Welcome Tom!

My name is Tom and I have been IDDM type1 for 43 years was a pumper for 5 years and worked as a paramedic/firefighter for 15 years. I am still learning and I don't know everything. I no longer use a pump. If you have any questions just ask. There is no such thing as a stupid question.

Chaniging Insulin Pump SUCCESS!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOpadosB0DA

Changing Insulin Pump FAIL

Has anyone ever had this happen before?
Subscribe to my YouTube channel to see more videos!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41Iq1F4AC0w

Novalog vs Apidra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiAzTfWNPnQ

Burnout Incognito: Silent but Deadly

A couple months ago I posted an entry about burnout. Well there is something that I didn't realize until today. Burnout can happen without you even knowing. It took a big smack in the face from fellow diabetics to wake me up from my daydream of sorts. You see, I made some choices that didn't set well with some of my diabuddies. I was upset at some things that were said & couldn't see it at the time. They were right. Over the past couple of months I was making poor choices when concerning my diabetes management. I was eating the wrong stuff & just going with the motions. That is not what diabetes management is. Diabetes Management is about two key things: Changing YOU & getting better bg results. Both are like a well-oiled machine, you need both in order to achieve success. to change your lifestyle in order to achieve the golden numbers I call them My golden numbers are 70-180 mg/dl. That's my personal set. The goal is to lower the maximum number as much as possible. I wasn't even aware of what I was doing to myself until today. That goes to show that Burnout can happen without warning & sometimes you can't recognize it until someone spells it out for you. I'm glad to say I've snapped out of it & you can too!

Is An Insulin Pump A Good Idea?

"Pumping Ain't easy" is what my T-shirt (from Type 1 Diabetes Memes Online store) says & it can't be further more from the truth. I've been on my Medtronic Minimed Paradigm 723 Insulin Pump for over a year now & I love it, but there are some cons to a pump. At the beginning (pre-pumper), I was timid about getting a pump because I used to be one of those people who are afraid to step out of their comfort zone & try something new. I joined the Medtronic Insulin Pump group, since that was the pump type I was getting so  I figured I'd join to get help & advice  w& they helped me overcome my fears & step out of my comfort zone & try something new.  I'm going to list the pros & the cons & give my opinion on if a pump is a good tool for diabetes management. **All of the following is based on my personal experience & opinion, if you have concerns after reading this, please consult your endocrinologist/doctor/CDE**

PROS :) : There are more pros than cons (In my opinion)

• No more shots! My biggest attraction to the idea of pumping was the thought of now more injections! I was taking 4 injections every single day & after 7 years of doing so, it got tiresome.
• (On that note) Less needles! Like I mentioned, I was doing 4 shots a day which used a lot of needles. With an Insulin Pump, you only change your pump every 2-3 days I've managed 4-5 here & there)
• Better control: With a flexpen/syringe, you could only do dosages in 1 unit increments. With syringes I hear you can, but I think it would be hard. This can cause occasional lows. With a Insulin Pump, you can give insulin in 0.5 unit dosages.
• Closer to having an actual pancreas. The pancreas's job is to constantly excrete insulin to cover carbs. The insulin pump does the same thing! I like to say "I wear my pancreas on my belt"
• everything comes along with you (only need your meter). 

• It's out in the open so you can talk about it (or play mystery games - What IS that thing?) use it as way to educate others 

• On that note, I've noticed personally if you spot another diabetic, you are BFF's instantly :)

Thanks to Terri Milesyo for the last three bullets

Cons :( :

• BENT CANULAS!  one of the [few] things I hate about a pump is the chance of bent canulas. A canula is the plastic tube inside you that delivers the insulin. If the canula gets bent, little or no insulin is delivered, thus causing high glucose levels  (this happened to me this morning. Went to bed after changing my pump site was 110 mg/dl. woke up 192 mg/dl. I was confused but decided to eat breakfast & wait. Well 30 minutes later I started to feel nauseous & was 241 that quick!). 
• The main con really is only regarding the infusion sets. They can bend (canula), tubing can break off (rarely) & can go in awkwardly.
• Unless you use an Omnipod (tubeless pump), tubing gets caught on everything! I just tuck my tubing in my pants or pockets & pull enough to be able to access my pump (I keep it on a belt clip most of the time)

MY OPINION:

Is a pump for you? Everyone is different, but I think everyone should inquire about one, because it can be really beneficial to diabetes management. I left no stone unturned when doing the pros & cons, because I want you to know what to expect. If I had t ]o rate my experience thus far as a pumper I would rate it 9/10 only due to the sets being iffy at times. 

