No amount of blogging on my part can compare to hearing it straight from a kid with diabetes.
Thanks to Joseph for not allowing diabetes to define who you are.
Thanks to Sandra for showing us what it means to love a child with diabetes.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Do you have Time for World Diabetes Day?
Well, in honor of World Diabetes Day I've decided to finally post after a 3-month hiatus. I've been so busy these days I haven't had time to post.
But then again, I should NOT be complaining.
Here's some simple math that helps me put things into perspective...
How much time might someone with type 1 diabetes spend on just the TESTING part of managing diabetes?
Average Total Test Time: 2+ minutes (looking for the kit, pulling out the meter, inserting test strip, pricking finger, waiting on test, clean up, and assuming there are no errors and they have a newer meter)
Average # of tests: 8+ (morning, pre-breakfast, post-breakfast, pre-lunch, post-lunch, pre-dinner, post-dinner, bedtime)
2 minutes x 8 times = 16 minutes per day
365 days x 16 minutes = 5,840 minutes
5,840 minutes / 60 minutes in an hour = 97 hours
97 hours / 24hr days = 4 DAYS
So in an entire year, a person with type 1 diabetes who actively manages their diabetes might spend at least 4 FULL DAYS simply TESTING for their glucose levels.
OR...
97 hours / 8hr work days = 12 full work days
Imagine spending over 2 weeks of full-time work simply testing yourself every 2 minutes. That's the amount of testing that they endure over the year.
So the next time someone says that diabetes is no big deal, ask them if pricking themselves for 4 days straight isn't a big deal... and that's not even including all the insertion time, pump operation time, medical visit time, carb-calculating time, blog reading time and worrying time.
So those of you who don't have diabetes better recognize... especially on World Diabetes Day!
But then again, I should NOT be complaining.
Here's some simple math that helps me put things into perspective...
How much time might someone with type 1 diabetes spend on just the TESTING part of managing diabetes?
Average Total Test Time: 2+ minutes (looking for the kit, pulling out the meter, inserting test strip, pricking finger, waiting on test, clean up, and assuming there are no errors and they have a newer meter)
Average # of tests: 8+ (morning, pre-breakfast, post-breakfast, pre-lunch, post-lunch, pre-dinner, post-dinner, bedtime)
2 minutes x 8 times = 16 minutes per day
365 days x 16 minutes = 5,840 minutes
5,840 minutes / 60 minutes in an hour = 97 hours
97 hours / 24hr days = 4 DAYS
So in an entire year, a person with type 1 diabetes who actively manages their diabetes might spend at least 4 FULL DAYS simply TESTING for their glucose levels.
OR...
97 hours / 8hr work days = 12 full work days
Imagine spending over 2 weeks of full-time work simply testing yourself every 2 minutes. That's the amount of testing that they endure over the year.
So the next time someone says that diabetes is no big deal, ask them if pricking themselves for 4 days straight isn't a big deal... and that's not even including all the insertion time, pump operation time, medical visit time, carb-calculating time, blog reading time and worrying time.
So those of you who don't have diabetes better recognize... especially on World Diabetes Day!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Who's Going to the AADE?
If anyone else will be attending AADE's 2008 Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Washington D.C. this week, let me know! It's always nice to run into fellow bloggers at these events.
Hopefully my company can make a splash again this year. The awesomeness of our giveaways match the quality of our meters, so you can expect something worth your time. =P
Maybe I'll be able to post up some pictures this time around.
Also, if anyone reading this is interested in trying out something new, shoot me an e-mail and I'll work something out for you. Nothing better than helping out my d.o.c. buddies!
Hopefully my company can make a splash again this year. The awesomeness of our giveaways match the quality of our meters, so you can expect something worth your time. =P
Maybe I'll be able to post up some pictures this time around.
Also, if anyone reading this is interested in trying out something new, shoot me an e-mail and I'll work something out for you. Nothing better than helping out my d.o.c. buddies!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Too Much, Too Little
Wow, I feel very guilty for not posting anything new for a long while. I've been rather busy at work with all the different events going on this summer.
Shoot me an e-mail if you are interested in trying out a new product. Can't go into details here, so I guess I'll only hear from those brave souls. :)
The typical blogger predicament is balancing life with writing about life. As well as balancing what is written between personal happenings, specific interests and... work. I would talk more about my work, but I'm sure I'd be breaking a few rules. So if any of you want to find out more about what I do, feel free to contact me directly!
One of the most satisfying things about my job is being able to help those who don't expect it! :)
Shoot me an e-mail if you are interested in trying out a new product. Can't go into details here, so I guess I'll only hear from those brave souls. :)
The typical blogger predicament is balancing life with writing about life. As well as balancing what is written between personal happenings, specific interests and... work. I would talk more about my work, but I'm sure I'd be breaking a few rules. So if any of you want to find out more about what I do, feel free to contact me directly!
