Follow & Participate In The Second Annual Medtronic Diabetes Advocate Forum: #medtronicDAF

Today's post is quick and to the point because I'm attending the Second Annual Medtronic Diabetes Advocate Forum!

You can follow and actively participate the discussion via "the twitter" by following the hashtag: #medtronicDAF

If you have a question or want to share an opinion for medtronic, tweet it!

Today is all about advocacy; technology innovation, Social Media & channeling our the diabetes passion in our community for Diabetes Advocacy~

Let the conversations begin!

Diabetes Alert Day - And Providing The Media With A Valuable Tool To Get Diabetes Right!

Today is Diabetes Alert Day - A chance for Americans to be on the alert for signs of Diabetes in their own lives and learn to differentiate between the diabetes myths & the realities for those living with diabetes.

Diabetes Alert Day is also a HUGE opportunity for the Media to finally stop perpetuating diabetes myths and stereotypes to the public at large and start perpetuating diabetes realities!

And the Diabetes Advocates (which I am a member of,) are helping to do just that!

How are we they doing that? By offering both an informative Press Release and making ourselves available to answer any questions the media has regarding diabetes.

According to the Diabetes Advocates PR and those of us living the diabetes know all too well: "Media outlets are reporting on diabetes more than ever, the condition is still widely misrepresented and portrayed as only one disease, when in actuality, diabetes is made up of several different diseases (type 1, type 1.5 LADA, and type 2 being the most predominantly confused). By emailing the organization at media@diabetesadvocates.org, reporters can quickly fact check, get suggestions and have a real-time conversation with the Diabetes Advocates to ensure the accuracy of their articles. The Diabetes Advocates can also serve as sources for reporters."

The public relies on the media (both on-line and off) for our source of information about pretty much EVERYTHING.

Unfortunately, the media more often than not, gets the diabetes facts wrong.

Now, The Diabetes Advocates has provided members of the media with a place to go to get Diabetes right -And here's hoping they use this valuable tool to get the all diabetes facts before they run with a story!

If you're in the Media and questions regarding diabetes, send your emails to: media@diabetesadvocates.org

We want you to get the diabetes facts right - Our lives and the lives of millions of others depend on it!

Infusion Set/Site Reality

In theory, those of us with insulin pumps are supposed to change our insulin pump infusion site every two or three days, but the Infusion Set reality is -That's not always the case for me.
Some days my pump tubing's ungodly, unholy and unnatural attraction to doorknobs and other snagable areas has me changing it several times a day. And god forbid I wear my infusion set on my thigh and then decide to wear yoga pants. Seriously, no good can come of it!
Other times, unknown dead spots (areas on the body that no longer absorb insulin) decide to reveal themselves a few hours after I've jabbed myself with a new infusion set and the site has to be changed.
And on occasion, the phenomenon known as "Infusion Set Nirvana," (an infusion set absorbing so damn perfectly that we hesitate to change it after three days,) occurs and we make it last for 5.
All of the above means (at least in my case,) that I seem to always end up with a pile of extra pump tubing around because I keep opening up sets for a new infusion set and leave the tubing.
I try and use the pumping from the set previously opened for the new infusion site the next I need to load and lock my pump with an new insulin reservoir. "TRY" being the operative word because while I try to use the tubing next time around, it doesn't always happen!
So my questions to you are:

1. Does the above happen to you and if so, how do you handle it regarding all the spare tubing & the likes there of?

Things Learned

Me, 2nd grade school pic - After a lunchtime kickball game that went into Sudden Death.

I really was cutie pie!

Things I've learned during this move - The majority of which is done, and will be completed in its entirely by Sunday.

NEVER store things like clothes, books, furniture etc., in your garage long term in cardboard boxes because:

1. You will totally forget about them

2. No matter how well you seal them up - the elements WILL get though & the musty smell is hard to get rid of.

3. The mildew on fabric pretty much ruins it.

Cleaning out your parents house and packing up your crap 14 hours a day leads to lots of lows - And a nasty sinus infection because of the all the freaking dust, lack of sleep and stress.

A large bottle of Orange Juice in the fridge in your new place is A MUST.

Spare pump batteries are in every drawer & handbag you own - And it's really time consuming to find out if they still work or not. REALLY TIME CONSUMING.

