Well, It's here... Our first Halloween with Diabetes.
Here's an explanation of one of the things we'd like to avoid (it's from an online blogger I found...):
"DKA- diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a VERY serious, life threatening condition. DKA happens when there is not enough insulin in the body. Blood sugar rises and spills over into the urine which leads to dehydration. Blood sugar rises but the body, without insulin, is unable to use the glucose for energy. The body starts to burn fat (leading to weight loss) - basically eating itself to stay alive. This also causes ketones- acidic ketone bodies - that poison the body. ... (waiting too long with DKA lands one)... in ICU. (It would mean being)...hooked up to IV fluids and an insulin drip and (no eating) until ketones come down.
Even though (one has) been eating, (they can) basically starve to death. They explained this to us this way: You're having a party and everyone is at your house and you don't have any food. So you go to the store and get lots of goodies but when you get home, you are locked out. So you go back to the store and get more food but you're still locked out. The people inside are getting really hungry and going crazy - they start eating whatever is available. Insulin is the key that converts the food you eat to energy you can use.
Let me back up a little. Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas no longer produces insulin. No one is sure why this happens. They told us that people are usually predisposed to it and it usually takes something like a virus to push you over the edge and your own immune system starts to kill off the cells that produce insulin. There is no cure (yet). Taking insulin through injections is NOT a cure - "it's life support". Type 1 diabetes does not go away or "get better" as you get older. You are insulin dependent for the rest of your life."
Wish us luck today. We need him between 80 and 150 all day. Happy Halloween... Details to come...
Peace,
June
Sunday, October 31, 2010
JDRF Halloween Party!
Jimmy is a Woopie Cushion, and Jenna is a Twister Game! They had a blast at the JDRF Halloween party at HUMC! We got to see Matt again (Molly's brother). Turns out that he was a player on Northern Highland's basketball team, when Jim was coaching at Demarest! Quite a small world, huh??? Wish us luck on halloween!
Peace,
June
Saturday, October 16, 2010
more pump news...
Jimmy is telling everyone who will listen that he's getting the pump for his birthday!!!
He's actually getting bunk beds, which he knows, but the pump is becoming the main present in his eyes! I'm so proud of my guy!!!
We're planning on inviting the rep (hopefully Matt) over to give us the 1 on 1 demo (so Jim Sr. can see too) on Jimmy's birthday - Can't believe he'll be 6 on November 8th!
Peace,
June
He's actually getting bunk beds, which he knows, but the pump is becoming the main present in his eyes! I'm so proud of my guy!!!
We're planning on inviting the rep (hopefully Matt) over to give us the 1 on 1 demo (so Jim Sr. can see too) on Jimmy's birthday - Can't believe he'll be 6 on November 8th!
Peace,
June
The Pump!!!
GREAT Diabetes Support Group on Tuesday!!!!!
We met Matt, MOLLY'S BROTHER!!! (remember we met Molly months ago in a previous blog??? See April 20th.)
He's the rep for the Medtronic Insulin Pump, and he's not only the rep, but he's got a personal connection to helping those with Diabetes - his sister, Molly!
He's amazing, and despite having a 22 month old and a 6 month old at home, he gave us such an amazing piece of himself in the demonstration of the pump! We felt as though we had already known him and he took the time to show Jimmy whatever he wanted to see - answered all of his questions, and let him try all of the pieces of equipment - Matt was just awesome, and Jimmy seemed to make a connection with him! Even though there were other families there, it was as though we were the only ones that mattered to him!! (I suspect the other families felt a personal connection as well, but it was like we had him all to ourselves!)
I just can't believe how potentially beneficial this will be for Jimmy. He still doesn't like the shots, and always wants it in his arms (but can't have it there because of scarring from too many shots...) He'll take it in the thigh, but NEVER in the belly or backside... The pump would be one shot to insert it every 2-3 days. That's it. No more Levemir in the morning, and no more novolog shots!!!!!!!!! We still need to learn more about it, but Jimmy says when he's 6 he'll be ready for it!