If you do decide to get a pump please let me know :)! Tweet me at @Insulin_Junkie8 or email me at thberger61794@gmail.com! Feel free to comment below or share this or subscribe to my blog! Feel free to sign up to get my blogz365 letter (info on upcoming blogs & new projects i'm working on)! 

If you are interested in buying a t-shirt from Type 1 Diabetes Memes, COPY & PASTE THE FOLLOWING LINK: http://type1diabetesmemes.spreadshirt.com/

The Road to a Dexcom G4 Platinum

FINALLY! After over a year of trying to get one, I finally got a Dexcom approved by my insurance (Anthem Healthkeepers Plus)! I'm going to take you on the journey of how I got my Dexcom & answer the question everyone is wondering!
I first heard about the Dexcom CGM when I started going to UVA for my diabetes check-ups & asked my pump specialist about it & really dug it. Called VA's Dexcom Rep, Sara & was denied. At the time I only had Medicaid (Of VA) as my insurance so I brushed it off. Well in August I got a letter from Medicaid saying "Hey you need to choose one of the following as your primary insurance" & after reading through the list I choose Anthem HKP (for short). About two weeks ago I got to thing to myself & remembered I havent spoken to my Dexcom rep since getting this new policy. I called her the Friday before last & told her about my new insurance. She called me the next business day & said "Anthem HKP does cover for a Dexcom". Turns out it's covered 100%. Here I am today, not even 5 days later wearing my Dexcom G4 Platinum sensor! I named my reciever Dexter (After Dexter's Laboratory :) ).

Now I posted my awesome news in various Diabetes support groups I am in on Facebook & had some people stumped. They were curious as to how Anthem HKP (A form of Medicaid) cover for a Dexcom when neither Medicare or Medicaid itself will? My only answer is that I'm not entirely sure, but i'm blessed to be  because I have little income & could never pay out of pocket.

If you have an answer to the question, please comment!

HO-HO-HO WOW I'm Low!

Low Blood sugars are the worst, especially during the holidays, when you are trying to enjoy time with loved ones. I am going to tell you about a low episode that changed mt life, enjoy :)!

It was Christmas eve 2005 that it happened. I awoke at 3:00 am feeling very weak & sweaty. I checked my blood sugar & it was 45! As I was going to the kitchen to find me a snack to treat my low, I heard the ornaments on our Christmas tree clacking together as if someone was fooling with the tree. I thought my ears were playing tricks on me since I was so low. Well, then I saw a shadow go from our living room (where the tree was) to the dinning room. So off after it I went. When I got to the dinning room there he was, Santa! After I composed myself, Santa knew I was diabetic & asked me how I was doing. I said that I was low so he offered to share the cookies I had laid out for him before bed & he even let me have the glass of milk. He then let me go riding on his sleigh. We rode til sunrise. I loved Rudolph the most.

IT WAS ALL A DREAM.... I woke up & to my surprise I was the number I was in my dream! I went to eat a snack & I noticed the cookies were gone & my coat was where I put after my time with Santa! Was it a dream or am I that low? You decide! Comment below!

Hope you enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed typing it!

Hungry, Hungry Hypo: When Lows Attack!

Remember the old board game Hungry, Hungry Hippos? Where whichever player gets the most balls in their hippo wins? When a diabetic's bg is low we act like those hippos do!
The worst thing to deal with being diabetic is dealing with low blood glucose levels. The term for lows is Hypoglycemia which is when your blood glucose is below your minimum target goal, like my blood glucose level goal is 70-130 so <70 for me is considered low. Here is everything you need to know about hypoglycemia:

Symptoms:

-Dizzy

-Nauseous 

-Sweaty

-confusion

-(for me) increased heart beat--I hear mine very clear

What to do if you're a non-diabetic & your loved one experiences a low:

-REMAIN CALM! If you flip out, he/she will too

-If they're conscious, give them OJ & make them sip on it. Make sure they're are awake & alert

-DO NOT encourage them to take any insulin--You'll be surprised at how many non d's suggest insulin dosages....

-If the individual is unconscious, inject them with glucagon & call 911 Immediately!

If You are diabetic & are on a pump:

-Suspend your pump(if it doesn't automatically) until your bg is normal

So how do you combat lows w/o the afterspike? Here's how I do it!

1.) I eat 6 crackers w/ peanut butter & 1 glass of OJ 

2.)Check bg every 20-30 mins & repeat if necessary 

Happy Di-Day!

