Hello everyone!


I know its been two weeks or so since I last posted, but school and finals are coming up and it's getting quite busy around here.

I went home for thanksgiving and it was a lot of fun seeing my family. Even if we have our moments, fights, and arguments, I still love them and I am so thankful to have them supporting me and being around all the time.

Thanksgiving was quite an adventure watching the blood sugar...
The actual dinner part wasn't bad at all. Gave myself an extra large bolus to cover all the good food and enjoyed every bite of it. Ate way more than I thought I could and the blood sugar (pre pie time) was 108... I'll take that any day! Not long after was pie time, and who can say no to some seriously good pumpkin pie? I sure can't, so I ate a piece (and gave insulin as necessary). Number after the pie (approximately two hours after eating) was 123. A tiny bit high, but for one of the largest meal days of the year, extremely satisfying to see. The drive home wasn't fun though. For those who are not aware, diabetes (even my well controlled "version") causes very frequent urination. That combined with multiple caffeinated beverages made the two hour drive home very unpleasant. I hate making stops, and causing other people to stop for me, but this one was about to explode my bladder. Get annoying on drives to and from college as well...

Anyways, this past week wasn't a fun one. Been feeling pretty crappy and rather annoyed with all this disease stuff. I believe it is at that point now where it just is not fun anymore. It is so annoying to constantly worry about everything. Is my blood sugar going to drop if I go workout. Is this headache because I am sick or because my sugars might be high? If my sugars are high, I know i'm in for at least 24 hours of headaches. Do I need to sit out of volleyball practice for 20 minutes because i'm shaking and dizzy and so on. I remember being a non diabetic and thinking about things that annoyed me, and eating was never one of them. Now, I hate having to count everything I eat and plan meals way ahead of time.

Overall, this week just got to me because I am officially annoyed with this disease. But I cannot change it, so I might as well accept it.

More to come and go Bulldogs!

Wednesday November 14th, 2012

Today is Wednesday November 14th, 2012. More importantly, today is World Diabetes Day

This day is sponsored by the International Diabetes Foundation and occurs once a year. This worldwide event is designed to raise awareness for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and uses the color blue as it's message. To all my friends wearing blue today, thank you, because it means a lot.

Thats all I have today, just wanted to say thanks to everyone who is wearing blue today, because it means the world to have such support.

For more info about this please visit http://www.idf.org/worlddiabetesday/

More to come and Go Bulldogs!

Veterans Day

Thank You For Your Service

Today is Veterans Day in America. A day where we honor those who have, are, and will continue to fight for our freedoms. This day has always held a special place in my heart because my grandfather was a veteran and overall amazing man.

My grandfather, Ralph, was one of the most inspiring men I have ever met. Even in his fading days, he was one of the strongest and happy person I have ever come across. I feel honored to be his grandson and I hope to one day even become half the man he was.

Ralph was a pilot for the US Navy in the Korean Conflict in the 1950's. He always had great stories about the door gunners on his cargo planes and target practice. He would reminisce about flying to Alaska and go into extreme detail about the aircraft he flew. I feel he was the one who fostered my love of aviation and all things military. We would spend hours on the weekends looking at old photographs and examining his various uniform ribbons and medals.  I still have those at home in my desk and I am honored to have them.

Korean War Memorial Washington, DC USA

I wish more than anything to make him proud and serve, but sadly the US Military classifies Diabetes as disqualifying medical condition so I cannot join any branch. I look at the men and women in uniform and feel like a coward standing next to them. They deserve the utmost respect and thanks because without them, this great country wouldn't be near as great. I go out of my way to thank soldiers when I see them in public, even if they haven't been deployed. The fact that someone is willing to go put themselves through hell to become a marine or pilot or coast guard rescue swimmer, and better yet do it without expecting some huge return, is awe inspiring to me.

On a final note, My grandfather passed away in the early part of 2005, and it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to go through. I remember losing it at his funeral and not wanting to accept that it was real. He was given a folded flag at his funeral (like every other service member) and my grandma gave it to me knowing how much it meant to me. I got it professionally framed in a triangle frame and placed it on my dresser. I looked at it every day (until I moved this past august) and have decided to bring it back with me to college. I know some may think that is weird, but I was that close to him and it's the one thing I can look at and remind myself who the biggest hero in my life is. He not only served my family by being the greatest father and grandfather anyone could ever want, but he served and defended our country in the Korean war. So this one is for you, Ralph. I know you're up there looking over us, and you will never be forgotten!

