Sugar High

I'm Going Back To The Start

2010-01-21T19:42:00.005-05:00

First off, I celebrated my four year diabeticversary on Saturday. Four years, whew. Some days I forget I even have it, others I've tossed my pump down the hallway in frustration. (Note: I don't advise throwing a $7000 medical item. Ever. I also never said I always used my brain.) Even though I don't always like dealing with it, I am thankful for the impact it has made on my life. No one ever said this life was going to be easy, and thank God it isn't. Because I'd be INCREDIBLY bored.

So that was this weekend. Didn't really celebrate too much except for some awesome cupcakes for the "normals" (all relative) and some special ones for me and those who dared to try them.

In other news, another momentous occasion is soon on the horizon.... I'm going back to school on Monday! I'm excited, scared, vomitous and most importantly, ready. I am so ready to get back into the swing of things. However, you know those first day jitters? I feel like catepillars infested my stomach, hatched and now are swarming around has giganto butterflies. Dramatic? I know. But I'm trying to make a point here! For me it's nerve-racking because I'm starting mid-year, commuting and completely changing my major. Also, the school is literally twice the size of Scranton. Plan of action: get there early and try not to get lost on the first day. But we'll see.

Honestly, I can not believe I'm starting all over again. It was rough the first time, but to have to do it again, frankly I don't want to. Today was the first day I realized that I'm not going back to Scranton. And it stung. A lot. I loved the school and the people there. I always loved the sense of community at Scranton. I just hope I can find it here too. I am super duper excited to start my psych classes though. I am not however looking forward to Spanish. It's been a good year since classes, so I am a little rusty, to say the least. Well nothing like diving in with both feet!

I'd also like to make a general note to the public: My pancreas is getting a complex.

If you understand that then, kudos to you.

Peace, Love & God Bless

Note to self:

2010-01-13T18:35:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I feel like I forget to live.

It's similar to forgetting to breathe. Ever try it? You may have, but it's always been voluntary. You never clutched your chest because you simply "forgot" to breathe at that moment. Forgetting to live is similar. I feel like there's so many moments that happen every single day, that keep us alive, yet we choose to ignore them or are to busy to notice.

I hate when I do that. Lately I've been preoccupied with my transfer situation. Although I'm happy to report that I am transferring to Southern CT, I still have so much to complete in a weeks time. It's taken so much of my energy that lately I've just not been the same. But then I realize that it will happen. Just as it always does. Today I wished I stopped to enjoy the beauty of the sun rising over the snow-glistened trees, or really appreciated an excited phone call I received this morning. Or even relishing the moments that I feel truly loved, just in this past hour.

My wish for everyone today is that you appreciate the moment. It is so cliche. But seriously, don't forget to live. I do it all the time. But everyone feels best when they're joyful, loved or in awe. Those are the moments that stick with you. I feel overwhelmed when I simply remembered how much I am love and how much love I have for others.

So add it on your everyday to-do list. Life is so worth living when you actually remember to do it.

Peace, Love & God Bless

Dear Friend

2010-01-06T22:19:00.008-05:00

Honest, I was going to go to sleep. Then I remembered that I had to let the world in on a little secret.

WATCH DEAR JACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know some of you may be saying that my use of exclamation points might be excessive, but then again, you clearly haven't watched this movie yet. I used this movie to cap off a two day movie marathon I had due to inclement weather. A perfect excuse to be a couch potato. I then subjected my mother to a string of bawl-worthy movies. For example: The Notebook, A League of Their Own and then A Walk to Remember. All really good movies. However nothing got to me like Dear Jack.

Now I know I'm a huge lover of Jack's Mannequin. And I could go on and on and on about how truly awesome the band is, and how you should check out there music right now, also, they are the nicest people on the face of this Earth, and if you really like them, you also like Something Corporate, and that my friend has a huge thing for Bobby Raw Anderson..... Ok I'm stopping. =) Honestly, I truly believe that anyone who likes music and/or a great documentary, will love this movie.