Today is the day where diabetes gets the spotlight. as a t1d for almost 9 years I look forward to this day as i do holidays.  This is not really a blog entry but a message to all my diabuddies who see this
Renumber you're stronger then this beast :)!

Bluevember is here!

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month & Nov 14th is our day!

If you have a Twitter, Pinterest  or you are just #Crazy4Hashtags use #DAM (Diabetes Awareness Month) & #DAD (Diabetes Awareness Day) when posting diabetes related posts!
Good way to spread awareness on Social Media!
That is all!

The Emotional Rollarcoaster

Aside from the mental & physical tolls diabetes takes on us, the emotional toll is much worse.

There are three common emotional tolls a diabetic goes though:

1.) The most common emotional toll we get is what I call a "lala land attack" (LLA). Properly known as the "burnout phase" where a diabetic throws their diabetes out the window & only focuses about living their life. I get this way about twice a year. Usually my BGs have been out if wack for a couple of days or I've been trying my best to no avail. Diabetes is bipolar. & at times dislikes you & has a mind of its own. It's likes a diabetic breakdown that takes over our common judgements as far as diabetes control & management. We tend to act like a non or borderline diabetic. Not checking our BGs regurally, or doing WAGs (Wild A** Guesses) more then normal. To sum it up its a very had time for a diabetic.

2.) The second toll is more of getting your hopes up for nothing feeling. It's when we visit our Endocrinologist! I go to my endo Michelle Hemrick every 3 months. I go to see my pump specialist, then her, then the dreaded Blood Work! As diabetics we always anticipate our A1C (average blood sugar over the 3 month period) results. We are curious how this result varies from the last. On 1/19/14 was 6.3 (which is awesome!) & on 5/1/14 it was 7.4 (according to my endo it's "fantastic"). Even though it was still great, I was upset because it went up 11 points. The blood work tests more then just A1C & if some of the results aren't good you get upset over that too. For instance, the amount of protein in my kidneys is always tested & my level was 139 (<30 is perfect) so that's no bueno! That upset me because it was 35 this time last year! Being upset over results also can lead to LLA.

3.) The most vital thing a diabetic needs is support. This is always a touchy subject. Diabetics are typically in a non diabetic family. And every member thinks there the smartest thing ever. Y grandmother bless her heart tries to help, but she can can be overbearing at times. At family gatherings my family watches me when I get food & look with disdain at my plate when I sit down. I nibble at gatherings now (lol). Our families do mean well & wants us to live a long life but their love tends to be taken harshly. My family taunts me with the thought of dialysis trying to scare me into being better. I pay no mind. I know that I will never be that way. Just because I eat 4 slices of cake a year doesn't mean I'm doomed. Were the victims if this disease not them...

No matter how hard we try we can never be perfect diabetics. I encourage anyone who is in emotional chaos to join a support group on Facebook. These groups are very supportive, understanding & care. They can relate to your pains. The group I suggest is the Insulin Addict's Support Group. Run by myself, we have 150 some members & are continuing to expand! I can't undue to join our family :)! We have BG roll calls, weekly group conversations & daily discussions. 

Remember, test, eat, repeat!

Sticky Notes: Best Adhesive Aide

First off, Thanks to my fellow Diabuddies Heather & Jennifer for sending me samples of IV Prep & SkinTac to try!

Background: I've had so much trouble with my sites staying in tact for 2-3 days! I am lucky to get a day out of my sites. I was getting so frustrated. My fellow diabetic Heather suggested IV Prep for me so she sent me some samples of IV Prep & also SkinTac. Then my other friend Jennifer sent me some off brand IV preps too. It has been 2 site changes (3 after this blog is posted :D). I did one change using IV Prep & my last with SkinTac.

I'm going to give you my impressions of each & which one is worth the extra $$! I'm grading them as 1 (poor)-10 (excellent) on Stickiness, ease of application (I'm labeling this EOA), quality & reliability.

First up is IV:

The IV is popular in the groups I admin on FB & did good for me. It was easy to apply, but at the end on my first day, my site was already peeling a bit (not much)

Stickiness: 5/10
EOA:  9/10
Quality: 8.5/10
Reliability: 8/10
Overall: 8/10

SkinTac:

SkinTac was a stickifest! by the time I was done I was a sticky mess, but in the end, SkinTac held up very (& surprisingly well). I had a blonde moment & thought it was like a alcohol swab...IT'S NOT! I was super sticky afterwards.