One of the most satisfying things about my job is being able to help those who don't expect it! :)
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
What Makes a Non-Diabetic Blog About Diabetes?
I'm trying to remain as transparent as possible so here we go...
I think most of you know by now that I do not have Diabetes myself. That alone has raised plenty of suspicion or skepticism as to why I even tried to be a part of this community.
Well here is my best explanation of that...
1. I was interested in learning about diabetes.
2. I stumbled upon the diabetes online community (DOC) and was drawn in by the personal stories of overcoming struggles.
3. I saw that the majority of bloggers were type 1 and that there was no non-diabetic d-blogger in sight who wasn't a parent, spouse or caregiver.
4. I felt compelled to give back somehow by processing the things I've learned and presenting them in a way that is easy for others to follow.
5. Rather than be a lurker, I also wanted to be able to participate and share my unique perspective when appropriate.
Digging Deeper...
"But WHY were you interested in learning about diabetes?"
Well, it's because I was fortunate enough to get a job with a company that genuinely cares about what's best for those who use its products.
They understood that diabetes is more than just another disease.
They understood that its more than just numbers and statistics.
This is something that real people have real problems with.
And marketing a product that adds no real value or provides no real solution is not an option.
To truly serve someone, you must truly understand them.
And knowing someone is more than just reading text on a blog.
It's friendship. It's relationship.
It's investing your time and emotions in the community.
It's aligning your values to theirs. It's feeling the pain they feel.
It's knowing how people like me can so easily say the wrong things.
It's knowing when not to say anything at all.
To be completely honest, it's rather difficult to blog about something I don't have to face everyday.
The world makes it too easy for me to ignore.
But I recognize how blessed I am.
And for that, I do what I can to help while I still can.
Feel free to e-mail me directly if you have any questions. I always look forward to them.
I think most of you know by now that I do not have Diabetes myself. That alone has raised plenty of suspicion or skepticism as to why I even tried to be a part of this community.
Well here is my best explanation of that...
1. I was interested in learning about diabetes.
2. I stumbled upon the diabetes online community (DOC) and was drawn in by the personal stories of overcoming struggles.
3. I saw that the majority of bloggers were type 1 and that there was no non-diabetic d-blogger in sight who wasn't a parent, spouse or caregiver.
4. I felt compelled to give back somehow by processing the things I've learned and presenting them in a way that is easy for others to follow.
5. Rather than be a lurker, I also wanted to be able to participate and share my unique perspective when appropriate.
Digging Deeper..."But WHY were you interested in learning about diabetes?"
Well, it's because I was fortunate enough to get a job with a company that genuinely cares about what's best for those who use its products.
They understood that diabetes is more than just another disease.
They understood that its more than just numbers and statistics.
This is something that real people have real problems with.
And marketing a product that adds no real value or provides no real solution is not an option.
To truly serve someone, you must truly understand them.
And knowing someone is more than just reading text on a blog.
It's friendship. It's relationship.
It's investing your time and emotions in the community.
It's aligning your values to theirs. It's feeling the pain they feel.
It's knowing how people like me can so easily say the wrong things.
It's knowing when not to say anything at all.
To be completely honest, it's rather difficult to blog about something I don't have to face everyday.
The world makes it too easy for me to ignore.
But I recognize how blessed I am.
And for that, I do what I can to help while I still can.
Feel free to e-mail me directly if you have any questions. I always look forward to them.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Is Prayer Reckless Homicide?
WESTON, Wis. (AP) — Two parents who prayed as their 11-year-old daughter died of untreated diabetes were charged Monday with second-degree reckless homicide.In this case... it certainly is. Sure these may just be my simple opinions... but inaction is just as bad as doing the wrong action. There was a bit of both here.
As a part of the general non-diabetic public... this makes me sick.
As a part of the online diabetes community... this makes me sick.
Even as a follower of Christ... this makes me sick.
It's one thing to simply have faith, but I also believe God gives us very practical means as an answer to our prayers... insulin.
There is no cure for diabetes yet...
One day there may be....
But until then... Parents please use the medical resources you have access to TODAY.
Monday, March 17, 2008
It's Been Too Long
Well it certainly has been a while since my last post.
But I've been traveling... from Scotland to Wisconsin.
What I've found fascinating is the similarities of those who have diabetes even across different cultures. People with diabetes have a common bond with each other that rises above many divides.
All the finger-pricks, daily injections, carb-counting and hypo-fearing... it's all something only those who deal with every day could truly understand.
