough for me to treat myself. Usually, and this is expected so I'm not complaining, my sugars are already high when the CGM senses the trend up. And I'm pretty darn low when it starts sensing the trend down. Likewise, coming up from that low happens much more quickly than the CGM senses so that I'm often getting alarms when I'm already over 100. CGMS is for the BIG PICTURE, and because of it, my sugars are tighter and my A1C is below six. But that not saying it is all that helpful for warnings... or determing the need for glucagon and/or insulin. I don't know. Show me more!! I'm interested!

Dead Beat Tired

BG[CGM]: 130
BG[meter]: 182

Okay, so pregnancy is beating the you know what out of me. I just woke up from an hour and a half nap. I never nap. Maybe short little 15 minutes of shut eye... but you know.

I'm throwing masochistic regulations out the window and taking my preNatal vitamins pretty close to dinner, before bed and with a snack. That way, I don't spend the first half of the day worshipping the porcelain god, which I did twice this week. :D Not fun! I figure, it's a pill full of vitamins and a bunch of good stuff... it goes, it ought to get absorbed...at least partially. If there are other opinions on that matter, I don't care to hear them. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it.

Oddly enough, I don't feel my diabetes is too off. Sugars aren't out of whack as can be expected. I've had a couple of weird highs, but otherwise they've stayed on the lower side. A good thing if you ask me. I've also been able to keep up with my exercise regimen except for those two days of worshipping.

Speaking of customer service, even though we weren't, I ended up changing my sensor and having some issues again then talked to another customer service rep. She was nice. It really pays to be nice.

It can be a rotten world out there. Nice gets you farther. Everyone should give it a try... [or get dismissed, anyway!]
Have a great week!!!
Take care of yourselves.
Bethanne

One More

BG[CGM]: 123

Official Test Results are IN.
Darla is on the Way.

Click for TWO PINK LINES... and a little country music smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm sharing here, but I've also set up a blog just for baby and pregnancy talk. I'm pretty easy going since I've done this a few times--four actually. I'm looking for a good doctor, and expect that won't take too long. I'm watching my sugars closely, have been for a good while. With two 5.8 HbA1c results in a row, I'm actually looking forward to this. Not that it isn't a surprise! Cuz it is! I didn't realize how comfortable I'd gotten with my life until this popped up. Now I'm like... wow, I thought I was done!!! I really thought I was through with baby stuff and all that. YIKES! I'm not done with it. Um... I better stop thinking about it now.

Customer Service

BG[CGM]: 77
BG[meter]: 148, Don't F with me, customer service representative!!!! I KNOW when my sensor is OFF--and by OFF, I do mean NOT SENSING CORRECTLY.

Okay, I feel a little like swearing right now. Grrr. I just spent 20 minutes on the phone with a telemarketing bimbo. Seriously, she was THE WORST employee of Minimed I have ever had the displeasure of encountering. I wanted to jump through the phone and kick her ass all the way to Taiwan. It was alot like talking to the ATT representative we occasionally need to call and ream a knew one because they have overcharged our bill...again. That's how irritated I was.

I told her my sensor wasn't following with my sugars. That it had been reading in the 70's since 3am. I told her I calibrated at 6am. I told her that when my sugar rose after breakfast, the sensor stayed in the 70's. Do you want to know what she said?

"The sensor is meant to trend with your sugars."

You're kidding me, right? That's the F what I'm saying!! But it's NOT DOING THAT! This was after a very long drawn out conversation about all that had happened that morning... how my calibration at 11:30 was a BAD calibration because it was a low sugar.

So what? My problem started LONG before 11am. You can't blame an 11am calibration--one made in utter frustration--for all the problems that happened prior to it. Besides which.... a 48 isn't necessarily a BAD calibration. She ASSUMED that because the sugar was 48, it was unstable. That's what the book says, on a stable meter reading. It doesn't say, a meter reading between 70-120. IF my suagar had been in the fifties for more than an hour that would be pretty darn stable. NOT ideal, but stable.

I finally told her I was going to fly to California so I could kick her ass....

Actually no. I told her I was going to hang up the phone now, that I was getting too angry to keep talking to her. That I would track my sensor and meter readings through the afternoon and call again later. AND NOT TALK TO HER!

The technology isn't perfect, but I know it can work well. I'm smart enough to realize when something is not quite right.

On a brighter note, did I tell you my April A1c was 5.8! :D

Finding that special Someone

BG[CGM]: 42
meter: 57, after days of high afternoons I changed my basal rates, but will apparently have to knock it down a bit.


