Canada Always Misses Out

Well, "always" might be a little bit of an exaggeration, But I really have noticed that Canada does really miss out on some cool products that other countries get (cough, cough Great Britain, United States). Namely the two products that I'm getting at are Dexcom and Symlin. I mean honestly, other than the integrated Medtronic real-time on their pumps, Canada has no access to any other countinuous glucose monitoring system. Not fair at all. We want tight glucose control just like everyone else! And Symlin (a.k.a Pramlintide/ Amylin) in an injectable drug used to prevent post-meal glucose spikes and can sometimes allow you to use less insulin. For me, as soon as I started on insulin I started gaining weight like nobody's business. Less insulin would be a godsend.

So why is it that Canada doesn't get the cool stuff like some other countries do? I mean, we are a fair sized country that maintains great connections with Europe and the States. From my research it is narrowed down to mainly these two things; Health Canada (Canadian equivalent of FDA) has not approved it yet, OR the manufacturer does not think that Canada has a big enough market to make a profit.

THIS IS A TOTAL BUMMER!!!

p.s On the plus side though, two cool things we do have are the InsuLinx glucose meter and the color screen on the Animas Ping meter-remote.

Gluten Free And Me...

***Before reading this post please note that I strongly discourage anyone from doing or changing anything in their diets without first talking to their medical proffesional(s). I know my body but I do not know yours.***

     Just these past two weeks I decided I was going to try something. I stopped eating gluten. No I'm not a Celiac, nor do I have a gluten allergy or intolerance. And I'm definitely not self-diagnosing myself. My objective was to cut gluten from my diet for a little bit to see if it made a difference. And boy did it ever! I've already lost 8 pounds of the weight that I put on since I started on insulin. I feel much less tired and groggy and my concentration has improved tenfold. 

    I thought it was going to be really hard but I was pleasantly surprised. For those of you who don't know, gluten is a substance found in wheat, barley, rye and many other grains. Meaning it is present in pretty much all pasta, cookies, bread, baked goods etc.  But you would not believe the amount of gluten free options out there. I just found some gluten free perogies and taquitos that are positively scrumptious. Some of my favorite brands so far are Udi's and Glutino, which between them, have a massive variety of cereals, breads, bagels, granola bars, and even desserts. Panago Pizza even offers a gluten free crust now too.

    Both my parent's are in on this too. We have all read the book "Wheat Belly" by William Davis M.D. It talks about the numerous benefits there are to eliminating gluten, especially wheat, from your everyday diet. This can be really good for diabetics too because wheat can really make blood sugars spike.

So before anyone tells me that I should not be making this change unless I actually have to, I have been feeling so much better without this kind of food in my life. I am ensuring that I am not missing out on nutrients and I make sure to closely monitor my blood sugars. I have succeeded very well on a vegetarian diet for five years now and I can can definitely accomodate for this change in my life too.

Have a super Saturday!!!!

Ultimatum From Hell: Low-Carb vs. Low-Fat

With almost all foods nowadays having a "low-fat", "non-fat", "fat-free" or "light" version available, one might be tricked into thinking these are the perfect way to still enjoy all the things they typically eat while being able to shed the pounds. Makes sense right? Less fat you eat the less gets stored in your body. Well unfortunately this may not be the case for people on insulin. Be very wary my diabetic friends of so called fat-free products. Yes it's true, they do contain less fat than the original product. But I invite you to let your eyes wander just a little bit further down the nutrition label. Have a good hard look at the carb count. Allow yourself to look again at the fat, now again to the carbs. More often than not, items that are advertised as fat free will have more carbohydrates per serving thn their fatty counterparts. This is because the makers of the product will often add more sugar to make up for the flavor lost when the fat was removed. This is especially true for things like sour cream, cream cheese, chip dips, and milk. For type 1's and some type 2's that means more insulin. And insulin is often associated with weight gain. So for us diabetics this is kind of a lose-lose situation. Eat the fatty version which can make you gain weight? OR Eat the non-fat version, which means more insulin, which can also make you gain weight? Bleh, this blows.

Camping and My Little Slip-Up

Being summer and all, my fam jam's and I have been trying to get out camping more. Up until now we had only gone one or two days without at least making a trip back into town for groceries, work, etc. But this time we decided to go way up north to our relatives ranch for four days straight. Now this may not seem like very long but you guys probably didn't make the same mistake I did......................... I forgot extra pen tips. :/

Now I remembered to pack extra insulin, extra glucose tablets, extra test strips, spare meter, carb counting book, log book, extra lancing device and lancets, etc. I even brought my sharps bin! I just forgot one of the most vital items to a diabetic after their glucose meter and insulin. And without these little pen tips I wouldn't even even be able to access the latter.

