Does drinking coffee raise your bloodsugar levels....?

I have posted on this before, but I think it's important. I used to think that was a crazy question. Now I'm not so sure. Tony at Dsainsights posed that question a while back and I told him I thought he had lost his mind. After paying attention for quite a few months now, Im not positive, but I think he is right. I have noticed that I do tend to trend upward pretty dramatically in the a.m. after drinking coffee. I can't prove it 100% but it sure seems like coffee is the cause of it... Adrenaline and all that......

Keep an eye out and see what you think. Watch it over time and see what your conclusion is....

oh yeah, and chocolate mocha latte doesn't count.... I'm talking coffee coffee....the straight stuff with just cream or sweet and low...
let me know ...................

Back to bloggin......:)

I have re immersed myself lately in the blogging world. I hope to stay consistent. You can always find my stuff at Diabetes Daily or at www.joyofdiabetes.ning.com
I am pretty involved at Twitter under joy of diabetes and at Liveoutloudwd.
It is amazing what kind of time it takes to stay involved in all the sites....I gotta admit that I have met a lot of really cool and helpful people though.
Bob

I do not like Green eggs and D'

Posted this on DD awhile ago...thought I'd repost it. Some folks say that they might want to be D again if they had the opportunity to choose.....some not. Heres my thoughts.....

---

Okay, here goes another strange, warped, take on this thing

Would you take this thing called D
If you could start over and avoid or flee

would you stay ...the same as you are
or would you choose to run away far

would it be.. the disease that defines you
or would you choose eating what the others foks do

would you choose this accepted known plight
or would you slink away in the night

could you be happier with no phsical worries
or are you made better ...you be the jury

what is it ...that could possibly make you
choose to stay with this thing wherever it takes you

24-7, forever, no breaks
why would you want this ...for goodness sake

would you, could you, choose this again
Not me, no way, Nada my friends.......


.....just one mans thoughts.......but I respect all others..Cheers...Bob

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lwLAV5Zykg The most recent video....It's kinda cute....

Navigating through the Christmas party season....

I don't know about everyone else, but I always struggle trying to maintain stellar glucose control when attending parties throughout this season. With all of the unknown tantalizing foods on the table, it is hard to figure out your insulin needs.
Usually most cooks seem to go for the high carbohydrate or high fat foods during these times. Unfortunately, it is not always apparent what exactly is in Aunt Mabels Super Surprise Caserole. You don't want to hurt her feelings, but you also don't want to mess up your sugar levels either. I think the solution is to say yes to small portions (sometimes really small) and to know that it is OK to say NO to things that you know will cause you problems. I am not always the best at doing so but after a party I attended last weekend and had major glucose control problems later, I have decided to just be more assertive in my NO's and more inquisitive in my YES's. I will focus more on what I have to do than on worrying about hurting someones' feelings.
I just have to get better at saying No I think.... I'll keep it a joyful season I guess being more resolved in my control and less worried about offending others.
I'll just see everyone as my teenager kids....that should make saying "No" easier.....lol

Keep Going.........Peace, Bob

Lost without my CGMS.......

I recently had a few sensors on my CGMS that went kaput.....since I normally reorder with 2 sensors left, I didn't have any more in stock, and have been the last 2 days without it. Having been on a Dexcom for around 2 years, I always knew that I depended on it but I didn't realize how much. The data I get every 5 minutes really helps me in keeping my diabetes in check. I didn't realize that the last 2 years I had become so dependent on that information and that it truly has been a huge help and blessing in improving the management and the confidence I have in my daily diabetes control. Hurry up Fedex.......
If you don't already have a cgms, I would tell you to ask for one for Christmas.....
Keep going, Peace, Bob

The Misadventures of Lil' Johnny....and his cgms

Here is the most recent video. I think it's funny,I hope you like it. You are welcome (wait strike that....Encouraged) if you like it, to pass it around. You can see all the videos at www.youtube.com/1diabetic There is some funny stuff, and I should have a few more out soon....
Keep going, Peace Bob

Living Out Loud with Diabetes..................

I have just recently started a new Diabetic Forum called Living Out Loud with Diabetes. It is a humorous site for diabetics and those that love 'em. You can see it at http://www.joyofdiabetes.ning.com/ Come visit and post often....