Finding doctors.
I was looking for a doctor, not because mine has fallen short. No, I needed to get a yearly, but my ob/gyn left town in the fall. I didn't really think we'd still be hanging around, so I never bothered looking for someone new. Now, the time has come when I hate to put off a good[for me] thing....


Ugh. Back to the drawing board. This doctor finding process is so tedious! *sigh* Oh well. I shall seek and find. Wish me luck, I might need it. :D

How do I know I have allergies?

BG[CGM]: 121

I know I have allergies--and not some kind of cold--because my sugars have not gone up and stayed there. Being sick will do that, send those sugars up. I've been even keel though even though this AWFUL congestion, which I can't sleep through!! I NEED SLEEP! I need naps! I want to be able to breathe!

Can't wait until next week, I'll get my blood word back. I've got another A1C result to look at. Last one was a 5.8. I'm curious to see how it has changed, if it's changed.

Thank God for normal sugars. That's something, anyway, don't you think? :D
Happy Easter, if I don't get on before then.

Taking Breaks

BG: 70

I ended my CGMS sensor and thought I'd wait to put a new one in. I ran out of tape. :P Wow, it's nice having the continuous look at what my sugars are doing. Within hours off the sensor, I was over 230 after an afternoon eating excursion I'd forgotten to bolus for--if I'm going to forget, it's going to be in the afternoon when the kids are just home from school and life seems a little more hectic. In any case, with my CGMS I would have had a 170 warning that would have reminded me I was off. Big pluses for the CGMS, whether you have a Minimed or a Dexcom. :D

On another note. I cleaned windows today and NICE TO SEE YOU, SPRING! Yikes, those things get dirty during the winter months, don't they? Ick. :D

Have a great week, Friends.
Bethanne

Finally seeing some results!

BG[CGM]: Below 40, the meter says 38

It is pretty low right now. Ugh. But I've drank juice and eaten, so it's a waiting game now.

I wanted to share that after two months of consistent exercise, I'm finally down ten pounds. I weighed in at 150 today.... YIPPEE!!!! I was jumping up and down and screaming and yelling. Now, I've got a tear in my eye, but that could be more the low sugar speaking than the actual emotion. :D

Thanks for hanging with me as I fight to stay healthy.
With Love,
Bethanne

Still Moving

BG[CGM]: 180 <-- sometimes I do stupid things, like forget to bolus. *eyeroll*

It's been three and a half weeks since I started my 5K training schedule. I've found that running takes a lot! I'm also proud to say, I've kept moving [this is to say, I'm not exactly always running] during that entire time, and before these scheduled weeks, I was doing some cross training [aerobics and stuff]. I've learned that I like to walk fast, that I'd much rather walk fast and keep up a sweat longer, than to try to run. When I run, I go a shorter distance and for a shorter time, too. :P Today was a rest day, but I did a mile anyway. It felt good.

In a related story...

Last night I left the house on a trip to the library. I made it ALMOST to the Wendy's [about 2ish miles?] and ran out of gas. Did you know, NO ONE HAS A PAY PHONE ANYMORE!!! Not Wendy's, not McDonald's. And me? I'm one of the last hold-outs. I don't own a cell phone. So, I walked about one mile to a friend's house--isn't it nice having friends? :D She drove me home. It wasn't that bad, and I wasn't even mad. I should have remembered that I needed gas, not becuase the gauge was on low. No, our dashboard zonked out weeks ago, but because I knew it had abeen a while since gas was put in there. I think I just felt lucky that I hadn't run out of gas that morning when I was driving 4 kindergarteners and their teacher to the PO for a fieldtrip. Can you imagine?!!?!? that would have been horrifyingly embarrassing!

Sick Days

BG[CGM]: 86

I have a sick kid!!! Ugh. After a night with the Girl Scouts [more on that in a sec], Hubby decided we'd celebrate by going to breakfast. A nice Sunday brunch at The Restaurant in Warrensburg. I got home and my youngest son was acting a little off--tired. But he'd been up late, so lying on the living room floor for forty minutes was only suspiciously off. When he got up to go, my brain said, "he looks a little pale, Bethanne." But no, I convinced myself he was just tired. His cold was getting him down; he's been congested for a little while.

About ten minutes after the waitress brought our food, my youngest puked all over himself and his plate.

We hurriedly fled the scene. He lounged around all day, lethargic. Eight thirty rolls around, and all of a sudden he wants water... then crackers... and now he's eating noodle soup. And he won't shut up! LOL :D He does love to talk.

