Diabullies - A Waste of Oxygen

For those unfamiliar with the term "diabully", let me enlighten you. It's a Type 1 diabetic that bullies other Type 1 diabetics. As if regular bullies were not bad enough, these "people" are a special type of douche. I mean, we have

enough jerks to deal with - neo-Nazis, soccer moms, political commentators. Does the world really need diabullies?
   Let me tell you what brought this topic up. I recently learned about the death of Kevin Houdeshell, a 36-year-old Type 1 diabetic who was unable to get his insulin due to an expired prescription. I wanted to learn more and I'm sorry I made the effort. I came across a lot of comments and posts written about how Houdeshell deserved to die because he was irresponsible with his diabetes. Let me say you diabullies deserve to be run over by a cement mixer.
   You have no idea what events led up to his lack of insulin. Neither do I, but I am certainly not going to judge him for it. Why not? Well one - I am not a repulsive douchebag; and two - I actually care about people.
   "We care about people, too. That's why we say these things."
   RUBBISH!! You are full of hate and bitterness and feel that nothing helps a bad mood like spreading it around. Maybe your diabetes is out of control and are pissed off about it. Maybe you got it under control by cutting all carbs from your diet and snorting organic protein powder. Good for you. It worked for you. That solution will not work for everyone else.
   Each Type 1 diabetic is different and if you are so knowledgeable about Type 1 diabetes, you would know that. You know about your situation. You don't know about mine. You don't know about the little girl who was diagnosed last week. You certainly don't know about Houdeshell's. Do the world a favor and keep your meaningless, albeit incredibly irritating, opinions to yourself.
   To the normal Type 1 diabetics - do not engage diabullies. All that does is give them more confidence to go forward with whatever platform. Because usually, these parasites feed off of people wanting to know more about their solutions and they get pissed off when people stop listening. Which then leads to their disgusting judgments and behavior. It's best to walk away (and if you like, with your middle finger held high in their direction).
   Type 1 diabetics should be supporting each another, not combating. Each of us is battling a war and it is not with one another.

This Is Why Type 1's Are Cynical

I have not made it a secret that numerous Type 1 diabetics are cynical about this disease ever being cured and skeptical when they hear about the latest "cure." The skepticism is

largely due to the part that after a small story leaks out about the "cure," it is never heard about again. And we are left wondering what happened.
   It looks like that is changing, as certain cures in the works are consistently talked about in the Type 1 community and because the 21st Century Cures Act (passed by the House, yet to be acted upon by the Senate) would get cures to us more quickly. However, because it is has been the norm for so long for the "cures" to disappear, many Type 1 diabetics are stuck in the skeptical frame of mind.
   Also, when you look at the cost of this disease - boy howdy! Talk about a money maker! We live in a country where nothing matters more than the bottom line. I sat down and did the math for what it costs for me to live (or what the companies make off of me). Here is what I came up with:
Monthly costs:
Toujeo - $450 for one carton of three pens
Novolog - $540 for one carton of five pens
Relion test strips - $36 for one box of 100
Total: $1,026 monthly

Non-monthly (but at least annual) costs:
Ketostix - $15 for a bottle of 50
Glucose tablets - $9 for a 6 ounce bottle
Insulin pen needles - $30 for a box of 100
Lancets - $12 for a box of 100
Total: $66 (depending on how often they are needed or changed)

Cost every other year:
Relion glucometer - $15
Total: $15

   So, let's say that I have to get a new meter (because meters tend to be retired and you have to buy a new one because the company no longer makes strips for your old meter) and I spend the $66 twice a year (modest estimate). I spend $12,459 in that year just for supplies. That does not include lab tests or doctor visits.
   There is an estimated one million Americans with Type 1 diabetes and 371 million worldwide. Let's say that 371 million spent the same amount I did - the total generated just for Type 1 diabetic supplies in that one year worldwide is . . . drumroll . . . $4,622,289,000,000. Translation: $4.6 trillion dollars! That's a LOT of bank!
   This is why there is cynicism.

Beware of Niacin (at least without an endo's supervision)

For quite a few days, I was experiencing blood sugars of more than 400. Yucky. At first, I thought it was solely my insulin. I was wrong.
   One thing you have to learn with Type 1 diabetes is keeping track of your daily habits and when and how you change them. That can be difficult to do when your brain is cloudy with excess sugar, but it can be done.
   After spending five days with extremely high blood sugar and not much change no matter what I did with my insulin, I began to think back about anything different I had done. I had begun taking niacin. And I never looked in to the side effects of said supplement.
   Now, niacin can be used to reduce your cholesterol. Since my cholesterol is slightly elevated (107), I thought it would be worth taking it for a short period of time to bring me back to normal levels. However, niacin has a bad habit of raising your blood glucose levels at the same time. That is not a good thing for Type 1 diabetics. I can live with slightly elevated cholesterol. I can't live with extremely high blood sugars.
   If you take niacin, please consult your endocrinologist, not a general physician.
  

Bad Days

Bad Type 1 diabetic days do happen and they do suck. I've been having a bad day - four days running. My blood sugar is frequently more than 400 and the corrections drop me to around 50.

