Parenting Diabetic KIds' Blog

A Mother's Story

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:36:00 -0500

Susan Sloane is our guest blogger.

Her world with diabetes started 25 years ago when her oldest son Jason was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

I have been a registered pharmacist for over 28 years, and a Certified Diabetes Educator for 20 years. I have spent many hours volunteering in my hometown in Upstate NY to help support the ADA and also JDRF. I became an advocate when my oldest son, Jason, was diagnosed with diabetes when he was just 17 months old. Ten years later, my youngest son, Marc was diagnosed with diabetes as well. Since that time until the present, I have spent countless hours organizing fundraisers, meeting with legislators,and working with companies such as The Nutrasweet Company in Chicago to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes.

Over the years, I have been privileged to speak across the country, educatine health care professionals and patients about treating and living with this disease, which is now considered a national “epidemic.” I am a certified insulin pump trainer for many companies, and a member of AADE, ADA, and the Dietary Supplement Education Alliance.

As a Certified Diabetes Educator, I will continue my efforts to help patients with diabetes live a full and healthy life. My goal as an educator is to show patients that diabetes is a manageable disease, once you have the “proper tools” and knowledge. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you who visit this site and sharing our stories, our fears and our successes; knowing that we are in this together and this makes us strong.

Susan B. Sloane, B.S., Rph., C.D.E., Nutritionist,CPT

My world with diabetes started 25 years ago when my oldest son Jason was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He was the tender age of 17 months. I was six months pregnant and armed with only my Dr. Spock “baby bible”, I was rather unprepared for what lied ahead. I am a pharmacist, and subsequently went on to become a certified diabetes educator (CDE). I needed to learn. Diabetes was not just a word in my textbook; it was out of the book. It was real. I read, took classes and developed a new awareness and respect for my upcoming challenge. Learning changes everything. It took away much of my fear and self-doubt.

Whether you have diabetes or have a close friend or family member with diabetes, you may be at the scary beginning of your journey. My story continued with the diagnosis of diabetes for my second son Marc. He was nine years old. This time things went much more smoothly. I was prepared. I knew how to proceed and knew that diabetes would be a part of my life—not the main character in my life.

The treatments we currently have allow people with diabetes the chance to live a long and yes, “healthy” life. Is diabetes challenging? Of course—life challenges me every day. But, knowledge is power my friends. Here you will get answers to questions and hopefully share ideas with each other.

Elliott Joslin, MD, a famous pioneer in diabetes treatment, wrote: “The diabetic that knows the most lives the longest”. I would like to take that a step further and declare—“Education is always the best prescription”.

Part of that education is learning the importance of preparation. Having two boys with diabetes, I am well aware living with diabetes means being prepared. This means always having snacks available, keeping glucose on hand in case of low blood sugar, and trying not to be alone when possible. Telling friends and family about diabetes is very important in staying safe. Knowing when to test blood sugars and more importantly how to interpret these numbers is of paramount importance! Always carry some form of rapid gluocose, tabs, spray, gel . I just found a new quick dissole glucose in a focus group and now my boys use it as well. Several of my patients and my boys have used Meals to Live Glucose Quick Sticks when treating low blood sugar. They don't require chewing, taste good and most importantly—are effective. Testing is so important and knowing how to interpret these tests. Stay safe!

Classic Candy Canes

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:55:23 -0500

On a recent trip to our local healthfood store with the kids a box of these tru sweets candy canes (15g) mysteriously found it's way into our grocery cart. I discovered them as I was checking out. Every day the kids ask is they can have one. I guess it's one way to get into the Christmas season.

Here's a great review about these candy canes I found on the website Stockpiling Moms...a guide to savy living:

Are you looking for Organic alternative to one of your favorite holiday treats for your kids this holiday season? Then you may want to try new TruSweets™ Organic Candy Canes! They are organic and contain all natural ingredients and are free of corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors. My son LOVES candy canes! In fact I think could eat them year round! I was excited to offer him an organic version of his favorite treat!

TruSweets, LLC just announced that it will launch one of the only brands of organic candy canes available on the market just in time for the holidays, TruSweets™ Candy Canes. They sent us a box to review and I was very interested to see how they would compare. They have a very pale pink stripe versus the traditional “bright” stripe. That is because they are made with no artificial colors. TruSweets™ Candy Canes are made with just four simple ingredients: organic evaporated cane juice, organic brown rice syrup, organic fruit juice, and natural peppermint flavor. They contain no corn syrup, artificial colors or flavors, and they are gluten free, vegan and kosher.

My son thought they were great! He did mention that they were not the same “color” as his regular candy canes but after he tried them he didn’t seem to mind. In fact as you can see from the picture he enjoyed them. My hubby and I also tried one. They were a very light peppermint taste. They have have only 60 calories per candy cane. However like with any candy we always suggest eating in moderation.

TruSweets™ Candy Canes will be available nationwide beginning in November at Whole Foods, independent natural foods stores, online, and at specialty retailers throughout the country. Each five-ounce package contains 10 organic candy canes and will be sold for a suggested retail price is $3.99 per package.

Diabetic Alert Dog

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:18:25 -0500

My name is Mikayla and my little brother is 11 years old was diagnosed with type one diabetes in February 2011.

As many people who have an 11 year old boy in the family will know that they can be very active. This makes it very hard to regulate their blood sugar, or know what the numbers are.

Luckily spending three days in the ICU my brother found out about Diabetic Alert Dogs.

We now have Rudy a 9 month old yellow lab, who alerts to my brothers high and low blood sugars 20 minutes before the meter will tell you and from up to a half mile away. Rudy has saved my brother from diabetic seizures and comas.