Back to the Girl Scouts sleep over. I was just very glad not to have any hypo episodes and have to explain that crazy screeching noise that was coming from my abdomen. Phew. It was a little low when I woke up, but not bad, and nothing the CGMS picked up.

Have a great week everyone!!
~Bethanne

Happy Anniversary

BG[CGM]: 85

eleven years ago today, I got married. Happy Anniversary, Matt.

Thanks for being such a great support, for learning who I am and how my diabetes changes me. I wish all married diabetics someone just like you.

Love you.

Bethanne

Slipping Away

BG[CGM]: 111

Time is slipping by so quickly! Spring is even closer than it was a few weeks ago. :D I'm dancing in my head. I'm singing in the rain. I'm just soooo darn happy that it's March.

I'm utilizing two basal patterns on my pump. Wow, it's so awesome. This thing really does alot more than I've given it credit for in the past. Thanks to my minimed rep, I'm slowly learning. It's about time, too.

I've got a busy month... girl scout lock-in, anniversary, dental appointments--I HAVE MY FIRST CAVITY!!!! 33 years, and I'm out of the club. Darn. :( I can't believe it. I thought I would be cavity free my whole life.

I guess that just shows how silly I am. :D

More Basal Testing

BG[CGM]: 150

This is night ONE for basal testing. I ate dinner and will fast through the night in order to get some good readings on my sugar levels. They are NOT holding steady as they were a month ago! Oh, the frustration of Diabetes. Grr... I also have plans to get with an endocrinologist. I know, you're probably thinking, "what? you don't see one already?" *eyeroll*

It's okay. I have a really GREAT doctor, who is confident in me and my abilities. He listens to me, knowing that I'm the more experienced person. Believe me, that's rare. OTOH, he is also willing to let someone else help, which is why I'll be contacting the endocrinologist soon. HOpefully, she can shed some light on the variable basal rates thing.

On a lighter and much happier note, I'm planning a trip to NYC with a girlfriend of mine. I'm soooo excited!
Have a great week, my friends.
Love,
Bethanne

Fasting

BG[CGM]: 54 -- had a glass of juice

One of the greatest things about having a pump has been the ability to NOT eat. Fasting is a common factor for me and my faith. Even without diabetes, I've never been an AVID faster, but there are times...like during lent when fasting is something I'd like to be able to do. As a diabetic, I'm not obligated. There are always exceptions for example, being pregnant.

As a pumper, I feel I have the freedom for fasting.
Which takes me back to those days when I first got the Minimed insulin pump. I must have lost about 20 pounds in those first months. My eating habits changed unbelievably. Late night snacks, gone. It was a different world for me. The allowance of some simple sugared foods that before I had avoided or ate with much guilt also brought liberation. Seriously big changes for me.

Now, most of the dieting I do, I do in order to stay healthy and maintain an ideal weight. *thumbsup* AND, I can fast if I want to. :)

Thanks Dean Kamen, you totally made my day when you invented the insulin pump--the Segway PT isn't too bad, either. :D

Time Flies

BG[CGM]: 96

BG: 176 -- haven't figured that one out yet, but I'll be keeping an eye on things to see if they don't even out. :D



I can't believe how fast time goes!! The Olympics are half over! February is eight days from ending! SPRING IS JUST A SHORT MONTH AWAY!

10 7 things I love about Spring.
1. flowers
2. baby rabbits
3. green leaves
4. bike riding
5. Easter
6. End of the school year right around the corner
7. Tax refunds

Have a great weekend!

~Bethanne

Training

BG[CGM]: 111

Yes, I'm going to start training...
But not like that. -->
As a friend of mine would say, "He has bigger boobs than I do!"

No. I'm going for the 5K. I've been doing 15 minutes of too easy workouts everyday. It's not working... I mean, I feel a little better, but I want to look better and feel GREAT! I've been on my treadmill twice this weekend [it's lying. it really is when it says I've done a mile in 20 minutes! haha]. I've downloaded a training schedule and I'm hoping my measly practice with the 15 minutes a day will keep my head out of my ass on this venture...

Oh, and no pizza or ice cream anymore, either! I ate both of those over the weekend. Talk about feeling crappy... don't get me wrong. I enjoyed every bite of it, but it's no surprise that I'm feeling down[ish]. :D [The diabetes has waged well against my eating habits this weekend, and for that, I'm grateful.]