Even when you think you can't find anymore spare diabetes supplies floating around - You do!

Caffeine in massive doses is KEY.

You find pictures taken of you as a kid that you forgot all about - And you are reminded of how wonderfully cute you really were. So why the hell didn't you see that - especially in middle school & high school?

Whether it's good or bad, things change - And that's life.

You find strength in letters and notes from your parents that you tucked away for safe keeping long ago, and that come to light just when you need them most~

6 months goes by like THAT - Yet you still cry like it just happened. But you are your mother's daughter, so you will survive it - And make her proud~

ONCE Makes Me "Swell" With Pride.........

Because I love my niece Cristin Milioti~

Photo courtesy of Oncemusical.com

Because I couldn't be more proud of her, or love her anymore than I already do!

Photo courtesy of OnceMuscial.com

And because I'm so happy for her and all she's accomplished.....

And because I know that her Nanny is looking down her from amongst the constellations and feels the same way......

And because I see so much of my mom in her - And that is a wonderful thing.

SURVEY SAYS: On Average, How Many Times A Day Do You Test Your Blood Sugars?

So we all know that insurance companies can be stingy with the test-strip allotment.

We've all bitched and moaned and complained about it in the past and where likely to bitch and moan and complain about it in the future.

Seriously, how many of us PWDs (people with diabetes) have had heated discussions with our perspective insurance companies about how many test strips they will actually cover, verses how many test strips we actually use on a daily basis???

Personally, I test my blood sugar between 10 and 15 times a day and have the polka dot finger tips to prove it. But knowledge is power and I need all the diabetes knowledge I can get in order to live my best life.

So I'm asking you dearest diabetesalicous reader to share how many test strips on average you use, the type of diabetes you have and the amount of test strips your insurance will actually cover. And anything else you think is important.

Diabetes is not a cookie cutter disease and Your Diabetes May Vary.

Diabetes is never the same disease two days in a row and there are some days were we MUST test like crazy in order to keep our numbers in check!

Why am I doing this?

1. Blood sugar testing is so important to us and it's critical to a healthy future. And testing can be a costly and combative issue when it comes to durable medical equipment coverage.

2. I believe that insurance companies need to see test strip usage in black and white and from a variety of different sources - WHO ACTUALLY USE SAID TEST STRIPS. Not numbers cruncher who works for the insurance companies who doesn't know the diabetes facts while continuing to perpetuate diabetes myths.

3. If someone is trying to to test their blood sugars more often and is having a problem committing, maybe reading your comments will incourage them to test more often - And that would be wonderful!

Prepping Diabetes Style For The Whirling Dervish That is The Pre, During & Post Move Experience~

I moved back home 3 years ago when my mom had surgery but I've kept that fact off line until now.

I'm not really sure why I did that, because these past 3 years with my mom have been a gift.

A beautiful gift of time and love and patience for both of us. A gift I still wish I was experiencing, but a gift I am incredibly grateful to have been given none the less.

Now that the house is under contract, I'm moving again - VERY SOON, which is why the blog posts haven't been daily this week.

The whole thing is really hard. Hard to sort and go through all her things, as well as my own.

Hard to realize that now, where ever I live will be my only home, because I no longer have parents to go home too when I miss them or it's Thanksgiving, or life gets complicated and I just need to be mothered.

But I am my mother's daughter and I am doing it.

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So like I mentioned, I'm moving and cleaning out my mom's house now that it's under contract.

Things that aren't going to family members are being sold and that's an interesting experience to say the least.

It's weird having people go through the house while you're in it, and that's all I'm going to say on that subject right now.

Currently, I'm surrounded by moving boxes, trash bags, moving boxes, shred bags, shlep bags, and more moving boxes, all in various states of being filled.

I'll be moving in shifts in the next 8 days - The first shift is stuff I'm taking is furniture that belonged to my mom. The following shifts will be broken down into things I own currently and things that will be going into storage. I'm also getting rid of a of a lot of stuff, which is good. But just because it's good doesn't make it easy.

I'm also working, which is the only thing that is keeping me normal right now. Work = normal. And I'm all for normal!

