First Impressions of the One Drop Chrome Meter...

Here are my first impressions of the One Drop Chrome meter...

Unboxing, it looks pretty snazzy and nicely packed, and comes with everything ready to start testing, like 100 strips and a year supply of lancets(Haha! Yeah! I'm a bad D and don't change those things out often, but they're 33 gauge so they won't quite last as long as the old bullies do). Turning over the meter though I noticed it's basically a rebranded Agamatrix Wireless Jazz 2 meter getting ready to hit the market(or at least it looks like it to me, strips are identical to the Jazz though, so will test this out), just in a slightly snazzier housing. I will admit I was hoping for some color options right off the batt since I saw some other color options in pics from One Drop while awaiting FDA approval and release but I guess the company's not quite ready yet which is understandable being new. It paired up pretty easily with my iPhone 6 via Bluetooth and the app which I've been toying with for months(was just missing a linked meter, so I'll see how much I really like it now). Testing back to back six times yielded the numbers I was looking for and all were pretty consistent, which I've always been partial to Agamatrix's accuracy because it's always been pretty consistent for me(my Verio's decided to turn against me and reads too high nowadays). The case fits everything, but the strip container is a touch loose and will fall out easily if turned upside-down. The vegan leather(pleather?) on the case is okay, but I'm not sure how long it'll hold up. The lancet device takes standard lancets which is nice, but to make the case smaller it'd have been nice if it were about an inch shorter and had a little more heft to it - it feels like it might break easily, so we'll see. Over all, I like it, not sure it was worth the $80 for it though, paid more for my first UltraSmart meter back in the day, but I feel like a lower price point might have drawn in more customers - One Touch was already the established brand for accuracy back then and could demand a higher price especially considering the prices of such tech back then. I don't have the price on the Wireless Jazz 2 to compare it to yet either, so we'll see that comparison when it hits. No commitment on the sub and access to professional advice can be helpful and nice, $40 a month for unlimited strips is also another nice bonus(cheaper than an extra vial of 50 ct Verio strips, which happens frequently). Still need to compare to the local pharmacy and Amazon to see if it will be more cost effective to keep up the sub or go the OTC route for strips(which I still need to experiment with to see if my hunch is right), just depends on prices and my usage, which is generally pretty high so the sub is still likely a savings(also, I'd lose the ability to harass a CDE, which would likely really bum me out).

In a couple months, I'll right a more detailed review once I get down to the nitty gritty and compared to a couple rounds of labs and get used to doing more in the app(and harassing the CDEs), and see how it survives someone that's pretty rough on D stuff.

if you want to look for yourself, here is the link to their site: http://onedrop.today/

The Dollar Shave Club Review: First Shave

My level of manliness has reached a new peak! I received my first month Dollar Shave Club Box & I shaved with the products today & here is my review.
I ordered a tube of their Shave Butter & The Executive (6 blade + trimmer blades - 4 count). It also came with a free metal razor handle.

Razor handle:

I give the handle 5/5 stars. It was great quality. Was actually surprised.

The Shave Butter:

I give the Shave Butter a 4.5/5 solely because I prefer to see my shaving cream so I know where I've shaven. It does shine so it helped. After shaving my face felt pretty good.

The Executive (6 blade):

I give the Executive blade 4.8/5 stars. The trimmer part of it is good. The blade created a pleasant shaving experience. Comes with 4 blades either monthly or bi-monthly.

I highly recommend The Dollar Shave Club. Great products that don't kill your wallet. The Shave Butter was $8 & the Executive Razor was $9, but I was able to get my razors free.

Click HERE to go to their website.
Diabetes content to come soon.

Yet Another New Chapter

The road of a type one diabetic is a long, tiresome road. We deal with decisions that have to be made, some are daunting. I have had to make this decision twice now so far in my diabetic tenure: new endocrinologist. The first time I made this decision was around this time 2 years ago. My dad dropped me from his insurance & left me without any. Quickly I bounced back& got new, great coverage & found an endocrinologist I love. So why am I switching just 24 months later? Two factors played a part in my decision: Distance & convenience. Where I was going is 2-3 hours away . The place I am about to start going to is 30 minutes way. This place is where I had to leave the first time. I am very excited for this new chapter in my diabetic life!