A prized possession

To all veterans, Thank you, God Bless, and we won't stop until we bring everyone home!

Sorry for the Delay

Sorry for the delay, it's been a rough week and only getting worse. Seems every professor is trying to cram a semester worth of projects and papers into a three day window before thanksgiving. If you didn't follow, I have been, and will continue to be, extremely busy.

Had the strangest thing happen today. I was sitting in class attempting to pay attention to a rather boring lecture about Helen of Troy. As I was doing this, I felt the tube running from my pump to my stomach getting pulled on. Keep in mind this tube leads into my skin ...Ouch! I look over to see the kid sitting next to me puling on it trying to figure out what it is. Are you kidding me!?! Come on dude! If you want to figure out what it is, just ask. You don't have to sit there and yank on it to find out. This calls for a Face Palm:

In all seriousness though, just because you see something you don't understand doesn't give you the right to yank on it. So if you see a clear tube or any tube running on someones side or out of a pocket, please do not yank it.

While on the topic of upsetting things, check out this one....

                     

That is the largest I could make it, but if you can't read it do not panic! I will describe it momentarily. I know it is the political season (or was), but the audacity this person had to post on a photo like this really got to me. Think Blue. Wear Blue. is a slogan used by the International Diabetes Federation to promote awareness of Diabetes (Type 1 and 2) and help find a cure. Obviously this one hits close to home to me since World Diabetes Day is November 14th. The whole point of the slogan is to encourage people to wear blue on fridays to support diabetic research and encourage those affected by this disease. Now I made this my banner on my facebook page to help promote this event, and a girl I used to go to high school with decided to remark "for Obama". On any other post I wouldn't have cared, but this one really? One that involves my own life and support for a cause I now support more than ever? It almost makes me want to give them my diabetic supplies and ask them to live like I do on a daily basis and see if they're willing to make that comment again. Ignorance is clearly running high in this election cycle. I know this is quite the response, but I just find it shocking that someone could be so ignorant and disrespectful. This picture represents a cause, a hope, and a community of people coming together to support research to cure a rather awful disease. Instead of respecting that, someone decided to go so low as to make it politics related because the word blue was mentioned and I happen to support the more conservative stances. Really goes to show you the ignorance of the public about this disease, and the ignorance of people in general. 

Anyways, thats almost all for now, Just a cute kitten picture to cheer us up as we leave...

Thanks for reading this! More to come and Go BullDogs!

With a side of Insulin

First things first, I have to admit this title is not my own creation. I saw this on a diabetic forum and thought it was incredibly creative.

I feel the need to confront some more common misconceptions and stereotypes about this disease as I hear more and more of them each day.

1. Every Diabetic is a Type 2
Lets use some common sense here people. If every diabetic was a type 2, why would type 1 even exist? Yes, Type 2 accounts for the majority of cases, but that doesn't mean everyone you meet is a Type 2. Type 1 diabetics are the insulin dependent ones and we have to inject insulin. Depending on the severity of the type 2, they may or may not need to. If you see a pump on a diabetic, you'd be right 99% of the time assuming they're a type 1. So please, before you assume anything, just ask.

2.Which Type is Worse?
To answer this question plainly, it is whichever type affects you or a loved one. Neither one is fun, and both have their challenges. No one is asking for diabetes, and no one is preferring one or the other.

3. You're Too Young to Have Diabetes
False. You are never too young or old to get diabetes. Type 1 is more common in kids, but look at me. I was diagnosed at 18 years old, which is technically an adult.

Annoying Questions
Before I start, I know I will get this eventually, but I know most people are genuinely interested, but when my blood sugar is 43 and I am about to pass out, I do not need multiple people crowding around me shooting questions off.

What is that thing? (pointing to my side)
That is my pump

Can I watch you take your blood sugar?
Sure, why not. Just don't ask me a million questions about it

Doesn't that hurt?
Not really, you get used to it

Is 47 good?
No 80-120 is, so this is bad

Do you have to take insulin for that?
Does it matter? If I do, I don't need your input on it.

How do you do that everyday? I hate needles
When your life depends on it, needles become one of your best friends

Can you eat this? It has sugar in it
If I want to eat that, I will eat that. Sugar isn't the enemy as long as I bolus (inject) the proper amount of insulin

and so on and so on. It never ends...

I guess what I am trying to get at is the media, schools, and every other social gathering does absolutely nothing to educate people on this disease and the different parts and types. I am sick of people assuming I am unhealthy and lazy. I am sick of the lack of thought and knowledge put into the questions people ask me. If you want to know my story I am more than glad to share, but do not assume you know everything from 1 TV commercial or show. So before you ask a diabetic what they can eat, or make a ignorant comment, use that 3 pound mass of tissue in your head and think.