Anyway with all the move stuff going on, I've miss-placed (and found) my Green OneTouch Ultra Mini twice in the past few days and my phone charger twice in the past week.

What has this taught me?

1. People (including myself) have a lot of shit

2. People with diabetes need a game plan for The whirling dervish known as the pre, during, and post move activities.

Kelly's Diabetes Packing Whirling Dervish Game Plan;

1. I now keep my meter in my handbag at all times, so I know where it is. Same goes for my house/car keys

2. I keep spare infusion sets and reservoirs in the butter compartment along with my insulin so I always have a set when needed

3. By the front door is a duffel bag where I keep my phone charger, computer charger, two boxes of infusion sets, reservoirs, glucose tabs, larabars and test strips. I also have extra socks & underwear in said bag because I'm weird that way

4. A full bottle of juice is in the fridge at all times, same goes for soy milk, Edy's popsicles, 1/2 and 1/2, and coffee

5. On the kitchen table in various files are important papers (both personally and professionally,) that I need to have on hand

6. There is a a package of pump batteries in the fridge and a package of pump batteries in my handbag

7. Get a bigger handbag with a light colored interior so you can find everything quickly

8. Hand soap is key because cleaning out your parents house means you washing your hands like a million times a day

9. If you're scheduled to go on a trip 5 days after you move - PACK YOUR SUITCASE NOW

10. There is a bottle of Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet wine on the counter, un-opened. Just in case ;)

What tricks did you (or do you) have up your sleeve when it comes to moving and or moving with diabetes?

Words For Wednesday: It's That Time Of Year Again....

"Consider the daffodil. And while you're doing that, I'll be over here, looking through your stuff."

Jack Handey~

But for real guys: I just like daffodils, daffodils are my favorite!!!!

EMBRACE THE DAFFODILS!!!

Moving, Diabetes & Found Supplies~

So I haven't used multiple daily injections in years, BUT.....

Box is 15X13 & is 6 inches deep. Not huge, about double with of a shoebox~

Aerial view taken from Kelly's iPhone

So when your prepping, packing, pitching and hitching to move from one place to another, it has a major effect on your diabetes. Meaning it’s cardiovascular and stressful all at the same time, so anything can happen.

So far, I’ve noticed that my numbers tending to stay in range during the day -eerily in range - Like do I still have diabetes range?? And my appetite is almost none existent during the day, but by dinner time, I’m starving!

Moving has also continually reminds me of how much diabetes supplies is a part of my life. I’ve always known that of course - Hell, I’ve have type 1 diabetes for 30 plus years, so how could I not?

Because In my quest to sort; organize, box, and pitch my shit, I’ve come across a boatload of supplies. Including at least 6 meters that no longer work, boxes of lances & dozens of loose unused lancets in both my desk and nightstand drawers. Numerous infusion sets and reservoirs, 3 boxes of needles (that I haven’t used in years, all opened,) one 1/2 finished container of expired ketone strips and a multitude rogue used test strips in the darkest corner of closets and old handbags.

So......yeah, it’s a good reminder and an interesting visual of this diabetes life and all it's many nuances and stages -And how freaking high maintenance I am!

Another diabetes supplies P.O.V.

Side view - taken from Kelly's iPhone

Diabetesaliciousness - Lite TIME Edition: Spring Ahead, Check Your OneTouch Ping's Time/Date Settings & Rich's Waltz Across America!

This edition of Diabetesalicious - Lite is all about time: As in date and time; time 'springing" forward, time and date settings, and the time it takes to walk across the country while raising money for Jr. Adventurers with diabetes!

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This Sunday March 11th, is all about DayLight Savings Times - which goes into effect at 2a.m. Sunday morning.

So don't forget to "spring ahead" and set all your household/car clocks (and change your smoke alarm batteries) one ahead hour. Look, Daylight savings is happening whether you remember to set your clock ahead or not, so DO IT.

And while we lose an hour of sleep, we gain an hour of sunlight, which is always a good thing in my book!

And speaking of daylight savings time and setting clocks, don't forget to set the clock on your insulin pumps ahead.

And if you happen to wear an Animas OneTouch Ping, the folks at Animas want you to be sure and check the time and settings on your pumps. WHY? Because Animas identified an issue affecting a small number of OneTouch Ping patients who attempted to make changes on their time and date settings on their Pings on leap year, Feb, 29, 2012.