#IWishPeopleKnewThatDiabetes was Good, Bad & Ugly

Good Day to you reader & Happy #IWishPeopleKnewThatDiabetes Day! Today is the day where diabetics all over the world use this hashtag in hopes to enlighten others about Diabetes & spread awareness about how horrible this chronic illness is. When thinking about what I would blog about today in honor of this day, the song "The Good, Bad & the Ugly" by Lecrae popped into my mind. Not the lyrics, just the song title. My personal experience with type one diabetes over the past decade has made me realize that are good, bad & ugly sides to diabetes/having diabetes & my purpose for this entry is to further explain what I mean. Let's begin!

THE GOOD

 Again, this is concerning my personal battle with (type one) diabetes. There is not much good if any truly at all with dealing with diabetes. For this, I am reflecting on the what could have been regarding my diagnosis.
The good for me is that I was not suffering when I was diagnosed. We read stories all the time of people in DKA with their blood glucose levels very, very high & are on the brink of death. I was lucky to catch mine before it got much worse. That is the only good thing that comes to mind.

THE BAD

The bad part of having diabetes is what I/we go through on a daily basis. My daily routine is the same. Wake up, check blood sugar, take long acting insulin & meal insulin & meds, , carb count, eat. Check blood glucose 2 hours later, correct if needed & repeat with just meal time insulin for each meal/snack & another long acting insulin shot before bed. I do this along with 6-8 finger pricks a day. I do this every single day with no breaks or day off. Some days I hate to get out of bed knowing I have to do this routine & that I'm stuck with diabetes. The bad is sometimes wondering if you carb counted correctly or gave enough insulin.I continue to do this treacherous routine so I can manage my diabetes correctly & stay out of the "Ugly" section.

THE UGLY

 The ugly section does not involve my personal battle, but others. One thing that devastates me is to hear/read of a child diagnosed with diabetes of that child's life taken away due to it or it being misdiagnosed. I am an advocate of not second-guessing diabetes & to not let it go unnoticed. I have read a lot recently of kids young as 7 years old had passed away due to a misdiagnosis of diabetes. Such a young life cut short & it saddens me to know it could have been prevented. The ugly part of diabetes is that it kills. More & more people are falling victim to diabetes & it needs to stop!

To end this entry. #IWishPeopleKnewThatDiabetes sucks (excuse my french). Even though I put a smile on my face daily & act happy (I am sometimes), I am constantly thinking, wondering aout my diabetes & millions of other fighting this too. The daily struggles + the death rate going up is saddening & often times depressing. I #IWishPeopleKnewThatDiabetes needs to be taken seriously & f the thought ever crossed your mind that ou or a loved one may have diabetes, just a split second thought, go get tested just to be safe. 

Have a great day & remember to use the hashtag #IWishPeopleKnewThatDiabetes, because there is always something people need to know about diabetes.
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DISCUSSION: What is the most ridiculous comment you have heard about diabetes?

A great question was proposed on the discussion board tonight on tudiabetes.org.
What is the most ridiculous comment you have heard about diabetes?
 I have heard a lot of crazy stuff about diabetes, but the one I hear that blows my mind is that often times when my blood sugar is low, I am asked should I take insulin to counter it.. In the midst of being loopy from the current low, I try to educate without losing my cool. trying to convince someone of something while low is quite hard. 
So,  What is the most ridiculous comment you have heard about diabetes? Leave your comments in the comment section. Check out www.tudiabetes.org for more awesome topics! I'll try to put my response to some daily.

Why I'm Back on shots & off the Pump

Say what?!
Yes, you read the title right. I am OFF my insulin Pump & on shots...again. I have been off the pump since this past June. I thought I made a blog entry about this huge change, but apparently not. I got my Medtronic pump back in 2013 & loved it! But for the two years I wore it, it was a nightmare sadly. Many people have said that "a pump isn't for anyone" & I fut into that category. So, you are probably wondering what caused me to switch back. Let me travel back through memory lane & tell you what caused me to switch back.