   It all started when the Lantus I was on stopped working for me - again. I spent the day laying around the house, little to no energy, nauseous, cloudy thinking, muscle aches. A high blood sugar is kind of like the flu, except you have insane thirst on top of it. Tony brought me my new insulin Toujeo, which my doctor prescribed as a replacement for Lantus.
   I was eager to get my blood sugar back down and gave myself a dose right away. I had some luck with dropping. But, the next day, I was high again. I broke down and called my endo, who advised me not to take any extra Toujeo and to check my urine for ketones. I am happy to report that my urine only had trace amounts of ketones. Certainly nothing to get too excited over.
   Yesterday, I spent the first half of the day with high blood sugars. And then it dropped to and stayed around 110. I was ecstatic. But then this morning, I woke up to 389 and even with 14 units of Novolog to compensate, it rose to 400 without eating any carbs. So, I obviously need to play with the Toujeo dosage.
   This is a common problem I have found. I react differently to different insulins. As a child, my mother and I discovered that beef insulin does absolutely nothing for me. I have better control with Novolog than I do with Humalog. And since Lantus reacts extremely to my body chemistry, I have not had very good control with that. The struggle here is to find the right dosage of Toujeo that I need. So, wish me luck to find that balance before my ketones get too high.

My Vindicating Endo Appointment

I have received vindication!!!
   For a while, I have been having some issues with the insulin Lantus. Some days it works great and other days, it seems to not work at all. I brought up the issues with general

practitioners and other fellow Type 1 diabetics and have been met, largely, with disbelief. The problem is not the insulin, they told me. The problem is my terrible diet and obviously poor control of my diabetes. The judgment poured over me. And for a while, I was beginning to believe it. If I was the only one in the world (it seemed) who was having this issue, then the problem must be me.
   But then yesterday, I had an appointment with an endocrinologist. One of the best endos I have ever been to. Five years ago, he supervised my progress in a clinical trial for an insulin called SIBA (I've mentioned it before). He saw me every week for almost a year. And when he walked into the room yesterday, he remembered everything - the little nuances that come with me, as they do with every Type 1 diabetic. That is how I know he's good.
   Anyway, I asked him about Lantus and if there are times when it does not work. Indeed, yes, he said. Lantus reacts with body chemistry, which changes on a daily basis, and that reaction will determine how well it works. That is one reason he told me I was under better control when I used SIBA during the trial. SIBA does not react as strongly to body chemistry. Now, it does react, but not as severely as Lantus.
   Unfortunately, SIBA is not on the market yet. But, it will be next year! SCORE! He also told me it will be called a different name. It started with a D, but I do not remember the exact name at this time.
   Those two bits of information - that my extremely high blood sugars upon waking up were due to something wrong with the insulin were true; and that SIBA will be available soon - made my diabetic day!
   I am not the out-of-control, undisciplined, idiotic pig that so many others made me out to be. And the insulin that will give me better control will soon be in my eager hands! VINDICATION IS MINE!!!

Faster Hope On the Horizon

The 21st Century Cures Act is a swifter pathway to a cure for Type 1 diabetes. What is it, you ask? It is a bill (H.R. 6) that passed in the House of Representatives on July 10 in a 344 to 77 vote that will speed up the process of cures becoming

available to the United States public.
   For too long, the FDA has bogged cures down, making the researchers jump through every single hoop that could be thought of. As an example, I know of a long-lasting insulin called SIBA that works wonderfully, better than Lantus! I took part in the trial to get it to diabetics. That was seven years ago. I requested a prescription for SIBA from a recent endocrinologist and he said that it had not been approved by the FDA. The reason for the delay is the agency wants it proven that the insulin will not cause any heart problems. I'm sure if heart problems were an issue, it would have been discovered in the trial.
   Now, Faustman Laboratories has a very real, very probable cure for Type 1 diabetes and has entered phase II of the required trial. Phase II will last five years. For me, and for many other Type 1 diabetics, that is an eternity. And with the possibility of decades more being added on to the five years makes me believe that I will not see a cure either in my lifetime or before diabetes related complications set in.
   What the 21st Century Cures Act will do is eliminate the requirement for a phase III and will also eliminate a lot of the duplication in the review processes performed by the federal government. This will have a significant impact on reducing the time and the cost in getting cures and drugs to the public. That is huge!
   On July 13, this bill was introduced to the Senate and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Please, contact your senator and give your support for this bill. This will not only impact Type 1's, but numerous other Americans who are stricken with illnesses.

Juicing with Type 1

During the past couple years, I have juiced off and on. Now, both Tony and I are doing it frequently. If not all day, then at least most of the day - as long as we have produce.

   At first, I was reluctant with my Type 1, but after reading numerous health benefits of juicing, I thought it would be worth the go. And boy howdy! Is it!
   Since I started juicing regularly again, my insulin intake has gone way down. I've cut my Novolog intake almost in half. And my blood sugars have been steady. They are on the lower end of normal, which makes me a little nervous, but all I have to do is take less insulin.
   I have also experimented with eating a variety of solid foods in small amounts. It is astounding at how much my blood sugar climbs when I eat a piece of bread or an egg. If I stick with my juicing, it is under better control.
   Of course, the majority of what I juice are vegetables. I do a lot of celery, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, carrots and tomatoes. I add one piece of fruit to make it more palatable. One of my favorite juices that is truly delicious and healthy is one peach, three large carrots and a teaspoon of cinnamon. It tastes like you're drinking a peach pie! Of course, the cinnamon has no influence on my blood sugar, as it does not on any Type 1's blood sugar.
   If you are a Type 1 and are considering juicing, I highly recommend it. But, if you do, make sure you check your blood sugar frequently. You don't want to change your diet too drastically without taking appropriate steps to do so. Make sure you get yourself a decent juicer. Tony and I are due for a new one, as we do not think we are getting all of the juice that we could possibly get.
   And, check with your endocrinologist. I'm sure he or she would be on board. Here's to better Type 1 health!