Many of you (myself included,) have already tweeted the info and posted the it on facebook, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to post on the blog too!

According Animas, on 2/29/12 Z(Leap Day) some users reported that their pumps software didn't recognize changes that they'd attempted to make to their time/date settings.

Animas recommends that all their patients verify the time and date on OneTouch Pings.

If you notice that the time/date is incorrect, correct your settings immediately and test your bloodsugars!

Animas has sent their patients a letter regarding this issue and copy of the letter can be found HERE.

Speaking of time, how long do you think it would take to walk or (Waltz) across America?

Now you can actually find out,(without actually doing all that walking) and raise money for diabetes awareness at the same time!

Rich Humphreys is 69 years young and has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for 55 years, the fact alone is inspiring right there.

But besides that enormous dose of inspiration, Rich is a a PWD/Adventurer, and a Joslin Award 50 year medalist - I kid you not

Rich has a zest for life, a penchant for exercise and he digs adventure in all forms!

Rich backpacked around the world in in 1975 and cycled across the United States in 1976, both feats occurred before the advent of glucose meters!

At the end of March 2012, Rich will walk from Walnut Creek, California to his home in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about type 1 diabetes and show children living with diabetes (and their parents,) that they can be Adventurers in every sense of the word!

Rich's walk is also raising money for Destiny, Diabetes Camp For Children - An awesome cause and experience for CWDs who like adventure and extreme sports.

You can read all about Rich (and donate to his cause,) by clicking HERE!

Have a great weekend and enjoy the extra hour of daylight!

Diabetes Memory #90229: The One Where Where I Decide To Become A Chick Robot~

So it was 2004 (or was it 2003 ?) and my a1c’s were in the range of fabulous, something like 6.5 and they haven't been that low since!

But while my a1cs were fabulosity times infinity, my abdomen looked like a color wheel - I kid you not.

Every part of my stomach that you could reach with needle was in the process of changing between shades of yellow, green, blue and purple and all the way around. And It wasn’t pretty. While at the time I had abs that were bikini ready, I couldn't wear one because of all the bruising on my belly.

I was bolusing for every 15 grams of carbs I put my mouth, except treating lows and workout carbs. I was working out with a trainer at the time and had lost 20lbs and I watched about my food intake like a hawk - so did my trainer.

But I was running out of real estate regarding injection sites. I was also was incredibly sensitive to my night time Lantus (one of the 10% of the population who felt like they were injecting orange juice into their veins instead of insulin,) and the acidity of it actually brought tears to my eyes on a nightly basis.

So anyway, I was sitting in my Endo’s office on the exam table and Dr. J kept looking at my stomach.

Dr. J: Kel-Lee (that’s how he pronounces my name) your a1c is wonderful, your working out 6 days a week ( at the time I was - And I looked like a Brick House,) and you look wonderful.

Me: THANKS.

Dr. J: But your stomach is not so good and we gotta do something about that.....

Me: Yeah, I’m running out of real estate - And I tend to bruise like a ripe peach. Damn genetics!

Dr J: I really want you to consider going on an insulin pump Kel-Lee, Seriously, I want to give it a try.

Me: Doc, I don’t want to go on the insulin pump - I don’t want to be attached to anything. You know Dr. J, I’m known for my drop dead good looks and trendsetting fashions.

FYI: The last part was a joke -I’m more striking than drop dead good looking, (JOKING) but both my grandfather and father were tailors, so I’m all about the cut of good good suit and understand the importance of fabric that drapes well ;)`

Dr.J: I understand, but we will figure it out. Look Kel-Lee, your stomach is always in a state of bruising and that’s not good. Do me a favor, go on the pump and give it a try - And if you don’t like after a few months, then forget about the pump and we switch back to injection. But just give it a try and give your belly a rest. Plus it helps preventing complications, you've had diabetes for 25 years, so lets do whatever we can do in that area.

Look, let’s try it for a year, and if you really don’t like it - You go off it, and I won’t be mad.

I knew in my heart (and in my belly) that he was right. And the fact that he wouldn’t be mad at me if I didn’t decide to stay on the pump really took the pressure off and was the deciding factor on why I finally agreed. FYI: My older sister had been trying to convince me for years to go on the pump, but her delivery wasn’t nearly as subtle.

