Bonus Days!
Tuesday, November 30
Wrap Up – It’s the last day of American Diabetes Month 2010! If you had to leave one lasting impression on people about diabetes, what would you say?
Wow, I can't believe this month is already over! It seems like it's flown by, and then Christmas will be here before we know it.
If I had to leave one lasting impression on people about diabetes, I would say this: Please care, please be an advocate, because you never know if you or someone you love will be affected by this disease. I honestly never in a million years dreamed it would happen to me, and yet three months ago, I found myself having to deal with it firsthand.
At the Diabetes Education Class I attended earlier in the month, one educator told us that 1 out of every 2 children born in 2010 will develop diabetes at some point in their lifetime if trends continue the way they are currently heading. I don't know about you, but that's a pretty scary statistic to me. I've shared with you all several times before that one of my biggest inspirations in effectively dealing with my diabetes is having healthy pregnancies and children in the future. However, I don't know if I've told you that one of the biggest reasons I'm pushing diabetes awareness so hard is that I want my children to be able to grow up in a world in which diabetes has a cure. I hope they never have to deal with this disease, but if they do, I hope that by that time there are better options for managing it.
Science has made amazing advances in the field over the past decade, and advocacy is so important to ensuring that there is enough money for future research and progress. Even if you can't give financially, I urge you to take action by getting involved in the diabetes awareness movement...Not just in November, but all year round! Go to StopDiabetes.com for some great ideas on how you can become involved. And for those of you who already are, thank you. You may not see it now, but you are truly making a difference in the lives of those who live with diabetes.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
"Mouthwatering Monday" - Leftovers
Bonus Days!
Monday, November 29
“Mouthwatering Monday” – How long did those Thanksgiving Day leftovers last? Leftovers can be a useful strategy in saving money and making your portions smaller, but many people don’t like them. How do you feel about leftovers?
We ate at my parents' house for Thanksgiving this year, so we didn't have leftovers at our house. I'm sure my parents still have some left in their fridge, but it won't bother my dad--he was telling my husband that he looks forward to Thanksgiving because he can eat turkey sandwiches afterwards!
I've been out of college for a year and a half and out of my parents' house for almost five years, and I've still not mastered the art of cooking for one or two people...We almost always end up with leftovers, but that's fine with us. Usually, whatever we don't eat one night at supper we eat the next day for lunch, and most of the time my husband and I both would rather eat those leftovers than go out to eat.
Tonight I made homemade ground beef and vegetable soup for supper, which was enough for 8+ servings. I ate one bowl and my husband ate two, so we had plenty leftover. While we were sitting there finishing up our meal, I had a "lightbulb" moment--I decided I would freeze half of the leftovers for a quick supper one of these nights when I don't have the time or energy to cook. I freeze bread and meat all the time, but I've never frozen a whole entree before; however, I know that many people make twice as much at meals just so they can freeze half for later.
As long as it freezes well, I think that this strategy will work well for us because even though we actually don't mind eating leftovers, we always end up throwing away a lot of food. I hate wasting food and abhor cleaning old food out the refrigerator, so I'm crossing my fingers that this new solution will be a good one.
Monday, November 29
“Mouthwatering Monday” – How long did those Thanksgiving Day leftovers last? Leftovers can be a useful strategy in saving money and making your portions smaller, but many people don’t like them. How do you feel about leftovers?
We ate at my parents' house for Thanksgiving this year, so we didn't have leftovers at our house. I'm sure my parents still have some left in their fridge, but it won't bother my dad--he was telling my husband that he looks forward to Thanksgiving because he can eat turkey sandwiches afterwards!
I've been out of college for a year and a half and out of my parents' house for almost five years, and I've still not mastered the art of cooking for one or two people...We almost always end up with leftovers, but that's fine with us. Usually, whatever we don't eat one night at supper we eat the next day for lunch, and most of the time my husband and I both would rather eat those leftovers than go out to eat.
