Change the World - #DBlogWeek

For my first post as part of Diabetes Blog Week, I decided to not think too much about the topic and prompt questions. I'm just going to take the title as I see it related to diabetes and go with it. Since my blog's name is RFamHere's Ramblings, I'm going to... well... ramble...

How do I want to change the world? My world. My world with diabetes. Well the obvious would be a cure. Yes, I want a cure. I need a cure. I deserve a cure. However, a cure isn't here yet. YET! It's coming. It has to be on the horizon. That hope for a cure is what I hold onto every day.

Hope for a cure is what I hold onto when I'm wanting to eat a whole box of Girl Scout cookies. Hope is what I hold onto when I'm sad, depressed, and angry at this monster we call diabetes. However, I also hold onto hope when I have an amazing A1c. Hope is what I hold onto when I (willingly) chose a low carb snack. Hope is what I hold onto when I have an amazing diabetes day.

How do I want to change the world? I want to help others find that hope. I want to see that hope in my children. I want to keep the hope alive in myself.

My hope isn't to cure Type 2 diabetes. My hope goes beyond that. My hope is for a cure for all types of diabetes - Type 1, Type 2, gestational, LADA, and the many other types that are often forgotten.

How do I wan to change the world? I want to help dissolve stereotypes and misconceptions about diabetes. I want to help pull the whole diabetes community together, regardless of type, to work together for a cure.

I want to give hope.

A Cure for Diabetes??? (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Say WHAT!? What's the most ridiculous thing you've heard about health or your condition? Where did you hear it and what did you think?

Doing a quick Google search, I easily found the following "cures" for diabetes.

• cinnamon
• vinegar
• herbs
• bitter melon
• natural foods
• baking soda
• prayer
• yoga
• weight loss

If there truly is a cure for diabetes, why don't we hear about it in mainstream media?  Many of those things listed might help prevent/delay Type 2, but they won't prevent it for all (especially Type 1) and definitely won't cure a person once diabetes is diagnosed. 

Many people misinterpret "tight control" with "cure".  My goal is to get my numbers down into the "non-diabetic" range. Would that mean I'm cured? Absolutely not!  Once I'm able to eat a bag of my favorite malted milk balls with the nice thick layer of chocolate without my glucose level going through the roof, then I'll say I'm cured.

Image found on a site claiming that bitter melon helps control blood sugar and increases insulin production.

Wordless Wednesday Take 2 (#HAWMC)

For today's "Write Hope of Your Hands for Diabetes Awareness" Day:

Not a want, but a need

When we come into this world as newborns, wants and needs are one in the same.  A baby wants/needs food, a dry diaper, and to be dressed appropriately.  A normal, healthy newborn doesn't want or need a fancy toy or the latest technology. However, as they get older and become more aware of the world, wants and needs are no longer the same.  A toddler may say they "need" a piece of candy, but at that point we realize that this is a want. 

As we get older, our true needs are few though the list sometimes is littered with wants.  The basic needs are food, water, and shelter.  Yes, we could elaborate that list to say we need a job to support our family so that we can provide these things for ourselves. Yes, we could also say we need a reliable form of transportation.  But how many of the items we put on our "need" list are actually "wants"?


There are many days where I feel I "need" a second working car.  Yes, a second car would make our lives easier, but is this actually a need?  We live in a small town that is blessed with a free public bus system.  In the morning, the kids are dropped off at their respective schools.  If I'm subbing, my husband drives and also drops me off in the morning.  In the afternoon, we are either picked up by my oldest, a college student, or we take the public bus if the college schedule dictates.  Do we really need a second car?  No.

On the other hand, there is the matter of health.  Being healthy would fall under a need category.  We need to be healthy to work that job to provide food, water, and shelter for ourselves and our family.  There are some illnesses that are not much more than an inconvenience for most people, like a cold.  I suppose getting over the common cold is more of a want than a need, though none of us need to have a cold for any length of time.  (I do realize that for some a cold can be very dangerous, but for the purpose of this blog I am using the general public as an example.)

Then there are illnesses and diseases that are definitely in a "need for a cure" category.  Diabetes of course is one of these diseases.  To the outsider who doesn't see this invisible disease, the need isn't as urgent. Many people thing that with a simple shot or losing weight, people with diabetes can just deal.  The desire for a cure seems more like a want to them. 