10 Ways Type 1 Can Be Awesome

I spend a lot of time figuring out how to get out of Type 1 diabetes (i.e., a cure) and complaining about Type 1. After 27 years, I still find things to complain about. But, I know it could be a lot worse and maybe I should just take time every now and again to smell the roses.

1) We can bring food and drink where it's forbidden.

2) Carb counting is second nature.
3) We are attuned to our bodies. We learn early on to pay attention and if something does not seem right, we know it right away.
4) It's party time when our blood sugar is good!
5) It's a bigger party when our A1C is good!

6) We can mess with people . . .
     "What are you doing?"
     "Shooting up."

7) Sometimes our public low blood sugars will get us a free juice or candy bar. And hey, who doesn't like free?
8) We get a confidence in knowing that the disease does not control us . . . we control it. It can and will retaliate, but we get it back in line.  

9) We feel a tremendous relief when our lab tests come back showing that nothing has gotten worse. A relief that calls for a bottle of wine! Or a stiff drink with diet soda.
10) There is an excitement in the air when a new Type 1 product becomes available.

Choose a Type 1 Support Group That's Right For You

Having Type 1 diabetes can be a challenge while you are dealing with every day life. So, it's nice to find fellow Type 1 diabetics that are willing to listen to you and give you support and suggestions when things go wrong. I thought I had found

that in an online group . . . I was wrong, so I left.
   Back story: When my blood sugar is below 100 before bedtime, I load up on carbs to prevent insulin reactions in the middle of the night. Those have been regular incidents for me for the past 27 years. I had a low blood sugar of 57. I drank a Capri Sun, two peppermint discs and five Doritos (palette cleanser as I don't like a sugary taste lingering in my mouth) - in total: roughly 35 carbs. Healthy? No, but when you're low you really don't care about the nutritional value - just getting your blood sugar up. Anyway, I woke up the next morning with a blood sugar in the 300s.
   Just an anomaly, I thought. But, throughout the day, my blood sugar stayed relatively high. The next night before bed, my blood sugar was 89. I drank a Capri Sun - 19 carbs - and woke up to 407 (blech). My endo had previously suggested I eat a snack before bed of  roughly 15 carbs to prevent lows, as long as my blood sugar was between 130 and 200, so I knew my carb intake was sound. I knew something was wrong. And that something had to do with my long-lasting insulin. It was acting like it was not working.
   I posted my problem and my suspicion that my long-lasting insulin had gone bad. I was pounced upon by some members of that group. They insisted that it was the amount of carbs and the quality of food I had eaten. I told them I was going to switch long-lasting injection pens and see if that helped, because a carb load with a low blood sugar before bed is standard for me. Anyway, I switched and I fixed. I was back to normal. My blood sugars were running fine and when I had another low before bed - 77 - I drank a Capri Sun. I woke up to 124. And I let them know. I told them the problem was fixed and I was right. Done deal.
   They didn't let it go. They insisted that long-lasting doesn't go bad unless you expose it to hours and hours of sunlight. They insisted that I was wrong and that the carbs I had before bed were the real culprit. It was becoming irritating, so I deleted that post on the group. Then, one of them sought me out on another post I had created (a completely different subject) and attacked me there. That was when I knew I was in the wrong group. I don't have time for Type 1 trolls.
   I enjoyed my time there and I ran across some wonderful people, but I knew at that point that these people in the group would not let it go. 
   The long and the short of it - if you are a Type 1 and are looking for a support group, find one that supports and listens to you, that gives you what you need to get through this day-to-day disease. If you are a veteran of this disease, you know what works best for you. You are the expert - on you, not on anyone else because each Type 1 is different.
   You do not need to be saddled with other Type 1s jumping down your throat because they are convinced they know the answer. Find a group that works for you. I know I will.

Review: Thyroid Rite

It is an unfortunate fact that Type 1 diabetics commonly have thyroid issues. Once those hit, the weight starts to steadily pack on. I've noticed some weight gain in the past few months, but I am not sure if it is due to a change in activity level and diet or thyroid. I'm assuming it is the former,

because I've tried other products that have given me some weight loss.
   However, since I have yet to get my thyroid tested, I decided to take the opportunity from 100 Naturals to try their Thyroid Rite supplement. It supports healthy thyroid function and metabolism. Since I have been a Type 1 diabetic for 27 years, my thyroid could probably use all of the support it can get. Luckily, these supplements are all natural ingredients and if I can avoid chemicals and drugs, I will.
   I cannot say whether or not I have gotten some weight loss due to these supplements, but I do know that I do not have a dip in energy as the day goes on. Fatigue has never been a big problem for me (unless my blood sugar is on the fritz), but I do have periods in the day when my energy bottoms out and I don't really want to do anything.
   And while I have never had a problem with mood swings, I find that I am generally just in a better mood throughout the day.
   So, I do recommend giving this a try if you are a Type 1 diabetic and thyroid issues are something you are dealing with, or are afraid might be up and coming. Even if you are not a Type 1, it is something you should give a go. You can get it on Amazon for $29.45.
Full disclosure: I was sent a bottle of this supplement at no cost in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