Note: I will use love to describe this movie. Not enjoy. If you enjoy this movie, you are a very sadistic person. Not that I'm judging or anything. This movie defines hope. I can't recall one moment where hope is not present. And that is why I adore this movie. Yes, it is about a musician's fight with leukemia, but through all the madness, it's a story of love and strength, and one again... hope. Some of it was actually taped by Andrew McMahon (lead singer of Jack's Mannequin and Something Corporate) on his own accord. It doesn't leave anything out. You see almost everything. Another perfectly, awesome reason why to watch this.

It's in limited release, but you can find it at various Barnes & Nobles or Borders. Or also in my own DVD library. I will gladly lend it to people, because that is how much I truly believe that everyone should see it. I was so overwhelmed by the whole movie that I had to let you guys know about it. Another great reason to watch it: some of the money goes to his foundation of the same name.

So let me know if you've seen it and/ or any thoughts. Or let me know about song suggestions. =) Shoutout to BRice and Chelsie: YOU'RE FAMOUS NOW!

Peace, Love (Hope) & God Bless

Who I Am

2010-01-02T13:08:00.005-05:00

First off, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope everyone had a wonderful, stupendous and safe beginning to their new year. I for one had an amazing time. I played out in the snow, made a fort and a slide down a flight of stairs, and most importantly spent it with those I love. Definitely the most fun I have ever had on a new year's eve/day.

Secondly, I apologize for not posting sooner. But what better way to start the new year off with a blog post. I was waiting to post so I could announce some official news, and then the holidays hit. Love holidays, do not love the busy-ness. Oh well.

Now that I've peaked your interest about the official news, I should probably say something about that..... I'm transferring! It's probably old news to some, but I decided to stay close to home for obvious reasons and I can't stand being away from school so I'm transferring to a school around my area. Not sure where yet but I will be attending for Spring '10. I'm also switching my major to psychology and the Pre- physician's assistant track. Just a little update on my life =)

As most of you know, I deeply adore the Jonas Brothers. The youngest one, Nick, recently came out with his first single from his solo cd. It's called "Who I Am" and I seriously recommend listening to it. It's very soul-y. Honestly it's really amazing. Anyways, he came out with a video for it yesterday and it was NOT what I expected at all. I think it has an awesome concept to it. The basic gist is that each person has more to them that meets the eye.

Now the reason for me drawing attention to it is that Nick Jonas has a sign that say "Who I Am" and flips it around, and the first time it says brothers. The second time it says "Diabetic" and it goes back and forth through different people. And I just thought that was so inspiring. I mean I am a diabetic. That is who I am. But I don't solely think that of myself. I'm a sister, daughter, friend, blessed, Catholic, funny, inspired, and also a diabetic. There's so much more that meets the eye and I believe it's an awesome concept. Kudos on the video. It really is a nice reminder to remember that everyone is going through their own personal struggles.

Here's a link to watch the video:
"Who I Am" by Nick Jonas

Enjoy. Leave comments if you'd like

Peace, Love and God Bless

Always Gonna Be An Uphill Battle

2009-11-18T19:47:00.003-05:00

"When it rains, it pours."

I feel like that phrase defines my life so much right now. My week started out like any other and than quickly nose-dived into oblivion shortly after. I had an important doctor's appointment this week, and, yet again, it was another dud. I mean how many "inconclusive" tests can you have before figuring out what's wrong. Seriously?

I'm also dealing with a bad sleeping problem. I can't tell if I'm not sleeping because of my nightmares, or my nightmares are because I'm not sleeping. It's almost as if my body attempts to get any sleep at all, it sabotages itself by plaguing me with nightmares. Very vivid, very scary nightmares. All include guns, and all include me getting shot. Not sure how to take this. Any dream interpreters out there? Or anyone know how to actually sleep? I think I've forgotten.

Luckily Emmaus is this weekend. It's the one thing that I am actually looking forward to. Unfortunately that's stressing me out in it's own way. Not only have I been feeling really terrible these past two days, I also still have a lot to do for it. I know it'll all get done, I'm just stressed about it. And to put the cherry on my theoretical cake, a family member passed away yesterday. It was really unexpected, when my family got the late night call last night. I'm just praying that the services don't interfere with my other obligations. The service obviously takes precedence over Emmaus, but I'm really needed there to help out. All in all, I just feel torn.