Please visit my brother AJ's and Rudy's blog to learn more about Diabetic Alert Dogs, and AJ's story: http://rudycomeshome.blogspot.com/

Authorized Disney Destination Planner

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:36:00 -0500

I am a mother and wife of two Type 1 Diabetics. Managing diabetes is a way of life for us. We are also avid travelers to Disney. Because of my passion for Disney, I have become an Authorized Disney Destination Planner. We have been traveling to Disney for the past 4 years with both of my guys having Type 1. It is my passion to help families and share my knowledge of the parks in order to help them have the most magical vacation that they can. Is there a way that I can notify the members of this site of my knowledge and skills so that they can feel more at ease and relax during their trips? Disney can be overwhelming, especially to the newly diagnosis.

My name is Robyn and I reside in Woodstock, Ga with my husband, son, and many furry critters (and a few scaley ones).

It all started when my son was 3 and my sister took us with her family to Walt Disney World. From that moment I was hooked.

I already had a love for Disney when I worked for the Disney Store in college. However, it wasn't until that trip that I
developed a deep passion. Since then, my family has taken several trips a year. I have made it my goal to learn as much as I can about traveling to the parks.

From budgeting, to dining reservations, to planning grand adventures for large parties with a multiple age range of children,

I have experienced a lot. I have even taken advantage of using the Disney Florist to decorate our room for my son's 7th birthday - such a wonderful treat!

Now I have been able to take that knowledge and passion, and become a Disney Destination Travel Planner. I couldn't be more excited. I have graduated from the College of Knowledge.

Constantly, I am reading and researching new and exciting ways to take advantage of the most MAGICAL PLACE ON EARTH! I love to be involved with others as they plan their Disney trips. I thoroughly enjoy helping everyone that I can in planning their magical adventure. The services that I offer in planning a Disney vacation are completely FREE! I can assist with budgeting, room selection, dining reservations (with attention to food allergies and restrictions), tours, "grand gatherings", transportation services, and personal itineraries. My family has stayed at every resort level within the park and I have learned the benefits and experiences that they offer. Whether you are traveling to the parks, going on a cruise or going on one of Disney's amazing Adventures - I can help with it all. It is my goal to be personally attentive to every detail in order for you to have the most magical vacation.

When my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 4, I became
even more aware of ways to travel to Disney.

I have learned and experienced more of what they offer and how they genuinely care for everyone that comes through their gates. There are many tips and strategies I have gathered through the years to make our adventures flow smoothly with few bumps.
Please feel free to contact me and ask me anything that you need to know or are concerned about. I know that it can be overwhelming traveling with a loved one with Diabetes or any type of special needs, but it is possible and it can be magical.

I will be happy to share with you the many things I have learned through the years and share my personal experiences.

Contact me here on this website in the PDK Forum area (I will respond quickly). Once on the forum register or log in and scroll down to the topic Walt Disney World. You can post your questions or just make helpful comments. If your concern is more personal you can contact me at Robyn@travelwiththemagic.com or call me toll free at 1-800-670-4312 ext 125. I can also be reached on my cell phone 404-277-0212.

Too Much Candy!

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:53:23 -0400

Halloween is right around the corner and If you're like us, we're always looking for creative uses for the candy.

Recently I found this article below written by Carey Haivala in the bi-monthly magazine, Thriving Family.

She suggest a few creative uses for all that candy that makes its way into our home:

Count down with it. Let your kids pick out 24 small pieces of candy and one bigger piece. Build an Advent chain with 25 strips of red and green construction paper. Tape one piece of candy to each link, saving the biggest piece for last. Let your kids take turns ripping off one piece each day from Dec. 1 until Christmas.

Freeze it. Chocolate stays fresh in your freezer for up to one year. Just put it in an airtight freezer bag. Pull it out throughout the year as a small treat for your kids or to use in dessert recipes.

Re-gift it. Use hot glue to attach individual pieces of candy to wooden dowels. Put floral foam into a festive mug or vase. Poke the sticks into the foam. Embellish with a little ribbon. Now you have a candy bouquet perfect for appreciated teachers, coaches, and so on.

Decorate with it. During the holidays, build a gingerbread house and use the candy for embellishment. (No one eats those anyway.) This festive decoration is a fun way for your child to be creative.

Donate it. Start a post-holiday candy drive in your neighborhood or school. Operation Gratitude sends candy to American troops serving overseas. Check out opgratitude.com for more information.

Recap from the 2011 PDK Family Getaway Weekend

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:09:10 -0400

Jeff and I were excited as we drove up to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont on Friday September 9th 2011 for the PDK Family Getaway Weekend...

We had high hopes the weekend would provide families an opportunity to reconnect, get reenergized and basically take a breather from a diabetes regimen that is 24/7.

As the weekend unfolded, it was great to see everyone having such a good time. It seemed we parents all got some extra color back in our complexions! As our children hung out with the Barton Center counselors with an endless list of activities, we had our own list...to do things, or nothing at all. We offered a few organized discussion sessions amidst the bunches of free time...and we all took advantage of both.

Sunday morning's breakfast offered the perfect picture...kids hanging with kids and adults connecting with new friends...all relatively free from diabetes-worries.

Many thanks to the Barton Center counselors for their support and time with our children...in many respects, the counselors were the reason we were able to relax.

We all made such wonderful new friendships in so short a time...we can't wait to see everyone again next year...if not sooner!

Right now, I have enough.