This Is What the Price of Insulin Does: Part 2

The price of insulin has made leaps and bounds in the past few years, causing many Type 1 diabetics to feel an unfair pinch. It is a necessary medication - one that keeps them alive and there are no generic versions, no alternative medications. Type 1 diabetics have no choice but to pay the cost - and it's a big one, one that could cost up to $900 per month (a figure that was given to me two weekends ago for the price of Humalog and Lantus in a Walgreens pharmacy).
   Insurance can be a life saver, provided you don't have a ginormous deductible to meet first. It can save you quite a bit, but even then you might still have to pay a large amount out of pocket.
   Stephanie Mejia was unfortunate enough to experience a huge deductible - $5,000. Nothing was covered until she met that. Now, her deductible is smaller, but is still $4,000. A Type 1 diabetic for 25 years, she is currently on the pump and must pay for all supplies out of pocket until that deductible is met. Luckily, the copay for her insulin is $10, but she said that has varied up to $60 a month over the years.
   Mejia first noticed the increase in 2005. "For some reason, that year everything changed," she said. "Insurances no longer wanted to cover all my supplies and my endo would have to fight for me to get them to cover things. . . . This is some bull crap. The medication didn't change. The price just went up and has increased incrementally yearly."
   Mejia stressed that she is not living an extravagant life nor is she trying to. She does not have a fancy car payment and has not gone on a vacation in four years because of the increased cost. "My medical expenses used to top out at about $500 a year," according to Mejia. "Now, I'm lucky if I spend less than $5,000 a year. This is huge! That's roughly $400 a month! That's a car payment!"
   Taking on another job has been the norm for Mejia during the past few years so that she can make ends meet. "I'm trying to maintain a normal middle income life, but being Type 1 has caused me to live at more of a poverty level life. When I need something, I typically forgo it because I have to pay for my medications and pump supplies instead."
   Jana Hirth in South Dakota has had Type 1 diabetes for 23 years. Currently on an insulin pump, she shells out $150 per month for Novolog. "It's infuriating, but I have to have insulin to live, so I pay it," she said.
   Hirth said she first noticed a drastic price increase in July 2014. And she adds that onto the cost of driving to see an endocrinologist 200 miles away, as there isn't one in her town. "I make cuts and do not see my doctor more than once a year," said Hirth. "Also, my husband and I have made cuts in the amount of money we spend on groceries, clothing and entertainment."
   Like many other Type 1's, Hirth does not foresee any relief. "Pharmaceutical companies can charge what they want. There is no cure and we need it to live, so we can't say no to the cost."
   Mejia and Hirth both feel the pinch in different ways, but it is still the same pinch. The monthly costs for both are different, but both have had to make the same type of budget adjustments to accommodate the rising price trend.
   "Unfortunately, I don't see this trend stopping," said Mejia "I feel it's only going to get worse and it scares me."
  

This Is What the Price of Insulin Does: Part 1

Since the sharp rise of insulin began a few years ago, numerous articles have been printed containing interviews with market analysts, doctors and pharmaceutical

representatives. They all say that the price is disheartening, but there is a good reason behind it all and that there is hope on the horizon. What do the Type 1 diabetics say? They need this precious medication to live. How is this effecting their lives?
   If the health insurance is adequate, the effects are not as significant, but the knowledge of prices is ever present. Many of them know that without insurance, the acquisition of insulin is extremely difficult. Some have had to make changes to their household budgets to buy insulin. Some have had to make changes to their medications.
    Kathy Eikmeier of South Dakota (Full disclosure: Eikmeier is this writer's aunt.) has had Type 1 for 35 years and she has had to make such changes, the biggest of which was switching from Lantus to Novalin N. "The Lantus was about $450 per month. That equaled about one-third of my take-home pay," Eikmeier stated. "The Novalin is much less expensive, but my blood sugar control is not as tight."
   Currently, Eikmeier is also taking Novalin R. While it is an older type of insulin, the price is still $240 for her and Novalin N costs $70. "I am certain that the drug companies are just doing all they can to make a killing on insulin before their patents run out."
   Shock and horror is what Eikmeier said she felt when she noticed the price increase trend eight years ago and was unsure if she would be able to get any insulin at all. Unfortunately, she does not see the trend coming to an end. "The drug companies will tie up any competition with legal actions," she said.
   Meghan Hulbert of Florida has not had to make as many changes to her medication, and is still paying a pretty penny. A Type 1 diabetic for 10 years, she noticed the trend eight years ago. On a popular combination of Novolog and Lantus, she pays $850, when three years ago the price was $300. Since ObamaCare was implemented, she said the price has more than doubled. "My initial thoughts were: Survival of the fittest - they want to kill us off," said Hulbert. "The prices will continue to go up - getting rid of people based on what they cannot afford to keep themselves alive."
   While Hulbert has not had to switch medications, she still had to make changes in the amount she takes and in her diet. "Some months, I only take one, so I get up at night to take Novolog. I've changed my diet - never heavy and eating very low carb."
   Unfortunately, the price jump has taken a toll on other aspects of her budget. Hulbert said she does not go out very much because she has to pay for insulin. She cannot afford to do anything.
   Like Eikmeier, Hulbert does not foresee an end to the trend. She said billions are generated off of diabetics and if a generic version of insulin would be created, she would take it. Even if that meant she had to take more of it.
   But, not all Type 1 diabetics are feeling the pinch as badly. David Goodman, Jr. of Texas is one Type 1 who has adequate insurance, but that has not always been the case. He's on Novolog and pays $6.60 per month for it. However, he's on Medicare Complete and has a low income pharmacy card. During the past 25 years of his 45 years of Type 1, he has noticed the increase in insulin prices and in the past, he had to do "a lot more things" to earn the money needed before he would ask for help in paying.
   "The price of insulin will continue to go up," said Goodman. "This is a win-win for the industry. Diabetics can't live without insulin and they can charge whatever they want because we need to have it."
For more on this story, see Part 2 (later today).

