On Friday, the Guardian Link 3 Transmitter for my Medtronic Minimed 670G Insulin Pump died. The transmitter is part of the Continuous Glucose Monitoring system (CGM) that is required for auto mode and for the pump to automatically adjust insulin delivery. The transmitter quit working unexpectedly. I had just calibrated a new sensor. I got… Continue Reading
It was one year ago when I had my insulin pump training and began using an insulin pump. It’s been a great year. I feel lucky to be alive at this time in history. I lead a pretty normal life. Before using an insulin pump, I had to do insulin shots, and my blood glucose… Continue Reading
“Rage Bolus” is defined in the T1D Slang Dictionary (JDRF) as “a large bolus/series of mild boluses administered to correct high blood sugar, an action that can sometimes lead to low blood sugar. Always rage bolus responsibly!” Kerry at Six Until Me defines it as an “aggressive correction dose” and says that it “Often results… Continue Reading
This post is about how to try to change your mindset so that diabetes doesn’t make you depressed. If you are already depressed, please look for help — take care of your mental health. It’s important. Mental health goes hand in hand with diabetes health — You are one person, and must take care of… Continue Reading
I find that I need more insulin and have a much more difficult time keeping my blood glucose in the normal range during the week before I get my period. I have been increasing my basal insulin by 1 unit during the last week of my menstrual cycle, and I have to take extra bolus… Continue Reading
I just refilled my Freestyle Libre 14 day sensor. It costs me about $74.99/month (see more about cost). I’m amazed with the technology. (I’ve previously written my first thoughts on the Freestyle Libre 14 day System.) It is pain free and shows me a graph of my glucose level. Compared to blood glucose tests, this… Continue Reading
Since being diagnosed with LADA Diabetes, medical bills have become commonplace. My finances these days include paying all kinds of medical bills — bills for doctor visits, bills for labwork, and for medical durable supplies like an insulin pump. Not to mention that I’ve become a regular at my local pharmacy, and also get mail… Continue Reading
I have a fondness for the Junior version of the Humalog Insulin Pen. I asked my doctor for it because it allows for measuring half units of insulin, which the regular humalog insulin pens don’t have as an option. I like it because it allows for injecting a dose like 1.5 or 2.5 units instead… Continue Reading
Seven years into my LADA diabetes journey, I’ve now used about 7 different blood glucose meters. Tech improvements keep making them better. The one I’m currently using is the One Touch Verio Flex Blood Glucose Meter. It’s the first meter I’ve owned that has bluetooth and a mobile app (for both Android and iPhone). I… Continue Reading
I use the Medtronic Minimed 670G Insulin Pump, which has two different systems. It has both an “Auto mode” and a “Manual mode.” I started using auto mode after using the pump for 1 week. My trainer taught me how to use auto mode and I was instructed to stay in auto mode most of… Continue Reading
I have a fondness for the Junior version of the Humalog Insulin Pen. I asked my doctor for it because it allows for measuring half units of insulin, which the regular humalog insulin pens don’t have as an option. I like it because it allows for injecting a dose like 1.5 or 2.5 units instead… Continue Reading
Part of the motivation to create this blog about my LADA diabetes experience is that there’s a never ending amount of material to write about. Some days are more challenging than others, but even on a good day, I have to spend time thinking about my diabetes. I am sure as I gain more experience… Continue Reading
Last Spring, I went on a trip to Arizona. This was my second time traveling with insulin, but my first time traveling to a warmer climate. I was concerned about how to keep my insulin cool. I was also concerned with making sure I had enough sugar on me to treat low blood sugar. Diabetes… Continue Reading
Anxiety is a common experience for many of us with diabetes. The feeling of anxiety can be a symptom of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). But we can also get anxiety because we are anxious about things in our lives — for example, being anxious about diabetes! This article is about anxiety that may be related… Continue Reading
Are you looking for a gift for someone with diabetes? Here, I’ll compile a few of my thoughts. Since being diagnosed with diabetes about five years ago, I’ve received some gifts that were chosen because I’m diabetic. Truthfully, what to buy someone with diabetes could be answered with: Buy them something that they’ll like. Just… Continue Reading
a surprise bill Five years after being diagnosed with diabetes, and two years after starting insulin for it, I moved across the state. I researched the area I was moving to and set up an appointment with an endocrinologist. There was only one endocrinologist in 300 miles and they were scheduling new patients 9 months out. … Continue Reading
What does hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) feel like? One of my “learned skills” from having diabetes is recognizing when I may have hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia is defined as a blood glucose reading less than [bgl]70[/bgl]. When the body’s glucose level drops, the body pumps out the hormone adrenaline, which causes a whole… Continue Reading
What is MDI? MDI stands for “multiple daily injections.” People who need to use insulin for treating their diabetes can do so using an insulin pump or performing injections. Most people who take insulin using injections will need to do them multiple times each day. Most commonly, they take one or two shots of long… Continue Reading
Image Credit: “Three Stack”by cogdogblog is licensed under CC0 1.0 I’ve noticed that I can achieve better glucose control if I track the number of carbs that I eat. But, that’s hard to do. 3 Challenges 1. Distraction / Forget Sometimes, I just forget. I get distracted and eat something without thinking about measuring… Continue Reading
I lost over 50 pounds in the two years leading up to my diabetes diagnosis. I didn’t know that the weight loss was a symptom of anything going wrong. I had previously struggled with unexplained weight gain, so unexplained weight loss I welcomed. The Mayo clinic maintains a page listing potential causes of unexplained weight… Continue Reading
Diabetes makes life harder. The day to day work of treating diabetes is tiring. Anyone dealing with diabetes knows how much careful work it takes every day. Yet, when I look at my own personal diabetes story and how getting it has changed me life, it’s not all bad. There are positive things about it,… Continue Reading
Happy Saturday! Today I woke up, looked at my Freestyle Libre sensor, and saw that I had high blood glucose for much of the night. This is a disappointing way to start my day. If you monitor your overnight glucose with a Continuous Glucose Monitor like the Freestyle Libre 14 Day system or a Dexcom… Continue Reading
I’ve been described as a very “goal oriented” person, so since having diabetes, I’ve formulated my own personal goals based on my research and experience. In this blog post, I’m mostly going to talk about what my goals are and why. If you are looking for guidelines on things like A1C numbers, fasting blood glucose… Continue Reading
I’m going to buy an insulin pump. Yesterday I just said “yes” on the phone and I received a UPS tracking number. Welcome to real adulthood. I am 36 years old and this is my first time spending $4000 (out of pocket) on a piece of durable medical equipment. There are feelings about this. When… Continue Reading