If only that understanding spread beyond those who live with it... then the world would be a better place.
But I've been traveling... from Scotland to Wisconsin.
What I've found fascinating is the similarities of those who have diabetes even across different cultures. People with diabetes have a common bond with each other that rises above many divides.
All the finger-pricks, daily injections, carb-counting and hypo-fearing... it's all something only those who deal with every day could truly understand.
If only that understanding spread beyond those who live with it... then the world would be a better place.
Friday, February 15, 2008
What Does 112 Mean to Me?
112.
The first blood glucose reading I ever tested for. Back then, it meant very little to me. All I knew was that it was telling me something about my blood that I wouldn't have known otherwise.
It was just... another number.
As time progressed, I began to check these numbers more.
Sometimes it was 84. Sometimes it was 160. I followed the rise and fall of these numbers as I tested before and after meals.
Something started to change.
I began to feel anxiety of a rising blood glucose level. I don't even HAVE diabetes. But I know that I'm at risk.
When I get that 80, I feel safe, but only because I don't have a bolus of insulin chasing away the blood sugar to worry about.
When I get that 164, I feel worried, but I am still comforted in knowing that my pancreas hasn't revolted against me yet.
There are MANY things that I don't have to worry about after a test...
Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, I don't need to have juice or sweets always accessible in case of a hypoglycemic episode.
I don't have to know what a Glucagon Kit is for.
I don't have to worry about mixing up long-acting with rapid-acting insulin vials that could potentially send me to the ER, or worse, to the morgue.
I don't have to worry about Diabetic Ketoacidosis or even know what it means.
I don't have to worry about my infusion set snagging the door handle.
I don't have to worry about gushers or priming the insulin.
I don't have to worry about how many carbs are in each meal.
I don't have to worry about severe lows while trying to force my A1c below 7.0%
I don't have to worry whether my meter is telling me the truth or not.
For this, I am incredibly blessed... and so is anyone who isn't affected by diabetes. We as a society take that for granted and fail to empathize with those who can't afford to ignore it.
So... what does 112 mean to me?
It means I can sincerely thank God for every day I am free of diabetes.
If you have diabetes, I hope you gain the strength to overcome the disease and it's effects.
If someone close to you has diabetes, support them with all that you can, but also EDUCATE yourself for well-meaning words can become hurtful.
If you are not affected by diabetes at all, then I hope you would take it upon yourself to learn more about the gravity of this epidemic as well as the intensity of an individual's daily struggle with this disease.
As for myself, I'll continue sharing what I've learned about diabetes through this blog and my interaction with others.
The world deserves to know what people with diabetes have to say.
The first blood glucose reading I ever tested for. Back then, it meant very little to me. All I knew was that it was telling me something about my blood that I wouldn't have known otherwise.
It was just... another number.
As time progressed, I began to check these numbers more.
Sometimes it was 84. Sometimes it was 160. I followed the rise and fall of these numbers as I tested before and after meals.
Something started to change.
I began to feel anxiety of a rising blood glucose level. I don't even HAVE diabetes. But I know that I'm at risk.
When I get that 80, I feel safe, but only because I don't have a bolus of insulin chasing away the blood sugar to worry about.
When I get that 164, I feel worried, but I am still comforted in knowing that my pancreas hasn't revolted against me yet.
There are MANY things that I don't have to worry about after a test...
Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, I don't need to have juice or sweets always accessible in case of a hypoglycemic episode.
I don't have to know what a Glucagon Kit is for.
I don't have to worry about mixing up long-acting with rapid-acting insulin vials that could potentially send me to the ER, or worse, to the morgue.
I don't have to worry about Diabetic Ketoacidosis or even know what it means.
I don't have to worry about my infusion set snagging the door handle.
I don't have to worry about gushers or priming the insulin.
I don't have to worry about how many carbs are in each meal.
I don't have to worry about severe lows while trying to force my A1c below 7.0%
I don't have to worry whether my meter is telling me the truth or not.
For this, I am incredibly blessed... and so is anyone who isn't affected by diabetes. We as a society take that for granted and fail to empathize with those who can't afford to ignore it.
So... what does 112 mean to me?
It means I can sincerely thank God for every day I am free of diabetes.
If you have diabetes, I hope you gain the strength to overcome the disease and it's effects.
If someone close to you has diabetes, support them with all that you can, but also EDUCATE yourself for well-meaning words can become hurtful.
If you are not affected by diabetes at all, then I hope you would take it upon yourself to learn more about the gravity of this epidemic as well as the intensity of an individual's daily struggle with this disease.
As for myself, I'll continue sharing what I've learned about diabetes through this blog and my interaction with others.