Tonight I made homemade ground beef and vegetable soup for supper, which was enough for 8+ servings. I ate one bowl and my husband ate two, so we had plenty leftover. While we were sitting there finishing up our meal, I had a "lightbulb" moment--I decided I would freeze half of the leftovers for a quick supper one of these nights when I don't have the time or energy to cook. I freeze bread and meat all the time, but I've never frozen a whole entree before; however, I know that many people make twice as much at meals just so they can freeze half for later.
As long as it freezes well, I think that this strategy will work well for us because even though we actually don't mind eating leftovers, we always end up throwing away a lot of food. I hate wasting food and abhor cleaning old food out the refrigerator, so I'm crossing my fingers that this new solution will be a good one.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Storing Supplies
Week 4: GIVE
Sunday, November 28
Storing Supplies – Sometimes having diabetes means you have to carry a lot of supplies or organize different types of medications. Pockets, purses, glove compartments, hands – what do you use to be sure you’re prepared?
Since I've had diabetes, my purse has gotten a lot heavier! Not only do I carry my blood glucose meter & all of its supplies anytime I'm not at home, but I also carry my calorie/fat/carb guide everywhere so I'm prepared to plan my meals wherever I am. For the past couple of weeks, I've also had to carry a pill box with my Janumet in it to take with breakfast and supper. In addition to all of that, I also carry fast-acting glucose tablets and extra medication in case I forget to put my pill box in my purse.
I have two extra BG meters, so I'm planning on bringing one with me to keep at work, because I've forgotten to put it in my purse in the morning at least once, and I happened to have a low that day.
Traveling is also made more difficult, and I'm not even on insulin (which requires refrigeration). I forgot to pack ketone urine test strips the last trip my husband & I took, and I ended up dealing with my highest BG reading I'd had to that point. When my mom & I went to the Diabetes Ed. Class & Health Fair, I thought I had packed enough test strips but ran out that night. I couldn't bring myself to pay $50 for a new box when I had one at home & could get them for next to nothing through my insurance. Luckily, the representative for Abbot was at the health fair, and he gave me several sample boxes of test strips because he felt bad that I had bought the Freestyle Freedom Lite meter kit thinking it included a box of strips like the Bayer meters did (it didn't).
One thing I've come to realize through all of this is that although diabetes makes everyday life and traveling more difficult, things always work out somehow in the end. People who understand what you're dealing with are eager to help and give you the encouragement you need to get through the more challenging days. Having diabetes has underscored how God takes care of us, especially when we need it most!
Sunday, November 28
Storing Supplies – Sometimes having diabetes means you have to carry a lot of supplies or organize different types of medications. Pockets, purses, glove compartments, hands – what do you use to be sure you’re prepared?
Since I've had diabetes, my purse has gotten a lot heavier! Not only do I carry my blood glucose meter & all of its supplies anytime I'm not at home, but I also carry my calorie/fat/carb guide everywhere so I'm prepared to plan my meals wherever I am. For the past couple of weeks, I've also had to carry a pill box with my Janumet in it to take with breakfast and supper. In addition to all of that, I also carry fast-acting glucose tablets and extra medication in case I forget to put my pill box in my purse.
I have two extra BG meters, so I'm planning on bringing one with me to keep at work, because I've forgotten to put it in my purse in the morning at least once, and I happened to have a low that day.
Traveling is also made more difficult, and I'm not even on insulin (which requires refrigeration). I forgot to pack ketone urine test strips the last trip my husband & I took, and I ended up dealing with my highest BG reading I'd had to that point. When my mom & I went to the Diabetes Ed. Class & Health Fair, I thought I had packed enough test strips but ran out that night. I couldn't bring myself to pay $50 for a new box when I had one at home & could get them for next to nothing through my insurance. Luckily, the representative for Abbot was at the health fair, and he gave me several sample boxes of test strips because he felt bad that I had bought the Freestyle Freedom Lite meter kit thinking it included a box of strips like the Bayer meters did (it didn't).
One thing I've come to realize through all of this is that although diabetes makes everyday life and traveling more difficult, things always work out somehow in the end. People who understand what you're dealing with are eager to help and give you the encouragement you need to get through the more challenging days. Having diabetes has underscored how God takes care of us, especially when we need it most!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
The Best Thing
Saturday, November 27
The Best Thing – Yesterday was “Black Friday” when many Americans shopped till they dropped, looking for the best possible gifts. What’s the best diabetes gadget, phone app, book, or other tool you have?