So like I stated above, I finally agreed, because Dr. J was right and I didn’t want to become a human color wheel or one giant dead spot all rolled into one. I went home and talked about it with my then significant other, and together we figured out the how and whens and scheduled an appointment to pick out a pump and start pump training classes together with the CDE at my Endo’s office.

And as long as I’m sharing, I have to admit that I almost left my first pump training class and never returned.

The class consisted of me, my ex B.F., and two guys who were really having a tough time with their diabetes. They both were in and out of the hospital almost daily and one guy had lost a leg. The other guy had been just come out of the hospital after a series of seizures and he had a drinking problem. They were both in their mid 30s and they scared the shit out of me.

After our class was over, they left and my Ex and I sat at the table and I kept staring at my notebook until the words became blurry. Then I burst into tears and said: Am I going to die? I thought I was healthy, I thought we agreed that I was going on the pump to give my body a rest!

Both my ex and the CDE looked at me like I was crazy.

CDE: Kell, you’ve been handling your diabetes really well. You’ve come so far and you’re doing a great job!

My Ex: Kell, why are you crying??

Me: Am in the same boat as them??? I’m sorry but seeing what they are going through scares me!

And it really did, guys. Hearing about what they were going through frightened me and scared me to death. They weren't much older than I was and seeing what they had to deal with made me really wonder what my own future would look like.

CDE: You are going on the pump to make your life easier. I know change is scary, especially when it comes to your diabetes care, but it’s going to give you even more control and more freedom in the long run. I promise, you're going to love pumping! But if you don’t, that’s OK too. Those guys are going on the pump to save their lives, and I’m really praying for them.

Me: Why are we in the same class then?

Sidebar: For some reason, I couldn't stop focusing on that, and looking back I realized it was all about my own health fears.

CDE: Kelly, you’re in the same class because your going on the pump around the same time, not because you all handle your diabetes the same way. People go on the pump for different reasons, with the same goal. Better control and more freedom.

Me: Ohhh, OK. The whole thing is just freaking me out - And they remind me of my sister Debbie and the whole thing just makes me question my life. and I’m scared and nervous. It's not like I'm the perfect diabetic because I'm not!

Lord knows I have my own diabetes problems and issues. And I’m really worried for those guys.

CDE: I know you’re scared, but that’s normal. And I’m worried for those guys too. Hopefully, they’ll start to worry about themselves more.

After my minor breakdown, my ex and I went home and read all my pump stuff and attend two more classes on bolus, basal rates carb counting/ pump setting and I never saw my classmates again. But I think of them often and pray that they doing better.

Three weeks later my pump arrived and my world changed.

We took the pump to my CDE’s office and I hooked myself up (including the infusion set) on the first try and my Ex and my CDE were like: GO GURL, look at you putting in your own infusion set on the first try!

And I have to admit, I was proud of myself, and I remember thinking that it wasn’t so bad being “plugged” in.

Then we went home and the basal testing nightmare began. I like to refer to that short span of time as Hell Week.

Back then, there was no such thing as a CGM and basal tasting required testing hourly and eating the same three meals daily. Between the lack of sleep and eating more PB & J sandwiches than anyone ever should, I was ready to throw my new insulin pump in the Delaware River! But Hell week only lasted 7 days and then it was over!

At the end of Hell Week, we’d figured out my basal rates ( and yes, it required tweaking and still does,) and life went on.

It was pretty much smooth transitional sailing after that, sans my pumps unholy attraction to doorknobs, and learning the hard way to ALWAYS carry triple AAA batteries on my person.

My fashion sense never suffered, my health continued to stay on course, and for the first time since I was 8 years old, I was able to skip a meal. Though as long as I’m being all honest, it took me a year to skip an actual meal because not skipping a meal had been drilled into me for so long that it took me a while to actually, you know... skip said meal!

While insulin pumping isn’t perfect, ( nothing is perfect in life,) I’d never go back to multiple daily injections.

I love the freedom and feeling of control that being on an insulin pump gives me. I love the feeling of safety that having an electronic pancreas clipped to my hip gives me.