Here's information from the Medtronic plus a video link to see what the pump is all about...
Why is an Insulin Pump Better Than Injections?
Why It Works Better
Pump therapy is simple. It's based on what your body does naturally - deliver small amounts of insulin all the time - and then when you eat, you deliver a little extra to cover that food (whether a single cookie or Thanksgiving Dinner!)
Here's why pumps are better than injections
No. 1: The Pump Uses Fast-Acting Insulin
If you're on injections, long-acting insulin is usually what you'll give yourself first thing in the morning. Absorption of injected long-acting insulin is extremely unpredictable. In fact, it has a variability of up to 52%.1 This is a key reason your blood sugar can vary so much from one day to the next. That single factor probably accounts for why most people on injections can't control their blood sugars well.
Pumps use fast-acting insulin which is much more predictable than long-acting insulin. It's variability is less than 3%.1 Quite a difference. And it works. That's why a pancreas only puts out fast-acting insulin. That's why pumps use fast-acting insulin.
No. 2: The Pump Delivers Insulin in micro-drops, that are continuous and accurate.
With injections, the insulin just sits there... in a little pool. Your level of activity directly affects when that insulin goes into your bloodstream. If you're just sitting at a desk, it will go into your system more slowly. But if you go for a walk or a run, it will go into your system much more quickly. This makes blood sugars even harder to control with injections!
Pumps continuously send a little bit of insulin every few minutes (like a pancreas) so you don't have this inconsistency problem. And it's a different insulin - fast-acting, predictable insulin!
No. 3: You can eat when you want.
Because you can control your insulin on a pump, YOU (not your injections) get to decide when you want to eat. You can eat when you are hungry - or not - delay or skip a meal. Have that extra piece of pie if you like - on a pump you can handle it - no problem.
No. 4: Live a more normal life
No more injections, no rigid meal scheduling, no more unpredictable insulin... this all adds up to is a more normal life.
http://www.minimed.com/products/insulinpumps/index.html
Oh, and he can even get a "Yankees" skin, or covering, for the his pump!!! I think that was what truly sold him on it!!! Say a prayer that we can begin before the new year - hoping to start over Thanksgiving - but that might be wishful thinking...
Peace,
June
We met Matt, MOLLY'S BROTHER!!! (remember we met Molly months ago in a previous blog??? See April 20th.)
He's the rep for the Medtronic Insulin Pump, and he's not only the rep, but he's got a personal connection to helping those with Diabetes - his sister, Molly!
He's amazing, and despite having a 22 month old and a 6 month old at home, he gave us such an amazing piece of himself in the demonstration of the pump! We felt as though we had already known him and he took the time to show Jimmy whatever he wanted to see - answered all of his questions, and let him try all of the pieces of equipment - Matt was just awesome, and Jimmy seemed to make a connection with him! Even though there were other families there, it was as though we were the only ones that mattered to him!! (I suspect the other families felt a personal connection as well, but it was like we had him all to ourselves!)
I just can't believe how potentially beneficial this will be for Jimmy. He still doesn't like the shots, and always wants it in his arms (but can't have it there because of scarring from too many shots...) He'll take it in the thigh, but NEVER in the belly or backside... The pump would be one shot to insert it every 2-3 days. That's it. No more Levemir in the morning, and no more novolog shots!!!!!!!!! We still need to learn more about it, but Jimmy says when he's 6 he'll be ready for it!
Here's information from the Medtronic plus a video link to see what the pump is all about...
Why is an Insulin Pump Better Than Injections?
Why It Works Better
Pump therapy is simple. It's based on what your body does naturally - deliver small amounts of insulin all the time - and then when you eat, you deliver a little extra to cover that food (whether a single cookie or Thanksgiving Dinner!)
Here's why pumps are better than injections
No. 1: The Pump Uses Fast-Acting Insulin
If you're on injections, long-acting insulin is usually what you'll give yourself first thing in the morning. Absorption of injected long-acting insulin is extremely unpredictable. In fact, it has a variability of up to 52%.1 This is a key reason your blood sugar can vary so much from one day to the next. That single factor probably accounts for why most people on injections can't control their blood sugars well.