Plus, I've still got that wedding to go to in June. Whoot! Kitty Hawk here we come. If I lose 30 pounds, i'm rewarding myself with a new dress....

Valentine's Day is Coming

BG: 73

I love chocolate. Really love it likes it's the best thing that ever came from a bean.... well, no. Second to coffee. Or even better, coffee and chocolate together. The two best beans EVER!

...and I'm a diabetic. So I take it in small doses--usually.

Is Valentine's Day hard for me? No. I think holidays like this probably used to stink. I grew up in the if-you-eat-that-you'll-die era. My parents were probably on the easy-going side. I remember a gal who lived with military strictness in regard to her diabetes. Eeek.

Nowadays, when I look at chocolate, I see fat--not high blood sugars. And that's enough for me to steer clear.

Valentine's Day is a wonderful holiday for me because I'm married to the love of my life and have four beautiful children whom I love.... I can't beat that. We're going to all see a movie that day, come home for dinner, then [apparently] Matt has a Yummy Surprise for everyone. Hmm. I wonder!!! :D

Enjoy your weekend.
Have a wonderful Loved-filled Holiday.
~Bethanne

Heredity

BG[CGM]: 119
BG: 144

I read the About page on the www.rescuemeids.com page, a company that makes medic alert tags and some other helpful stuff for diabetics. The woman who owns the company is a mother of three. She has a sister with Type I diabetes, a son who was diagnosed at 13 months and another son diagnosed later. CRAZY!

Does this worry me? Yes. It does. I hate to think the people I love will have to deal with the same stuff I do... on the other hand, better my kids than some unsuspecting fool! Right? Could I be a help? Would it just be one more parental chain around a growing kid's neck?

Maybe, maybe not. Diabetes is a rough road--and I know at least one of my kids who would think he had died if he couldn't eat sweets whenever he wanted to [knock on wood]--not that I let him now... haha.

I realize God knows how much we can handle, but in my human frailty, I would question his accuracy if that did happen.

Tricky disease stay away from mine!

Roller Coaster Trips

BG[CGM]: 163

Travelled to Michigan this weekend. We are so blessed! The weather was FABULOUS. We left our hometown drenched in a freezing rain, drove two hours to sunshine and dry roads. Enjoyed a clear weekend with friends and family, then came home only to drive straight back into blizzard-like weather. :P I shoveled the drive this morning. 30 minutes of hard work.

One thing, though. I've never had so much trouble with my diabetes on a road trip! When I upload my pump and sensor data to my computer it's going to be like an awesome Cedar Point roller coaster! Up and down, never stopping. Ugh! I'm still on the high end today and that is irritating me even more because I'm eating normal, I'm doing normal activities... where's the love?!

Couple of things. Food. I didn't eat well over the weekend. I felt enlightened after watching my friend's husband make his own beer. He started the process by boiling wheat...then adding hops and malt and coriander and...the best, some kind of cornsyrup!

First things first, this was the best beer I've ever tasted. I enjoyed a glass from his previous brew and it was rich. So rich. So yummy. Thick... and after watching him make it, I added about thirty more carbs for that glass. :D When I drink, I usually go for the light beer. And now I'm curious how they make the light beer. I'll have to put in a request!

So, anyway Pizza at the Superbowl party. Another yum.
It was an incredibly eating weekend. I enjoyed myself, enjoyed the company...and need to do extra workouts this week to make up for it. Next time, we'll have to visit on a NON-occasion weekend. Maybe that will help, eh?

Alzheimers

BG[CGM]: 160

Alzheimers runs in my family, so I know that possibility is there...

But there are times when I wonder if it's not Alzheimers, it's a loose mouth. :D Matt is often exasperated because I will ask him the same question three times in any number of hours. For example, What are you doing tomorrow? Then again later that day, So, what are you doing tomorrow? Finally, I'm likely to ask the next morning, what are you doing today?

I had a moment today when I thought to myself, are you just running your mouth without thinking? If you really thought about the question, would you find you know the answer? I was sitting down to lunch and, half talking to myself, said "What will we have for dinner?" But I know what we're having for dinner! I had just been talking about it with Matt because he was eating it for LUNCH! I just didn't think.

By the way, we're having turkey potpie, which is GREAT except I made the pie filling last night, and since then three people have dipped into the pot... so my pie is a little shallow. ;-) haha!

I think I'm going to try to think more. Good plan, huh? LOL
Had a pretty crappy D day, with highs and a sensor error two times... ugh. I think I'm doing better now. I had to change my infusion site, and from now on I think I will just avoid that area on the side of my gluteous maximus. It never absorbs well there and I end up with highs.