Bend Over For the Cost of Insulin!

Ever since I encountered a fiasco of attempting to get insulin last weekend (Humalog and Lantus), I have been looking into the absolutely horrid price attached to these valuable medications. Apparently, I am not the only one who objects to having to pay $900 for one months worth of my basal and bolus.
   To answer the question I know you're wondering: Don't you have insurance? Yes, I do, but when I tried to get my insulin over the weekend, I was told the insurance card I carried was not activated. So, then I was given the option of paying $900. Thankfully, my insurance company told me it was certainly activated, just my prescription was at a pharmacy that was not in the network.
   The last time I paid for insulin without having insurance cover it (you know, before the deductible was met) was five years ago. At that time, I paid $120 for Humalog and $110 for Lantus per month. When I was paying that, I would fondly remember when I only paid $80 per month for each type of insulin (Novolog and Humulin U) just five years prior to that.
   Now, in my research during the past few days, I have come across a number of different articles stating different reasons for the criminal rise of insulin - research and development, supply and demand, lack of competition in the market. I have a theory as to why it is so expensive. Because it can be.
   Insulin is an extremely valuable commodity. You need it to stay alive. People might complain about the cost, but you know what? They want to continue breathing, so they will shell out the money for it. They will choose life over the mortgage. They will choose life over a car payment. They will choose life over test strips. They will choose life over pet food. They will choose life over food to fill their bellies. Big Pharma knows this, but the more profit they can make, the better chances they have of taking that much needed vacation this summer.
   I can take comfort in three things in this ugly situation. One - the patents on some insulins have expired. This will open the market for other companies to move in. Competition will drive the prices down.
   Two - you can buy Novolin R and Novolin U over the counter at Walmart for $20. These are old school insulins. I took them for many years. I know how they work and I am comfortable with making a transition back to those if I have to. The control is not as good, but you still get your insulin.
   Three - I was diagnosed in 1987. A carb to insulin ratio was consistently drilled into my head. I know how to make the adjustments of insulin dosages myself. A couple of my last endocrinologists were taken aback when I argued with them over insulin dosages and then I compromised by saying I would give their dosage a try, but when it failed, I would make the necessary adjustments myself. Because I have this knowledge, I know I can make my insulin last longer than a month.
   I wish I had an answer to this problem, or a prediction as to how long it will last. All I know is that it is a dangerous path. I don't know of many diabetics who can afford that. The ones I do know are able to make necessary adjustments, but what about the ones who were not taught those skills? What are they going to do? Who is going to fight for them? Anyone?

My Nightmare

Ever thought you were living your nightmare? It's a terrifying experience and one that is both a positive and a negative when it comes to living a life.
   Let me give you some background. I am a Type 1 diabetic and have been so for going on 28 years. When I was a child, I watched the 80s movie Steel Magnolias. Most of you, I am sure, have already seen it. But, for those who haven't, it centers around a group of friends in the south and the life of a young Type 1 diabetic woman, played by Julia Roberts. She's a brittle diabetic and after giving birth to her first child, her kidneys fail. She gets a transplant and everything seems hunky dory until she picks her baby boy up

above her head and an intense pain shoots through her back. She quickly puts her son down and tries to crawl to the phone, but she falls into a coma - one from which she never awakens. Her family decides to pull her life support.
   For a long time, I was terrified of having children. I did not want to end up like that. But, I've had two and even though there were complications with each pregnancy, I'm still alive and kicking.
   However, on Thursday, I laid my son down for his afternoon nap in his crib. When I stood back up, a blinding pain suddenly ripped through my back. It took my breath away and I knew I had to get to the telephone to call 911. Every step was excruciating as I used the wall to help me get from my son's room to the phone in the kitchen. I was bent at an angle because I couldn't straighten myself and tears streamed down my face. Tony came home from lunch and found me leaning on the kitchen counter screaming and crying, trying to dial 911.
   He did it for me. As the EMTs loaded me onto a chair, I was convinced that the scene in Steel Magnolias was happening to me. I was terrified at the thought of leaving my children, my husband, my family and friends behind. They took me into the ER and I waited for the doctor as the nurse pumped me full of pain meds. An x-ray was ordered. Being moved by the