So this probably the last post for a while. I will be away all weekend and then I will be leaving for Florida next week. I hate to leave on such a sour note. So I won't. I know this sounds REALLY lame, but there has been one song that really helps get me through the day. "The Climb" is just one of those unbelievably uplifting songs. I just need to know that each thing I'm going through is what makes me, not what's on the other side. It's always popping up on the radio, just when I need it to, and I can relate to it so much. I also feel the need to say how thankful I am for my support system. I don't know how I'd do it without you. Wow, I feel a lot better after that.

If anyone thinks of it, much prayers will be needed this weekend for the team, the candidates, my family, everyone. So if you get a chance, just say a little prayer. It is much appreciated.

Peace, Love & God Bless. (I will miss you Aunt Ginnie. <3)

Happy World Diabetes Day!

2009-11-14T13:34:00.006-05:00

Today, November 14th, is World Diabetes Day! In other words, everyone should go find a diabetic and hug them. Preferably trying not to hit the buttons on their insulin pump if they have one....

I feel like today is a holiday. And it's not even one of the holidays that makes you feel bad for being single. Double whammy! Today I will eat every sugary thing I can get my hands on and then chug a gallon of OJ and regular soda simultaneously. (Ok, maybe not chug, more like drink it through a straw.) Then I will not check my sugar all day and then not give myself any insulin. That will really be a huge FU to diabetes!

Alright, you caught me, I kid, I kid. That would actually be a TERRIBLE idea. Not to mention I'd have the hyperglycemic hangover of the century. Think of a drinking hangover, and then having to pee every five minutes on top of that. Yeah, that's exactly what it is like.

But seriously, I think this is a great way to spread the awareness. I read that 2.8% of the US adults don't even know they have it. I know that number sounds insignificant, but think of how many people already have diabetes, and how many people there really are in America. It is EXTREMELY simple to find out if you do. Just a simple finger prick can tell you, or a blood test, or even a urine test. Believe me, it's a lot better finding out you have diabetes sooner than later. The later part is what can really kill you. In honor of today, please bring awareness to this disease. There's no cure, but there's an awesome treatment. Knowledge is power!

I figure I would post some of the symptoms, but don't freak out if you have to pee all the time. I did before, and I still do now =). These are all general ones, and I had most of the symptoms listed.

Symptoms for all diabetics:
-Unquenchable thirst
-Extreme Hunger
-Frequent trips to the bathroom
-Losing weight without trying (I lost 15lbs. in two weeks)
-Weakness and Fatigue
-Numbness or Tingling in hands, feet or legs
-And sometimes T2's have no symptoms at all

Again, this is not the end-all-be-all of symptoms. But do me a favor, if you do have a lot of them, as least get checked out. You owe it to yourself, and really this disease is not unbearable. I hope that people at least realize that much from my blog. If you do find yourself with the disease, you will manage, and there's a whole lot of us out there. I'm always here to talk!

Today is a great way to appreciate those with diabetes and those with other life-altering illnesses, that are still waiting for a cure. (Little shout-out to my sister with Celiac's Disease- Love ya and hope you're having a gluten free day!) I hope & pray that a cure will be found for diabetes and all other life-altering illnesses. To all the diabetics out there: enjoy this day and try to remember the positives Diabetes might have done for your life! =)

Peace, Love & God Bless

Rolling my sleeves up

2009-11-09T17:00:00.005-05:00

I feel like I have a lot to say today. Maybe it's the gorgeous weather that has inspired this sudden spark of interest today? Maybe it's just my brain on over-drive? Maybe it's even that medium fry I ordered earlier? Well, all the same, I've been inspired.

I recently read in article in the Parade magazine about Type 1 (T1) diabetes becoming more popular. Ok, sounds normal enough. Except, T1 diabetes hardly gets the publicity it deserves. Many "normals" can't even tell the difference between the two. Unfortunately, in the event that they think they do, they usually describe it as T1 is where the little kids get it and type two (T2) is the one only fat people get. Both of the descriptions are misleading.

Truth: T1 diabetes is mostly diagnosed in younger children. It was formerly known as "juvenile diabetes," however, older people are diagnosed with it. I was 15 when I was diagnosed with diabetes. I have even had people come up and ask me if I got diabetes because I ate too much. (How rude!) Elliott Yamin, who came in third place on American Idol, was 16 when he was diagnosed with diabetes. I've heard of others in their 20's, and rarely, but it does happen, even later in life. 5-10% of diabetics are T1's.