Mayo Clinic Presentation

I was honored to give a presentation on The Joy of Diabetes to about 100-120 Diabetes Educators at the Mayo clinic yesterday. Jack Bisson helped me with a lot of the improv games, and he did a great job. It was hilarious to see all these folks up and around playing games and being funny. We focused on "Yes and" to help them see the benefits of agreement and positive reinforcement. The presentation ran about an hour and we have had a lot of positive feedback in regards to the message and the concept. The Omni-Pod folks were also there and had a display table set up for information.....I think a good time was had by all......Peace, Bob

Diabetes Presentation at Mayo clinic

Tomorrow I will be givng a presentation on The Joy of Diabetes to Diabetes Educators at The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. I will be addressing them for about an hour and hope to inpire, educate, and shed some light on Living with diabetes......It should be a lot of fun.....Bob

Got Diabeetees....this is pretty hilarious

My most recent video about Poking diabetes with a stick. Thanks to all those who helped put this together including Ron, Jess, Kyle, and Josh. You guys rock. This is pretty hilarious....if I do say so myself.....

Passionate......expressing passion or strong feeling. Capable or characterized by passion or intense feeling. Vehement.....

A word that I think has always described my approach to my diabetes. It is also how I feel about trying to motivate existing diabetics who are not taking care of themselves or are in denial .
This last week,I had 2 stories of how someone's loved one was not taking care of themselves, and the terrible impact that lack of action was causing in their lives. It was once again, incredibly sad and troubling to me.
Why oh Why, oh Why, don't people "get it". It just is what it is, You got the D!....now is the time to take charge and deal with it. The good news is that when you do, life improves and so does your health. If not.......well, we all kinda know how that works out.

Diabetes..........oh the Joy!......

Keep going,..................................Peace, Bob

JDRF Gala.....

This weekend, my wife and I were honored to attend the JDRF Gala held in Jacksonville Florida. It was really a pretty amazing event. They had a silent auction that was huge!
There were hundreds in attendance and I know that they had a very positive fundraiser in the $ column. Everyone was very kind and it was a lot of fun. Thanks to the folks at the local Jacksonville Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
I was espescially touched by a picture they showed on the projector screen of a little guy who was probably 3 or 4 and was getting an injection in the back of his arm. The look on his face really got to me. It is interesting as I was diagnosed at 13 months....I was that kid a long time ago, and I have never been bothered by the i njections or any of the process. As a parent however, the picture of that little guy really got to me......I'm not sure why all of a sudden I was hit by the dramatic heartfelt sympathy for the little boy.
Well, the good news is, technology and science is making huge inroads on D and this little guy will probably be cured in his lifetime.
Keep going..................Peace, Bob

Today's the Day......

So,,,,,another day in paradise as we enjoy the gift of another day....What will you do with it?
Will you use it up completely and live fully and out loud. ....Will you push forward on all those things that have been piling up on you? Will you write the book that you know is in you but you just can't seem to put to paper? Well........how bout today? Tomorrow may or may not come, but you do have the "right now"........use it!

Go kiss your loved ones.....

Carpe Diem!.....Sieze the Day!!!

Keep going.........................Peace, Bob

Posted to tudiabetes.com

I posted this to the Word in your Hand contest at tudiabetes.com It is ABE the cartoon from my book. I thought it was fun and a little different than the other posts.

Keep going.......Peace, Bob
ADE%20Hands%20jpg%20%283%29.jpg

High ...Low Ping Pong

What a strange day yesterday was. I was at my kids Football Jamboree all day out in the sun and rain and not eating the best of food. My bloodsugar was up and down like a like a cursor on a heart monitor. I would go incredibly low, eat something to fix it, go high, take insulin, go low later...and the cycle continued. ...at least 3 times. Bad food, heat, rain,...and trying to count carbs on food that was difficult to figure...while sitting on the sidelines.
I didn't do so well but I always strive to do better.....I just keep going.
Wishing you "well" Bob

Presentation on Joy of Diabetes

I did my presentation on Living with Diabetes at the Mandarin Rotary club on Tuesday this week. It was well received and I had a lot of people come up later and say that they really enjoyed the presentation and the message. I hope to reach out and touch a ton of people and inspire them to Live out Loud as life is short. I hope to get across to diabetics the benefits of tight control and the issues it can lead to if you don't have it......Keep going, wishing you "well" Bob