The coma image permanently engrained in my memory.

technicians from my bed to the table was terrible. The nurse told me nothing was found, which meant there was not a bone problem. At this point, I was sure that it was my kidneys. My entire lower back was in agony, so I couldn't really pinpoint it anywhere. Then, a CT scan was ordered, to see if there was anything wrong with the soft tissue.
   The wait for the CT scan seemed like an eternity. Thankfully, the nurse gave me more pain meds and I drifted off into la la land until the doctor came in and told me a disc in my lower spine had moved. I asked him if my kidneys were okay and he said there was no indication of any kidney trouble. I breathed a sigh of relief and cried a little bit. I was convinced I was going to have a terrible Steel Magnolias fate. This convincing had a lot to do with my fear of that and also my incredible imagination. I made a bad situation worse by letting panic overtake me.
   While this was all terrible, at the same time, I am thankful for it. Because now I know how I react when I am faced with my greatest fear. And I know what to do the next time it happens.

Clinical Trials - If You Are Eligible, Do It

From time to time, I check out clinical trials that might be of benefit to those with Type 1 diabetes. If I find one that intrigues me, I check out the criteria for participants. Unfortunately, I do not qualify for the vast majority of the ones that interest me. For two reasons:
   1) I'm in the wrong part of the country.
   2) I've been a Type 1 diabetic for too long.
   The first reason is one I can accept easily enough. Because maybe the study can eventually move to my neck of the woods. The second reason stabs me like a knife. Because there is nothing that I can do to change that. I can't go back in time. And I resent being excluded from something that could very well physically improve or change my life. All because I've been a Type 1 diabetic for almost 28 years. And I know many fellow Type 1s are in the same boat as myself.
   A lot of the trials require newly diagnosed diabetics. For example, a close-by study by Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, SD is trying to get to the heart of the problem - the faulty immune system. And I started frothing at the mouth when I saw that. But, the requirement was you had to have been diagnosed within in the last three months. I know a lot of Type 1 diabetics. And there is only one that fits that bill. That diabetic fits the requirement of the length of the disease, but not of the age, which is 18-45. So, none of us can participate. And it is discouraging.  
   The people in charge of the studies always say that people who have Type 1 for extended periods of time will eventually be able to participate. But, that can take years. The trial has to go through phases. Money has to be raised for each phase. The federal government has to give its stamp of approval. How many of the unfortunate diabetics will be left untouched by complications?
   I participated in a study about seven years ago. My endo asked me when he found that I fit all of the criteria. Unfortunately, it was not for a cure. It was for a basal insulin called SIBA (also called Tresiba). And it works so much better than Lantus. I was in the study for a year and I was under better control because of the SIBA (and also because I had required weekly visits with my endo). Not only was I under better control, but all of my insulin was free! And I got paid for participating! It was a dream come true! 
   I asked my last endo (about six months ago) if I could get a prescription for SIBA and he said that was not possible. The federal government has frozen it until studies can determine it will not cause cardiovascular problems. The conspiracy alarms started ringing in my head when I heard that.
   Anyway, I will be looking for additional clinical trials that I can participate in and hopefully will find some that give promise for better control or a cure and I will pass that information on to you.

Good Foot Care Products for Type 1s

Take care of your feet!

   How many times have we Type 1's heard that? It is drummed into our heads since the day of our diagnosis. And for good reason. Ill cared-for feet can easily become amputated, especially when the blood circulation slows.
   I take care of my feet. Not as well as my endo would like, but I take care of them. And I've proven it to them for the past 28 years. When the endo brings that thread to the bottom of your foot to test how well you can feel, I ace it. And my feet resemble a hobbit's. I have hair on my toes, which I find glorious. It's not pretty, but that means I have damn good circulation and it is something my endo is always happy to see.
   However, my feet are not perfect. For many years (since I was a little kid), my heels have been dry and have a tendency to crack open. My heels and other parts of my feet are now calloused, which leads to further dryness and cracking. The last endo I went to said it was because I walk around with bare feet. I spend a lot of my time inside, so going bare foot is something that I am extremely comfortable with and thoroughly enjoy. But, these past three years, I have begun slathering my feet with creams and wearing socks more often *sob, tear*. All in an effort to keep the cracking at bay. If I stay on top of it, I can go months without a crack and then walking gingerly for a week.
   So, after years of using a variety of products, I will share with you what works best for me. Hopefully, if you have foot care troubles, it will help you.
   First, get a Ped Egg. This really works in reducing my callouses and it makes my feet a little smoother for a time. They are not that expensive and after having the same one for five years, I have not had to replace it yet.
   Get an excellent cream. The best one I have found so far is Dr. Scholls For Her Intensive Heel Repair. This is a miracle worker! After the cracks appear, this helps them to heal quickly and it does its job at keeping the cracks away. But, the last time I ran out, I was unable to find more. I had to use a substitute, which was a poor one at best. Thankfully, my best friend Jana told me about what she uses - Gold Bond Ultimate Diabetic's Dry Skin Relief. It works almost as well as Dr. Scholls. And shout out to Jana for the recommendation!
   So, first use the Ped Egg. Get as much of the callous off as you can. Next, apply the cream to your feet liberally. Put on a comfy pair of socks and keep them on. I suggest doing these steps in the morning, as I hate wearing socks at night. Do this at least four times a week.
   Also, get those pedicures! The person giving you the pedicure is more likely to spot any sores on your feet than you are. And get some bling on your toenails! If you're going to spend money on a pedicure, you might as well walk out with pretty feet.
   I hope this helps you in your quest for healthy Type 1 feet.