The single best thing that helped me the most when I was first diagnosed was the collection of books I ordered about the various aspects of diabetes. It was over a month between the day I was diagnosed and my first visit to the endocrinologist, so I was on my own for the most part in figuring out how to deal with the disease and all it entails.
I'm the kind of person that likes to know everything about everything. I've always had a hunger for knowledge, and loved most of my classes in school for that reason. Whatever stage of life I'm in at the time, I feel much more comfortable in any situation when I have background information on whatever it is I'm dealing with. I started researching colleges my freshman year of high school, and knew where I was going by the next year. As soon as my husband and I were engaged, I went out and bought bridal magazines and wedding planning books. Finding out I had diabetes was no different--when I was diagnosed, the first thing I did was have some books rush shipped to my door so I could start learning about it!
I've shared this before, but I thought I would include it again since it's pertinent to today's topic. It's an image of all the books on diabetes that I currently have on my book shelf:
The Best Thing – Yesterday was “Black Friday” when many Americans shopped till they dropped, looking for the best possible gifts. What’s the best diabetes gadget, phone app, book, or other tool you have?
The single best thing that helped me the most when I was first diagnosed was the collection of books I ordered about the various aspects of diabetes. It was over a month between the day I was diagnosed and my first visit to the endocrinologist, so I was on my own for the most part in figuring out how to deal with the disease and all it entails.
I'm the kind of person that likes to know everything about everything. I've always had a hunger for knowledge, and loved most of my classes in school for that reason. Whatever stage of life I'm in at the time, I feel much more comfortable in any situation when I have background information on whatever it is I'm dealing with. I started researching colleges my freshman year of high school, and knew where I was going by the next year. As soon as my husband and I were engaged, I went out and bought bridal magazines and wedding planning books. Finding out I had diabetes was no different--when I was diagnosed, the first thing I did was have some books rush shipped to my door so I could start learning about it!
I've shared this before, but I thought I would include it again since it's pertinent to today's topic. It's an image of all the books on diabetes that I currently have on my book shelf:
Amazon.com: 101 Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy with Diabetes...
$5.88 - amazon.com
These books are all wonderful in their own right, and provide a wealth of information for anyone who has an interest in finding out more about this disease. After November, I plan to post detailed reviews on each of them to give you a better idea of what each one is about.
$5.88 - amazon.com
These books are all wonderful in their own right, and provide a wealth of information for anyone who has an interest in finding out more about this disease. After November, I plan to post detailed reviews on each of them to give you a better idea of what each one is about.
Other than books, the other best tool I have in dealing with my diabetes is my blood glucose monitor. In fact, it's much more important on a daily basis than the books are, because it lets me know where I'm at and how I'm doing in following the advice I read and hear. I've had my Freestyle Freedom Lite meter for a couple of weeks now, and I adore it. I've only wasted a couple of test strips since I've had it (as apposed to the five or six I sometimes went through at one time to get a reading with my other meters!), which is no small thing when they cost $1+ apiece!
The Bayer USB meter and the software it comes with were also helpful in seeing at what points my blood glucose ran highest, which turned out to be very interesting. I found that I ran higher in the evenings (no surprise there), and my day for highest blood glucose readings was consistently on Thursday, which I thought was very strange...I expected it to be highest on the weekends. I still haven't figured that one out, but the knowledge in and of itself is helpful.
Well, I'm battling a headache after spending the day putting up Christmas decorations, so I'm going to go now, but I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 26, 2010
"Friends & Family Friday"
Week 4: GIVE
Friday, November 26
“Friends & Family Friday” – Interview someone to learn how they feel about your diabetes, or let them write a “guest post” on your blog! Don’t know who to work with? Try looking at the other blogs in our community and reach out to another blogger who wrote something you liked.
My Mom was with me the day I was diagnosed. I didn't want my husband to have to take off work in case there wasn't anything to worry about, but I also didn't want to go by myself in case there was...So I asked her to go with me. Even though I pretty much knew what was going on, I was still very nervous because I knew that if I was right, it would be a life-changing moment that I didn't want to go through alone.
