This morning while scratching horrible mosquito bites, I thought, "What if I injected insulin into a mosquito bite?! Maybe it would be the new calamine lotion!"
It's not. It just bleeds.
Thank you, have a nice day.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Remember me?
November 2011 was my last post. My goodness, time flies. But the blog is still here, isn't it? So I'm going to write a post! How bout that!
This post I felt was necessary because for the first time in my 12 years with Type I Diabetes, I had a pretty serious medical emergency. Scared the BUHJESUS out of me (and my friends). I was on a camping trip, eating different foods than usual, bike riding, having a few drinks... and I took too much insulin before going to bed. My body always wakes me up when my blood sugar dips, and this time was no different except for that I didn't have anything right nearby to treat myself. My stuff was in the car outside the tent, and it wasn't my car. I said to my friend, "I need your keys!" and then I remember nothing until I woke up in the ambulance.
I had a grand mal seizure "also known as a generalized tonic-clonic seizure - features a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions." My friends sprung into action, started delegating, somebody called 911 and an ambulance came (this is what I was told). I don't know how long it took for the ambulance to get there, but I woke up as I was being put into it and had NO IDEA what was going on. I also lost some short term memory which was extremely frightening.
They treated me, and I was in the hospital for monitoring from about 1:30 AM until 7 AM when they discharged me. I hope nothing like this EVER happens again, it was absolutely horrible and I'm so sorry my friends had to go through that, but I am endlessly thankful for their quick actions. And this is proof of the reason why you should always tell people you're with that you have diabetes. All of my friends knew already, but that isn't necessarily the case all the time.
I am okay physically except for huge bite marks in my lip, just still emotionally a little overwhelmed and trying to process it all.
So my advice to you (and to myself) is to never ever assume your blood sugar is a certain number before taking insulin. You could be way off! Danger danger!
This post I felt was necessary because for the first time in my 12 years with Type I Diabetes, I had a pretty serious medical emergency. Scared the BUHJESUS out of me (and my friends). I was on a camping trip, eating different foods than usual, bike riding, having a few drinks... and I took too much insulin before going to bed. My body always wakes me up when my blood sugar dips, and this time was no different except for that I didn't have anything right nearby to treat myself. My stuff was in the car outside the tent, and it wasn't my car. I said to my friend, "I need your keys!" and then I remember nothing until I woke up in the ambulance.
I had a grand mal seizure "also known as a generalized tonic-clonic seizure - features a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions." My friends sprung into action, started delegating, somebody called 911 and an ambulance came (this is what I was told). I don't know how long it took for the ambulance to get there, but I woke up as I was being put into it and had NO IDEA what was going on. I also lost some short term memory which was extremely frightening.
They treated me, and I was in the hospital for monitoring from about 1:30 AM until 7 AM when they discharged me. I hope nothing like this EVER happens again, it was absolutely horrible and I'm so sorry my friends had to go through that, but I am endlessly thankful for their quick actions. And this is proof of the reason why you should always tell people you're with that you have diabetes. All of my friends knew already, but that isn't necessarily the case all the time.
I am okay physically except for huge bite marks in my lip, just still emotionally a little overwhelmed and trying to process it all.
So my advice to you (and to myself) is to never ever assume your blood sugar is a certain number before taking insulin. You could be way off! Danger danger!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
A run!
I just got back from a GORGEOUS run! It's about 60 degrees and sunny... on November 26th! I was out in a tanktop! So beautiful. My knees hurt a little, as per yooj when I run, but I feel invigorated and glad to have gotten outside! I'm still getting over my cold, so the run was a bit sluggish, but I made it and my workout's done for the day!
Before I left for my run I wasn't going to check my blood sugar because I was pretty sure it was on the high side and I'd be all set for the exercise to bring it down. But occasionally I'll feel like my blood sugar is high and it'll be LOW... or in the normal range. And sometimes the opposite; I'll feel like I'm low and check my blood sugar and it's crazy high. Even after 9 years, my sensors can be way off! Anyway, when going out for a run it's crucial to know where your blood sugar is because low blood sugar treatment is not nearby (unless of course you bring a saddlebag of sugar). To be cautious, I checked mine before I left and it was at 199. Perfecto! That's where I was guessing it was, but I kind of felt like it might be low, so I wanted to be sure.
There's a delicate balance for workouts/runs because too high of a blood sugar, the workout feels difficult and slow; too low and potential pass-outtage hangs in the balance (I'd much rather endure the former). So starting my run at the 199 was a little bit too high for my preference, but that meant I could enjoy the run without worrying that I would dip too low.
I hope you've taken advantage of this gorgeous and bizarre spring day in November!
Before I left for my run I wasn't going to check my blood sugar because I was pretty sure it was on the high side and I'd be all set for the exercise to bring it down. But occasionally I'll feel like my blood sugar is high and it'll be LOW... or in the normal range. And sometimes the opposite; I'll feel like I'm low and check my blood sugar and it's crazy high. Even after 9 years, my sensors can be way off! Anyway, when going out for a run it's crucial to know where your blood sugar is because low blood sugar treatment is not nearby (unless of course you bring a saddlebag of sugar). To be cautious, I checked mine before I left and it was at 199. Perfecto! That's where I was guessing it was, but I kind of felt like it might be low, so I wanted to be sure.