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:15:33 -0400

Meri and her husband Ryan have been married 18 years and have four boys. Their three youngest boys are Type 1. Meri is a stay at home mom and full time pancreas/carb SWAGer/diabetes advocate. You can find out more about their family at ourdiabeticlife.com.

"On July 27 1921 two Canadian scientists at the University of Toronto,

Frederick Banting and Charles Best, successfully isolate insulin--a

hormone they believe could prevent diabetes--for the first time.

Within a year, the first human sufferers of diabetes were receiving

insulin treatments, and countless lives were saved from what was

previously regarded as a fatal disease. Diabetes has been recognized

as a distinct medical condition for more than 3,000 years, but its

exact cause was a mystery until the 20th century. At that time, the

only way to treat the fatal disease was through a diet low in

carbohydrates and sugar and high in fat and protein. Instead of dying

shortly after diagnosis, this diet allowed diabetics to live--for

about a year. A breakthrough came at the University of Toronto in the

summer of 1921, when Banting and Best successfully isolated insulin

from canine test subjects, produced diabetic symptoms in the animals,

and then began a program of insulin injections that returned the dogs

to normalcy. On November 14, the discovery was announced to the world.

On January 23, 1921, they began treating 14-year-old Leonard Thompson

with insulin injections. The diabetic teenager improved dramatically,

and the University of Toronto immediately gave pharmaceutical

companies license to produce insulin, free of royalties. By 1923,

insulin had become widely available, and the scientists were awarded

the Nobel Prize in medicine." ~ History.com

Today I want to say thank you to Banting and Best. I owe you a debt of gratitude deeper than the Precipices of the Grand Canyon.

Because of you...my boys can live.

Because of you...my boys can see, walk, laugh, and play.

Because of you...my boys can learn and go to school.

Because of you...my boys can jump and play sports. They can run and play with their friends.

Because of you...I count carbs...and take for granted daily how lucky I am to do so.

Because of you...I insert needles into my boys and don't even blink an eye, because I know it saves their life every time I do.

Because of you...we don't live in a hospital.

I take it all for granted. I think, "Where is the cure?" I think, "Why is this so hard?" I think, "My boys deserve better!"

But today, through these tears of thankfulness, I don't think those things at all.

Today I think, "It has been 90 years, why can't everyone afford and have access to insulin?" I think, "Why must families watch their child die because insulin is not available?" I think, "Even in the USA there are families struggling to keep insulin in the fridge."

I think, "Why is my family so blessed?"

Yes we have three boys who have Type 1 Diabetes. But I have a cabinet in my house that looks like this:

And I have insulin in my fridge...so much I almost cannot contain it:

Sure it is all just a few months in supplies...and sure, that is a sad thing in itself, but I feel overwhelmingly grateful that we have these advances.

YES, a cure would be nice...but in the meantime, I'm going to work on looking at what I have, rather than what I don't.

Because as it turns out...right now, what I have is more than enough.

JDRF 2011 Children's Congress

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:38:52 -0400

Both Johanna and Nick were among more than 150 children and teenage delegates from all over the United States and abroad in Washington D.C. meeting with their Members of Congress and Senators each one sharing their personal journey of life with diabetes to help them understand how important it is to find a cure.

The children's mission was to help Congress understand what our families do everyday...

365 days a year...

24/7 with not one vacation day...

We met individually with each of Vemont's Congressmen. They listened intently as Johanna and Nick showed them homemade scrapbooks which mapped out their lives with diabetes. They opened their emergency kits; the ones attached to their hip and explained why they carry them everywhere. They topped off their pitch by holding up their hands, not for a high five but to show the Congressmen their callous fingertips.

The group of delegates joined Crystal Bowersox on Capital Hill to sing her rendition of the song Promise to Remember Me. The children met with leaders, athletes and entertainers who also shared their dream of a cure. On Tuesday, the delegates and guests were mesmerized when Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor spoke to them about her life with type 1 diabetes.

It was an emotional three days but I came away with a better understanding of what JDRF has accomplished and what it hopes to do in the near future. This past week gave me a renewed hope and a drive to continue our family's efforts to contribute toward finding a cure.

Just a few video from those poweful three days:

Behind-the-scenes looks at JDRF's 2011 Children's Congress, including Kevin Kline testifying before the U.S. Senate http://youtu.be/7EyiXDHzcLQ

Promise to Remember Me with Crystal Bowersox http://youtu.be/sI75xbu0-fQ

Happy Father's Day

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Here's a Father's Day poem I jotted down while thinking of my husband Jeff, father of our three children (two whom have type 1). I appreciate all he does for our family and wouldn't want to be in this journey with anyone else.

JoJo and Nick introduced me to the world of acrostic poem writing.

An acrostic poem is a cryptographic form in which the initial letter of each line spells out a word, often the subject of the poem or the name of the person to whom the poem is dedicated.

So here's mine:

Helpful

Argumentative

Persistant (Praying)

Protective

Yielding

Faithful

Articulate

Thinking

Hands on

Emotional

Relentless

Sleepless

Dreaming (of a cure)

Annoyed

Yankees Go!

What might your poem be in describing your husband or partner this Father's Day?

Blink. Tear. Drop.

Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Meet Wendy Rose creator of Candy Hearts. She has been married for almost 10 years and is raising 3 daughters. Her oldest daughter has Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease. She also has Celiac Disease and the two of them are living a strict gluten free lifestyle.

Have you ever thought about the little things?

Take time, for example. In one tiny second, so much can happen...

Childless to parenthood
Life to death
Rich to poor
Unemployed to employed
Single to married

When you REALLY think about it, all of life's major events come down to one single second. In the blink of an eye, so much can change.