Stickiness: 10/10
EOA: 7/10 (after 1st use it'll be easier)
Quality: 9/5/10
Reliability: 10/10
Overall: 9/10

THE WINNER IS SKINTAC! Yes it is very sticky, but it will keep your site in place for days!

TIPS:
-If you start using SkinTac have the following handy:
    `Latex Gloves--Your hand(s) will be super sticky & will drive you batty
    `Unisolve or something that helps you remove your site easily. JUST in case it is painful.

Let me know which you prefer if either!

How I change my infusion site

I've been pumping for over 1 year now & I've learned a lot of neat things to speed up the process & make it easier!

I tried to make a video or two of me changing my pump, but my cat Sampson tends to steal my spotlight--So VICTORY IS MINE HA!

Any who, here's my detailed insulin pump site changing process:

1.) I start off by taking my old site off, cleaning it with an alcohol swab & taking a shower (I can have my pump off for no more than an hour w/o BG starting to rise--So I enjoy my limited freedom \(^_^)/ )

2.)  After my shower, I prepare my new site my shaving (Do this before shower if you do take one--It'll be less painful when you apply alcohol swab later), then I start the changing of the new site. I first fill up my 3.0 ML reservoir to the end (300 Units). I fill to the max because I was always ran out of insulin quick & I always get 3-4 days too). I use the "gravity method", which I saw someone else do in a video about a year ago--I let it go halfway, then I aide it to speed up the process.

3.) I then REWIND my pump (if requested I'll edit this is super detailed mode & explain how to rewind)

4. ) While my pump is rewinding, I wipe my new site with a alcohol swb & I  open my Mio Infusion set (by pulling the red tab off, then the wrapper & lastly the back silver tab))

5.) Ok, [my pump should be rewound by now] my Mio has the tubing wrapped in a spiral-way & I need to unwrap it. To do this, I take the bit of tubing "dangling: (I call it) T (GENITALLY) press down & start unwinding it.

6.) Now I place the end of tubing in the end of my reservoir by pressing the end of the reservoir easily then twist it once & you'll hear a click.

7.) I wipe my site with an adhesive-aide

8.) I then prime the tubing & get the Mio ready for insertion. To do that all I do is hold the Mio with one hand & cock it back.

9.) I then insert by pressing the two indention's on each side of the Mio. I then press the top of the set to ensure the canula got in Ok  then pull the set ou.

10.) I then smooth adhesive.

11.) I then fill canula.

I wait 30 mins to an hour & check BG, then wair another 20-30 mins & if it is lower the site is a go! I do not eat during this time period.

I hope this helps those who are thinking about pumping in making your decision. I know it seems like a lot, but it soon becomes the norm.

If you like this, share it please & feel free to subscribe :)
Also follow me on Twitter @Insulin_Junkie8

*Remember, November is Diabetes Awareness month!*

Derailed

I have been a T1D for almost 9 years now & it seems to never get easier. I never know what ti expect. I'm doing good one day & the next I feel like a train wreck. My "train wreck" is more emotional then physical. Due to my diabetes, my entire persona has changed. By that I mean the way I am as a human being has been drastically altered. I can even remember when my metamorphosis started to take over. I was dxd [medical term for diagnosed] when I was 12. I was just an innocent kid who was loving life. I used to love to go places because of FOOD! (If you're a non diabetic & reading this, NO, MY LOVE FOR FOOD DID NOT CAUSE MY DIABETES--MISCONCEPTION!). Maybe 6 mo after my diagnosis, I felt very tired & felt like I've lost my best friend (still feel the tired part today). Here I am almost 9 years later & I am still living & standing tall. If you're train gets derailed, you can put it back on track. Just have patience & TEST TEST TEST!

Burn Out: What & Why?

I posted about this in my old blog, but since I'm using this permanently I thought I would post again.
 Burn-Out is when a diabetic goes out of control with their diabetes & starts not taking their bg, insulin etc & doesn't care. For me, I get twice a year. Usually towards the end of each semester of college: I'm tired (in all aspects) & just shut my brain off for about 2 weeks.  Usually I rebound & am good to go. It's like a internal vacation. Usually those who "love & care about you" are breathing down our neck. You know you're not yourself when it doesn't phase you. Burn Out can be a good thing as it let's you escape the disease for a time & lets you gather yourself. The important thing is, don't be gone too long or you can end up regretting it.

I'm Taylor & I Have Dipolar Disorder!