I love seeing and bonding with other PWDs over our insulin pumps.

And I love that pumping has given me an appreciation for diabetes technology and the confidence to actually pursue that diabetes technology.

And as far as being a chickbot, I’m OK with that - And I wear well ~

Change.....Happens~

Change happens - In massive doses~

"The key to change.... is to let go of fear." Roseanne Cash

"We must become the change we want to see." Mahatma Gandi

"Change is inevetible, except from a vending machine." Robert C. Gallager

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Change is good. Change can be exciting and educational all rolled into one and change can get your juices flowing.

And change can be scary - very scary. It can stop you in your tracks so that you don't move forward or go backwards, you just stay stuck and stagnant - and who the hell wants to live like that?

But life is all about change and changing. And life is about doing and being and becoming. And like it or not, life equals continual change.

Sometimes change happens over a period of time and with baby steps so that we can ease into and go with the flow.

Sometimes change is unwelcome and sad and leaves you longing for what was.

Friends will tell you that kind of change is character building and they're absolutely right - but at the time your going through that kind of change, it doesn't feel like your building up your character, it feels like your heart is breaking and your world is crumbling.

Most times, change (good, bad or somewhere in between) happens quickly and all at once. It's like maelstroms of newness, the unknown and the WTF all boiled up together for one hell of a ride. That kind of change turns us upside down and inside out and leaves us wondering which way is actually up.

But eventually we find we find our footing and figure out our new bearings and see the light at the end of the Crazy Change tunnel so that the new changes become the norm, until life decides to change again.

Why am I writing about change?? Because change is happening at a crazy pace with me right now - Most of it is really good, and all of it at a lightening quick speed. But good or not, fast changes can be really unsettling.

When it rains it pours in my world of change. I can sit here and stay put and get drenched and look like a drowned rat, but the change will still happen. Or I can grab an umbrella, roll up my sleeves, continue to work hard and plow through the change in order to become and be the person I'm truly meant to be~

Because change happens - And changes are happening.....

Diabetes Doesn't Take A Sick Day & The Stomach Virus Doesn't Care That You Have Diabetes, Or Live Alone For That Matter.

My nightstand's current look du jour~

Today's post is all about Diabetes & The Stomach Flu and I highly suggest you avoid that combo because it's pretty damn draining.But if you can't.....

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Today's sick day started last night at bedtime, like I said, I think it's the stomach bug/virus that's being going around.

So as long as I'm being honest last night resembled a particularly gross scene out of The Exorcist, immediately followed by testing my blood sugars (103) and me trying my best to clean up the vomit off the floor, the walls and off my person. Somehow I managed to clean up and throw all the towels I used to mop my bathroom floor with in the laundry and start a wash at 11pm at night.

Then I jumped (more like hobbled) in the shower and cleaned myself off. On the way back to bed I grabbed a bucket and the Large bottle of Apple & Eve from the fridge, tested (109) and went to bed.

This morning I woke up, tested (200) and the sight and smell of food made me sick. But after a correction bolus my blood sugar numbers climbed to the 170's (except for a nasty 50 at early this afternoon) and so far, no ketones.

Currently, I look pretty terrible and my nightstand is covered with various hydrating substances, a meter/strips, glucose tabs, lip balm, and a thermometer.

I finally started eating at around noon and food is staying where it should. Throat is terribly scratchy and I feel very tired - Which makes sense because I can't stomach coffee at the moment, and the only caffeinated beverage I can deal with is vanilla black tea from Trader Joe's. I just had my first cup an hour ago.

Why am I sharing all this with you?? Because while diabetes and a stomach virus is a sucky combination, It's doable, even if you live alone.

And I know that being alone with a stomach virus or flu is a very real fear for many people living alone with diabetes. I know this because:

1. People have told me that they fear having diabetes and living alone

2. Having diabetes, living alone and then getting the flu or stomach virus

3. I live alone and I have diabetes so I've experienced that fear.

My thoughts on dealing with the bug: Keeping an open line of communication with my Dr's office when I feel like you just got the shit kicked out of me from a virus, bug or flu. I let a friend know that I'm sick and ask her/ him to check in with me from time to time. And I don't feel funny asking my friend to check in, because that's what friends do - it's a bloody phone call for God sakes, I'm not asking them to run a freaking marathon or help me move!