So now I'm being forced to alcohol swab and reuse the pen tips I do have. Kind of a no-no but better than not taking my insulin at all right? This just goes to show that you really have to triple and quadruple check your supplies before you hit the road. I'm definitely making a check list for next time. Happy camping!!!

First A1C!!!



A1C Comparison Chart

At my appointment last week I got my very first HbA1c result.  My number was a beautiful 6.5%.  was told the average A1C of a non-diabetic was 6.4% so I felt pretty darn proud of myself. Your A1C is basically like a report card to tell how well you have been managing your diabetes. Now I know that I am still in the "Honeymoon Phase" of type 1 and that my pancreas hasn't completely crapped out on me yet, but I have still been doing everything I possibly can to keep my blood sugars in control. Time to kick diabetes up it's backside for the next three months and see if I can keep it that way :D

How To Get The Insulin Pump Experience Without Being On A Pump

I've been desperately wanting to get on a pump since about 3 weeks after my diagnosis. But alas there is that "wait it out" time period that my hospital enforces to allow you to get used to your diabetes before switching from MDI (Multiple Daily Injections) to an insulin pump. Usually they tell you to wait at least a year, but because I am older than most of their typical patients and very independant with my diabetes management they said that they would try to get me on one a lot sooner.

In the mean time though, I have been nosying around and I have found a way to get very close to "pump life" while still being on MDI's. There are three steps in this process and they are listed below.

***Please note that I am not a medical professional and that everything I am going to talk about works for me but may not work for you. This is also stuff that I have talked about with my diabetes team and I recommend that you do the same before trying any of these techniques.***

1.) I-Port Advance

I started using this device not because I have a phobia of needles but becase I was tired of the little red marks that all the injections were leaving on my stomach and thighs. I also wanted to get used to wearing something on my body for when I start using a pump.

The I-Port mimics infusion sets because it requires only one needle prick every three days. But instead of having tubing connected to your body, you inject your insulin with pens or syriges right into the device. The needle never touches your skin. It is inserted the exact same way that most infusion sets are and just leaves a tiny flexible cannula (plastic tube) beneath your skin. This little device is also great for kids who are scared of needles because it only requires 10 pokes a month as opposed to 3 or 4+ a day!

2.) Basal/ Bolus Insulin Regime (Lantus)

I think it's safe to say that everyone enjoys sleeping in. But if you're on the insulin program I was on before than that is just not an option. Until just recently I was using Humalog (aspart) and Humulin N (NPH) in the morning, Humalog again before dinner, and then Humulin N before bed. Sure it meant that I didn't have to inject myself at lunch because of the peak period of the NPH, but it also meant that I had very structured mealtimes with not a lot of wiggle room. If I wanted to sleep in I would still have to get up at 8:00am to give myself insulin and eat a full breakfast and then go back to bed if I wanted, but that practically never happened.

So my diabetes nurse recommended I try out a basal/ bolus approach. This involves taking Lantus (glargine) insulin that runs in the background and then taking the rapid acting Humalog to cover my meals and snacks. Lantus is a peakless insulin that allows me to eat whenever I want (or not at all if I don't feel like it) and gives me a lot more freedom in regards to sleeping in. Hallelujah!

Just like on a pump, the Lantus replaces the tiny drip of fast acting insulin and just lets you "bolus" for your meals by giving yourself rapid acting insulin.

3.) FreeStyle Insulinx Meter

This is not just a meter. This is the meter to end all meters. It is based on pump technology and can recommend an insulin dose based on your blood sugar and how many carbs you plan to eat. When you set it with someone on your diabetes team it even takes into account your insulin to carbs ratio, how long insulin stays in your body for, and how much insulin it takes to lower your blood sugar. This saves me a ton of trouble and has definitely helped me keep my blood glucose in range. Not only does it do the work for you but you can also set your own photo as a bcakground pic. Neat! The software it comes with it pretty awesome also and it lets you create graphs and charts to print off and show or email to your diabetes team. Oh and did I mention it's touchscreen?

GRRRR!!!! Yet Another Challenge in my Already Hectic Life

Hahaha now THIS would be so useful!!!