To the family of 16 year old Matthew, the need for a cure was very real.  This young man was full of life and full of promise.  Unfortunately he passed away on Saturday from complications due to his diabetes.  Although I have never met Matthew and hadn't heard of him before today, my heart aches for his family.  This blue candle is in memory of him and the others who we have lost due to diabetes.

Another life lost to this terrible invisible disease.  Do we want a cure?  Of course we do, but this has gone beyond want.  It's no longer a desire of our hearts and dreams.  A cure is a genuine need.  A need that is as strong as our need to breathe, our need for food, our need for water.  Please pray with me for a cure.  Please also pray for Matthew's family that they may receive the peace and comfort that they need.

World Diabetes Day!

Today is World Diabetes Day!  Why on November 14th?  Well it seems that today marks the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, was instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients. (source)


To celebrate this momentous occasion, I wore blue (of course).  A blue button up blouse. I actually was able to sneak in this special day with two classes I substitute taught today.  One of their spelling words was "illuminate." As an example I told them how buildings all over the world were illuminated blue in honor of World Diabetes Day.


When I went to the Y this afternoon, I changed into a blue t-shirt and blue jeans.  Thankfully the blue made me feel festive, not the sad type of blue.  My younger two also wore blue today.  I think everyone else had some blue on, just not as obvious as a blue shirt.  That's ok.  Their emotional support is more important to me than the color of their clothing.


Happy World Diabetes Day to all!  May we someday be able to turn this day into a holiday to remember when we used to have diabetes!  Praying for a cure today and always!

Don't Stop Believing

Every day I pray for a cure. There are days when I am so frustrated. Sometimes to the point of wanting to throw up my hands in surrender. Diabetes is an invisible disease where society tends to blame the patient. "You ate too much sugar." "You're just fat." "If you'd exercise, you wouldn't have this problem."

However I still have faith that we will find a cure. I have to believe. If I stop believing, I'll lose my momentum to keep myself healthy. Hope for a cure keeps me on the patient advocacy path. It is my purpose.

This cartoon has been going around Facebook and inspired me today. Don't stop believing... in a cure!

Dibetes technology

Since I'm still fairly new to the diabetes world as a Type 2 and had very little exposure as a gestational diabetic (about three months for each of my five pregnancies), it's hard for me to give a lot of personal experience in the area of technology advances as they relate to diabetes management.  I remember a high school friend checking his blood on a not very portable meter at the kitchen table where he'd have to apply a huge drop, wipe it off, insert it into a machine, and then wait for what seemed like a long time to get the results. I know meters have gotten smaller and faster.   Now they also have cables and software that all a person with diabetes (aka PWD) to upload their numbers onto their computer, make fancy charts, and even email to their medical team.

If I wanted to talk about diabetes advancements over the years, I could either sum up my own experiences in one sentence or research the topic and present you with a term paper-like report.  Since I figure both wouldn't be very interesting to read (or write), I'm going to talk about what technology I would be interested in using or seeing in the future.

Of course a cure is first on my list, but since that looks like it's a ways off and I like gadgets I'll talk about those.  I like the meter I've been using.  It's fairly small, about the size of my small wallet in the case.  I like the light that I can turn on to illuminate the test strip while I apply the sample then lights up the display to show me the results.  Sometimes you need to test in the dark or a dimly lit room, so this feature is handy.  I can fit this on my fanny pack with the handy dandy velcro strap when I don't want to deal with a purse. 

One gadget that I would like to have (though I know insurance would probably not approve for a Type 2 who is diet and exercise controlled) is a continuous glucose meter (CGM). (Here's one example.)  I would really like to see what my glucose levels are doing around the clock, not just when I poke my finger.  When I'm starting to feel tired, is it because my sugar is off or am I just tired? 

Of course one "diabetes gadget" that many forget about (and would like to continue to forget about) is the scale.  For a PWD, keeping their weight in check makes controlling diabetes a little easier.  Type 2s, dealing with insulin resistance, is less of a challenge at a healthy weight.  I admit that over the last month or so, my weight has been creeping up a little.  Stress and being busy have lead to me not taking the time for myself.  This is something as a mom I struggle with quite often.  Someone once told me they look at exercise as a prescription, just like any of the medications in their cabinet.  To stay healthy, you wouldn't ignore the medications your body needs.  Therefore you shouldn't ignore the exercise your body needs.