Pumps use fast-acting insulin which is much more predictable than long-acting insulin. It's variability is less than 3%.1 Quite a difference. And it works. That's why a pancreas only puts out fast-acting insulin. That's why pumps use fast-acting insulin.
No. 2: The Pump Delivers Insulin in micro-drops, that are continuous and accurate.
With injections, the insulin just sits there... in a little pool. Your level of activity directly affects when that insulin goes into your bloodstream. If you're just sitting at a desk, it will go into your system more slowly. But if you go for a walk or a run, it will go into your system much more quickly. This makes blood sugars even harder to control with injections!
Pumps continuously send a little bit of insulin every few minutes (like a pancreas) so you don't have this inconsistency problem. And it's a different insulin - fast-acting, predictable insulin!
No. 3: You can eat when you want.
Because you can control your insulin on a pump, YOU (not your injections) get to decide when you want to eat. You can eat when you are hungry - or not - delay or skip a meal. Have that extra piece of pie if you like - on a pump you can handle it - no problem.
No. 4: Live a more normal life
No more injections, no rigid meal scheduling, no more unpredictable insulin... this all adds up to is a more normal life.
http://www.minimed.com/products/insulinpumps/index.html
Oh, and he can even get a "Yankees" skin, or covering, for the his pump!!! I think that was what truly sold him on it!!! Say a prayer that we can begin before the new year - hoping to start over Thanksgiving - but that might be wishful thinking...
Peace,
June
Monday, October 11, 2010
JDRF
Yesterday was our "River Edge Day" for Jenna and her girl scout troop to "Scare Away Diabetes" and raise awareness and donations for the cause. The girls had a booth at Memorial Park in town, and designed informational posters and painted a big sign which read, "Girl Scout Juniors Troop 1416 Scares Away Diabetes" etc... The girls gave out spider rings, held a raffle for a huge decorated pumpkin (decorated by one of the scout's own grandmothers), hosted a pumpkin painting for kids, and more to raise awareness and funds. The girls are proud to have collected over $75.00 and counting (they're waiting on a few promised donations as well.)
The other mothers of the girls in the troop and I are so proud of their accomplishment today, and it was marvelous to see them involved and taking charge for such a worthy cause! When I get pictures, I'll post them!!!
So many people (including a clown) came to the girls and told them of their diabetes experiences. The clown mentioned that she was feeling "low" and told the girls that she had to go get some carbs. I think they felt that they were really making a difference! Unfortunately, Jimmy was home sick with a cold, so he couldn't participate, but the girls did him proud! His numbers are not too bad considering he's sick again, but time will tell.
On another note, I received an invitation for the JDRF Cocktail Reception & State of the Foundation Address at the home of the Oberlander's in Oradell on November 9th. My husband and I will be honored to attend, and are thankful for the invitation. It is quite a coincidence that their home in Oradell is on the very street on which I grew up! I'm looking forward to the evening.
Peace,
June
The other mothers of the girls in the troop and I are so proud of their accomplishment today, and it was marvelous to see them involved and taking charge for such a worthy cause! When I get pictures, I'll post them!!!
So many people (including a clown) came to the girls and told them of their diabetes experiences. The clown mentioned that she was feeling "low" and told the girls that she had to go get some carbs. I think they felt that they were really making a difference! Unfortunately, Jimmy was home sick with a cold, so he couldn't participate, but the girls did him proud! His numbers are not too bad considering he's sick again, but time will tell.
On another note, I received an invitation for the JDRF Cocktail Reception & State of the Foundation Address at the home of the Oberlander's in Oradell on November 9th. My husband and I will be honored to attend, and are thankful for the invitation. It is quite a coincidence that their home in Oradell is on the very street on which I grew up! I'm looking forward to the evening.
Peace,
June
Friday, October 1, 2010
'Stand'ing Up to Diabetes
.............................................. This was in the Town News on Thursday, September 23, 2010. The kids made me so proud, and the customers were so generous!!
Way to go kids!!
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