Diabetes....unseen and unknown

After being Diabetic for over 44 years, it is always amazing to me how it seems to affect others when they find out you have a chronic unseen disease. D is just something I live with and figure it's just a hurdle I get to jump 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
I often hear, ",wow I guess you can't have any sugar can you?" Or the other "You just get to eat a candy bar to fix it don't you". The other favorite is "Gosh, you don't look diabetic, you look so healthy."Ummmm....Ok...thanks, I think.
Diabetes is usually only seen when something goes wrong....high blood sugar-- going to the hospital, or low blood sugar....passing out, then going to the hospital. Or if you are testing your bloodsugar when seen, or taking insulin when seen.
Those are just some of the visible signs that the public sees....but the battle rages on inside.
Diabetes, an unseen disease, chronic, and potentially debilitating.
I figure, I just keep going and doing the right things to maximize my outcome....any other option seems like a waste of time and life.
Keep going.......Peace, Bob

It has been interesting for me the last few months (as a rookie blogger) to see the many different ways that people deal with this disease. I often see a whole myriad of emotions and ways that people choose as their "style".I have always taken the learn more and apply what makes sense to me method of trying to aggressively manage this disease. I find humor and a focus on the positives of life also help me to find joy in life. For me, it's the easiest way to go through the journey of D-Life. What is your normal way of coping with the disease..is it denial, humor, anger, immersion in data..... or something else. What's your style...............?

Sandy Allen...worlds tallest woman...and diabetic

I am saddened to see Sandy Allen pass as she always seemed like such a kind woman whenever you would see her on tv. Most folks didn't know that she was also a diabetic.
Wow, talk about a woman who had to deal with a lot of hurdles in her life.....but it seemed she was always smiling and positive about her situation.
I think we can all learn a lot from her great attitude. Just when you think things are tough for you..........

Keep going, Peace

Wishing you "well" Bob

Press Release sent today to try and help the parents of diabetics and their children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL
BOB HAWKINSON

SOON,……...NERVOUS PARENTS ACROSS
AMERICA WILL BE SENDING THEIR
DIABETIC CHILD OFF TO SCHOOL

IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF WORRIED
PARENTS SHOULD BE DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO ENSURE A SAFE AND EASY TRANSITION OF THEIR CHILD INTO THE CLASSROOM.

“Children and parents alike should be getting ready for the move from home to school.” So says Bob Hawkinson, author, and a lifelong insulin dependant diabetic of 44 years. “Children may be used to Mom and Dad making sure they are doing everything they need to do. These kids will now be faced with being more self reliant as they move into the classroom. Mom and Dad won’t be there with them all day to make decisions for them.” It can be quite a daunting time for parent and child alike.

Here’s some tips to help prepare your child and their school for the arrival of your diabetic child:

1. Constantly and consistently encourage self managing by the child. He or she needs to
learn what to be on guard for, and what to do. It is a skill set that must be encouraged.
2. Discuss your child’s special needs with all the teachers and staff that may be making
decisions regarding your child’s health. Don’t assume they know anything about
diabetes. Teachers, coaches, administrators, nurses, substitute teachers, and bus
drivers should all be aware of what your child’s needs are.
3. Make sure your 504 plan is up to date. (section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the
American with Disabilities Act). It may state that your child needs to carry their
glucose meter with them, or are allowed extra bathroom breaks, or can eat in class if
needed. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation has resources available such as
Back to School Kits and How to Build Your 504 Plan, that can help you. www.jdrf.org.
4. Your child should carry their own carbohydrate source with them as they move
throughout classes during the day. A relationship with the school nurse is also
recommended, and the nurse should have training in administering glucagon.
5. Don’t just accept what someone tells you if it doesn’t seem right. Does your child’s
glucose meter really have to be at the nurses station? Dig deeper, and be your child’s
advocate. No one will look out for your child like you will.

With all the stresses of new classes, new friends, changes in activity, and making their own decisions more often, children can be overwhelmed. They need some direction, support, and reassurance from their parents, their teachers, and their schools.