T1 diabetes is when your pancreas produces no insulin. This means that in order to live, a diabetic HAS to take insulin through shots or a pump. T1 diabetics can not solely use medications and diet to control their disease and there is no cure. It is irreversible. You have to have a genetic pre-disposition in order to get it but there is usually an environmental factor that sets that gene off.

Truth: T2 diabetes is also genetic but depends highly on environmental factors. Having a family history of T2 diabetics is a huge risk factor but only if there lifestyle is not healthy either. You know those people you envy for being able to eat as much crap as possible, not exercise, and still be stick-thin? Well that's not doing the person any favors. Eventually it does effect there body, and if they have a genetic pre-disposition to T2, they very well could develop it. The reason why T2 is most commonly diagnosed in over-weight people is because the extra weight makes there pancreas work extra hard. Therefore, their pancreas is not producing enough insulin. Not all T2's are overweight, which I also want to make clear. And not all overweight people have T2. T2 diabetics can reverse the disease is some cases if they change their lifestyle and follow a strict regimen. Most T2 diabetics are put on pills, and many take insulin too.

Note: There is a blood test to differentiate between the two types. (Side note: there is also gestational diabetes and pre-diabetes but I'm not getting into that now.)

So back to my original rant. I use to read every diabetic article I could find in magazines and newspapers, but almost all of the time it is about T2. Not that it's not important, because it is, but I can't help but be offended that T1 does not get much attention. Even magazines dedicated entirely to diabetes mostly concentrate on T2. But I also think that the media is not doing nearly enough to squash the myths that are floating around, either. A lot of things out there are very misleading for both parties. I've had many people come up to me and say just down right rude things because they just don't know or understand. Unfortunately it is also very difficult to disagree with them after they've read something. Yes, I can have this bag of chips, I am the one living with the disease... just saying!

Oh, I definitely had a lot to say today.

Peace, Love & God Bless

P.S. Apparently today is dblog day (Diabetes blog day). I found this out after I posted. I guess I really was inspired by something else today. Also, this Diabetes Awareness Month. Make sure your loved ones get tested and make sure to hug a diabetic!

Music Monday

2009-11-02T14:55:00.006-05:00

I've done the research, I've done the listening, and I've done my bolus (Diabetes joke, anyone?) and it's that time to christen Music Monday. And the artist for today is..... drum roll please..... dear old Johnny Cash! (For all you tricksters out there, I know you're surprised. If you don't know what I'm talking about than that's ok too)

My favorite "Man in Black" was a member of the oh-so popular Diabetes club, until his death in 2003. He was a type 2 diabetic, who unfortunately died from the complications associated with diabetes. For those of you who have never heard his music: shame on you. Ok, not really, but you should definitely go listen to his music right now. He is an icon in his own right. I like to think of Johnny Cash as an excellent story teller, who just so happened to be able to put it to music so beautifully. Personally, I think he also has one of the most recognizable voices, hands-down. He's just truly a music icon and he truly deserves to be the first feature of "Music Monday."

I had a really hard time picking out song suggestions because they're are SO many. On itunes alone it lists 2284 songs!!! Here goes nothing:

1) Ring of Fire- Because let's face it: it's one of his most well-known songs but has an incredibly catchy tune.

2)Hurt- This is actually a Nine-Inch Nails cover, which I was introduced to while working on the show Columbinus. His version is truly haunting, and you can fully feel the pain in his voice with every word. It's a chilling song, but I adore it.

3) I Walk The Line- Another classic Cash song. "Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you. Because you're mine, I walk the line"

4) Give My Love to Rose- An awesome story played out in a beautiful song.

5) Keep On the Sunny Side- I couldn't go without mentioning June Carter, now could I? It has an awesome message and features both June and Johnny. "Oh the storm and its fury broke today/ Crushing hopes that we cherish so dear/ The clouds and storm will in time pass away/The sun again will shine bright and clear"

If you'd like to learn more about Johnny Cash you can find an awesome write up on him here dlife.com. Also check out "Walk The Line" which is a biopic of his life.