So that afternoon, Mom met me at the clinic and waited with me for my name to be called. She asked me if I wanted her to wait on me, or go back to the room with me, and I chose the latter. The nurse came in and took down my symptoms, then checked my blood sugar and asked me to give a urine sample. A little while later the doctor came in, and we went over my symptoms and such. He left the room to get my results, then came back and said, "You do have Diabetes, okay?"
As I've commented before, I couldn't believe later on that the doctor wasn't more sympathetic when he revealed that piece of news to me. I know it's an everyday occurrence for them to have to give bad news to people, but it's my opinion that they should at least try to be empathetic towards their patients. But, that's not so important to the subject at hand.
When the doctor left the room after that, I was kind of in shock, but then I looked over at my mom, and she was crying. Whenever someone else is crying, I usually end up tearing up as well, and this time was no exception--even though I know we were both trying so hard not to do so. We had enough time to get our faces cleaned up again before the doctor came back in, but it was a tough moment nonetheless.
When we talked about it later, Mom told me that it was hard on her because she didn't want to have another child that had to go through that (my sister was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes when she was 16 almost four years ago, and my dad has had Type II for the last two years). She knows the impact this disease has on someone's life, and although I adjusted to my diagnosis somewhat easier than my sister had, my parents still had to go through the emotional shock of having a daughter being diagnosed with a chronic illness once again.
I suppose it was easier the second time around, especially since by the time the doctors figured out what was going on with my sister, she was already in Diabetic Ketoacidosis. She had to be transported by helicoptor to a hospital a couple of hours away, and spent a few days there recovering and learning the ins and outs of Diabetes. It was a traumatic experience for my family, but if there is a bright side, it was that when I was diagnosed we had already learned a lot about living with the disease, so there wasn't such a big learning curve.
As I've mentioned before, my mom has been a huge support throughout all of this, and I don't know what I would do without her. It helps a lot just knowing that I don't have to deal with it all on my own, especially since my husband would never be able to get off work every time I have a doctor's appointment!
Friday, November 26
“Friends & Family Friday” – Interview someone to learn how they feel about your diabetes, or let them write a “guest post” on your blog! Don’t know who to work with? Try looking at the other blogs in our community and reach out to another blogger who wrote something you liked.
My Mom was with me the day I was diagnosed. I didn't want my husband to have to take off work in case there wasn't anything to worry about, but I also didn't want to go by myself in case there was...So I asked her to go with me. Even though I pretty much knew what was going on, I was still very nervous because I knew that if I was right, it would be a life-changing moment that I didn't want to go through alone.
So that afternoon, Mom met me at the clinic and waited with me for my name to be called. She asked me if I wanted her to wait on me, or go back to the room with me, and I chose the latter. The nurse came in and took down my symptoms, then checked my blood sugar and asked me to give a urine sample. A little while later the doctor came in, and we went over my symptoms and such. He left the room to get my results, then came back and said, "You do have Diabetes, okay?"
As I've commented before, I couldn't believe later on that the doctor wasn't more sympathetic when he revealed that piece of news to me. I know it's an everyday occurrence for them to have to give bad news to people, but it's my opinion that they should at least try to be empathetic towards their patients. But, that's not so important to the subject at hand.
When the doctor left the room after that, I was kind of in shock, but then I looked over at my mom, and she was crying. Whenever someone else is crying, I usually end up tearing up as well, and this time was no exception--even though I know we were both trying so hard not to do so. We had enough time to get our faces cleaned up again before the doctor came back in, but it was a tough moment nonetheless.
When we talked about it later, Mom told me that it was hard on her because she didn't want to have another child that had to go through that (my sister was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes when she was 16 almost four years ago, and my dad has had Type II for the last two years). She knows the impact this disease has on someone's life, and although I adjusted to my diagnosis somewhat easier than my sister had, my parents still had to go through the emotional shock of having a daughter being diagnosed with a chronic illness once again.