There's a delicate balance for workouts/runs because too high of a blood sugar, the workout feels difficult and slow; too low and potential pass-outtage hangs in the balance (I'd much rather endure the former). So starting my run at the 199 was a little bit too high for my preference, but that meant I could enjoy the run without worrying that I would dip too low.
I hope you've taken advantage of this gorgeous and bizarre spring day in November!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Cardio vs. Weights
My workout last night reminded me of two things. 1. I haven't lifted weights in a while (too long); 2. How lifting weights affects blood sugar vs. how doing cardio affects it.
Depending on the length of time I do cardio, it definitely brings down my blood sugar; but does so fairly quickly (as I'm doing the cardio). Lifting weights on the other hand (or doing muscle-specific exercises) has quite the lingering effect! There are many exercise gurus out there and they have their videos saying you'll be burning calories hours after your workout is over! Buy now! But it's true. Certain workouts can "continue working" even after you're done. The class I took at the gym last night is called Cardio Muscle Mix and is one of my favorites! My muscles were a little bit surprised by what I was asking them to do, but they had a lovely time (and were very jelly-like at the end).
Because of the fact that my muscles were still tired much after my workout, meant that technically my body was still working a bit. So my blood sugar continued to drop (not dangerously, just relatively).
The class felt great and I'm back on the weight-train and want to stay on it!
Depending on the length of time I do cardio, it definitely brings down my blood sugar; but does so fairly quickly (as I'm doing the cardio). Lifting weights on the other hand (or doing muscle-specific exercises) has quite the lingering effect! There are many exercise gurus out there and they have their videos saying you'll be burning calories hours after your workout is over! Buy now! But it's true. Certain workouts can "continue working" even after you're done. The class I took at the gym last night is called Cardio Muscle Mix and is one of my favorites! My muscles were a little bit surprised by what I was asking them to do, but they had a lovely time (and were very jelly-like at the end).
Because of the fact that my muscles were still tired much after my workout, meant that technically my body was still working a bit. So my blood sugar continued to drop (not dangerously, just relatively).
The class felt great and I'm back on the weight-train and want to stay on it!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Fiber!
Fiber is good for you! The end. Thank you for listening, have a wonderful day.
Well no, there is more. The epilogue to that story is as follows: fiber makes everyone's lives better! It's not any more special to somebody with diabetes than somebody without, except when it comes to carb counting! Don't worry, I'm not going to throw another math lesson at you. Yes I am, but it's easy. When counting carbs, you subtract the fiber. Get it? Good! I was reminded of this when I read the bold sign on the front of the packet of flax whole wheat wraps I bought. They're great and very low in carbs. They ALSO have several grams of fiber, thanks to ye olde flax! Anywho, the sign reminded me about the fact that I don't remember why one is supposed to subtract the fiber. The sign says, "Remember to subtract the fiber, those are the only carbs your body absorbs!" or something like that. I knowwww, Fiber Wraps, but WHY! So there are about 11 grams of carbs in these wraps (insanely low if you've ever read a wrap label), but about 5 grams of fiber. So the net total of carbs is... divide by 47, carry the B... multiply by weight... 6! 6 grams (11-5, that's all)!
Mid-post I decided to investigate the why. It's because fiber isn't digested! That makes sense. We're learning here, people. Get excited. Check it out: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/carbohydrates.html
Bullet point: Eat fiber because it makes your body happy, and subtract it from the number of carbs in whatever you're eating (some studies say otherwise... but I win)!
Happy FRIDAY!!
Well no, there is more. The epilogue to that story is as follows: fiber makes everyone's lives better! It's not any more special to somebody with diabetes than somebody without, except when it comes to carb counting! Don't worry, I'm not going to throw another math lesson at you. Yes I am, but it's easy. When counting carbs, you subtract the fiber. Get it? Good! I was reminded of this when I read the bold sign on the front of the packet of flax whole wheat wraps I bought. They're great and very low in carbs. They ALSO have several grams of fiber, thanks to ye olde flax! Anywho, the sign reminded me about the fact that I don't remember why one is supposed to subtract the fiber. The sign says, "Remember to subtract the fiber, those are the only carbs your body absorbs!" or something like that. I knowwww, Fiber Wraps, but WHY! So there are about 11 grams of carbs in these wraps (insanely low if you've ever read a wrap label), but about 5 grams of fiber. So the net total of carbs is... divide by 47, carry the B... multiply by weight... 6! 6 grams (11-5, that's all)!
Mid-post I decided to investigate the why. It's because fiber isn't digested! That makes sense. We're learning here, people. Get excited. Check it out: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/carbohydrates.html
Bullet point: Eat fiber because it makes your body happy, and subtract it from the number of carbs in whatever you're eating (some studies say otherwise... but I win)!