For now, my meter and bathroom scale are the only two items I need to help me manage my diabetes.  Even though I don't have a closet full of supplies, it's not always easy.  My prayer is that we find a cure soon and all of these pieces of diabetes technology will go into a museum.  Someday we'll hear children at that museum say, "A long time ago, people had diabetes and used these things to keep their blood sugar levels under control. I'm glad we don't have to deal with *that* anymore!"

This post is my July entry in the DSMA Blog Carnival.  If you’d like to participate too, you can get all of the information at http://diabetessocmed.com/2011/july-dsma-blog-carnival/

Admiring our differences

(Day #1 from D-Blog Week.  Posting from my phone tonight)

When I was first diagnosed with gestational diabetes in early 1993, the internet was unknown to most of us.  Yes, some knew about newsgroups and the like, but the internet as we know it now was in its infancy.  By the time I was carrying my second child three years later, the ADA has started growing its website and sharing information electronically.

Three years ago, when I was diagnosed with Type 2, I knew that I could find support via the internet. The amount if information is almost overwhelming. Type 1. Type 2. LADA. Gestational. It's all there!
Most of the DOCs (diabetes online community) that I've "met" are Type 1. I couldn't even imagine. Our day to day struggles are so different... or are they. Type 1s and Type 2s might have a different type of diabetes but we have so much in common.

We all have to watch our carbs. We all need to exercise. We all have to watch our glucose levels. We all fear the sane complications. We all pray for a cure!

Our differences? I don't have to inject insulin. My body makes plenty of that, but doesn't want to use it. Other Type 2s take oral medication. Me? Diet and exercise. Am I ever jealous of those who can bolus for a slice of chocolate cake? I have to admit, yes a little. However, I know I'd rather take a walk to combat the sugar high.

Even though we're different in our type and management, I am blessed by the many people in the DOC that I can call family.  We're all in this together.

Why isn't there public outrage?

Please watch this video:



According to the International Diabetes Federation, "There are currently over 300 million of people living with diabetes around the world. If nothing is done, this figure will rise to 500 million within a generation."  The above video shares some words from the President of the International Diabetes Federation, Jean Claude Mbanya.  At the one minute mark, he says, "Yet there is no sense of urgency or public outrage" about the above statistic.

More people will die from diabetes than AIDS or breast cancer combined.  Scary, isn't it?  Yet we see sympathy for those with AIDS.  Public outcry for those with breast cancer.  Diabetics?  Oh, they did it to themselves.  They get no sympathy.  They pretty much deserve it for being a bunch of lazy, couch potato, over-eaters.  WRONG!

No, I'm not trying to take away from the urgency to find a cure for AIDS or cancer.  A family friend died from AIDS.  My father had prostate cancer.  A friend of mine was just diagnosed with breast cancer.  What I'm asking for is understanding that finding a cure for diabetes is just as important as finding a cure for AIDS or cancer.

Please understand that there should be a sense of urgency and public outrage.  One of three children will wind up with diabetes in their life if something isn't done now.  Due to genetics, the odds for my children are much higher.

How can you help?  Educate yourself.  Learn the risks for Type 2 diabetes.  Understand that it's not just a disease that affects older overweight adults.  Children and young adults are also getting diagnosed, even at healthy weights and lifestyles.  Learn the difference (and similarities) between Type 1 and Type 2.  Learn about the complications that we fear every day.

Then help support organizations that are working toward a cure.  You already know that I'm doing the American Diabetes Association's walk, Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes.  Sponsor me, join my team, or create your own team and join a walk close to you. 

One last thing.  Pray.  Pray for a cure. Pray for those with diabetes that they will remain complication free.  Pray for those who are not so lucky.  Pray for their families and friends as they support someone they love with a chronic incurable disease (our Type Awesome).  Pray for those with diabetes who have not yet been diagnosed.  Pray for those who cannot afford their supplies - testing supplies, medication, insulin, syringes, etc.  And pray for those yet to develop diabetes, that we can find a cure before their lives are forever changed.

Thank you, Diabetes Dude!