Yes I admit it i'm Dipolar! Dipolar Disorder is is bipolar disorder but involving blood sugar. One day you have perfect readings & feel on top of the world (because you actually feel good). Then the next day your BG (blood sugar) is like "forget you!" & your at the point where you'd be happy to see a 250 reading.  Your sugar will have a mind of its own, regardless of what others tell you. You could eat nothing but rabbit food & drink water & all that "Dr recommended" stuff  & still have high readings. I am not a perfect diabetic. I know how to eat right & all that, but honestly, trying to do that makes me so upset & causes burn-out quickly. (Ill post a blog on burn-out ASAP).

I get upset because, here I am eating right, exercising (which I love, but never have time to do) & all that & my sugar (& weight) are not showing for it. This discourages me & makes me unhappy in general< thus not as I normally am.  Dipolar disorder can be very dangerous on you in all aspects.

Scenario: Here you are trying to please your endo & yourself. Eating healthy & exercising almost everyday. It has been a month & you're not happy with the results. Your BG is being the "B----" side of Dipolar disorder, how would you feel? Physically you'll feel fine because you feel descent from eating right & exercising. but mentally & emotionally you're the opposite. You're at wits end. You are about to give up. You've done what you thought was right & Burn out approaches.

No matter which "persona" our BG is we all are still strong  & fighters!

Non-Diabetic DKA

At some point & time most Diabetics endure DKA (Diabetic Kitoacidosis) It usually occurs right before a person is dxd (diagnosed) with Diabetes. It is when your body cannot use glucose to level blood sugar & with no insulin there to assist. It is like the flu 3x as worse. Luckily. I have never endured it (knock on wood).

Do you know Non-diabetics also go through DKA? Yes, you read that right. Some even go through it multiple times. You really should call it NDKA (Non-Diabetics Don't Know Anything). I am going to break down this common issue & tell you how you can help your loved ones who have NDKA.

What is it & who does affect?

• It is the state in which a non-diabetic is introduced to Diabetes & cannot simply grasp it (Denial)
• This individual usually is close to someone who has recently been dxd with diabetes
• The individual can claim they know about Diabetes & give you "useful advice"

Symptoms:

• Headaches
• Depression
• Loss of sleep
• Eye strain
• Anxiety
• Shortness in temper
• Refusal to listen

How it can be prevented:

• Those who are like this need our patience & understanding.
• Try to educate them as much as possible
• If some you know are the type who claim to know more about Diabetes thwn you do, just walk away & nod in agreement
• When first dxd, along with loved ones, attend a Diabetes class to help ypu all better understand the disease. Go to more if needed
• Encourage the individual(s) to ask your endocrinologist questions on areas they don't understand

Treatment:

• Patience: Understand that they love you & are going through this with you & are trying to help you.
• Love: Love conquers all
• Faith: They will eventually start to grasp the concepts
• R&R: Take a trip, go bowling, something to take ypur minds off of what has happened
• Breath: You can overcome this!

Remember, Your Pancreas might be down & out, but you are still standing! 

BOO to Diabetes: The Pros & Cons of being diabetic on Halloween

Yes you read that right! Halloween can be beneficial to a diabetic. It just depends on your level of self-control. It can also be depressing. You think of the times (if you had any) where you trick-or-treated without a care. Me personally, I love Halloween! I love dressing up (and yes I got trick-or-treating at the age of 20--long story ha), handing out candy etc..
The following is a list of the pros & cons of being diabetic on Halloween:

Cons:

• Temptation will be uh, tempting. With all the candy that you buy to hand out, or that your child(ren) bring back are starring you in the eyes! You know your limits, but it is oh so good!
• Non-diabetic family/friends will chastise you for having "sinful sugar" in your house
• Those who indulge in front of you will give you the "it isn't good" shtick.

Pros: Yes there are some!

• You can still dress up & enjoy time with friends & family. Just have will-power & try to avoid eating candy (at least in front of others- unless your bg is low)
• Know your limits & enjoy some candy! Sugar is not going to kill us (if you don't eat a lot, it could cause HI bg). Eat a Snickers or dum-dum. Just know your limits 
• FREE low bg goodies! Like I mentioned earlier, I am 20 & I have the appearance of a 12 year old so I take advantage & still going Trick-Or-Treating, despite being a T1D & I keep every piece of candy I get. You're probably like "Whaat?" Yes, I always get A LOT of goodies. What I do is put all the candy in a zip-lock bag a fill her up & write low bg on it so my 7 yr old cousin wont devour it.

So Halloween can be awesome, but it's up to you how awesome to make it!