Any other Johnny Cash songs you would've suggested? Any ideas for other Music Mondays? Leave comments and I'll be sure to get back to you. Also Halloween picture added for your enjoyment. Best full-length picture I have thus far.

Peace, Love & God Bless

Rule #9: Never go anywhere without your knife!

2009-11-01T14:21:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone had a fantabulous Halloween! I know I did. I had so much fun dressing up this year. Although the black hair spray was a complete and utter failure. I had to wash it out right away and it got everywhere. I'm still finding weird black patches on my body. Oh, well! It was surely an experience. It was really ironic because there was an NCIS marathon on, so anytime mine or Steff's character would come on we'd be like "Yay, that's me!" Believe me, it was cuter in person. Steff looked ravishing as Ziva. She even wore gun holsters and had a knife on her. (Rule #9: Never go anywhere without a knife!) It was pretty bad ass! I rocked the gothic chic look. It was uber-fun dressing gothic. Once I can figure out how to get the pictures on my mac there will be an update. Promise!

There were some awfully cute kids trick-or-treating last night. I love the little animal costumes like the chick or dog ones. There was one kid who was dressed as (I think) bat-woman who wouldn't come anywhere near the door because of one of the "adults" costumes. And it wouldn't be Halloween without lots of candy and treats either. I ate too much cupcakes and candy for a non-diabetic. In my defense, I didn't eat breakfast or dinner. Ok, yeah, I made up for it in cupcakes, but they were really scrumptious. I don't regret any one of them . =)

Not too much else going on. I think I'm going to try to start doing Music Monday posts featuring bands with diabetics. If anyone has any cool suggestions, feel free to post them in a comment.

Peace, Love & GodBless

2009-10-28T21:39:00.003-04:00

I really want to apologize for not updating. Between last week being my birthday and this week just being busy, I haven't had much time for blogging. I'm definitely going to try to get back into a schedule soon enough.

So what's been on my plate lately: a whole lot of nothing actually. Celebrated the birthday for almost a week (hey, 19 has to be good for something, right?). And really just preparing for my youth group's weekend. There is a lot of work that goes into these weekends... none of which I can talk about here. =) But I can say that there is a LOT of love, prayer and especially time that goes into making this weekend as awesome as possible.

I also can not believe how much trouble I've had with sleeping as of lately. When I was in college I could fall asleep whenever, wherever. Since I've gotten sick, I go to bed whenever my brain shuts down and I wake up anywhere from 3 to 6 or more times a night. It's just weird and really frustrating. I'm obscenely tired all day long but boy when I get a chance to sleep or nap my body just refuses. I'm trying not to eat or drink past a certain time, no T.V., no electronics, but nothing seems to work. I have been taking benadryl once a week, which I do NOT advocate at all, to catch up on sleep. Seriously, don't do it. I'm just doing it because I need to get some sort of sleep at least once a week. Unfortunately that's the only way that's working right now.

Oh well. On the bright-side, it's almost HALLOWEEN! Yay!!!!!! I'm dressing up as Abby Sciuto from NCIS. Black hair and all. Hopefully some awesome pictures to post after this weekend. So what is everyone else dressing up as? Doing anything exciting?

Until next time,
Peace, Love & God Bless

Dr. Strangelove?

2009-10-21T21:48:00.005-04:00

Some of you may or may not know that I've been sick with some mysterious illness for the past six months. Yup, six whole months. So as you can imagine I've been through the ringer with doctors. Most doctors you can imagine, I have seen. (Although noticeably absent is a psychiatrist... I know I squashed most of your jokes right there.) I've seen some really good ones (Shout out to Yale Diabetes!) and some really, really terrible ones, who shall remain nameless. One of the strangest encounters I've ever had with a doctor happened yesterday.