Yesterday I received my Wish Shirt that I ordered from The Diabetes Dude.  I was so excited to wear it today.  A few people asked me about the shirt.  How many others read it without me knowing, I have no idea.  I love creative ways of spreading awareness.  Yes, my name is on the shirt.  What an honor for this Type 2!  My kids were excited to see it, too!

With the t-shirt, he also sent a few flamingo silly bands (scroll down to see a picture).  I immediately put one on (which I'm wearing as I type).  This afternoon I gave one to my friend who is a school nurse at the elementary school.  There is a student there that I know who has Type 1 diabetes.  I asked her to give it to that student.  We both agreed that it would make that person's day!  (Can't wait for an update!)

Praying for a cure!

Still sick

My back is feeling much better with just an occasional pain here and there, but I am still dealing with my cold.  Hubby came down with it and has missed three days of work.  The second one came home early from school today.  Overall I feel ok, just dragging a little.  I am back to my normal work schedule.  Under my nose is all red and chapped.  Luckily I've gotten some pretty good sleep this week, but I'm going to head to bed a little early.  Hopefully I'll be able to knock this out.

I'm still hopeful after yesterday's news articles.  Hopeful for better treatment methods.  Hopeful for understanding.  Hoping for an educated public.  Hoping for a cure.

Type 2 research in the news

This morning, I was informed of a study which actually links Type 2 to an autoimmune reaction. THIS... IS... HUGE!!! I pray that this study will help people realize that Type 2 diabetes isn't something that a person does to him/herself.  Type 2s don't have diabetes due to poor nutrition and obesity.  So many people are uneducated and misinformed about the causes of Type 2, even within the diabetes community.

If you have followed my blog at all, you know that I am very vocal about being the atypical Type 2.  I am at a healthy weight (though I admit I'd like to lose about 5-10 lbs) and I'm considered "young" in the Type 2 community (diagnosed two weeks shy of 38).  It hurts me every single time I see someone shout out that Type 2s are a bunch of old, lazy, couch-potato, over-eaters.  I've actually broken down in tears several times out of frustration.

Many times I've said to myself (and whomever will listen, typically my awesome hubby), "Just like Type 1, a person who has Type 2 wound up that way due to some type of trigger.  With a Type 1, that trigger causes their body to no longer produce insulin.  For a person with Type 2, that trigger causes insulin resistance.  The trigger can be an illness or another type of stress on the body.  For me, it was probably the stress (albeit a normal, healthy type of stress) of pregnancy.  And yes, for some that stress on the system is weight."  If weight was the cause of diabetes, then all the obese people in this world would have Type 2 and healthy weight people would not.

Below are links to two articles about the study, with some of my favorite quotes:

Autoimmune reaction and type 2 diabetes linked in breakthrough study

Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the University of Toronto have showed that type 2 diabetes could derive from an autoimmune reaction from within the body. It is hoped the breakthrough will lead to new therapies for treating the condition.

and

Daniel Winer, senior author on the study, commented "We are in the process of redefining one of the most common diseases in America as an autoimmune disease, rather than a purely metabolic disease."

He added "This work will change the way people think about obesity, and will likely impact medicine for years to come as physicians begin to switch their focus to immune-modulating treatments for type 2 diabetes."

Do Immune System Ills Help Drive Type 2 Diabetes?

New research suggests that the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes may be linked to an immune system reaction gone awry.

 and

"People with type 2 diabetes are often blamed for bringing the disease on, but it's a combination of genetic and physiological factors exposed to a certain environment. And, this study points out what may be another important biologic factor," he added.

Amen!

Another year older

Yesterday was my birthday.  No, the day didn't go as planned.  Hubby and I both had the day off and we thought of going shopping in a larger town while the kids were in school.  That changed before we even woke up.  Our #4 got sick during the night and had a fever.  So instead of shopping and lunch out of town, hubby cleaned up after her, took the other kids to school, and later got take-out for my birthday lunch.  Sickie was drifting in an out of sleep, so we knew she was in no condition to go out, even to eat in the car at a park.  She ate very little during the day, maybe a piece of bread in the morning and a few bites of birthday cake in the evening.  Needless to say, she's home again today.