10 Things Type 1 Diabetics Know

There are things people without Type 1 diabetes just don't fully understand. They need to experience these things first hand.

1) The value of a juice box. This is HUUUGGGGEEE!!! Juice boxes have saved my ass countless times. I do not share my juice boxes with anyone. My daughter knows not to ask for them anymore, because she knows I will tell her no. I keep a supply in my house, some in my car and in my purse. When a low blood sugar hits, they are a life saver!

2) What we can eat. Trust me. Upon diagnosis, we have to visit nutritionists. And we keep seeing nutritionists on and off through the years. Telling a diabetic what he or she can or cannot eat is a cosmic no-no. We got this shit down.

3) Cynicism in a cure. Type 1 diabetes generates billions of dollars every year. Because of this, many Type 1 diabetics believe a cure will never be found. A cure might show up every once in a while in the headlines, but it quickly goes away and is never heard about again. Do not tell us we are being cynical. This is a belief that is firmly engrained in a lot of us.

4) It cannot be controlled 100 percent of the time. This is well nigh on impossible. So many things can throw Type 1 diabetes off track - exercise, diet, illness, stress, emotions, sleep, excitement, road rage, alcohol - the list goes on and on. Do not expect us to be in control all of the time. It will not happen. As one of my endocrinologists told me, you have to be a detective to figure out what the problem is when it goes wacky.

5) Apocalypse = death. The long and the short of it is, we need insulin to continue breathing. If the apocalypse hits, we are not going to live very long. The only chance we have is looting every pharmacy we come across.

6) The feeling of a perfect blood sugar. One can only describe it as euphoric. It does not happen often. To me, that perfection is 100. Not 101. Not 99. That one single number can make my day . . . at least until I test my blood sugar again.

7) The feeling of a too high blood sugar. HOLY SHIT! That is what you scream in your head (or out loud) when you get an ungodly high number. Not only do you feel terrible physically, but your brain is all cloudy from the excess sugar floating around in it. Insulin is your only hope and if you are not careful, you can take too much, which will plummet your blood sugar, which will cause you to reach for one of those precious juice boxes.

8) An indifference to needles. We have taken so many injections throughout our lives, needles no longer scare us. And we will laugh at them unless they look like they should be stuck in a horse. The only problem I have when I get vaccinated is I want to give myself the injection. I'm a pro and I hate giving over my professional power.

9) The feeling of coming out of a low blood sugar and finding you had a free for all pig out. This has happened to me a lot. I come out and I see empty juice boxes, cookie crumbs, empty chip bags, half filled microwave popcorn, melting ice cream. I hate myself afterward because I am way too full and I know my blood sugar is going to kill me in about an hour.

10) The bond with a fellow Type 1. When we come across one of our own (unless we're at a child's diabetic camp), we feel an attraction, a desire to strike up a conversation. It usually starts with asking about how much insulin is used each day and then war stories are shared. Sometimes the bond lasts for years. Other times, it is short lived, but it is still there.

Diabulimia - A Growing Problem

Diabulimia - a combination of Type 1 diabetes and a specific eating disorder. To sum this condition up in one word - DANGEROUS!
   If a person has diabulimia, he or she purposely gives less insulin in an effort to lose weight. It works. You can lose a lot of weight in a short period of time . . . and even more. You can lose your eyesight, your kidneys, your limbs. When a diabetic purposely takes less insulin to supplement the carbohydrates consumed, the blood sugar gets too high. When the blood sugar is too high too long, serious diabetes-related complications arise.
   One of those complications is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which is very common among those with diabulimia. DKA is caused by lack of insulin and the body's attempt to find an energy source due to that lack. Acids are released into the blood, sugar is ejected through the urine, putting an excessive strain on your kidneys. The resulting symptoms are excessive thirst and urination, dehydration, vomiting and nausea, hyperventilation, fatigue, weight loss and muscle pain. DKA is a painful and miserable thing to go through. If the condition is not caught soon enough, it will progress to coma and death.
   To me, that seems like too high a price to pay to lose a few pounds.
   Type 1 women tend to have a higher BMI than non-diabetics. Insulin and carbohydrates have long been linked to excess weight, but those play an integral part in a Type 1's life. Insulin is a necessary hormone to keep us alive, but it is also a weight-gaining hormone. Our thyroids are also put at risk because of diabetes. But, developing a habit of going out and eating a cheeseburger with fries and then taking an insufficient amount of insulin because you're afraid of what pounds that might pack on - you're playing a dangerous game, Type 1 Russian roulette. The only way you will survive is if you get help before damage is caused.
   We are a nation that is obsessed with weight and losing it. As the numbers of those suffering from bulimia and anorexia rises, so does the number of those suffering from diabulimia. It is a way to lose weight without putting forth much effort and you can indulge in your cravings.
   It is tempting to lose weight by not taking enough insulin and eating foods that make other dieters jealous - chips, cookies, donuts, burgers, pizza - basically anything with a high carb and sugar content.
   Trust me, I know the temptation to cause weight loss by manipulating my insulin intake. I've been in DKA twice and the weight I lost both times was intense. I even considered it a couple years ago and I gave it a go for a couple of days. I don't know if I lost any weight and I honestly don't care. I felt miserable. Because of the nausea caused by excessively high blood sugar, I would look at foods that had plenty of carbs and almost vomit. As a result, I could only drink broth. And a vicious cycle ensued during those days. Broth has no carbs, so I didn't have to take insulin. My blood sugar crept higher and higher. I finally decided that the weight loss experiment was not worth it. I took some extra insulin to get my blood sugar down to normal levels and then I grabbed some saltine crackers. I felt better before the end of the day, but I did not feel 100 percent until a couple days later.
   If you are a Type 1 diabetic and looking to lose weight, the best thing you can do is exercise and lessen the carbohydrates you consume. You will take less insulin because you are eating less carbs. As a result, your blood sugar will not go sky high. The weight loss will not be as significant in a short period of time. You will not lose 30 pounds in two weeks. The weight loss will be gradual, but it will not kill you. Just remember to monitor your blood sugars very closely if you go with less carbs and insulin. Make the appropriate adjustments that are needed in order to meet your goals and keep yourself healthy, happy and alive.
  