Bolus Delivery

BG: 53
CGM: 55 <-- do you see what I mean about a working transmitter and decent freaking trends? LOL :D I think I'm lucky because my trending is so even keel. Except for the occasional spike or dip, my BGs roll, meaning even when I rise, I usually take some time to do it. When I go low, same thing... That helps the CGM readings stay closer to BG levels. Anyhoo. I'm eating too much at bedtime. I need to eat too much, I should say. Not sure how to mess with my doses, just yet, but for sure, I'll be lowering some dinner time basals.

I wanted to touch on my Bolus Delivery. I love my pump, you know that. It has three different delivery types for whenever I eat. A normal gives me my entire dose at one time. A square gives me the dose over a period of X minutes. And the dual delivers both--normal and square. I've learned to LOVE this feature. High fat foots do not allow sugars to be absorbed as easily, so I know eating a steak or a couple peices of pizza are going to give me more of a spike later. And wahlah! now I can take a square bolus and get insulin coverage for a longer period of time.

I'll have to do some research and questioning when I see my MM rep next Friday, because I was thinking tonight... if I use a square bolus for my bagel, will that allow me to cover my food without going too much lower than I already am? Do you see what I mean? I don't want to eat an entire bagel adn NOT bolus, but when my sugar gets this low, I hate to bolus at all until I feel better.

I'm tired though. and ready for bed... and I know that I ate enough, because not only did I eat that bagel that I square bolused for, I drank a glass of orange juice[<--the other reason I dont' want to go to bed without bolusing. High alert in another hour!!] Well, thanks for listenign to be ramble tonight.
Have a great day tomorrow.
With Love,
Bethanne

Lifted

BG[CGM]: 89 -- new transmitter has made a WORLD of difference. :D I'm keeping up my 15 minutes of exercise a day. And overall, I can't complain about how diabetes is treating me. Life is good.

Last night I sat down to watch Castle with my hubby. A short 60 minute program on ABC. I say short, because you know how those networks are always cutting a minute from the front and back of the hour. You know what was worse? Seven, yes SEVEN commercial breaks, three at five minutes long and four at about 2-3 minutes. I went to bed just plain discouraged. What is the world coming to? Twenty years ago, I would watch an hour episode of Macgyver and actually watch 48 minutes of programming. Today, we're lucky to get thirty-five minutes. 35!!!

Being so disgusted last night, I was blessed to witness something today. While shopping at my local Aldi store for the weekly shopping, I got in line and saw a woman. I didn't notice she was upset at first. Then, as I moved closer, I heard the cashier telling her that the man in line after her had paid for her groceries while she had stepped aside to call someone because her card wasn't working. The woman looked confused at first, and the cashier had to repeat herself. As I finished being rung up, the woman was on her cell phone and she was crying--probably because an angel had visited her. I was really touched and I imagine that she was too.

My point is, sometimes when I can't figure out what the world is coming to, God shows me.
Have a great week.
Bethanne

Hypercrap

BG: 79
[CGM]: Above 400 -- shouldn't this thing fix itself??? *scratching head* maybe I broke it with my quick rise this morning to 220. That seemed to push it over the edge and now I can't calibrate it until it's compatible.

My husband is still wondering if this CGM thing is worth it. I still think so. We're adjusting. *shrug*

I'm keeping my 15 minutes of exercise a day up. Yay! It's probably not enough to take any of my unwanted weight off, but it feels good, and really all I have the motivation for at this point. Winter is sure getting to me this year. :P Even the kids are starting to wish for warmer weather. Yucky weather or not, we're all looking forward to a nice trip to Michigan soon. We'll visit friends and family. Just being out of the house will help. Pray for safe travels--and GOOD WEATHER!

I'm on the verge of getting more involved in the diabetes community. It's taken me 22 years to figure out how wonderful the support can be. I never had it as a kid, and didn't know the extent of it until now... weird huh? It is weird. I wish things had been different. Realistically, with a move coming up, I can't commit to too much... Still, I feel it's a good idea. So, tell me. Do you belong to the Diabetes Association near you? Do you find stuff to do with your local JDRF? What is your favorite aspect of being part of your local diabetes community?

THANKS for sharing.
Bethanne

Request!

BG: 115

So, this is totally off diabetes topic, but I can't help but share with my few blogger friends on Living with It. I got a request from an agent for my completed manuscript, Shake the Sugar Tree. :D I'm so nervous and excited at the same time.