I suppose it was easier the second time around, especially since by the time the doctors figured out what was going on with my sister, she was already in Diabetic Ketoacidosis. She had to be transported by helicoptor to a hospital a couple of hours away, and spent a few days there recovering and learning the ins and outs of Diabetes. It was a traumatic experience for my family, but if there is a bright side, it was that when I was diagnosed we had already learned a lot about living with the disease, so there wasn't such a big learning curve.
As I've mentioned before, my mom has been a huge support throughout all of this, and I don't know what I would do without her. It helps a lot just knowing that I don't have to deal with it all on my own, especially since my husband would never be able to get off work every time I have a doctor's appointment!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 25
Happy Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving is often a busy day, so you can keep it simple: What did you enjoy for your thanksgiving dinner? (And what was the carb count)? Photos are always welcome!
We just got back from eating lunch at my mom's house, and it was wonderful! I had some turkey with a little bit of turkey gravy, some stuffing, my mom's famous potato casserole, whole berry cranberry sauce, green beans, and a roll. I was doing good, but then I went back for seconds...Really good food is sometime by biggest downfall, because I have a harder time stopping when I need to. I'm not sure what the carb count of my meal would have been, but I am sure it was too much, because my 2 hour postprandial was 224. I was disappointed, but then I just decided that it was what it was, and that I would have a chance to do better at supper.
SO...Wish me luck, and I hope y'all are having a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving is often a busy day, so you can keep it simple: What did you enjoy for your thanksgiving dinner? (And what was the carb count)? Photos are always welcome!
We just got back from eating lunch at my mom's house, and it was wonderful! I had some turkey with a little bit of turkey gravy, some stuffing, my mom's famous potato casserole, whole berry cranberry sauce, green beans, and a roll. I was doing good, but then I went back for seconds...Really good food is sometime by biggest downfall, because I have a harder time stopping when I need to. I'm not sure what the carb count of my meal would have been, but I am sure it was too much, because my 2 hour postprandial was 224. I was disappointed, but then I just decided that it was what it was, and that I would have a chance to do better at supper.
SO...Wish me luck, and I hope y'all are having a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
"Wordless Wednesday" - Getting Ready for Thanksgiving
Wednesday, November 24
“Wordless Wednesday” – Share a picture or video on your blog! (need ideas for subject matter? How are you getting ready for the Thanksgiving festivities? Baking in advance? Adding some extra exercise to your schedule? Cleaning to prepare for company? Show us!)
My mom's side of the family celebrated Thanksgiving early last weekend, so our holiday will be pretty mellow! We're going over to my parents' house tomorrow for lunch, then since my mom's birthday is tomorrow as well, we're having pizza (shipped straight from Chicago!) with them tomorrow evening.
I'm in charge of making the Chocolate Ice Box Pie for lunch tomorrow, so I'm fixing to go get the ingredients for it. It's a great dessert to make sugar free, and it tastes so good you'd never know the difference!
Just replace the pudding and Cool Whip with sugar free versions, and try this tip for making a sugar free version of powdered sugar out of splenda: http://candy.about.com/od/healthyoptions/qt/psreplace.htm
I thought I would share a few Thanksgiving cartoons before I go!
“Wordless Wednesday” – Share a picture or video on your blog! (need ideas for subject matter? How are you getting ready for the Thanksgiving festivities? Baking in advance? Adding some extra exercise to your schedule? Cleaning to prepare for company? Show us!)
My mom's side of the family celebrated Thanksgiving early last weekend, so our holiday will be pretty mellow! We're going over to my parents' house tomorrow for lunch, then since my mom's birthday is tomorrow as well, we're having pizza (shipped straight from Chicago!) with them tomorrow evening.
I'm in charge of making the Chocolate Ice Box Pie for lunch tomorrow, so I'm fixing to go get the ingredients for it. It's a great dessert to make sugar free, and it tastes so good you'd never know the difference!
Just replace the pudding and Cool Whip with sugar free versions, and try this tip for making a sugar free version of powdered sugar out of splenda: http://candy.about.com/od/healthyoptions/qt/psreplace.htm
I thought I would share a few Thanksgiving cartoons before I go!
And finally, this is so true...
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