Or what about tears? Oh, those little drops can stir up so much emotion!!!! The anguish you feel as a parent watching your child suffer. They explain the emotions that you can't find words for. Those little tears can tell a million stories.

Ya know, one eency weency drop of blood has the ability to make major decisions around here. It decides if a site change is warranted, a juice box, or a bolus of insulin. It can stop everything in it's tracks, alter plans, and change perception. One drop can make the difference between staying or altering the course of life.

And then there's insulin. Sugar's total daily dose is around 20 units. Do you know what that looks like?

THAT'S IT! When Sugar first began wearing her insulin pump, she was only getting about 6-7 units of insulin a day....roughly ONE-THIRD of that drop.

In one 24 hour period, about half of that tiny drop must be spread out to cover the glucose stores her body pumps into the blood stream. Sugar's insulin pump administers a minuscule dose every 3 minutes. EVERY THREE MINUTES -- around the clock....for 24 hours....FROM THAT LITTLE DROP!!!!!!!

The other half is used to cover the carbohydrates that she eats or drinks. She can have a full meal PLUS a cupcake with a juice box, and it STILL hardly makes a dent in the drop.

If that entire drop was administered at once, it could kill her. Withholding it could result in the same devastating outcome.

One little drop.

**MY** brain decides which hour of the day gets what portion of the drop. I decide when to program the pump to give a smidgen more, when to back off, and when to keep things the same. I decide at what times of day she'll need more of the drop to cover carbs and when she'll need less. I decide how much of that drop will be used to correct a high blood sugar, decreased to accommodate physical activity, and increased to manage growth spurts and illnesses.

My brain knows she grows around 3 - 4 am. The growth hormone is released during the pre-dawn hours and her insulin needs skyrocket. For a few days, I'll be increasing the drop -- maybe even giving her plenty more than 20 units....and then, suddenly, it's too much. I'll need to back down. Way down. Maybe even to a few units less. After a few days of that, we'll gradually make it back to the NEW DROP. After she grows, her insulin needs will increase permanently. Perhaps by such a small amount, you can't even see it with the naked eye.

All the while, the pump is pumping every 3 minutes.

Yup. Just one tiny drop.

Sometimes the little things in life make all the difference.

A Mothers Promise

Sat, 07 May 2011 22:07:00 -0400

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful moms...You Rock!

A poem in memory of the author, Gary Hempleman, for all children with diabetes.

She walks down the hallway in silence so deep,

Keep watch over him, as her little one sleeps.

With meter in hand, she opens his door,

Making sure not to wake him as she crosses the floor,

She sits on his bedside and brushes his hair,

As he dreams of shooting baskets, without a "D" care.

She holds his hand softly; his fingers so small,

As she watches and wonders why "D" came to call.

While she watches him sleeping, so peaceful and warm,

The forces inside him fight a constant "D" storm.

Will he ever be free of shots and blood testing?

She sits and she wonders as she watches him resting.

The beep of the meter breaks the silence of the night;

A small drop of blood tells if everything's right.

The seconds count down to the final display,

I hate this damn meter; i want to throw it away.

The number is fine, one down, a lifetime to go,

As he turns in his sleep, will he ever know?

Why does this "D" happen to someone so small?

My son is my hero, but my baby most of all.

She turns at his doorway, looking back one more time,

It's a nightly routine of the very worst kind.

She walks down the hallway and time passes by,

As she sits in dark silence and quietly cries.

I have to stay strong, and for him i will fight,

We'll battle this "D" with all of our might.

I'll teach him to master and conquer this foe,

This "D" will not stop him, i promised him so.

Gary 2001

Visit Gary's website and read more of his poetry www.diabetespoetry.com.

I have finally found some light...

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 08:07:00 -0400

Six months ago, my 3 year old daughter was diagnosed with T1. I cannot describe the feeling I had in my stomach when we heard the news that evening.
And I surely wouldn't be able to count the myriad of tears my husband and I shed in the middle of the night as we watched her sleep wondering what was going on in her little body.

A couple of months later, I reached out to this website as a place of refuge and understanding. I reached out for what we all pray for each night... hope. Well, I am happy to say, I am writing this from a place of light, something in which I have been endlessly searching for. Yes, I am FULLY aware that this disease will still bring me days full of frustration, anger, and aching heart... but what I won't feel anymore is "helpless".

Why?

Because I have learned that my attitude toward diabetes was one of defeat and utter fear, two things which prevent us from FULLY living. Josey, my little girl, is the bravest little person I know and she deserved a family (a mother) that was going to be equally as brave and committed to LIVING.

Josey started her insulin pump two short weeks ago. It has been life changing. The transition was almost flawless. She is laughing, dancing, and running around like all the other kids her age, yet with less anxiety over her next shot of insulin .

Though I know insulin and pump therapy is far from a cure, I still consider it a blessing and thank God every night that this technology and medication exists. I am inspired by Josey. I am inspired by my family's support. I am inspired by communities such as this one who strive to make life a bit easier, manageable and hopeful for those living with Type 1. "Life is good. It's going to be okay." I wish I had believed these words when I was hearing them six months ago. Better late than never- I guess.

As always, I will continue to work and pray for a cure, but in the meantime, I will be playing with my daughter and living each day to it's fullest-- because she deserves it.

Have an Eggstravangant Easter

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:12:00 -0400

It isn't quite Easter yet but I'm already thinking about gift ideas for the kid's baskets. Looking for alternatives to chocolate eggs and bunny rabbits?

The kids loved thier baskets filled with Lush bath products last year so I'll be shopping their again this year.