Happy FRIDAY!!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Blogging is harddddd
It's tough to post on a regular basis! Sometimes I just don't know what to write about. Perhaps I could pick one day and walk you through what goes on (related to blood sugar and insulin, of course). I'll do that soon.
For today though I will touch on the topic of weight loss! Intentional weight loss that is. My freshman year of college I thought, "Good thing I have this nutritional plan, otherwise I'd gain the Freshman 15 just like everyone else!" Well guess what happened, I totally gained my Freshman... 10 maybe. Things like peanut butter mixed with vanilla soft serve ice cream might've done the trick (man that was so good). Peanut butter and cheese are foods considered "free" in the diabetes world because they aren't carbohydrates. Vegetables are more of a free food than PB and cheese are, but still. I love me some peanut butter. And peanut butter loves it some... me. Anyway, after freshman year was over I was at a weight I wasn't comfortable with, so decided to shed a few ell-beez. I honestly can't remember exactly what I did, but going into my Sophomore year I was probably down about 15 pounds! I don't think I even weighed myself, I can't remember. I'm sure I just controlled my portions more strictly. For the rest of college my weight probably fluctuated within 5-10 pounds but I never went to one extreme or the other thank goodness!
October 2010 I had my yearly physical at the doctor and they weighed me (which I never do for myself) and it was at a number I wasn't a huge fan of. So I decided to read some labels, and start thinking about calories more carefully. Even though I've been exercising since high school I never gave two hoots about calories and didn't even look at what was in anything. Once I started looking and calculating calories in combined with calories burned, I realized what I'd have to do if I wanted to lose some weight. Since then, I've just been noticing what I've been consuming. I still treat myself to certain things if I feel like it, but just being more aware is helpful. The flip side of all this is that calorie counting can make anybody go insane if they become too obsessed. And for me particularly since treating low blood sugar = more calories. It's tough sometimes, but obviously treating low blood sugars is priority over consuming a certain number of calories in a day. And then the actual working out comes into play... the longer I work out, the more sugar/carbs I need to 'cover' myself so my blood sugar doesn't dip too low. So I could just start my workout with really high blood sugar so that I don't need to eat anything, but... who wants to work out while hungry?! NOBODY! It's horrible. Even worse than that though is that high blood sugar is not good. Yet another balancing act I've become quite good at! All of these things take practice. When I got diagnosed I thought I'd be the same weight for the rest of my life since I was on a meal/carb-counting plan. But uhdoy, who stays on the same meal plan for the rest of her life? Not this guy. I gained weight, woops. I figured out how to lose it. Hooray! As long as I'm feeling well and happy where I am... that's all I need.
Bullet Point: I'm not really sure. Happy FRIDAY!!
For today though I will touch on the topic of weight loss! Intentional weight loss that is. My freshman year of college I thought, "Good thing I have this nutritional plan, otherwise I'd gain the Freshman 15 just like everyone else!" Well guess what happened, I totally gained my Freshman... 10 maybe. Things like peanut butter mixed with vanilla soft serve ice cream might've done the trick (man that was so good). Peanut butter and cheese are foods considered "free" in the diabetes world because they aren't carbohydrates. Vegetables are more of a free food than PB and cheese are, but still. I love me some peanut butter. And peanut butter loves it some... me. Anyway, after freshman year was over I was at a weight I wasn't comfortable with, so decided to shed a few ell-beez. I honestly can't remember exactly what I did, but going into my Sophomore year I was probably down about 15 pounds! I don't think I even weighed myself, I can't remember. I'm sure I just controlled my portions more strictly. For the rest of college my weight probably fluctuated within 5-10 pounds but I never went to one extreme or the other thank goodness!
October 2010 I had my yearly physical at the doctor and they weighed me (which I never do for myself) and it was at a number I wasn't a huge fan of. So I decided to read some labels, and start thinking about calories more carefully. Even though I've been exercising since high school I never gave two hoots about calories and didn't even look at what was in anything. Once I started looking and calculating calories in combined with calories burned, I realized what I'd have to do if I wanted to lose some weight. Since then, I've just been noticing what I've been consuming. I still treat myself to certain things if I feel like it, but just being more aware is helpful. The flip side of all this is that calorie counting can make anybody go insane if they become too obsessed. And for me particularly since treating low blood sugar = more calories. It's tough sometimes, but obviously treating low blood sugars is priority over consuming a certain number of calories in a day. And then the actual working out comes into play... the longer I work out, the more sugar/carbs I need to 'cover' myself so my blood sugar doesn't dip too low. So I could just start my workout with really high blood sugar so that I don't need to eat anything, but... who wants to work out while hungry?! NOBODY! It's horrible. Even worse than that though is that high blood sugar is not good. Yet another balancing act I've become quite good at! All of these things take practice. When I got diagnosed I thought I'd be the same weight for the rest of my life since I was on a meal/carb-counting plan. But uhdoy, who stays on the same meal plan for the rest of her life? Not this guy. I gained weight, woops. I figured out how to lose it. Hooray! As long as I'm feeling well and happy where I am... that's all I need.
Bullet Point: I'm not really sure. Happy FRIDAY!!
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