Bob’s book “The Joy of Diabetes” is not only inspiring, but it also educates with a light hearted and pithy approach. Bob, who is 45, was diagnosed Type 1 (juvenile diabetes) at age 1. His goal is to “help other diabetics grab hold of this disease by the horns and wrestle it to the ground.” To order his book, go to www.joyofdiabetes.com .

For an entertaining and informative interview, call Bob
# # #

What in the world..........

....another weird lunch . I had a chicken salad today at Cracker Barrel and had 4 crackers to go with it. Nothing else. I would normally take 5 or 6 units of insulin to cover this. I took 6 and an hour later I was 135. I took 3 more and an hour later I was 195. Itook 6 more and 3 hours later, I am111. It makes no sense to me. It seems everytime I eat at Cracker Barrel, my bloodsugar goes through the roof...even with salads. I wonder what they put in their food that drives me crazy.....
Keep going. Peace, Bob

Stressed with diabetes..? Nah, I just go out in my backyard and look at God's creation....

I always do my best to look around and see

the beauty I am blessed with every day.

From my wife, to my friends, to my family, to

my children......and all the nature that surrounds

me....I am truly blessed.

I encourage you to look around....and realize the

beauty that is in your backyard...and realize that

it's not all just about you. We are all part of some

thing bigger...and someone is in charge....We like to think we are in control, but to me, that is very naive....we just get to enjoy the fruits of God's labor.

Keep going....Peace, Bob

Shocking.......

Well, Saturday night as we sat in our great room, a huge lightning bolt struck the live oak tree right next to our house. It was maybe 10 feet from our home.
I am guessing that as the crow flies, my family and myself were about 50-60feet from where the tree is.
We lost 2 garage door openers, the golf car charger, the computer, the sprinkler system clock (not telling if the valves are smoked or not yet)1 breaker switch,and the pinball machine.
The good news is that my MiniMed insulin pump and my Dexcom CGMS didn't skip a beat. With all that electricity in the air, they still kept going. I guess that was a good test huh? I remember years ago having to reset my pump because it would freeze due to static fields and you would have to pull out the batteries, let it sit, and then put it back together. It would appear they have overcome the problem...:)

Wishing you more........Peace, Bob

Just finished the voiceovers.....

I spent part of yesterday working (if you can call it that) on doing the voice over for our newest video coming out in probably a week and a half or so. I can only say that it is funny stuff about a guy getting diagnosed as a diabetic....My buddy, and his son, helped create the voices...it's pretty hilarious and relevant. I find it very interesting to create this stuff, from writing the script, to filming, to doing the sound and picking the music ..it's all pretty cool stuff. I feel fortunate to be able to do it and have fun with it in a positive way...,
Stay tuned.......

anutha day of pretty darn good.....

Hey hey, things are going well with my glucose levels. Why...I couldn't tell you. I'm doing what I normally do.
I would love to say that my expert application of indepth knowledge of the insulin versus carbohydrates ratio as it relates to exercise and stress management on the 12th of May in a leap year creates a known level of expectation of the know formula for diabetes success.....but I cant.
As always....I just keep trying to figure out the variables and tweak my life around them..

I just keep juggling the chainsaws....................

Keep Going.....Peace. Bob

A Day of pretty good......

My numbers ran pretty good today although I didn't do much differently than the previous few days. Maybe a few less carbs....it seems to be easier to track and make less mistakes when eating less carbs...

Got Di-uh-beeteees.......no more treat--eeees

Keep going....

Wishing you more.....Bob

If Diabetes were an automobile.....

a diabetic car...
1962 convertible corvette...candy apple red, white top, and raring to go...
the only thing is....it would have to have an external fuel tank...and the fuel pump wouldn't work..so I would have to have a gas can and a syphon line with a bulb to press to put in fuel. The gas gauge wouldn't really be accurate, so I would have to stop a few times a day and check the fuel level with some sort of "dipstick"

What would yours look like...?

Sitting in the Doctors office ...a fun poem (I think you will relate)

I ususally go through all these emotions and thoughts everytime I wait for results

So I'm sitting in the dr's office
having just been ushered in
I'm looking round the room
..magazines are pretty slim

Women's Day, People, Glamour...PLLeeeaasse
Wheres Bass world, Business World....
What's a guy supposed to read?