Wrote about last years Lush Easter run when I discoverered the store, Easter Basket Surprises: A Fun Alternative to Candy.

And the year before that I wrote about Easter Basket Ideas.

They sell fresh handmade cosmetics and most are gluten free. Each year for Easter they have new innovations and some returning products. After popping into the store this week I found out they'd be launching their Spring Collection this Friday April 1, so here's a sneak peek (including prices and item number for easy ordering)

Here's their Easter Spring Collection 2011:

Hippy Chick

Zesty grapefruit bath bomb

03412 $4.95

Donkey Oaty--The Easter Donkey

It's a Pinata contains multicolored rice paper that explodes in your bath!

03414 $5.95

Fluffy Egg

An egg shaped fluff bomb

02887 $6.95

Bunny Knot-Wrap

An adorable bunny scarf to wrap up an Easter treat

025679 $3.95

Happy Easter

Contains three different bombs: Avobath, Fluffy Egg and Hippy Chick plus the mini Knot-Wrap that can be used again and again.

03430 $24.95

Here's some of my ideas but would love some of yours!

Below is an Amazon link to other great LUSH products

Dual Diagnosis

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:08:00 -0400

From time to time we feature sibling stories. This weeks story is about Annie and her two boys. After reading her story feel free to leave her an encouraging note at the bottom of the page.

On July 20, 2009- my 9 year old son was diagnosed with cancer (acute lymphoblastic leukemia). 3 1/2 months later my other son (age 11) was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Needless to say, we have had a VERY difficult 16 months! Andrew went into remission after 8 days (THANK YOU GOD!) but Christopher has to live with diabetes forever.

Every single day I pray that Andrew's cancer never comes back and that Chris manages and controls his diabetes and that he will not have complications later in life.

I end that prayer with "God, please help my kids live long, healthy happy lives".

Hopefully Andrew will be declared cancer free (we have 2 more years of treatments/procedures/chemo, etc) but diabetics deal with their illness every single day (several times a day) for the REST OF THEIR LIVES!

At first, I had to listen to my kids fight "I have cancer" vs "Well, I have diabetes"...I was in tears daily!

As a mother, I just wish I could be the one to have cancer and diabetes so they could be NORMAL kids...guess God had a different plan for us!

We sure have learned to be grateful though and my kids have grown closer :) I always tell myself...it COULD be worse!

Celiac Diagnosis

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:06:00 -0400

My teenage daughter Naomi's lower right side had been hurting on and off for months and she felt just awful. We were trying to figure out what was wrong with her. She'd been in and out of the hospital enduring cat scans, blood tests,and ultrasounds only to be sent home without many answers.

I wanted answers!

I have three children, my two ten year olds have type 1 diabetes but Naomi doesn't. So in additon to the emergency room visits I was checking her BG just in case.

Then her pediatrician suggested a simple blood test for celiac disease. Bingo! Generally they like to see the blood test number below 4 well her number was 19.4!

Immediately we put her on a gluten free diet. She began to transform right before our eyes. She was able to get out of bed for longer periods of time. Her concentration, school work and attitude all began imploving immediately.

When I think back her diagnosis explained so much.

Soon after the positive blood test I made an appointment with the pediatric gastroenterologist (pg) only to learn they wanted her to remain on a normal diet until the appointment.

WHAT?!

"Sorry" I said. Not happening!! Before the celiac diagnosis I wasn't able to leave her side because she was so sick. I'm not about to leave her on a regular diet, in bed for another month until the appointment.

As happy as I am about knowing what is wrong with Naomi there's an element that feels all to familiar. As a family we've been dealing with type 1 diabetes for almost six years when Naomi's sister JoJo was diagnosed. That was a massive lifestyle change.

On one hand, I was very relieved to find out that celiac disease required no medicine and was basically a diet change. But then I started reading the extensive lists of forbidden ingredients and was overwhelmed by what a huge change it would be for me as the cook and our family.

Yes it feels like ONE MORE THING added onto my shoulders.

But I have to say while greiving privately about Naomi and her diagnosis it's pure joy to watch her come full circle in how she treats everyone around her. Just yesterday I left town and she called me and let me know how her first day back to work was since her diagnosis. She followed up our conversation with an I Love You text to boot.

So I'll continue to have a positive attitude, encouraging her to follow this new lifestyle. She's been so supportive of JoJo and Nick's diabetes we're all behind her celiac diet every step of the way.

I recently purchased the Gluten-Free Grocery Shopping Guide and brought it along on my last grocery trip. It was a tremendous help. You'll find this shopping guide among our other books in our Resource section as well as the Amazon link below.

Your Diabetes Science Experiment

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:55:00 -0500

You'll find Ginger's book featured in our PDK resource section.

Ginger Vieira has lived with Type 1 diabetes and Celiac disease for 12 years. Today, she is a health coach and diabetes expert at www.Living-in-Progress.com and the author of "Your Diabetes Science Experiment." Ginger is also an avid diabetes YouTube vlogger!

MYSTERY HIGHS & UNEXPECTED LOWS...

My new book, "Your Diabetes Science Experiment," is designed to help
individuals better understand and manage mysterious high blood sugars and
unexpected low blood sugars. It discusses how to improve insulin sensitivity,
adjust insulin doses for meals, background insulin needs and exercise. It also
includes an extensive chapter explaining proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and
how each macronutrient impacts the body of a person with diabetes.

The book comes from lessons I initially learned during intensive powerlifting
training and studying human physiology in medical textbooks after experiencing
resistance from various members of the medical community when I began power
lifting.