Dinner was also low-key.  Originally I thought about having hubby buy some nice steaks to cook on he grill.  However, the pork roast in the fridge was also very appealing.  So he put the roast in the crockpot, adding some sides to the meal, making a nice low-stress meal at home with all the kids.  Perfect!  Hubby kept asking if what he was making was ok.  Of course I kept repeating that the company was more important to me than the meal.  I would have been just as happy with frozen pizza, though the pork roast was easier on my glucose levels.

The kids also made me a cake.  I love the way they decorated it!  No huge fuss.  They found a "4" candle and a single birthday candle to represent "41" while also adding a chocolate chip and red hots heart.  Now this is what life is about!  The love put into that cake filled the room!  Dinner and this cake were my two favorite presents!  Yes, I love the other presents that hubby and the kids got me, too.  Seeing a pile of gifts, some funny and some cherished, wrapped in Christmas paper made me feel appreciated (and gave me a chuckle).  The humorous gifts, like the garden hose and rooster lawn ornament, reminded me that our family loves to have fun together.  The time we have together is more important than anything money could buy.

Oh, and what was my wish as I blew out my candles?  A cure for diabetes, of course!

Walking on Washington, DC

Oh how I would have loved to be there.  So many people who have diabetes and the ones that love and support them talking to our lawmakers in Washington, DC.  I can just imagine the energy.  Praying for a cure for every type of diabetes - Type 1, Type 2, gestational.

Evening reflections

It's about 10pm here and I'm reflecting on the day.  For the most part the house is quiet.  Gentle music is playing in the background joined by the sound of my husband asleep in the recliner.  It looks as though he has also caught the cold bug.  Today was a very busy day, but it was a good day.  I was able to run some errands this morning as I only subbed this afternoon.  However my limited time made the errand running a little more crunched for time than I would like.  After finishing off some paperwork at home, I got #4's glasses fixed, picked up lunch for hubby and me, delivered hubby's lunch to his office (needed to have a secretary unlock his office so I could put it on his desk), took #4's glasses to her school as well as a note for one of my scouts, and then went to sub in a fifth grade class for the afternoon.

One of the first things a member of the class said to me was that they had a habit of scaring off substitute teachers.  Oh yeah, I remember this class.  I had them for art not too long ago.  I reminded them of this as well as my answer when I was given the same warning earlier this month.  "I have five children.  You don't scare me."  We had a good afternoon, though this group gets chatty if not reminded to keep the volume down.  Trust me, they're not the first class that is chatty and they won't be the last. 

There are times that I do reflect, "What scares me?"  Bugs and creepy crawlers don't scare me, but heights and closed in places do.  But then I think some more.  What really, really scares me?  My number one fear is not being there for my children. I think this is every mother's worst fear.  We signed up to raise a little helpless baby into a mature, responsible adult.  It is also my responsibility to take care of myself so I'm around to guide my children into adulthood.  I am to do all I can to make sure that happens.

Tonight before I go to bed, I will take my vitamins, get on my pajamas, and before I go to sleep I will ask the Lord to watch over my children and husband.  I will ask His blessings on them, that they may be happy and healthy.  Then I will drift off into dreamland... dreaming about a cure!

SNEEZE! *sniffle*

Besides being the mom of five, I also have two paid jobs:  substitute teacher for our school district and worker at the YMCA's drop-in nursery.  I love working with children, but the germs that come with the jobs aren't a benefit that I enjoy.  This evening I started sneezing.  Now I'm stuffed up.  Luckily I've been taking a multivitamin with an extra vitamin C, so I hope I'm able to fight off this cold quickly.

This makes me think about how my diabetes may or may not affect illnesses and how illnesses may or may not affect my diabetes.  When I'm sick, there are times I don't want to eat at all and other times when I want to eat everything in sight.  Both are not good for glucose control.  Then of course stress of any kind (emotional or physical) can mess with glucose levels.  For many people with diabetes, their numbers can be all over the place with just a simple cold.

Thankfully my glucose levels rarely go into a dangerous level.  Even when I go pretty low, it's high enough for me to realize something is going on, test my glucose, and treat the low.  Yes, I realize how "lucky" I am and thank God often.  I say "lucky" because no one with diabetes is lucky, but I do feel truly lucky that I have no yet dealt with the extreme highs and lows that many others have.