And I test my blood sugars, A LOT. It's important to see what direction my numbers are headed, same goes for ketones. And I hydrate as much as possible, even if I don't feel thirsty.

And if I see my ketones or blood sugars staying up instead of down, I call my Dr. again.

And if he want's to see me, I go see my Dr., but I try and call someone for a ride.

Nobody, diabetes or not wants to get sick while they're driving. And if my Dr. wants me to get to an emergency room, then I go there. Luckily, that's not the case for this bug.

Diabetes doesn't take a sick day and the stomach virus doesn't care that you have diabetes, or live alone for that matter. So do what you must to feel better and get better.

Now, I'm going to test my blood sugar again and then go sleep some more - because I still feel crappy and my ears are starting to ithch . But with any luck, tomorrow will be a work day and this 24 hour virus will be gone!

Moretic, Moron Diabetic/PWD, WHATEVER. I Have A Major Case Of The Diabetes Stupids

4 times in 24 hours - And I think it might very well be a record in the adult category.

What am I talking about?? Changing my insulin pump infusion set, that's what!

The first time was early yesterday afternoon when I realized that my infusion set of three days wasn't absorbing the way it should be. That happens every now and then, so it was really no big deal. I changed it and continued on.

The second time happened late yesterday afternoon when I was running out the door and said infusion set looped around a doorknob and ripped out! Again, that's happened before and I went about the business of fixing my mishap

The third time was my really my fault, in my haste to put in a new infusion set and get on with my day, the sticky sticker part of the infusion set somehow folded over so that there was a hugeunsticky part (are you following me? ) that I knew would never stay stuck, so I had to start AGAIN.

Wait a second, that's the third and fourth time right there. HOLY GUACAMOLE, that means that 5 minutes ago when I got up from my desk and my tubing became tangled in my chair's armrest was actually the 5th time in 24 hours that I had to change my infusion set.

OK, it's official! just call me Molly Moretic The Moron Diabetic , or MORON, OR moron pwd/Diabetic WHATEVER. I'm having a MAJOR case of the Diabetes Stupids! And I feel terribly uncoordinated and extremely dumb right now.

Just tell me I'm not the only one whose ever had The Diabetes Stupids, PLEASE. With copious amounts of carbs on top!

My Take On The Children With Diabetes Focus On Technology Conference

This past weekend I attended the Children With Diabetes Focus On Technology Conference in just outside of Philadelphia in Conshohocken, PA - And I had a blast!

Not only did I have the chance to meet up with many in the diabetes on-line community, I had the opportunity to learn about the latest and greatest in the wonderful world of diabetes.

The day started with Dr. Henry Anhalt, Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director of the Artificial Pancreas for Animas. Dr. A was funny and laid back and he spoke from the heart & explained in layman's terms what The AP actually does: The AP automates insulin delivery with Artificial Intelligence. And how outside of the United States, low glucose suspension pumps like the Animas Vibe and The Medtronic Veo are already available outside of the United States.

I wish I'd had the opportunity to speak one on one with him because I had so many questions for him, and quite frankly, I just wanted to give big hug and say : THANK YOU.

Next I sat in a session about Advanced Pumping Concepts, led by Rick Philben from Animas. Rick works for Animas has a strong background in Athletic Training and Sports Management. He's someone who believes in working out everyday, and practices what he preaches. He also has broken pancreas, so he understands the diabetes/sports conundrums like going low during a workout, post workout highs and experimenting with the temporary basal rate pre-workout, first hand.

Rick also pointed out that pump companies implement all these great bells and whistles on our insulin pumps, like temporary basal rates and pump alarms, and all sorts of amazing functions that we as pump wearers don't actually use them. And he's right, we don't. And we absolutely should.

And that got me thinking: WHY don't I set my pump alarm to remind me to test two hours after I eat, especially when I guesstimated a bolus for lets say, Lasagna or experimented with a temporary basal rate pre Aqua Bootcamp?

I'm great with setting an temporary basal rate, but I'm terrible about setting my pump alarm for things.