My endocrinologist literally rolled his eyes after I told him that I had begun power
lifting training. Right then and there I became determined to learn as much as
possible about basic physiology to help achieve my own goals.

My discovery? Everyday human physiology, or how the body functions, impacts
your blood sugars, your insulin needs and your insulin sensitivity in ways you
don't usually hear about in the doctor's office. Not only is there not enough time
to cover all of this information, but much of it is so specific that most people may
not realize its significance unless you're one of the 19 million Americans living
with diabetes.

My power lifting coach, Andrew Berry, made it clear right from the start that
balanced blood sugars were going to be crucial to my success and advances in
power lifting. So, I began studying medical textbooks about human physiology,
and discovered a world of information that no physician has ever discussed with
me in connection with my diabetes. Everything made more sense.

Living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes is about much more than taking injections
and avoiding sugar. The day-to-day life of diabetes revolves around counting
every gram of carbohydrate, adjusting hourly insulin doses for exercise, sickness,

and even caffeine and menstrual cycles. The list goes on and on.

My book includes four different templates designed for readers to focus on one
aspect of their diabetes management at a time, keeping track of the relevant data
to solve one specific "blood sugar mystery."

My goal: to make the overwhelming aspects of diabetes management much less
overwhelming, and less of an emotional burden.

My personal theory, as I discovered in my own diabetes management, is that
there is a reason behind every blood sugar fluctuation. Some of which we have
control over, some of which we don't, but I believe that simply understanding why
those fluctuations happen can lessen a diabetic's feelings of guilt and frustration
when blood sugars don't go the way we want them to.

Diabetes is complicated and requires a lot attention, but there are absolutely
answers to some of the most frustrating blood sugar fluctuations, and my book
teaches many of those answers in ways that anyone can understand!

For more on Ginger's book, visit: www.Living-in-Progress.com.

Watch Ginger on YouTube: www.YouTube.com/user/GingerVieira and www.YouTube.com/user/GingerVieira
Add Ginger on Facebook
Follow Ginger on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/GingerVieira

Wherein...I get knocked down from February 16th.

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 09:14:00 -0500

I know Valentine's Day has come and gone but we can all relate to the school scene when they have parties and lots of sweets our kids have to contend with. Here's a guest blog about just that.

Captains Log: Valentines Day...the REAL Valentines Day, was wonderful...the kids had the day off thanks to the broke California School System, so we enjoyed a day at the movies and just plain relaxin!

BUUUUUUT: Last Friday was the real/fake school Valentines Day Celebrations.

Rating: F for "what the FLIP happened?!"

It started with L not bolusing for breakfast. This has become a problem. I tell him what to bolus...he takes out his pump...and for some flippin reason, it just doesn' t happen. I'm talkin' like twice a week. Out of nowhere! So...it is my job now. I give the breakfast boluses...

But I digress.

Friday...he didn't get that Bolus, and he called me at snack with a lovely...(NOT)...425.

"Bolus"...I tell him. And he boluses. By lunch he is 140 and is rearing to go!

(Side note: I used to pick the boys up immediately when they were so high. But you know what happened...within the hour...they were fine. And then I had to bring them back. So the new rule is, if they want to stay, and the teacher doesn't feel like it is bringing them too down, I let them stay. If they don't come down nicely by the next check I pick them up. But I'm not so fast to pick them out of school anymore. I give them a choice. They usually choose to stay.)

So...of course he wanted to stay...it was the Valentines Party for goodness sake!!!

L called me at 2:00, as I was driving to the school. "I'm going to have a small strawberry muffin."

"A muffin? That is weird."

"Well, it is pink. And it looks like a muffin to me..."

"Fine. 30 carbs. I'll be right there."

What that small strawberry muffin turned out to be was a strawberry cupcake with frosting piled higher than the cupcake. It was a 60 carber for sure. But if that wasn't enough...he has already eaten almost ALL the candy from his bag.

Hold the phone! How the H-E-DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS was that allowed?

"My teacher said so!"

I looked up and there was a sub. She works in the class, so she knows of his diabetes. I walked over to her and mentioned that L had just eaten 10 starbursts, 3 Hershey kisses and 2 fun sized candy bars.

"I kept asking if he was ok!" She says. "I kept asking if he had checked his sugar!" She says.

I know...she doesn't KNOW. I can't blame her...but my fail was only made more insulting when I walked into B's classroom and he was chomping on a Hershey kiss.

"Why didn't you call me?"

"I did...you didn't answer."

"So did you check your sugar?"

"Of course!"

"Did you bolus for any of this."

"Nope."

"What did you eat?"

"A cupcake, 2 cookies and most of my candy."

"B, you KNOW you shouldn't have eaten all that! And incidentally...my crystal ball is broken. How am I supposed to know how many carbs you actually ate?"

"I know mom...but it's Valentines Day!"

How am I to argue with that? He is almost always responsible. What would my rebuttal had been? "How dare you want to be a normal kid! How dare you enjoy this party!"

Heaven help me. Heaven please please help me.

I SWAGed the carbs for the boys...I purposely rage bolused because I was so disgusted with myself and the complete lack of help I get in the school system.

Their sugars were brilliant after. But that wasn't the point. The point was...I was so flipping tired of these battles...of these "incidents!" I lamented for hours that I didn't have a pinch hitter, and at the same time I felt so sucky about it because someday I will be able to walk away from this, (for the most part,) and my boys will not. Diabetes had me down...big time. I felt like I was failing my boys. I was D.O.N.E.

And then the next day...the VERY NEXT DAY...the boys numbers were spot on. They called me and texted me when they were supposed to. B called and said there was a birthday, but he would rather eat the cupcake when he was home with me. Everything went smooth as silk.