I went to a GI specialist yesterday by myself. Older guy, head of the GI program, so never in a million years did I think I'd have a problem. But yesterday was one of the worst days ever, so that should have been my first tip. Anyways, the first thing he says to me when I go in is "Oh, I thought you'd have somebody with you." This sets off the first bell. Perhaps, I should have? So he goes on and takes my history, adds some off color comments here and there, inserts rude commentary, whatever. So we get to the actual exam part. So I have my scrubs on because I was going to work right after, and he repeatedly tells me how tight my shirt is, as he's trying to lift it so he can use his stethoscope. "Ok," I think, "This is a little weird." So next he notices I have religious medals on my necklace. Here's the convo that ensues:

Dr: "What's on you neck? Are those medallions? Are you religious?"
Me: "Yes they are and yes I am"
Dr: "Do you go to church?"
Me: "Yeah, and my mom's the organist"
Dr: (Immediately) "Do you date boys?"
Me: "Um, yeah..."
Dr: "Do you date girls?"
Me: Uh-no.
Dr: So are you allowed to go out?
Me: YEAH
Dr: Are you dating anyone right now?
Me: No
Dr: So you don't have a boyfriend?
Me: No

I wish I could say this was the end of the awkwardness, but alas it wasn't. I'll spare you the details of the more awkwardness, but it was REALLY off-color (and you know it has to be something really personal for me not to talk about it). So here are my questions: should I be dating girls because I'm religious? Or if I wasn't religious should I be dating girls, cause I'm pretty sure I'd still be dating guys even if I wasn't religious? Does it matter if I'm religious? Do my stomach problems depend on whether I date girls or guys? Do I look like a lesbian?

I mean really, all these questions crossed my mind. I was just flabbergasted that someone would even say that to me. That definitely tops the other doctor who every time I called tried to tell me to get my drugs from my pediatrician. He seemed like he's a good enough doctor, but quite frankly I'm not going back unless I have someone with me. Honestly I should have taken up his request for a nurse to be with me. I can't believe a doctor would say some of those things.

Let's just say: lesson learned. Definitely taking people with me to the doctors from now on. Also, needless to say that this just turned my day from bad to worse.

So my question is to the readers out there: Any awkward experiences? Any terrible doctors? Any redeeming doctors out there? Share it (sans-names) and I'll reply back.

Peace, Love & Godbless

P.S. The nineteenth year of my existance begins in less than two hours.

Sorry Lovies!

2009-10-20T22:10:00.003-04:00

I had every intention of posting today... until today happened. Not feeling well at all, but I promise there will be a post soon and very soon. And let me tell you, it is well worth the wait. Sorry everyone!

In the meantime:
Peace, Love & God Bless

P.S. LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!!!!!!!!

It's My Party and I Will Cry If I Have To Share It

2009-10-19T11:23:00.006-04:00

So this weekend was a little bit insane on the scale of insanity, that of which I just created. Not bad insane, just a lot of running around. As some of you may or may not know, practically my entire family is born in the month of October. My brother, sister, brother-in-law, cousin, Dad, my old dog and of course me, are all born in this spectacular month. Everyone thinks that's really cool. I do not.

Ok maybe I skipped this lesson in kindergarten, but sharing my birthday with everyone else is not as exciting as it sounds. (Ok maybe I don't like to share my birthday but I do share my....nope...um...I have to have shared something in these almost 19 years....) I never get to blow out a cake by myself. (And yes, I AM allowed to eat cake. So don't ask me if I should be having it) When everyone sings "Happy Birthday," it's usually a mish-mosh of five different names. I never get my exact amount of birthday candles and never get to choose a cake. (It can't be gender specific) And I'm sure there are other non-perks for my birthday.

So you know what I get? I get a diabeticversary. Yeah, say that three times. I celebrate the day I got diabetes. Some people amy think it's strange, and well, it is. It's not that I'm jumping for joy at the very thought of having it. It's that it changed me, for better and for worse. And I think if my birth get's it's own holiday, so should my diabetes. Really, being a diabetic has made me so much more thankful for everyday things and taught me not to sweat the small stuff (Like having to share my birthday, I don't mind it that much anymore). Last year I celebrated with low-sugar cupcakes. They also had little pancreases drawn on them. 'Cause mine don't work. Picture may come later. So look out for that post next year. BE EXCITED!

Also note to the wise: I swear if any one gets diabetes on the same day as my diabeticversary, I will crush you into small little pieces..... I mean graciously share my low-sugar cupcakes with you.