Currently, I'm in the process of moving, which is a form of exercise and is a MAJOR form of stress - And also the reason this post is a bit late. But thanks to Rick's talk,I'm now starting to utilize my pump alarm to test in two hour increments during the time I'm packing up boxes and pitching crap (sorry for the colorful term, but that's exactly what I'm doing,)just to see where I'm at. And because I have the tools to do it, so why not? Thanks Rick!

Rick showed us this slide: The history of insulin pumps

Yep, we've come a long way baby!

Next I had the opportunity to sit in a session led by Korey Hood, PHd and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the UCSF/ Staff Psychologist at UCSF's Madison Center for Pediatric Diabetes and he talked about Diabetes Stress and Burnout and how to handle them better. Yeah, I definitely needed to some coping mechanisms, so I was all over it. Korey spoke about how little changes in the way we handle things, like word choices. Don't use "bad" when it comes to a high blood sugar number, it's not bad. Now we what we are and where we need to go. It was really interesting for me as an adult who grew up with type 1 to see the parents POV regarding their own diabetes stress and burnout.

News flash: They suffer from D stress and burnout too, BIG TIME. While it may be their children's' disease, they take on the stress and burnout just as much as we do, sometimes more so, because kids are resilient and get used to having a broken pancreas, but parents never stop worrying about us, even when we aren't kids anymore.

Finally, I sat in on Gary Scheiner's talk on Managing Hypos. I have to say, every time I hear Gary speak, I learn snew thingsw. This time, one of the new things Gary taught me was what a D'OH (think of Homer Simpson slapping his head and saying D'OH) means. D'OH stands for: Delayed Onset of Hypoglycemia due to exercise. HELLO, that occurrence actually has a real name? I was floored to learn that.

Gary something that stuck with me: Quantify your lows and stratigize to minimize - And plan for proper treatment of the lows.

Gary went on to mention that chocolate milk,(YES chocolate milk, which blew my mind) and foods high on the glycemic index like: pretzels, vanilla wafers & jellybeans were a great way to treat and prevent D'OH, which was news to me, especially the pretzels, I'd previously given up on pretzels, but now I'm seriously considering using them as a post workout snack to prevent D'OH.

I didn't get a chance to go to all the sessions - It was only a 1.5 day conference. But If I could have magically split myself in two and attended all the sessions, I TOTALLY would have.

Besides learning boatloads of stuff,f I had the chance to meet families from as far away as Nova Scotia (YAY CANADA) and the opportunity to reconnect with members of the diabetes on-line community.

Like.....

My girl Gracie, who brought home the gold!

Gracie & photo courtesy of Penny over at ASweetGrace.com

DOC Crew

Photo Courtesy of SUM's Kerri Sparling~

Four chicks with Diabetes walk into a bar....... And a fantastical time was had by all!

Photo courtesy of "Kerri Sparkles," I mean Kerri Sparling!

Speaking of sparkles, my Blue Circle Bling was courtesy of Penny Starr Ashton!

On Sunday morning, Diabetes Dad Tom Karlya was the closing speaker.

Tom had us all (including Penny) laughing & crying.

And then it was time to go home.........

And that was a bummer, because I wasn't ready to go home - I wanted to stay, and learn, and do.

BUT........

As I was driving home from CWD, I kept looking at my wrist on the steering wheel and I couldn't stop smiling at my green bracelet!

I'd waited a long time to wear one again and I wasn't going to take it off.

I had a great time at the Children with Diabetes Focus on Technology Conference and I'd come away with a better understanding of myself, my diabetes my diabetes hardware, and my diabetes options.

And I kept thinking about Florida and The Children With Diabetes Friends For Life Conference in July.

And come hell or high water, I'm going to find away to make it happen - For several reasons.

I LOVE Diabetes Land, and that's what being at a CWD Conference is, it's Diabetes Land.

I LOVE being with others who speak the language of diabetes in all dialects.

I LOVE seeing old friends and making new ones and never having to worry about testing or being out of glucose tabs, or the fact that my pump won't stop beeping.

And in Diabetes Land, everyone is testing, grabbing (and offering) glucose tabs, and their pumps are just as noisy as mine.

And I LOVE being in charge of my diabetes, instead of my diabetes being in charge of me.

And bottom line, Children With Diabetes helps me be in charge of my diabetes.

Even though technically, I haven't been a cwd for a very time~