Flu Shots

Another D parent recently pointed out to us that it is imperative that L get a flu shot. When you have the flu (if I have my facts straight) your liver releases stored glucose as well as a hormone that keeps insulin from processing it. This is well and good if you are not diabetic, have the flu and no appetite. Your body is built to take care of itself. However, a diabetic is balancing their insulin based on their carb intake, so if their body is saying not to respond to the insulin, then trouble in Kansas city...

We got a flu shot for her at Clinic the other day. She hated it - tensed up and the nurse had to stick her 3 or 4 times before she complete the injection. I was ready to do it myself. But we felt better knowing we were protecting L from the possibility of the flu and the nasty side effects diabetics suffer from.

Hmmm
L has had numbers in the high 200 - 300s over the last two days. No key tones, no rhyme or reason.

My theory is that her numbers are hight because the flu shot has her body responding to well, the FLU. It would have been nice to have been forwarned that this might happen. It is either that or the honeymoon period is over. As Dr. B said, "Oh, you'll know when its over..."

I feel a bit depressed about all this tonight...

Lucky 7

Oh Joy!
Lili's A1C was 7.0. Right smack in the target. Yay for L.

We had our 2nd clinic appointment today since diagnosis. We came armed with a million questions, frazzled nerves, and fear of being reprimanded for not doing middle-of-the-night tests for the last three months.

The best comment from Dr. B was to make sure to give L "diabetes vacations" and do all her shots for her so she won't get burnt out. She has been doing her shots by herself for over a week and was so excited to tell the Dr. He told her that she was ahead of the game and that usually kids don't start doing that until they are in the 5th or 6th grade. For the record, I think she was inspired to do her shots because my hands are cold in the AM...

Had a good discussion about GAD proteins, pancreas transplants, and closed loop insulin pumps. Told the doc to put us on the list.

World Diabetes Day

Here is a note my friend Allison sent via email today:


Happy World Diabetes Day!

Okay, so that doesn't quite sound as sincere as "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Thanksgiving, because there really isn't a lot to be happy about when it comes to the global diabetes epidemic. You and I both know how important it is to find a cure for diabetes, but it's also important that diabetes is recognized as a serious problem by more than just our community. Luckily, there is something "happy" going on right now. You may have heard about the new Unite for Diabetes Campaign, which is organizing efforts to pass a new UN Resolution on diabetes, which would recognized the epidemic, encourage and support countries in research and education, and give us the opportunity to speak at the UN in New York City each year on November 14. Right now they have posted a petition to encourage our UN ambassador and other key opinion leaders to support passing the Resolution. It's a great opportunity to be a part of a global diabetes initiative. I'm doing my civic duty and signing the petition and telling you all about it, and if you haven't signed the petition yet (and forgive me for being redundant if you have), you can sign the petition by visiting this website
http:http://petition.unitefordiabetes.org/form.php

You can find out more about diabetes on a global level and the Campaign by visiting
http://www.unitedfordiabetes.com

Once you sign the petition, please send this link to all your friends and family. Diabetes doesn't just affect the people who take the shots and test their blood sugar. It affects the whole world. Thanks!

Allison

Diabetes Writer and Consultant
http://www.lemonlemonade.com

Ice Princess

This weekend I watched my daughter compete in her 2nd ice skating competition --first since her diagnosis. I couldn't believe how strong she looked. She has gained her muscles back and looks like she did a year ago, only taller and stronger. I kept staring at her in amazement - it was only 6 months ago that we were wondering why she was so thin, after looking strong and athletic her entire young life.

The first day was intense. Right before her first program I left the coaches area and went to the outside of the rink where I could see her waiting to take her turn. I kept wondering how she was feeling - not wondering if she was nervous, but if she felt low, and if she knew where I was in case she was low, and hoping I would be able to get to her in time and not have any drama to ruin this experience for her.

Much to my suprise she was crazy high all weekend - in the high 200 and 300's. No keytones, fortunatly. Thank goodness another D-mom called me and assured me that this was typical - that adrenaline from excitement and nervousness can raise your BG levels.

Nothing about this condition phases her. She skated the best I have ever seen her skate. What a kid. Focused, determined, strong.