Until next time... Peace, Love & God Bless

Shorty got low, low, low ,low

2009-10-16T16:38:00.004-04:00

Woke up this morning feeling low. Unfortunately this happens a lot in the mornings and it's a really frustrating way to start your day. Most people can't relate to this but I'll try to make it relevant to everyone. First of all, I'm just going to come out and say it: being low is like being drunk. Not that I really know about being drunk, but I've been around enough of them to know.

Let me further explain it for all you non-diabetics out there. "Low" is when you're experiencing a hypoglycemic reaction, meaning your sugar is lower than 70. Hence the "low." Get it? Eh? It basically means that your body has too much insulin. It does NOT mean you need more insulin. So if you have a diabetic friend, please refrain from giving them insulin. (Why would you do that anyways?) Orange juice, a chocolate bar, glucose tablets or something sugary does work. When I'm low I usually start shaking or acting ridiculous or saying things that make no sense. Well more less sense than normal. Did that make sense?

Now you all can imagine how funny drunks are. Well, us diabetics, we have our moments too. There have been many times when I've woken up in bed, surrounded by wrappers and half eaten granola bars. And I have no recollection, whatsoever, how they got there. There are times when people will talk to me and I make no sense. I've heard of other people pour orange juice in there cereal.

Ok so for some people, it might not be funny. It might be really scary. I know in the past my friends had mini-freak outs every time I had a low. And of course there's a chance that you don't catch it in the middle of the night before it gets too low. I've never had that happen though, thankfully. Actually your body does some really weird stuff. I get nightmares or I just wake up randomly in the middle of the night, and that's when I know to check my sugar.

So leave me your thoughts and comments. I promise to write back. Have any stories of me being low? Any of your own "low" stories? Maybe you just want to talk about the fact that your pet monkey bit you this morning... whatever! I'd love to hear from everyone!

Peace, Love & God Bless

Once upon a diabetic...

2009-10-15T21:55:00.007-04:00

My very first post. Wow. It's daunting but exhilarating all at the same time. I guess the best way to start a diabetes blog would be to start with my story.

Flashback to the month leading up to January 2006. Picture me, a gawky 15 year old, sophomore in high school. I know it's difficult to imagine me all weird looking, but work with me! Still trying to find myself, I started experiencing some pretty weird stuff... even for a 15 year old.

I drank everything and anything. I mean I downed a two-liter of soda... in one sitting... by myself. As you can imagine, that also lead to another serious problem- I had to pee ALL the time. I was going at least every twenty minutes while I was at school. When you have classes with all the same kids, it starts looking really suspicious. I also dropped 15 lbs. in two weeks. I was really excited about that, being female, but I should have known that anything that amazing was too good to be true. My mom finally forced me to go to the doctors on January 16, 2006. I was immediately rushed to the hospital because my sugar level was immeasurable. I was admitted into the hospital that night with a blood sugar of 626 and severely dehydrated. [For all of you "normal" people out there, your blood sugar is suppose to be from 80-120.]

Strangely enough, I was never scared. Ok, maybe a little bit. But for some reason, I knew everything was going to be alright. I was less scared about the actual disease, but more about everything that came along with it. I immediately started shots. Many people ask how could I "shoot" myself up everyday, but I have a feeling everyone would do the same if put in my situation. A month later I started on the Cozmo pump, although now I'm on the One Touch Ping.

Sometimes when I look back at the day, I can't believe how vastly my life has changed. No one's the same person they were (almost) four years ago. But I can't see my life without diabetes. It makes me unique and I really embrace it. When I was searching to find out who I was, it's almost like this was my answer. I don't let diabetes define me, but it's such a humungeous part of my life. It has made me love and appreciate each day. I cherish all the wonderful gifts God has given me. I'm thankful for all the support of my family. Sure diabetes is a HUGE pain. GINORMOUS.

But I love it. Because it showed me that it's ok to be unique. I joke to my family that no one else is allowed to get diabetes because there's only room for one diabetic! I know it's insane, but if I had the choice between having diabetes and being normal, I think I'd choose diabetes. It's made me the crazy (awesome) person I am today.

But then again, it might just be the sugar talking.

Peace, Love & God Bless

P.S. If you'd like, leave your own "once upon a time" or any other things you'd like addressed!