More rants and issues to come. Go Bulldogs!

Monday October 29th, 2012

Oh Monday, we meet again.

Mondays consist of 5 classes that pretty much take up all my time between 8am and 4pm. A lot of homework happens after these classes. Lately I have noticed my sugars running a little higher in times of stress before exams or in this case, projects. I have two individual projects in the next week or so, and have a lot on my mind. The more I sit and stress about it, the more I realize how much stress I am putting my body under. Nothing will get rid of that like a solid workout. I lifted harder than ever last night. I think most of it was stress related, but I can't help but wonder if dealing with my ex girlfriend had anything to do with it. All I know is the second I hit the weight rack, I was full rage. I like to think I looked something like this:

But really, that was a joke. I was quite intense about it though. Sugars after were an unpleasant 65, which I corrected with a couple Laffy Taffy. Banana is by far the most amazing flavor for those wondering.

I fear I may be coming out of the "Honeymoon phase" of newly diagnosed diabetics. Essentially this means that when a Diabetic (specifically Type I) is put on Insulin, their pancreas, for whatever reason, decides to start producing a little insulin. Some may think "oh well then they're good right, their pancreas is working again". Unfortunately you would be incorrect. This "phenomenon" only lasts for a short while. Some have it for a month or two, others have it a year or more. The only concrete fact is that eventually it will stop again, and your insulin needs will go up. My morning numbers have been higher than normal this past week and I fear my pancreas is shutting down again. Who knows for sure though, because as stated earlier I am under an enormous amount of stress again. Sometimes I feel like this little guy:

I cannot wait for a full, relaxing thanksgiving break. We have the whole week off and it will be incredible. I am not, however, looking forward to thanksgiving dinner with this new carb limit. That will be a post of it's own I'm sure.

On a last note, I changed my infusion set in under 3 minutes today, which is a new personal record. The first time I changed it (it is changed every three days), it took me almost 15. AS the picture above shows, it looks a little gruesome and big. In reality, it is 100% painless. The spring loaded needle goes in and out with no pain and the set itself is extremely flexible. Only time it hurt was when I hit a nerve ending (self-explanatory).

That is all for now. More to come and Go Bulldogs!

Sunday October 28th, 2012

Good Morning Everyone,

Last night was Halloween for those not in the know, and campus was insane.
Among the "festivities" was Sigma Nu's Voodoo party and everyone's costumes were hilarious. What other holiday lets you dress up in embarrassing outfits and not get stared at? After Voodoo things started getting out of hand. Many kids in my dorm were going a little too hard and I am sure they are feeling it this morning. My roommate and I both have copious amounts of candy in our room (thanks mommy and daddy!) and I may have given myself a little (or a lot) of extra insulin to enjoy some treats. It's been roughly 4 months since I had a piece of candy and it was incredible. Funny how something as insignificant as a Starburst could be a highlight of your night...really puts this disease into perspective.

I may regret it now, but we had a Paranormal Activity marathon last night in our room, and it was scary. If you haven't seen those movies, go check them out! It's almost like Inception and The Exorcist had a child and named it Paranormal Activity.
 +=


Now back to the focus of this blog, besides having some candy and sweet, sugary, my blood sugars were in check all day. I'm sure the 2 hour workout I had early evening helped with that. Lifting seems to bring my numbers up (high stress, high intensity) while cardio brings it down. Cardio brings it down very fast too. Overall this weekend has been successful so far, and numbers continue to get better each week. I have some homework to get to so I will update that later!

More to come and Go Bulldogs!

Saturday October 27th 2012

Last night I didn't go out for Halloween. Most kids seem to love halloween because they can dress up and party. Drinking and Diabetes do not go together at all. Alcohol has a tendency to drop the blood sugar since the liver is focused on metabolizing the alcohol. If I were to drink and then sleep, I could potentially go extremely low while sleeping and die. This is not a risk I am willing to take. I'm paranoid enough as it going to sleep sober. Oh and I am 18 so drinking is illegal :). So parties this year have consisted of me being the DD or "sober patrol" for my friends. Gotta keep an eye out for them! Mostly I seem to be the memory of the group the next morning, since the others were blacked out. I am okay with this role because it gives me a sense of responsibility among my peers.

