My grandmother (dad's mom) was the biggest thing in my life. I loved her so much, she taught me so much about life. In December of that year we found out that she was diagnosed as a diabetic. Her doctor gave her alot of reading material. Being interested in medicine, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the booklets and pamplets. I looked at her "ok food list" and circled things that she really enjoyed eating. "You can have all of this Grandma!" To me, it seemed like a really neat game.
My birthday came a few weeks later, just before Christmas. For once in my life my grandmother wasn't there. I didn't know why, but I'm sure my parents gave me a convincing excuse. My other grandmother was over alot while my parents left at night. Finally, one night my mom and dad sat me down to talk. They said that my grandmother had a stroke. She was in a coma and could die. They told me that if I wanted to, I could go to the hospital and visit her. Just before New Years that year, she died.
That was one of the most traumatic things in my whole entire life. Losing the one person I had in my life that meant everything to me. It was hard to adjust. I always associated diabetes with instant death. My big report for my senior year of high school focused on diabetes. I learned so much by doing it. I don't remember what I got on it, but I know I earned extra points. I think it was 110%.
Now I am 25 years old. I have already been "informally formally" diagnosed with diabetes. It's a nightmare come true for me. I still have to shake the preconceived notion that this is an instant death sentence. I know it isn't. I know the ins and outs and tiny details about the disease. But it's still very upsetting for me. This week I meet my internist, Dr Manning. As I learn more, and read more on the internet, I plan on adding more and more to this page. I hope to educate you, whether you have the disease or not. I will also add parts on the emotional side of diabetes. How to deal with it.
February 2003 Well I went for my appointment with Dr Manning. The nurse came in to check my sugar. I was already fasting for SEVERAL hours and eating properly, I was hoping to get a good, low reading. When the number popped up on the screen I was so upset. It was 201! Nurse says "Well sweetheart looks like you have your diagnosis." I was just in tears. So the doctor came in and talked to me. He's going to try me on Glucophage just to see how I respond. Hopefully I won't need shots. I also have to check my sugar 2-3 times a day.
After I left there I went to the pharmacy to get my prescriptions filled for medication and supplies. I ended up paying over $100 for everything. My bonehead insurance wouldn't cover my supplies. The monitor was $70, but fortunately has a $40 rebate. Strips are $70, and needles were $10. It makes me mad that I spend over $200 a month on insurance and it doesn't cover any of my necessities. Now I know that alot of diabetics aren't lazy in keeping a check on their blood sugar, it's that they can't afford it. I think for something I *must* have, my insurance company should cover it. But that's life for you. I think I will start buying my medication in Canada. I hear it's cheaper there.
July 2003 I can't believe I'm neglecting my website so badly, especially since I hoped on something really nice. I've been totally involved in building the webpage for the company I work for. It's been so much fun doing that. Anyways...
I've had alot of 200-400+ readings since I was diagnosed. I'll be totally honest and say I don't take care of my diabetes like I should. Not even close. I was on Glucophage, but after being on the maximum dose of 2500 mg a day without any luck, they moved me to Amaryl. I found that I was allergic to the Amaryl (itching REAL bad!!) and had to be taken off. After that I started insulin injections. I started on Lantus 10 units at night. I found Lantus to be really wonderful as a 24 hour insulin. But it didn't *quite* do the job, so I went on Humalog as needed. Basically I take 40 units of Lantus at night and Humalog 3 times a day before meals. How much depends on what my blood sugar is. Usually it's 10 units. Some days I don't take any insulin at all. Just because I'm an idiot. I need to straighten up, but it's hard sometime. I think I have some sort of dysfunctional denial. It's been 5 months and I haven't convinced myself I'm diabetic yet. I'll let yall know what I figure out. :-(
If you have anything to add, please email me. I appreciate any input you can give! Thank you!
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Helpful Links
American Diabetes Association
Children with Diabetes
Diabetes Online
Canadian Diabetes Association
Diabetes Net