And I feel better.

Diabetes is such a emotional roller coaster. One day you can be SO down in the dumps. SO tired and DONE with this disease, and the next day you are like, "I totally got this."

It reminds me of this song. The chorus of the song is really the only thing relevant here...but it is so true for us living the Diabetic Life...I had to embed it into this post. I just had to.

We get knocked down...ALL THE TIME! But you know what...we get back up again, every time. Up. Down. Up. Down. Up. We ALWAYS get back up. And that is something...

SLAMDiabetes Goes To L.A.!

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:24:00 -0500

At last weekend's 2011 NBA All Star Weekend festivities, SLAMDiabetes shared its Type 1 diabetes awareness message with stars from entertainment and sports, and also promoted Ray Allen's $3 for 3's campaign for the Joslin Diabetes Center. Many expressed their interest in supporting our efforts to increase awareness of Type 1 diabetes' and its impacts on kids and their families, to help send kids to diabetes camps throughout the country, and to support a search for a cure. Everyone autographed t-shirts we'll auction to support these causes, and several even signed up for Ray Allen's $3 for 3 campaign.

Entertainers and actors LL Cool J, Nelly, Morris Chestnut, Marlon Wayans, Kevin Hart, Shemar Moore, Chris Spencer, Keri Hilson, Trina, Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe, Lamman Rucker, Big Boy and Fabulous all stepped up. Director F. Gary Gray (The Italian Job) also contributed, while NFL'ers DeSean Jackson, Marcedes Lewis, Willie McGinest, Dante Hughes, Leigh Bodden, Jordan Babineaux, Kennard Cox and Ray Ethridge got in on the action. Roundballers Greg Oden of the Trailblazers and Rasual Butler of the L.A. Clippers participated as well.

This is one of several forays into the entertainement and sports markets SLAMDiabetes is undertaking in 2011 as we seek to get the word out, get kids into camps and amp up support for a cure.

Our deep thanks and appreciation go out to all of you celebrities who, while hounded by cameramen and beseiged by interviewers, took the time to visit with me to hear our personal story, learn a bit about Type 1 diabetes and offer to help keep children a bit safer and healthier; and to move us closer to one day putting diabetes in the past tense.

To fellow "table mates" Simone Smith and Dina Spinale...it was wonderful getting to know you some and we wish you all the very best with SIS. Simone...I read up...you're an inspiration...our prayers are with you and your family.

And...this was all made possible by Andrea McKinnon at AMcK...our thanks to Brian and the boys for letting you spend valuable family time with a carpetbagger from the Northeast.

This Could Be Any Of You

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:53:00 -0500

Reyna, WIFE, MOTHER, and PANCREAS who just happens to be a nurse with quite a sense of humor is our guest blogger from Beta Buddies. To read some of her additional blogs visit A Day-In-The-Life Of Parenting A Child With Type 1 Diabetes.

***

"Reyna you will hear things out there that will make you angry."

When Joe's Endocrinologist said these words to me shortly after Joe was diagnosed, I had no idea what he was talking about. I was dealing with the down-and-dirty of diabetes care. The public perception of diabetes had not entered my conscience.

After school yesterday...

I slipped and slid as I carried the precariously lodged three-legged Vietnamese Bamboo Xylophone (don't ask, and thanks Sunshine Grandma) to the car for Joe.

I then slipped and slid my way back to Joe's backpack that was on the sidewalk in front of a massive snow-ice mound by his school.

I unzipped the backpack.

I looked for and found "Woodchuck".

I looked at Joe's daily diabetes log.

Damn, he has been high all day. Joe has a cold and has been running in the low 200s consistently for two days now.

We were planning on staying to play on the school's playground for an hour while Bridget had band practice. According to the log, Joe received a correction dose of insulin about an hour prior for a 331. I needed to check a blood sugar to ensure his "safety" while he played for the next hour or so.

I zipped up the "Woodchuck".

I slipped.

I slid.

I tripped.

I fell on the ice.

I cursed.

I got up and continued to paint my life with some more colorful descriptors as I headed over to Joe, who happened to be pulling a "Penguin Maneuver" as he sailed down the ice hill head first on his belly with a group of his friends.

He ran to me rosy-cheeked and smiling, as he removed his glove. I removed my gloves. I fumbled with the test strip container with my near-numb finger tips. Woodchuck sat on the snow covered ground as it provided me with my supplies. The glucometer readied. Cold tissue was lanced. Blood was expelled. Blood was wicked up the test strip. 5...4...3...2...1 and a 231 was obtained. Off he went...until the next blood sugar check that would take place in an hour, or so.

You see, here is the thing...

Living with type 1 in our lives hour-to-hour, meal-to-meal, activity-to-activity, blood glucose level-to-blood glucose level is difficult enough. It demands a "never-ending-ness" that many cannot wrap their cerebral gray matter around. When you see me at the park stabbing my kid's finger tips as he slides; or, when you see me measuring his food as I am driving down two lane highways; or, when you see me in my life-sized Pez Dispenser role "mother birding" Glucose Tabs into Joe's pie hole; or, when you see me spiking a juice and holding it to a limp-y, noodle-y, sweat-y Joe... or, when you see me rink-side, field-side, yard-side stalking a potentially low Joe...

Guess what?

This stuff is going on all.the.time.

Always.

Around the clock.

Day.And.Night.

24 hours a day.

7 days a week.

365 days a year.

There are no breaks.

Ever.