It was May 2015, & it was the final day of my exams for college. I changed my infusion set that morning before we went out for breakfast. I ate 2 pancakes with (sugar-free) syrup. I arrived an hour early for my last exam (an hour or so after breakfast). I waited until maybe 20 minutes before the exam & tested my blood sugar & received the highest reading at the time, to date. 499 mg/dl & my jaws dropped. So I corrected & drunk water & went on with my exam. Halfway through my exam I went faint & nauseous. So I rechecked & got the 600+ sign & I about passed out due to shock. So I rushed through the rest of the exam & went straight to the hospital. I did not pass the exam, but I did the class.

On the way I stopped to change my infusion set & guess what, BENT CANULA!  All this stress & suffering I was going through was over a bent canula. So that did the trick. When I go to the ER my blood glucose was down to 392 mg/dl, which was a relief. Over the three days that followed I was still recovering from that horrific incident & during that time I had 3 more bent canulas. It seemed it didn't matter where I put the thing, it bent. So I was like "THAT'S IT, I'M DONE!". I called my endocrinologist that second & requested prescriptions for long acting & short acting insulin & needles & haven't looked back since.  Every since, a huge stress has been off my shoulders. That crucial decision has helped me manage my diabetes so well today. Not having to worry so much is such a good feeling.

#IWishPeopleKnewThatDiabetes Day Tomorrow

I have been reading about this hashtag on Twitter all day & have decided that Diary of An Insulin Addict will take part in this. Click HERE for info from the founder of this special day for diabetes awareness, Kelly Kunik.
To summarize what this awesome day is about. It is about expressing what you want everyone to know about having Diabetes.  I don't know about you, but that list is pretty long. I will be blogging tomorrow on "The Good, Bad & the Ugly of Diabetes". I do have a few good things about diabetes, but there are more bad & ugly things I want everyone to know about this chronic illness we struggle with daily. I may do a couple of entries based on this concept. Make sure you stay glued
here to read them. Refer to the above link for info from the creator of this day & to see how you can get involved more!
If you want to take part in this, just use the hashtag #IWishPeopleKnewThatDiabetes

Starbucks, Here I Come!

Here is my response to the "Diabetes Here I Come" story involving Starbucks.
Click HERE to watch the video.
Help me name my podcast too! I'll try to do these often as i can.

Decade With Diabetes: Time For Reflection

As of March 24, 2016, I have been a type one diabetic for 1 decade. This entry is simply me reflecting on my journey thus far. Allow me, if you will, to walk you down memory lane for a few minutes. I want you to walk with me, diabetic or not, as I tell you this story & hopefully raise awareness on this chronic nightmare I have lived for so long, yet seems like yesterday. Let's begin, shall we?

I grew up in a family full of diabetics, so I knew of the disease well & never imagined, as a child, I would have it. I grew up a child out of Virginia who loved to eat (no, eating too much did not cause my diabetes). I dealt with weight issues as a child. My family talks about my glory days (life before diabetes). They always say that they had suspicious about me being diabetic, but never acted. I had most of the symptoms of diabetes (VERY thirsty, urinated a lot. blurred vision, fatigue).

March 23, 2006, my mother & I went t my dad's house for dinner. My dad randomly suggested he check my blood sugar, because he was curious. Growing up, I HATED needles, so I trued to not get it checked, but ended up letting him. It was a One Touch Delta Meter. It did the countdown, 4, 3, 2, 1... 464 mg/dl. I have never seen both of my parents speechless at the same time before until then. I washed my hands & rechecked & was 462 mg/dl. Mom called my grandmother (her mother) & told her the news & she was heartbroken, as we all were. I had my last meal with my parents as a "normal" child, for the next day, my journey with Type One Diabetes would begin.


March 24, 2006, feels like it was only yesterday almost. I often speak to youth at a camp I work at during the Summer about my struggles I have faced during my life thus far, & every time I speak I mention how March 24, 2006 was one if not the worst day of my life.I woke up early that morning & went straight PCP. He checked my blood sugar yet again & said I was a Type One diabetic. Hearing him say that floored myself & my parents. He called & arranged me an appointment with my first endocrinologist, Dr. Patricia Powers, whom I loved having for the 6 years left of adolescence. She was blunt & to-the-point, which is what I needed. She gave me a crash course n type one diabetes & what had to be done to manage it.  She went out & came back with my first "insulin bag" I called it. I was a camouflage case that had everything I needed to get started. It had a one touch delta meter like the one dad used on me, 10 strips, pamphlets & pen needles. She then went & got me my first insulin flexpen, Novalog. She wanted me to start insulin immediately to start bringing down my blood sugar. Me, still shy of needles, asked my om to give me my first shot of insulin, so she did.I immediately burst out of the room in tears. Mom thought she hurt me, so she too cried. It all hit me at once I guess. That first injection made me realize that the life I once knew was no more & all the information I was told & the stress of it all just imploded at once. I remember going home that night & I felt like I was in a trance of sorts & was just not happy at all.