So as mentioned briefly in my last blog, I am currently preparing for my class 5 road test (drivers license). I have had my learners for a year and a half now and I'm just tired of waiting! I'm scheduled to do my test tomorrow but just yesterday I thought "hold the phone. I have diabetes now, this changes things." So in a panic I started doing some research to see what the conditions were, what I had to do, etc. I freaked out when I saw a European article where there was talk about a new law not allowing diabetics to drive if they have  two or more hypos a year. TWO! And that includes while they're sleeping!!! I also posted on some diabetes forums to ask if people knew the protocol but it nobody really knew for my area. After some extensive searching I found that in Alberta, apparently all you need is a medical screening saying that you're okay to drive. This alone bummed me out because I though that I was going to have to completely reschedule my test because it would have taken forever for me to get in to see my doctor. Luckily though I called the agency where I was planning to sit (drive?) the exam. I'm allowed to take the exam but if I pass then I will need to have that screening filled out and sent in before they can re-class my license. Bummer, but at least I get to do my test. Wish me luck!!!

It Just Hit Me

This weekend it hit me just like that. I have type 1 diabetes. I wasn't really doubting my disease beforehand but I never really actually sat down and thought about the fact that I have a life changing condition. I guess it was something to do with the fact that by the time I got out of the hospital two months ago, I felt completely normal again. I felt like I did before I was sick and nothing felt different. But these past couple weeks with the stress of finals, piano examinations, work, my drivers test coming up, and just plain teen angst (I will admit I do suffer from that one haha) my blood sugars have been going a little bit out of whack. Now I'm pretty good about counting my carbs, taking my insulin on time etc. But I've realized that it's way more than that. It is a constant juggling act of  food, insulin, stress, exercise, activity, even horror movies set them off because your heart starts racing. I came to terms with diabetes as soon as I found out I had it, but I didn't quite understand how it's kind of an "allover" disease. I am learning everyday though.

NO WAY!!!

So I'm out for a midnight run to McDonald's with a bunch of my friends and I saw this girl there that I was acquaintances with. I went over to say hi and catch up because I hadn't seen her in awhile. We were sitting at one of the tables and she asked me if I was buying anything else. I responded with "No I have to be careful about what I eat because I've got diabetes." She just looked at me dumbstruck and was like "You have diabetes? Me too!" I hadn't known this fact about her before and because I have only been a diabetic for 8 weeks and I hadn't seen her since then and the topic of diabetes had never come up. We went on to have a huge conversation and yes, it came to us excitedly showing off our meters and insulin pens to each other. Some of my other friends walked in and I was literally jumping up and down and pretty much yelled "She has diabetes too!" Everyone in McDonald's must have thought we were insane. But then again it was the middle of the night and it was mostly filled with teenagers. She was just as excited as me because she also thought that she was the only one in our town that was our age who had type 1.

But hang on, here's the craziest part. About an hour later after this girl had left, I was still at McDonald's talking with my other group of friends and one of their friends who I'd never met before. My friend Lara and I were just getting up to go home and I was still talking about how excited I was that I had met another diabetic. Anyway, this girl that my friends brought with them looked up at me and said "Wait, you have diabetes? Same here!" Well to say the least my mind was blown. I looked to Lara who was getting ready to drive me home and just said "Well we can't leave now!" Same story as before. We talked about our diagnosis and experiences. This one girl had had a couple runs of DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) just like I had when I was first diagnosed.

 My excitement was through the roof. I mean, what are the chances that I had never met another T1D and I meet TWO my age in the space of about two hours at the same place? It was so neat to talk to people who had to go through the same stuff as me and who completely understood. We must have looked like losers showing and comparing our meters and medical alert bracelets but to be honest it was so awesome to be able to see that someone else other than myself had to live with this condition on a daily basis. Although neither one of these girls goes to my school, I have swapped numbers with them and we have been talking non stop since last night. I guess they're right when they say "you're not alone".

Thank You to Everyone Who Donated!!!

This is just a quick little post to thank those people who donated to the Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes that happened today. I will put up a full post tomorrow when I can upload the pictures and videos from the walk. This is a shout out to the following people who donated to my team.

                                                                    -Rick Brilz
-Trudy Chapman
-Daphne ter Kuile
-Janifer Calvez
-Siqueria family
-Susan Sosick  and family
-Kerri Lockwood
-Robin Greenwood
-Reid Mercer
-Dave Kennady
-Gord McCulloch
-Max Zbrodoff
-Teresa Fowell
-Pat and George Taylor
-Angela Haworth
-Chalane Potaka
-Patrick McMillan
-Kayla Hickey
-Dale and Brian Fea
-Cheryl Taylor and Owen Key
-Chris Burke
                                                                   -Andrea Vaney

My JDRF Bag of Hope Finally Came!!!

