Help TuDiabetes.com
A message from Manny:
We know that diabetes is a disease that can be very hard to live all by yourself, without knowing others who really understand you. That is why we formed the great family of TuDiabetes.com that now has more than 3,000 members from around the world.
Earlier this year, the Diabetes Hands Foundation was formed to run our communities. This was possible thanks in part to the partnership with LifeScan around the Word In Your Hand project.
However, that partnership will only let us cover part of our operational expenses. We will not be able to cover all our costs this year without more help. So, today I come to ask YOU for help.
You know us and you know where we come from and what we do. I trust you will find it in you to help us however you can.
No amount is too small. If you can give $100, that is great. If you can only give $5, that is great too.
Things I will never understand…
How doesn’t a doctor want a patient to test at least twice a week, if the patient is supposedly borderline diabetic? There isn’t such a thing, you either are or are not. Doctors should listen to patients, and if they want a meter, give them the prescription! Most insurances will cover the cost.
If someone claims to be type 1 diabetic, how come they say they don’t use insulin? Is there such a thing as a non-insulin dependent type 1 diabetic? Someone, please, enlighten me.
And what is the minimum times per day a type 1 diabetic patient needs to test? I don’t get Medicare standards sometimes.
Oh, the joys of working with diabetic patients. But I love my job!
TuDiabetes & OneTouch partnership
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An Invitation from Manny
Find more videos like this on Tu Diabetes - A Community for People Touched by Diabetes
I know why I like Tai Chi
From Medical News Today:
According to two small studies published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in April 2008, Tai Chi exercises can improve blood glucose levels and improve the control of type 2 diabetes and immune system response. [...] After 12 weeks in the exercise program, the levels of glycated hemoglobin levels fell significantly, from 7.59% to 7.16% in diabetic patients, a significant difference. Interleukin-12, which boosts the immune response, increased in level; interleukin-4, which lessens the immune response, declined. In conjunction, T cell activity also significantly increased.
Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that combines diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation with soft, gentle movements. It is considered moderate exercise, which has previously been shown to improve immune system response, in contrast to strenuous physical activity, which depresses it. Previous studies have shown that it improves respiratory and cardiovascular function, while improving flexibility and relieving stress.
I’m not ashamed of being a diabetic
I was working on a survey this morning that happened to be about diabetes. The normal questions about what kind of treatment, or how willing would I be to use insulin… And then the more personal questions about the way I feel about my diabetes. They were asking me if I feel less of a person, or ashamed of my disease. NO, I DO NOT.
Just a few weeks ago, when we went to have dinner with a friend at a local restaurant, I had forgotten to refill my carry-on pill container, so I just grabbed the whole Metformin bottle on my way out. Once in the restaurant, I proceeded to take one of the pills to have with my meal. When we were coming home, my husband asked me “Why did you bring the whole bottle? Don’t do that…” - I got upset. I know he didn’t mean anything bad, but I thought “Well, I am not ashamed of having to take pills, and most certainly not ashamed of being a diabetic. It happens, deal with it.”
I find it sad that there are people who neglect their diabetes care because they are afraid of testing their blood glucose in public, or giving themselves insulin shots. I have no problem with taking my glucometer out in public. In fact, it makes me feel important, it makes me feel RESPONSIBLE. What if other people feel uncomfortable? Well, that is not my problem, really. I have a chronic disease to take care of, and I’m not going to change my habits just so other people won’t freak out.
It is our job to educate others. So next time I’m in public taking care of my diabetes, and someone looks at me with enquiring eyes, I will offer a diabetes overview. 
Posting good news
I have to get used to post here more often. I’m not very good at reporting health related issues, especially personal ones. But that was the idea of this weblog, and I will stick to it. Taking care of 4+ weblogs kinda makes me lose track. But I have good news… really good news!
I went to see my endo last week after blood work. My A1C went down from 7.2% to 6.2% (still to improve, but much better!), my thyroid levels are NORMAL for the first time in months, and I’ve lost 10 pounds since November. The doctor was rather happy, she gave me high 5, and reminded me to exercise more often. That’s where I run into trouble, but I’m getting there.
I’m eating much smaller portions these days and I’m rather surprised. I didn’t set my mind on it, but somehow my body is getting used to it. I think I’m nourishing myself properly without getting sick. I’m also choosing salads over potatoes with no problem, and taking my meds with an amazing discipline.
If I continue like this, the doctor says I can work on getting pregnant in a year. I’m happy!
Diabetes and Caffeine
Read on Yahoo! News:
Cutting down on caffeine could help people with the most common form of diabetes better control their blood sugar levels, researchers said on Monday.
I cut down my caffeine intake many months ago after I got sick with a Starbucks latte. I don’t blame the coffee, but the milk. However, it was enough to drink coffee only at home and only in the morning. I don’t have more than 1/2 cup.
Caffeine appears to disrupt glucose metabolism in a way that could be harmful to people with type-2 diabetes.
As for other sources like tea and soft drinks, I think I’m OK. I drink tea very randomly and I dislike sodas with passion.
Obesity Surgery and Diabetes
Read on Yahoo! News:
CHICAGO - A new study gives the strongest evidence yet that obesity surgery can cure diabetes. Patients who had surgery to reduce the size of their stomachs were five times more likely to see their diabetes disappear over the next two years than were patients who had standard diabetes care, according to Australian researchers.
The way I see it, or at least what I have learnt, Diabetes has NO cure. We can manage to live a healthy life without the need of medication or insulin, but as far as I know, the disease will always be there. I don’t know if I’m being difficult, but when I read the word CURE, I’m afraid people are being misinformed. I suppose I have to give credit to the research teams and the doctors, though.
As for weight-loss surgery, it is something I have thought about myself, but have never looked at carefully. I think some people may not have another option, but it isn’t one for me.
Surgery risks should be weighed against diabetes drug side effects and the long-term risks of diabetes itself, they (researchers) said.
We will keep on hoping for a cure.
Personal Update
I think now that my thyroid is more balanced, my sugar levels are actually normal most of the time. I haven’t had anything higher than 120 mg/dl during the last month, and I feel very proud of it. I could improve these number by become more active, and that’s something I’m working on.
The last days of 2007 and the first weeks of 2008 have been crazy busy, but I feel good. If anything, I haven’t felt any sugar highs; just a few lows that have been taken care of ASAP. I have the hope that my next A1C test will give me better results than the last one (which was 7.19%).
And to make things better, I received a bunch of freebies from dLife today. A book with recipes for diabetics, some coupons and the good news that Kraft Foods has a section of their website dedicated to healthy living with diabetes.
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Welcome!
My name is Beatriz and I'm diabetic. This disease takes numerous lives away every year, despite the countless efforts people around the world are making to find a cure.
It is my intention to create awareness of how important it is for us to think about diseases like this. I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences, to make this page part of the commitment of the blogger community with the Diabetes cause.
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