The below photo is me & my granny, three years after my diagnosis (age 15)

Three years i & I had learned so much already. I had changed my daily routine & lost a lot of weight. My family started to interject their opinions from time to time at this time that bothered me, a lot.Here I was three years into my journey & they questioned my decisions (still do some today). I felt betrayed at the time I did, but now I realize they cared & loved me & still do.

Here is me now (Age 21). I have came so far & learned so much about diabetes. I am very proud of who I have become as a person & as diabetic. I take great care of my diabetes (I struggle some, I am human), but my current adult endocrinologist continues to praise me on how well I manage my diabetes & how she wishes all her patients tried like I do.

Like I said, I grew up surrounded by diabetes, so I've seen the bad side of it 7 I vowed myself I would not end of that way with mine. My drive to fight this is simply to never give up & try my best each day. I know I will die with diabetes, but I will not die because of it.

No More Misdiagnoses!

One thing that I see on social media sites. that I wish I did not is that there are a lot of deaths here lately of children who are dying from type one diabetes misdiagnoses & suffering from DKA (Diabetic Kytoacidosis). I am going to share with you the post about the latest death, of an 11-year old &what can be done to stop this from happening.
Here is the pst from Test One Drop--Type 1 Diabetes Awareness's Facebook page:

"Tragically, the ‪#‎DKA‬ at ‪#‎Type1‬ ‪#‎Diabetes‬ onset death rate continues to climb. We are saddened to learn a beautiful little 11yo girl passed away over the weekend.

Angela Elizabeth Robinson's mother Darla, who is a mother of five, told Reporter Larry Flowers of WKRN the story of her daughter's diagnosis. "She was a normal healthy 11-year-old, up until Monday [03-21-16] of this past week,"¹ when she began to have muscle spasms.
The next day, Angela's doctor prescribed some medication and told Ms. Robinson to hydrate her daughter with plenty of fluids.
By Wednesday, the child's condition had worsened, and she was unresponsive when her mother checked on her. She was rushed to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetic Ketoacidosis.¹
Angela's blood sugar was 1600 at diagnosis.¹ As the result of the extremely high blood sugars, the resulting DKA, and "pulmonary shock,"² she died suddenly three days later on Saturday, March 26.
The middle school student had hoped to one day to become a doctor to help others. "Even though she won’t fulfill her dream of being a doctor, she did fulfill at least that part of the dream, to help some other child out there who may have been in need,” Robinson told the reporter. “One of her organs, her pancreas was donated to a doctor who is doing research in the area to hopefully find a way to fix the problem.”¹
We at Test One Drop offer our condolences to the Robinsons and will hold them close in prayer during this difficult time. Furthermore, we thank them not only for donating life, but for sharing their story, so that others may learn the signs and symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
RESOURCES:
1. Flowers, Larry. "Mom Plans Funeral for Daughter Days after Being Diagnosed with Diabetes." WKRNcom. WKRN, 30 Mar. 2016. Web. 31 Mar. 2016. <http://wkrn.com/…/mom-plans-funeral-for-daughter-days-afte…/>.
2. Taylor, Maria Wilson. "Click Here to Support Angela Elizabeth Robinson by Maria Wilson Taylor." Gofundme. 27 Mar. 2016. Web. 31 Mar. 2016.
FOR MORE ABOUT TYPE 1 DIABETES AND DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS: www.TestOneDrop.org
Our vision at Test One Drop is that no child or adult will be diagnosed with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) as a complication of delayed or missed diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes.
www.TestOneDrop.org ‪#‎testonedrop‬"

We at Diary of an Insulin Addict would also like to send our condolences to the Robinson family during this very difficult time.