The world deserves to know what people with diabetes have to say.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Is Diabetes Addressed on Super Tuesday?
In recognition of Super Tuesday, I'm putting up a video that Manny from TuDiabetes.com had posted a while ago challenging presidential candidates to address the diabetes epidemic in America as a priority.
I'm not sure if any of the candidates have already addressed the real issue of diabetes, but I'll be sure to be on the lookout for anything that pops up.
I also had the chance to fly out to San Jose, CA this weekend to attend the San Francisco ADA Diabetes Expo. I got to meet Amy Tenderich from Diabetes Mine and Manny Hernandez of TuDiabetes.com who all had their own exhibits as well. I was also able to catch a little bit of a panel discussion that Kelly Close from Close Concerns was moderating.
I wish I had taken pictures, but I was too caught up in everything to remember! Oh well, at least I was able to sneak in some In-N-Out before taking the red-eye back to Boston!
I'm not sure if any of the candidates have already addressed the real issue of diabetes, but I'll be sure to be on the lookout for anything that pops up.
I also had the chance to fly out to San Jose, CA this weekend to attend the San Francisco ADA Diabetes Expo. I got to meet Amy Tenderich from Diabetes Mine and Manny Hernandez of TuDiabetes.com who all had their own exhibits as well. I was also able to catch a little bit of a panel discussion that Kelly Close from Close Concerns was moderating.
I wish I had taken pictures, but I was too caught up in everything to remember! Oh well, at least I was able to sneak in some In-N-Out before taking the red-eye back to Boston!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
19 Years of 20 with Type 1 Diabetes
This video was put together by Kayla.
She's had Type 1 diabetes for 19 years and is a member of TuDiabetes.com
I think videos like this help me put a face to the very real disease. It's easy to get lost in the numbers and the vastness of diabetes, but what it really comes down to is the hefty impact on every individual's life.
I'll be sharing more of these as I encounter them. There's just certain things about diabetes that are just better understood visually.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Diabetes Mine and Six Until Me for Medical Blog Awards
Hey everyone! It's a new year and things have been super busy since. I know, I know, the lack of updates are inexcusable... but I'm trying to work on that. I'm still amazing at how some people manage to post almost everyday! Especially when they have a busy profession topped with something called diabetes management.
Well I'm here to share with my readers that 2 of my good friends and favorite bloggers, Amy Tenderich and Kerri Morrone, are now finalists in the Medgadget Medical Blog Awards! If you haven't seen them already, both of them are directly linked to on my "Blogs" section on the right side of this blog.
Diabetes Mine
Since I nominated her, I'll just post up what I wrote for the nomination:
"Amy Tenderich's Diabetes Mine continues to be a vital resource for anyone who is affected by diabetes. Regularly updated with content, Diabetes Mine is the hub and destination for diabetes news and discussions over controversial matters; all while remaining a down-to-earth blog about daily living with diabetes.
I believe that the online diabetes community would agree with me that Diabetes Mine should rightfully be nominated for the Best Medical Weblog and Best Patient's Blog categories."
Well there you go people... now go vote for Diabetes Mine for the Best Medical Weblog!
Six Until Me
I have also always been a fan of Kerri's blog since I started reading diabetes blogs. Her natural way of sharing her daily experiences have helped me see some of the reality of diabetes. The only way to understand Kerri's blog is to actually go and visit Six Until Me. So check it out on your way to voting for Six Until Me as the Best Patient Weblog!
Until Next Time.... stay safe!
Well I'm here to share with my readers that 2 of my good friends and favorite bloggers, Amy Tenderich and Kerri Morrone, are now finalists in the Medgadget Medical Blog Awards! If you haven't seen them already, both of them are directly linked to on my "Blogs" section on the right side of this blog.
Diabetes Mine
Since I nominated her, I'll just post up what I wrote for the nomination:
"Amy Tenderich's Diabetes Mine continues to be a vital resource for anyone who is affected by diabetes. Regularly updated with content, Diabetes Mine is the hub and destination for diabetes news and discussions over controversial matters; all while remaining a down-to-earth blog about daily living with diabetes.
I believe that the online diabetes community would agree with me that Diabetes Mine should rightfully be nominated for the Best Medical Weblog and Best Patient's Blog categories."
Well there you go people... now go vote for Diabetes Mine for the Best Medical Weblog!
Six Until Me
I have also always been a fan of Kerri's blog since I started reading diabetes blogs. Her natural way of sharing her daily experiences have helped me see some of the reality of diabetes. The only way to understand Kerri's blog is to actually go and visit Six Until Me. So check it out on your way to voting for Six Until Me as the Best Patient Weblog!
Until Next Time.... stay safe!
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