It feels good to have worked so hard on something for so long and to finally have someone read my blurb and think, "huh, that could be interesting." Eeeek! I know, I know. Calm down, lady. it's just a partial request. She wants to see 30 pages. BUT OMGosh! She wants to see 30 PAGES of words that I WROTE!

I just got a little teary there again... *sniff*
thanks for coming here and sharing with me.
Love,
Bethanne

Education

BG [CGM]: 79

I've started my task of finding an educator for my kids. Actually, I restarted my task... I did try last fall and didn't succeed. All of a sudden, Matt is getting ready and has a tentative date for Basic Training [if he passes all the interview requirements]. It's becoming a reality before my very eyes. :D And that means getting to the nitty-gritty. First and foremost--EDUCATE THE KIDS.

After that... I don't know. Pray. Lots of prayer and preparation. I guess I'm getting a little nervous. Not for me! I think my diabetes will be closer to the bottom...okay middle, of the concern list. My pump and CGMS has really helped me even out and feel more confident.

The changes will be intense, but I think the adventure of starting something new is also exciting. You know me! Itchy feet! I've already lived in seven different states, four of those after I was married. The hardest part of the new venture will be the separation. Let's not ignore the elephant, right? Matt is a buffer in this house. He's the peacemaker [except for when we're fighting. ;-) haha] and most times, the fun instigator.

I think when people hear me say, "This will be exciting," they must think I don't really understand what's to come. But I don't agree. I have an imagination that rivals any great author's, one that helps me see the worst. Fortunately, Matt and I aren't willing to cowtow to the fear.

Ignorance isn't bliss, that's fake.
Knowing the risk, trusting God and jumping anyway... phew. That's the thrill of life.

Jumping Jacks

BG[CGM]: 194 (and rising!!!) Over a teaspoon of brownsugar in my oatmeal?!?!?! ARGH. ...okay, fine. Whatever. No brownsugar in my oatmeal from now on. :P


I can't do 2 minutes of jumping jacks.
It sounds crazy to me. If you had asked me before I started on this Wii Fitness craze, I would have said "Yes, I can." I'm active and 2 minutes seems short.

It's NOT!!

Holy mackeral. The Wii wanted me to record my resting pulse then my pulse after exercising. Yikes. After a minute I ended up waving my arms while I ran in place. By the time I was finished, I was breathing so hard and loud, I couldn't hear to feel my pulse.... yes, I said that. Why does it need to be quiet to FEEL your pulse? :D

Here's to improvement! Cheers!

A day to myself

BG[CGM]: 108

Tomorrow is Monday and my hubby is off for St. Louis with the youngest, which means I'm home alone!! Until mid afternoon, I'll have the house to myself. :D :D :D

Time to exercise, to straighten, to read, to write! Write! Yay! A good six hours.... *sigh*

Are you a diabetic? Do you get time alone? Does your family worry with each occasion? So...what do we do to safeguard?

1) eat at regular intervals!
2) check often!
3) stay in contact with friends and family.

I'm looking forward to a day filled with peace and contemplation. ;-)
We all deserve it--diabetic or not.
Take care!
Bethanne

Lots of Snow

BG[CGM]: 62, will partake a small snack.

It's not that I can't believe the snow. I mean, it's winter and I live in the midwest. I expect snow. Unfortunately, this is the first winter on record [mine, like the permanent one from elementary school] I have ever wished to live somewhere warmer. By some freak shift in my personality, I was not looking forward to the cold, the snow, winter at its best.

What I'm saying is, you have me to blame for this frigid spell because me and Murphy? We're like this . Buds, compadres, amigos... :D


Diabetes is looking good. I've had a few bumps with my sensor. Nothing too trying, just a technical foul--so to speak. The rep and I are going to figure it out... is it the pump? the transmitter? or the sensor? Only time will tell.
Stay safe on those roads!
Take care,
Bethanne

A Sugar Addict's Blog

My sister found this and I thought it was GREAT Vlogging for diabetics and [obviously] NONdiabetics, too.

Happy New Year!

BG: 201
CGM: 189

The first day of the rest of my life:
Went to church.
Ate a little too much[overall].
Made an apple pie.
Did NOT eat the ice cream.
Cooked my first venison roast of the year[and last year, too].
Played with the kids.
Changed my infusion site.
Tested my glucose about 5 times.
Entered a writing contest.
Worked on a manuscript.
Bed early!!!

Goal:
Lose 30 pounds this year.