So I'm looking at the charts
on the cold and stoic walls
seeing all the stuff I can contract
Unless my a1c's fall

Neuropathy, heart disease
Renal failute too
Retinopathy, DKA,
just to name a few

Hmm...I think that in the last few months
I've been doing pretty well
I know I could do better
only time will tell....

"Wow, it's really cold in here"
did I say that aloud?
The nurses probably think I'm whacked
...here talking to myself

C'mon baby.... let em be right
let the numbers be in line
I know the math really matters
If I'm to get through life just fine

New sounds from the hallway
the chart slides from the door
the doorknob twists quickly
the moment I've waited for

Why hello Mr Hawkinson
how are you today?
Why I'm fine....thank you doc
...WHAT DO THE NUMBERS SAY?

"Lets take a look---"
....hmmmm lets see how you've been doing
you know your fingersticks are pictures
...your A1c's the movie

Hey hey good news ..A1c's look good
even though youve gained 4 pounds
I think you're gettin the hang of this
after 44 years ---it sounds...

OK I promise to do better
and only eat what I should
I'll exercise and lose some weight
only lettuce and carrots for food

Yeah right, doc says,
You know .....I've been seeing you for years
you have the right attitude
and you've been blessed with health it's clear

...but this disease can be cummulative
damage adds up over time
which is why I always encourage you
to strictly walk the line

I know, I know ....
I should always do my best
but life just seems to happen
sometimes you need a rest

...well take a break when you need to
based on how you feel
but jump back in and get it right
NO SLEEPING AT THE WHEEL!

Ok doc I'll take your advice
Your direction I will heed
Next visit my numbers will be better
I'll be your "Noble Steed"

Okay Mr. H well see ya later
lets see you in 4 months
by then I expect you'll have lost the weight
of course...that's just a hunch

So out I go ... into the world
recalling what she said
4 lbs isnt much and easily lost
....but hey......................Isn't it Lunchtime yet

Anyone else gotta medical wasteland?

I changed my insulin pump site today and my CGMS site and I wound up with a heap of medical stuff to get rid of...I could use my own hospital incinerator :)It is amazing the volume of plastic and "stuff" diabetes management creates.....

Wishing you more.............Peace, Bob

CGMS wakin me up......

The good news is that my CGMS (continual glucose monitoring system) alarms when my blood sugar goes low...The bad news is that my CGMS alarms when I go low and I am sleeping...(good and bad) Yes, I am awake at 3a.m. and posting because I had an alarm. The good news is that I got up and treated it. Now to see if bed is an option again this morn.....
Wishing you more......Peace,, Bob

Happy Day after 4th......

I hope all had a great 4th. I spent mine with family, friends, and fireworks.
It doesn't get much better than that.....
Decent glucose levels all day and negotiated the goodie table and ice cream bar well without overdoing or going high......insulin pumpin' away........
...and all the type1 & 2's went straight off to bed.zzzzzzzzz

Wishing you more......Cheers, Bob

Huge Dawn Phenomenon.....

I see that most Type 1's have some sort of dawn effect, but from everything I read, it seems mine is pretty huge.

12 a.m 2.65
2 a.m. 2.15
3 a.m. 1.6
5 a.m. 1.95
9 a.m. .05 for the rest of the day

It seems like a lot, but it works for me....
Keep going..................Peace, Bob

Diabetes Education.....

Well the good news is that today I was interviewed by KTSA in San Antonio Texas for a spot they will be doing on Thursday. The interview was about how diabetics deal with holidays like the Fourth of July and mangage their disease with all thats going on. Strange foods you may not normally eat, portions you may not normally take, alcohol, staying up late, and the heat stress of the day.

There were some pretty funny spots.....like what can A diabetic eat that won't affect their numbers adversely...my suggestion...eat the box that the stuff came in.

Keep Going, Peace

Cheers Bob

Peace...............