Anti-Anti-Vaccine

The anti-vaccine movement is going strong. So strong that measles has reared its ugly spotted head again. The disease that was wiped out in the US in 2000 is back because people are refusing to vaccinate their children. I pray that none of these unvaccinated children are Type 1 diabetics. 
   It is extremely important for Type 1 diabetics to get their vaccines. I get a flu shot every year, without fail. Because if I get the flu, I guarantee it will knock me on my ass and let me tell you why.
   A Type 1's immune system is already compromised. The faulty immune system is already killing off the insulin cells in your pancreas. The last time I did not get a flu shot was several years ago. I got struck with the flu which then turned into underlying pneumonia and bronchitis. Because of the illness, I went into DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). For those unaware, DKA is one of the suckiest things you can go through. It is caused when your blood sugar is excessively high for a period of time. It puts tremendous stress on your kidneys, causing you to pee . . . a lot. And because your blood sugar is high, your body is going to try to expel the excess sugar in your system. So, you're exceedingly thirsty, which makes your trips to the bathroom even more frequent. 
   Then, your muscles begin to ache and you lose your breath. After that, the abdominal pain sets in and all you want to do is sleep. This is not a short-term condition. It will continue painfully until one of two things happen - you get your blood sugar down (which is difficult to accomplish when you're struck with another illness) or you die. 
   I ended up hospitalized. All because I did not get a flu shot.
   And I know with the anti-vaccine movement becoming more popular, some Type 1 parents might be tempted to not vaccinate. DO NOT DO THAT! If you do not get a Type 1 vaccinated, that Type 1 is compromised. You might think that if the Type 1 becomes ill with a disease that has a vaccine, and then that Type 1 develops DKA, that you will be able to just take him or her to the hospital and all will be well. 
   Maybe - if you catch it in time. And even if you do prevent DKA death, you might have to deal with kidney failure. All because you didn't get vaccinations. 
   There is a book written by Markus Heinze that claims vaccinations gave his daughter Type 1 diabetes. There is absolutely no scientific research to back that claim up. Type 1 is caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. He said there is no history of Type 1 in either his or his wife's family. Every family that has a Type 1 child - it started somewhere - either with that child or with an ancestor. It had to start somewhere. The scientific community does not know exactly what causes Type 1. They do not know what the factors are or what the triggers are that set those factors off. This book is biased and dangerous. 
   So, please - if you are a Type 1, get vaccinated. If your child is a Type 1, get him or her vaccinated. It will prevent serious illness and perhaps death.
   But, as always, the choice is yours. Just remember, every choice has consequences. You need to determine which consequence you and/or your child will deal with. 

Free Insulin!

Those words are like honey on my tongue. As most Type 1's know, free insulin is not easy to come by, but when it does, it is oh so wonderful! Because insulin is expensive and is necessary for long-term living.
   Unlike a lot of other expensive prescription medications, insulin is not one where you can go, "I'm running out. I'll just take it every few days until my next paycheck comes in."  
   Nope. When you're running out of insulin, your reaction is more like: "FUCK! I can't afford some more until my next paycheck comes in. What the hell am I going to do?! Well, I guess I just won't eat."
   I have been caught in that predicament far too often. More than I comfortably like. And I cut back on my insulin intake, thus cutting back on my food, taking in around 800 calories a day until I get more insulin. Not healthy. Very stressful and exhausting. When that happens, the only energy I have that does not come from a carb-free energy drink, is used to lay down on the couch and close my eyes. Because I have no fuel in my body (aka - food) and because my blood sugar is far too high, which puts a strain on your body.
   But, the pharmaceutical company Lilly (the makers of Humalog) is providing vouchers for a free box of five Humalog pens. I have not used this yet, but I printed one out and will take it in to my pharmacy and see if they will accept it. I will let you know how that turns out. But, I encourage you to click on the link above and getting yourself your own box of free Humalog.

UPDATE: It totally worked! I got my free box of Humalog pens! WHOOP, WHOOP!