On a good note, I woke up with this wonderful BG reading :)

Now the real question is can I keep it there all day and beyond, seeing as the first Butler basketball game is tonight and there is a Paranormal Activity marathon going on tonight in my dorm. Parents weekend is next weekend and I cannot wait to see my parents. I know I may have been very eager to leave for college but I do miss my hometown and my parents a lot more than I thought I would.

More to come later. Go Bulldogs!

First Entry.... A little about me

Hello Everyone,

My name is Jarred and I attend Butler University studying pharmacy. The whole point of this blog is for me to express my feelings about transitioning to college with Type I Diabetes and the day to day challenges of this disease. Some of the challenges I have faced so far have been stereotypes, dining hall food choices, and the impact of stress of glucose levels.

I was diagnosed this past summer (2012) with sudden onset Type I Diabetes and was immediately put on insulin.

For those of you who do not know, there are two types of Diabetes. I have Type I, which means my body does not produce insulin. My own body has attacked the cells in my pancreas that produce the hormone and destroyed them. I am currently, and will always be insulin-dependent. I wear a pump and check my blood sugar multiple times a day.

This is what my pump looks like. It is manufactured by Animas Corp partnered with One Touch. The meter on the left is also a wireless remote!

Type 2 Diabetes is where the body "ignores" insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin. Type II diabetics can manage their glucose levels through medications, exercise and diet changes. Some may have to go on insulin, but not quite like us type I folks.

I want to clear a few things up before I go any further with this post. Diabetics can still enjoy sugared foods and all the things "normal" people can, just with a few extra steps. If I want a doughnut, I am more than able to eat one, I just have to adjust my insulin levels to cover it. DIABETES DOES NOT PREVENT ME FROM ENJOYING MY FOOD. Yes I count carbs, and yes I am at higher risk for complications, but I already ate healthy before and still do today. Diets are useless. Nothing compares to eating a healthy diet. I consume over 3000 calories a day and have packed on TEN pounds of muscle in the past 8 months, even with this new lifestyle. Another very irritating statement I hear a lot is "you have diabetes, you must have a lazy, unhealthy diet and lifestyle". I'm sorry, but I was the healthiest 18 year old around, eating a full variety of vegetables, fruits, and proteins with the occasional treat. I swam 1000+ yards every day (I am a lifeguard) and lifted 5 times a week. Yes, being overweight and not exercising can put you at an increased risk for Type II diabetes, but that is NOT the only factor that goes into it. I do not know, and will never know what caused my condition, but I have to live with it.

Now onto the main part of this blog: College and Diabetes

If you couldn't tell already, I am 18 years old which makes me a freshman in college. College transitions are hard enough being a normal 18 year old, so starting college while trying to get manage a whole new life is quite the undertaking. 

Food choices: As a freshman I am required to live in a dorm and have a meal plan. Thankfully my school has an unlimited meal plan, which means everything is buffet style. This is incredibly helpful when I got pick my meals. Everything is my own portion sizes and I know exactly how much I am eating. Counting carbs can be a tedious task with food labels, so imagine counting without food labels. This has been the hardest part of adjusting to college life. The first couple weeks, when I was guessing carbs, my numbers were all over the place. There is nothing scarier than having low blood sugar and not knowing until it's severe. For those who do not know, normal blood sugar is around 80 - 120. The first couple days I was anywhere from 41 - 220. Low blood sugars are extremely dangerous when you get that low. Anything from passing out to seizures to eventual coma or death can occur as the blood sugar drops. Clearly the most important thing is to eat something with fast acting sugar (candy, fruit, fruit juice, sugared pop (not diet), sugar tabs etc). As the months have passed, I have become extremely effective at guessing carb counts in foods and rarely see numbers about 125 or below 75. Enough about food, it is making me hungry and its two hours before lunch.

Checking Blood Sugars: The sole reason I am including this topic in here is because I have been stared at time and time again in class or in public while I am checking my blood sugar. Its not even a large amount of blood. Its a simple finger prick. This is a life-saving measure for me, so honestly my classmates who feel the need to whisper and sneer and stare, please keep doing it, so maybe one day when someone close to you has to do this, you'll understand what their doing. I'd rather you keep staring and use me as an education tool and help you understand how lucky you are to eat whatever you want whenever you want. I'm sorry my meter makes a single beep when it has enough blood to test, thats the meter telling me its working and I like that. Those of you that are annoyed by it can move on because I am not about to skip checking my blood sugar for your convenience. Glad I got that off my chest.

I think thats enough for this post, I know it wasn't super informative, but I needed to get some of that stuff off my chest, especially the comments and stereotypes part.

More next time!

-Jarred