I often hear of diabetics who are in denial that they have the disease and go through life trying to ignore it. Or often in the online diabetes forums, there are thousands upon thousands of posts by people who are so angry or burned out with diabetes.
I can only offer this advice....you get what you think about. If you ignore the disease, you won't get control over it and it will destroy your sight, your kidneys, your nerves, and or your feet. If you are focused on anger and how ticked off you are that you have this chronic and insidious disease, then you will bring more of that into your life.
I find it easier to have peace with my situation and realize that it just is what it is. I am all about "easy street" and I find acceptance and control are the easiest path. If there were an easier way, I'd be there.
Diabetes might mess with your body, and your head, but don't let it take your spirit...
Keep Going.........Peace, Bob

Florida Times Union newspaper in Jacksonville Florida

Bob Hawkinson Author battles diabetes with a smile



By CHARLIE PATTON, The Times-Union
When Bob Hawkinson was 1 year old, he was diagnosed with diabetes.

The first clue, the Fleming Island resident said, was when he went into a coma caused by low blood sugar.
It was the first of "four or five times I've almost died."
Hawkinson, 45, understands the consequences of his disease, known as type 1 and formerly known as juvenile diabetes.
Living with the disease requires a lifetime of monitoring his blood sugar and regularly injecting himself with the insulin his body doesn't produce. If his blood sugar goes too low, he's in danger of going into a coma and dying. If it goes too high too often, the potential consequences include blindness, amputation and heart disease.
Sounds pretty grim.
But Hawkinson refuses to see it that way.
Which is why he has written and published a book titled The Joy of Diabetes.
As the name indicates, Hawkinson takes a lighthearted approach to a serious subject while conveying the message that "it is important to come to peace with this disease."
"It is," he said. "It just is."
But coming to peace, Hawkinson emphasizes, doesn't mean passively accepting the worst.
"My message?" he said. "Take charge. This is not a passive disease."
Hawkinson decided to create his own publishing imprint, Lifesaver Press, and market the book through his Web site, www.joyofdiabetes.com.
On Diabetes Mine, a blog described as "all things diabetic," a reviewer called Hawkinson "a sraight-talkin' narrator who has walked in our shoes, and offers some very pragmatic diabetes management advice."
Hawkinson grew up in Jacksonville, where he is partner with his brother in TLC Total Lawn Care and The Fresh Mulch Co. They started the business in 1983 with $2,000 they borrowed from their parents. Today they have more than 60 employees, he said.
Hawkinson and his wife, Melissa, to whom he refers as his "hero wife," have four children and a foster daughter. Melissa Hawkinson made national news, including an appearance on Good Morning America, in 2005 after she stopped her car and dove into Doctors Lake so she could pull a 5-year-old boy from an automobile driven into the water by the boy's suicidal father.
Bob Hawkinson likes keeping active. He's involved in martial arts and cycling. He has coached his children in soccer, flag football and basketball, about 30 teams in all, he said. He has been working on his comedy skills with an Orange Park improv group called Out on a Limbprov.
One thing diabetes taught him long ago, he said: "If there's something you want to do, hurry up and do it."

Drumming down low........

This past wednesday, I went to drum practice and had a severe low. It is amazing how your mind cant do the normal stuff when you are down in the upper 30's or low 40's.
I couldn't even find a beat for about 15 minutes into the session. ....not that I am a great drummer anyway. Newbie at best but having a ton of fun.

I have always heard that your higher learning goes first when you are in a low blood sugar situation. Finding and creating a beat must be a part of that..
Which is why I sometimes when I am low, I just stare at folks who are trying to have an indepth or mathematical conversation with me. Your brain just goes ppphhhhhtttt!

Anyone else have crazy days like this....

I am happy to say that I have returned to normal and that my glucose levels have returned to consistantly good numbers. It drives me crazy when my numbers go whacky for no apparent reason. I know elevated numbers erode my health and wellbeing.
Does anyone else ever just go wacky for unexplained reasons?

Trying to overcome the unexplained 2 day high...

Okay, new site change, new vial of insulin, and added exercise this a.m. Lets see if I cant over come these unexplained consistant highs of the last few days......
I went to bed last night at 100, woke up at 189, took 6 units of insulin, 1 hour later I am 179 had a cup of coffee 1 hour later I am 239 took 6 more units, exercised for 30 minutes, am 139 we'll see what happens....

What the.........?

Wow, the last 24 hours has been one of those wierde-o days. My insulin usage is up by about 4 fold and I am still running high numbers. I don't feel sick, I don't feel stressed, and my carb counts have not been any different really. I will continue to keep checking and adjusting, but this is one of those days that I just don't get it....