So, when I read something like this article written in the Santa Barbara Daily Sound, I feel my spirit, my energy level, my spunk deflate a bit. My "fight" for the "damage control", for the "setting the record straight" is sapped. I am simply tired physically and emotionally. I am left without much vigor by the end of the day for a retaliation. But, when I go back the following morning after a 4am blood sugar check to re-read this:

"A child who acquires type 1 is much different that an adult who acquires type 1. Maybe a child was born with a worse hand? Could a child's diabetic situation arise from their parent's decisions in life such as lack of activity and over consumption of processed sugars? If that is possible then maybe the child inherited genes that were mores predisposed to the condition. Or maybe it's a combination of genes and lifestyle. Many researchers are claiming that childhood diabetes type 1 and type 2 could be related to excess sugar intake and a poor quality diet. Children consuming sodas, juices, milkshakes and candy in excess may be a big contributing factor in acquiring type 1 or type 2. A child who consumes these choices in excess and is more sedentary and has parents who are sedentary may just have the recipe for early onset diabetes of either type".

When I go back and read this, ... I get angry. Once again, misinformation is disseminated. Once again, we are left picking up the pieces. Once again, I am left shouting "DIET AND EXERCISE CANNOT CURE TYPE 1 DIABETES, NOR DOES THE LACK OF A HEALTHY DIET AND A LACK OF EXERCISE CAUSE TYPE 1 DIABETES!" Once again, I am left defending my son, Joe. My son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was just over three years old. Soda had not passed his lips. Milk shakes, perhaps he had one or two...well a bite or two of one or two. Processed foods? Sure, some I suppose. Sedentary? I am unsure if he knows the definition of that word...it certainly could not be used in the same sentence or perhaps paragraph when discussing Joe's qualities.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which a person's own body (white blood cells) attack the insulin producing cells (beta cells) in the Pancreas. To develop Type 1 Diabetes three risk factors must be present. They are inheritance (genetic), autoimmunity (self-allergy), and environmental damage (example: from a chemical or virus). So, in other words, a person must have the genetic "set-up" to be susceptible to the environmental stimulus (chemical or virus) in order for the autoimmune "attack" (self-allergy) on the beta cells of the pancreas to occur.

Clearly, Type 1 diabetes is on the rise. My hunch is it is related to the "environmental trigger" component...whether it be viral, chemical, cow milk exposure, vitamin d deficiencies...who knows? The research is still being conducted. Answers are still elusive. More questions arise. More research is initiated.

What I do know is that I need to raise my voice along with my friends. I need to speak up for Joe.

I need to speak up for you.

This could be anyone of you in my position. This could be your child. This could be your day-in-the-life.

A day-in-the-life of defending our day-in-the-life.

My Response To Ignorance: One Voice
Dear Mr. Wilcher

**********************************************************************
JUST IN: The RETRACTED STATEMENT By Dr. Wilcher...2/17/2011:

My sincere apologies go out to the type 1 diabetic community for the article I wrote that was published in the Daily Sound on Feb 16th, 2011.

The main intention of the article was to say that for type 1 or type 2 diabetics a lifestyle of healthy habits may significantly help their quality of life. My statements about excess sugar were meant to be directed toward type 2 diabetics, which has been linked strongly to lifestyle habits.

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are basically 2 different diseases. They both involve the pancreas and insulin, but the cause of the diseases are much different. Type 1 diabetes is clearly an autoimmune disorder with no known cause while type 2 diabetes is more of a metabolic issue. I can understand the frustration of type 1 diabetics being categorized with type 2 diabetics.

I am truly sorry for any pain I have caused any of you and your families. I know how hard it must be to have a child who is diagnosed with type 1 and knowing that you have done everything in your power to keep your child healthy.

I quickly scanned the article without giving it a thorough proofreading and I understand that some of the issues I addressed were misleading.

I should have written the article in a much different way, and I do apologize again. My intentions were to raise questions about lifestyle habits and how it can affect one's lifestyle with these diseases. I hope we can all agree that healthier habits can help us live more full lives no mater what conditions we have.

Bob Wilcher is a Chiropractor and personal trainer in Santa Barbara, CA. He owns Killer B Fitness, a personal and group training studio also located in Santa Barbara, CA. You can contact him at www.killerbfitness.com or (805) 448-2222.

PDK Getaway Weekend at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont set for September 9-11, 2011

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

It's time to reconnect, reenergize and relax and there's no better place in New England than beautiful Trapp Family Lodge in picturesque Stowe, Vermont. On the weekend of September 9-11, 2011 we're hosting our first Family Getaway Weekend where the focus is on...YOU! Whether it's walks, hikes or bike rides on the Lodge's beautiful grounds; a massage, sauna or swim at the resort spa; a tennis match where the score doesn't matter; a little bocce in the biergarten, or a family hay ride, this will be a weekend you won't soon forget.

Registration Now Available For The PDK Family Getaway Weekend

OK, you've heard Southwest Airlines pose the question, "Need to get away?" For all of us with children who have Type 1 diabetes, the answer of an emphatic "YES!" is often followed by the question, "But how?" Finding and arranging for capable care isn't as easy as it used to be before dx. Well, we've got the perfect solution: Come join us for our first PDK Family Getaway Weekend next September 9-11, 2011 at the beautiful Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont.

For all the details on the Weekend, including PDK guest experts, amenities, special events and reservation info, please go to www.trappfamily.com/parentingdiabetickids. if you're interested, make your reservation soon as space is limited. Their reservations department is also ready to take reservations. Guests can call 800-826-7000 ext 1 and refer to group code:50B5AP, and the reservationists will have all the details as well.

We look forward to seeing you there!