WHY CAN BE DONE?
There have been many kids over the past months like Angela, have flu-like symptoms & are diagnose with such. I am not going to bash doctors or anything, but anytime a child comes into the doctor's office/ER, they should check their blood sugar just to be safe.What can be done to help stop misdiagnoses? one word, CHECK. If you have a child with flu-like symptoms & end up taking your child to the ER/Doctor, insist on having your child's blood sugar be taken, just to be safe. A lot of parents think that their kids won't or can't be diagnosed & go off of that. Like I said, this should be done just to be safe & you can catch type one diabetes before the blood sugar gets too high.

Hope this article was insightful & if you have any questions about Type One Diabetes, its symptoms, etc.. visit www.TestOneDrop.org

Being Sick with a Cold or the Flu AND Diabetes

Since it's that time of year, and some pretty rough stuff is going around, I figured this kind of post could be useful... Especially since the doctor offices and pharmacies in my area have been slammed for weeks with no sign of it letting up any time soon, and I've become infected *zombie groan, raspy breathing*.

Being with a cold or flu is no fun for anybody, when you add being Diabetic into the mix... Well, it complicates things, to say the least.

It's a good idea to have a game plan hashed out with your Endo(or GP) for such things as the common cold or Flu. Even if it's been a while and you seem to be immune to what's going around, or you're not sick yet, talk to your doc about it beforehand so you have an idea of what they would like you to do just incase you can't get ahold of them when the inevitable happens(witching hour, anyone?).

When any virus strikes, it can throw BGs all over the place(UP or down), so testing is an uber importante key to keeping things in control(heh... kinda). Many OTC medications can and will affect you're blood sugars, whether upping them or downing them(YDMV), thus it is important to know which ones your doctor recommends for you specifically, beforehand preferably, and what their opinion is to how it might affect you(no guarantees it'll stick to the script, but having direction helps). While sick, testing more frequently helps you know where you're at and how any medications you've taken might affect your BGs - even if you don't feel you have the energy to do it, it's important! Also, some medications might affect the accuracy of CGM readings(a few meters, too), so it's best to test and not rely solely on your CGM. Get a pregame plan set up with your doc about what to do if you're running higher or lower than your normal range, they might hook you up with some basal or carb/correction ratio adjustments just for the special occasion.

As with any virus, especially if a fever is involved, dehydration becomes a real possibility - even if you don't quite feel up to it, it's important to get as much fluids as possible into your body(unless due to other health issues your doc states other wise). Sugar-free sports drinks, like Powerade Zero, are often highly recommended because they also contain electrolytes, but sometimes the sugared variety is also good to have on hand, too. Bouillon Cubes and chicken broth are great standbys for sick days, as are popsicles, honey, and Jell-O. Coffee, believe it or not, can be good for you when you're sick and it's trying to take hold in your chest, as it's a natural broncial dilator - unless your doc says otherwise, try to enjoy your joe. Unless you're allergic, Vicks on the bottom of your feet can help, too(just remember to put on socks after applying it).

Ketone Strips, preferably the blood kind like the Precision Xtra, are highly recommended to have on hand, as well. With any viral infection, the body can for various reasons decide to cannibalize itself, so it's important to test your ketone levels, especially if your viral infection is in any way preventing you from eating and drinking which can provoke such an onslaught. Talk to your doc to see what range they want you to call in about or go in for.

Getting rest while infected is vital, the body needs to be able to divert all power necessary to fight off the invaders, so taking time off is recommended(you don't want to be the zombie bitting and infecting others either).

Even with being prepped for a cold, find out what time frame your doctor recommends for you to be seen during your cold if decides to linger or worsen. If your cold seems more than just the normal run of the mill sniffles, call and get an appointment. If you have a high fever(102 or higher for adults), wheezing, chest pain, dizziness, be seen ASAP.

Diabetes Winter Checklist

I wanted to wish you all a late happy new year! I apologize for the absence, I have been very busy. This post is late for some,  I live in Virginia & it is currently snowing here, but here is my MUST HAVE checklist for managing diabetes in a snow storm.

1. The essentials (Insulin, strips etc..)
2. Make sure your electronic devices are fully charged in case of power outage. Make sure your meter, dexcom & pump i charged. Would hate for either or to die!
3. Snacks in case of lows. 

Quite a short list, but the above are what we need to survive a storm. I will be posting as regularly as possible. If you have a topic you want me to talk about tweet me or comment below thanks for reading!