So after I first got diagnosed I definitely took advantage of all the freebies that companies were offering. Free meter's, free literature, and yes, the infamous JDRF bag of hope. This bag is given out free to type 1's who order no more than 3 months from their diagnosis date. It is designed to help new diabetics under the age of 18 cope with their new condition. Although it varies, the contents usually include and backpack, different sorts of literature and promotions, and if you're under the age of 12, a teddy bear with diabetes named Rufus or Ruby that is meant to help teach children about injections (I still got a Ruby bear and I'm 17! lol). 

I think that this is an awesome tool especially for younger children to ease them into their new lifestyle. It's cool to know that you are supported no matter what and who doesn't love free stuff right?

Newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic? Get your Bag of Hope here!

U.S.A - http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=110888

Canada - http://www.jdrf.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewpage&page_id=49CBE4C1-CF1C-2465-1A563F42916C1785

SUPPORT ME IN THE WALK TO CURE DIABETES!

If anyone could support me in the Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes that would be really awesome!!!

To join my team go here:
http://jdrfca.donordrive.com/index.cfmfuseaction=donorDrive.team&eventID=1218&teamID=32953

To pledge me as an individual go here:
http://jdrfca.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=151785

Shout Out To The Type 3's - A.K.A The Parents

     Can you imagine, having your infant baby so sick and losing weight and and crying all the time? Or your 7 year old always home ill and away from his all his friends. Or your teenager failing classes because they're missing so much school and are always so tired. Then getting so worried that you finally take them to the doctor's/ ER and are told that they will never be like normal children again. That they will have to take daily shots and prick their fingers for the rest of their lives just so that they can live. That you, as a parent might have to be the one to do it for them if they can't do it themselves. No parent wants to cause their children pain.....

 
     Often it is harder on the parent's then it is on the children with diabetes. I remember at my diagnosis I didn't cry at all. I was scared a little bit, but I didn't really feel any different after they brought my blood sugar back on. My mum (and my dad a little bit) were not quite as calm about it. My mother, while in tears, told me multiple times that she wished she could be the one to have the disease, that if she could take it from me she would. That she would take the 4+ needles a day and the finger pricks if it meant that I didn't have to...

     So this is just a shout out to every kids (whether diabetic or not) parent's. They are our biggest fans and would literally do anything for us. Love you lot's Mum and Dad xoxoxoxo.... <3

p.s I found this video on YouTube and thought it was absolutely brilliant!

Learn To Laugh

I have always been the kind of person to laugh and make fun of myself. That didn't stop when I got diagnosed. The first day I got back to school from the hospital, my friends and I were joking about how I now have "diabeetus" and how I should play the song "Shots" by LMFAO when giving myself insulin injections. Diabetes doesn't have to be all bad. I find it's actually a really good conversation starter and that it gives me an opportunity to educate others about my condition. If you can laugh at yourself and learn to accept that you are unique, life becomes more relaxed. Until they find a cure, you will always have diabetes. But you can have diabetes with flare! :D

Blanket Term "Diabetes" + Shout-Out To My Mum

So I've noticed lately that along with the misconceptions that people have about type 1 diabetes, I often hear alot of people just using the blanket term diabetes in circumstances where they should really be referring to the specific types. A perfect example of this is a couple weeks ago on CBC radio. There was this naturopath doctor talking all about different steps you can take to "prevent diabetes". Now obviously type 1 diabetes in not preventable and this sort of general term leads people to the conclusion that all diabetes is the same. It doesn't help to correct the misconceptions that people already have about T1D. People automatically assume nowadays that it was because I had too much sugar or that I just sat around lazily all day (this isn't necessarily the case for why people get type 2 either). Another problem is that type 1 only comprises 10% of the diabetic population meaning that people just aren't as knowledgeable about the condition. I've met some people who are completely ignorant about the fact that there is more than one kind of diabetes in the first place. I really feel like there needs to be more education out there about type 1 diabetes so that we don't get lost in the shuffle of type 2. Everyone needs to know more about this condition because it is a serious problem.

Anyway, back to the story. This lady just continued on about how you can prevent and reverse diabetes and finally my mum had just gotten sick of it. She phoned into the CBC when they asked for questions, and no word of a lie, she told this woman off.......on air. I believe she said something along these lines,

"You cannot just use the term diabetes like that. There are two different kinds of diabetes and type 1 is not preventable. I have a newly diagnosed type 1 daughter and there was nothing we could have done to stop her from getting this disease. You have to specify between the two because they are so different. You can't just generalize it like that."

Go mum!

p.s The photo above is also not to stereotype type 2 diabetics either. I know there are type 2's that are of perfectly normal weight range. I just thought the photo was funny.

I thought this pitcture here was a great and simple way to explain type 1 vs. type 2.