Comment by Scott E on August 16, 2011 at 5:39am

You swim.... you have a swim coach who's also T1... and you have an endo who is also a swimmer. I don't know if that happened just by chance, but that's awesome!! I think exercise is the hardest part of figuring out diabetes (you can't exactly "count" carbs burned like you can count carbs eaten or units of insulin), and it's great to have people around you who can relate. When I used to play ice hockey (which was before I took the leap and started a pump), nobody could tell me how I could make pumping work ("no, doc, I can't call a time-out to strip off my layers and layers of padding to check my infusion site!") or what meter wouldn't give a Low-Temp alarm inside the rink. I'd love to get back into playing again, but now that I've got a family, it's not that easy. And I still need to figure out what to do with the pump, though I've gotten good advice from friends here on Tu.

Comment by Brian Wittman on August 17, 2011 at 4:29pm

This is a marvelous survey. I think we all should take it. I think I will Yoink it for myself, if it is alright with you.

I particularly love the best diabetic moment. Mine was when I was asked what was in the box at a church supper. Turns out tha tone of the people at the table had been dxd that day,and understandably, was reeling from the news. Between him, his wife and others at the table who knew the situation, I managed to test my blood, load a pen with a needle and show how to give a shot. Had I not just taken one, I would have been able to show them as well, but I was able to show a "pinch and a poke" to demonstrate how easy it is. I wish I would have had a pump to show. Maybe soon for that.

I also like your statement that says diabetes is part of you, but it doesn't define you. I tell that to a depressed diabetic friend all the time, and believe it with my whole heart.

Diabetes has made me a better person. It is definately life changing. Acceptance is a wonderful thing; in life, in faith and in love.

Be well.

Brian Wittman

Comment by Michael Hoskins on August 17, 2011 at 9:37pm

Thanks for sharing these details, Rebecca! Love hearing some of your perspective as a swimming, as I swam in high school and had some of those specific issues (in the days before pumping). Great finding you here and will look forward to reading more down the road!

Comment by Brian Wittman on August 17, 2011 at 10:00pm

hi Rebecca~

Please allow me to share a little about my diabetic self. This is a wonderful survey.

Your profile says you are from Burnsville. i'll bet that is Burnsville, Minnesota. Fr4om one Minnesotan to another, it is nice to meet you.

Be well.

Brian Wittman

1. How old were you when you were diagnosed? And/or how old is your diabetes now?

I don’t know. I was diagnosed in the late 60’s or the early 90’s. I really wanted to forget the day. I guess I did a pretty good job.

2. What was your first reaction to your diagnosis?

I looked at it as an educational opportunity. I was pretty good at getting facts and better at believing that they didn’t apply to me.

3. Have you ever been to diabetes camp/events? Have you made any friends that way?

No.

4. Do you know any other diabetics? (both online and IRL)

Yes. Diabetes runs rampant in my mother’s side of the family. I also have a couple of friends who are diabetic; one of which is very close. She had a lot to do with my learning to cope and live with diabetes.

5. Pump, shots, or something else? Why? What meter/pump do you use?

I am currently on MDI with 500mg of Metformin twice each day. I am hoping for a pump soon. My insurance company does not agree that a pump is a good thing.

6. Do you advertise it or try to hide it? Any reason why?

I do not wear my diabetes on my sleeve. I do talk freely about it to anyone who is interested.

7. What’s your favorite diabetic book/movie?

I have two diabetes books. Piumping Insulin by John Walsh and the Calorie King book. I read the pump book occasionally. I use the Calorie King book all the time to help me count carbs.

8. Did you have to make any major lifestyle changes when you were diagnosed?

Not at first. When I had my wake-up call, I changed, life changed, in a big way.

9. Have you ever traveled far away with it? What was that like?
A diabetic takes diabetes wherever they go. Yes, I have traveled on a bus to Tennessee, and by car all over the upper Midwest. I have a little black case that contains a meter, insulin, syringes and the like. I get a lot of questions about it and it opens conversations. I have never had a problem.

10. What was your scariest diabetes moment?

I was mowing a lawn at a home that I take care of that is located a good distance away from my home. I was alone and went low…48 to be exact. I had no sugar or anything to eat to bring things back up. I was lucky to have a meter with me. I drove to a convenience store to get something to eat and bring me back into reality. I have no idea why or how I did it.
11. What’s your record for highs/lows?

My worst low was 43. My highest has been over 600.

12. How’s your relationship with your endocrinologist?

Okay, I guess. He has made some positive changes and is genuinely interested in good control for me. He always wants me to work a little harder. I try, but it never seems to be enough.

13. What’s your favorite diabetes joke?

I don’t have a diabetes joke; not even one that isn’t fit to tell.

14. Have you ever gotten in trouble for doing something diabetes-related that someone didn’t think was allowed? (Bolusing in class, blood sugar test in a meeting, eating at work, etc)

Not that I can remember. I am rather private about testing and injecting.

15. What’s your favorite oh-gosh-my-diabetes-hate-me-for-eating-this food?

Italian food.

16. Do you own/use any diabetic cookbooks?

No. I don’t see the need for it. I don’t cook.

17. Has being diabetic gotten you any privileges? (scholarships, special treatment, etc)

No.

18. What advice would you give a newly-diagnosed diabetic?

diabetes is good for getting the best of one’s head. Don’t let it take over life and don’t ignore it, either. Diabetes is a very unique part of you, however, it does not define us. We cal all llive and love better by living a healthy diabetic lifestyle. Embrace it and something might happen; you just might enjoy having the dis

Comment by Scott E on August 18, 2011 at 7:50pm

Like Brian, I've been inspired too! You can see my responses here.

Comment by Jag1 on August 22, 2011 at 1:50am

Nice summary, and I think your attitude is great. Keep it up!

Also, let me recommend one book that I wish had been available back when I got T1 at about your age. It's called "Type 1 Diabetes" by Ragnar Hanas. It doesn't try to scare you or tell you you have to turn your life upside down - it gives practical advice for dealing with the disease and living life the way you want to. It's a great read and a great reference. And it backs everything up with tons of reference paper you can track down if you're interested in the science. The Pumping Insulin/Using insulin books are also a must unless you know all about carb counting and dosing insulin already.

Good luck!

p.s. OK, sorry but I have to ask - why the picture of the steak sauce in your profile??

Comment by Rebecca on February 27, 2013 at 5:52pm

Well I'm really late, but thanks for all the replies everyone! I guess I didn't know I had any!

Comment by socaking on March 31, 2013 at 7:28am

Comment by socaking on March 31, 2013 at 7:28am

Comment by socaking on March 31, 2013 at 7:30am

Hi Rebecca. So do you typically eat the same foods for your meals so it's easier to count the carbs and know how your body reacts?

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