Still praying for that cure, but in the mean time I'll take care of this cold with another cup of tea and my vitamins.

Time to fight

So many days I find myself in a flurry of emotion.  Sad, angry, happy, depressed, in love, curious, motivated... the list goes on.  Often times, most of these occur when I think of my present and future life with diabetes.  Oh, how I pray that future will see a cure for diabetes!  Some days, managing my diabetes seems like a cake walk... Cake?  Where???  Oh, sorry, I got a little distracted there.  Where was I?  Oh, yeah.  Then there are those days where I get down about diabetes.  Yes, there are days I cry, but those times make me even more motivated than ever to fight this monster.

If I start to cry, I let myself cry.  I've learned that if I tell myself not to cry, I start beating myself up about crying in the first place.  "Cry!  Let it out!  Yes, this sucks, so cry if you need to and don't worry about what others think."  Some days I'll shed only a few tears and be done with it in just a few seconds.  There are other times, though, where I'm in a full-blown crying fit for several minutes.  I don't think it ever lasts for more than five to ten minutes and then I'm more motivated than ever.  I'm ready to fight!  I'm ready to help find a cure!

When I do craft fairs, I have a jar to accept donations for the American Diabetes Association.  The ADA has provided me with a lot of information and support over the last 18 years.  (I had my first case of gestational diabetes in early 1993.)  At the table, I offer a crocheted dishcloth for each donation over a certain amount.  When I'm in one of my "fighting" moods, I get out my yarn and start to crochet.  It's nothing fancy, just a simple square.  No fancy stitches, but people still enjoy them.  Some day I won't need to make the dishcloths as a fundraiser for diabetes.  Some day I'll just make them for our own use and to give as Christmas presents.

(I have to admit that I'm still thinking about that cake!)

Pseudo vlog

A vlog is a video blog.  Recently, Ginger, a person with Type 1 diabetes tried to explain the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 with this vlog.



There was a lot of feedback on her Facebook page from several people, especially people with Type 2 diabetes.  She then posted a reply.



In her reply, she asked for people with Type 2 diabetes to share their feelings and experience.  Since I'm not yet ready to make my name and face known in the blogging world, I came up with what I feel is an acceptable alternative.  This video takes bits and pieces of various conversations I have had since being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes almost three years ago.

Reflections on 2010

I have started this post about five times with all the usual.  This year has just flown by...  We've seen a lot of changes this year...  The kids have reached so many milestones...

Of course all of these sound so cliche.  For anyone who knows me, I'm anything but.  I'm a go with the flow, not with the crowd type of person.  Now how to do a year in review post without sounding like the typical year in review.

Instead of going through the year's events, bragging about my children, I want to reflect on my feelings about the last year.  (Of course if you'd like me to brag, I can do that, too!)  This year has gone through all the emotions.  Joy, sadness, happiness, excitement, sorrow, humor... we've pretty much hit them all.  Even in our living room at this moment, we have the two teens laughing hysterically, #3 laughing at their antics, and #4 annoyed as they wake her up (though she's not tired and refuses to go upstairs before midnight).  The youngest is fully asleep, unaware of the goings on. 

Me?  I sit here reflective, thinking about how my children have grown.  Physically, academically, and emotionally.  Through their growing up, I also feel that I've grown.  Watching my children grow and plan out their futures help me to focus on my own as well.

As I've mentioned before, one of my goals is to be an advocate and educator about Type 2 diabetes.  There are so many misconceptions about Type 2.  As a  result, I feel it's my calling to help people understand more about diabetes.  Type 2 diabetes isn't a disease of old, lazy, over-eaters.  There are so many young and fit Type 2s.  It still strikes me that more people die from diabetes than breast cancer or AIDS combined.  How scary is that! 

One "regret" I have from this last year is that I have not been exercising as much as I would like.  It was put in quotes since I try not to have regrets about things in the past.  They are what they are.  There is no point in dwelling on them.  "Live and learn," right?  History is there to teach us about the past so we can learn from it.  In the next couple days I plan to learn from the challenges of the past to make my future even better.

As we get ready to say good-bye to 2010 and look forward to what 2011 has in store, I pray that God grants us what we need and maybe a few wants, with the wisdom to know the difference.  And may God also help us work together to find a cure for diabetes.