I may change vials of insulin but my last site was with insulin from a different vial. It was all fine until yesterday afternoon when everything went nuts.....
I will exercise when I get home, maybe that will help straighten this thing out.

I guess it is just one of those strange, non sense making, days. Ahhh the joy of diabetes.....

Keep going , Peace Bob

Crusing with Diabetes....the unseen masses

Wow ....5 days of sun, fun, food, traveling, late nights, and 24 hour buffets...

I survived rather well with very few high or low episodes....a few here n there but nothing dramatic or long term...I found that running up and down the stairs in the ship was a great way to exercise and it seemed as if we were always walking, eating, sleeping ,or watching stuff.

On two different occasions, 3 different people at 2 different tables next to us pulled out their insulin needles and injected just before dinner. One table, the husband and wife were both insulin dependant diabetics for about 14 years. That was 3 insulin dependant diabetics just within reach . I think this disease affects more people than we think. I also believe that there are a lot more insulin dependant diabetics than most folks think. It is a quiet and unseen disease that literally affects millions in the U.S. The boat held about 1800 people. If the math holds up, that would be about 1 in 8 which equals about 144 - 150 people onboard who would be diabetic. Thats a lot.

When you talk to folks, you often hear the same stories...Not quite in control, usually running high a lot, I am scared to go low but I did a few days ago, gosh, does your vision bother you a lot....eeeekk!!

I don't know what to do to help educate these folks. You almost need an hour or two to help them grasp what's going on in their bodies.
...hence the book!!!

Fun sailing and Mexico was great....nice folks espescially in Progresso.....

A mindset.....

I have been blessed throughout my entire life. One way I know, is that throughout my life, people have always told me so. I know it sounds kind of strange,but ever since I was a child, people have always mentioned to me that I am truly blessed and that God watches out over me. I don't know if that is odd but I know I have heard it at least 60 or 80 times in my life. I know that it is true as I have always been watched over and guided(not just in my diabetic walk but in all that I have done),
but I am not sure how it is obvious to others....
I will have people come up to me that I barely know or met and they will take me aside and tell me so.....it's kinda cool and kinda peaceful....sometimes kinda surreal.
I am not sure what God wants from me, but I just keep going and doing what seems and feels right. I try to bless others although I don't know that I am too good at that.

I have been truly blessed to see diabetes through a mindset of joy even though it is a chronic and potentially debilitating disease. It has nearly killed me at least 6 or 8 times that I can remember, yet I hold no anger, malice, or hostility.
It just is what it is, and so far, I have been lucky enough to enjoy 45 years of an incredibly exciting, fun, adventurous, and love filled life.
I no longer do things that I have no joy in. I am not willing to waste my minutes of life doing that which I don't believe brings peace or joy to myself or others. I walk away from hostile people if I don't believe I can turn them around. I don't yell at people or try to make them feel less about themselves. There is no long term joy in that for me or them. Typically my only source of frustration is when I am forced to do something that I believe takes me off track of that which I am supposed to achieve or accomplish.

Today is a gift.....tomorrow will come, but you never know if you will be around.

That goes for more than diabetics.....no one knows when or where, but we do know we will all soon pass. What today will be worth my time? I shall pursue that........

Keep Going........Peace, Bob

Hour by Hour, Daily Battle!

Well, Today's the Day! I went to my press company and did the Press Check for color at 8 a.m. this morning and the book is being run today. They tell me it will be folded and bound next week and I should have it by Thursday or Friday. It is amazing how everything, is always a week out. It was great as I had my son with me and we got the tour of how the operation ran and printed and were allowed to tour the whole facility. The press operators were very helpful. One said that he really appreciated the concept of the book as his father had become diabetic in the previous few years and that it was close to home for him. I am amazed at the numbers of people affected by this disease.

As I got back to my office, I got a phone call from an old friend who had been diagnosed diabetic and is on 4 injections a day. I highly recommended looking into seeing if maybe an insulin pump would help him to improve his control. I related to him that before I went on an insulin pump 15 years ago, I too was taking 4 injections a day. Wow! am I ever glad to be done with that. As like the rest of us, he is struggling to maintain control and keep it right! It is an hour by hour, daily battle.......but it's a good fight!

As always, Keep going...........Peace, Bob