Category Archives: Community

Day Four of Diabetes Blog Week, 2013.

May 17, 2013Advocacy, Community, Complications, Education, Events, MilestonesStacey D.

A day behind but here is my post for day four of Diabetes Blog Week.

We don’t always realize it, but each one of us had come a long way since diabetes first came into our life. It doesn’t matter if it’s been 5 weeks, 5 years or 50 years, you’ve done something outstanding diabetes-wise. So today let’s share the greatest accomplishment you’ve made in terms of dealing with your (or your loved one’s) diabetes. No accomplishment is too big or too small – think about self-acceptance, something you’ve mastered (pump / exercise / diet / etc.), making a tough care decision (finding a new endo or support group / choosing to use or not use a technology / etc.).

I’ve given this topic some thought over the past few days. So much has changed over the past 31 years, mostly for the better, with accomplishments along the way. I found it hard to pick just one thing. The first thing that came to mind was my more recent A1c track record of being under 7%. Then there is my retinopathy not progressing over the past 18 months. Or walking about 3 miles with excruciating pain in your legs and numbness in your feet from neuropathy seems like quite an accomplishment at the moment. Even exercising 4 times in one week can seem like something to be proud of for me. There are even the graphs of 24 hour no hitters on my Dexcom. I certainly celebrate all of those!

What I came to realize is that all of these things together is what my accomplishment truly is. Living with diabetes for 11,452 days and doing pretty well. Going through the motion of checking BG, dosing insulin, counting carbs multiple times a day, every single day. Forcing juice down my throat when I feel like I’m going to puke to keep myself alive. Moving along with my day when my blood sugar is high and all I want to do is drink, pee or sleep. Keeping up with routine endocrinologist appointments. CDE appointments. Eye doctor appointments. All the other diabetes health related appointments. Picking up prescriptions every few weeks or month. Keeping tabs on insurance coverage for said appointments and prescriptions. And doing all these things for so long without losing my mind. Even finding happiness between the lines. Not to mention making tons of great friends along the way. This is what I have accomplished and it feels pretty darn good.

Day Three of Diabetes Blog Week, 2013.

May 15, 2013Advocacy, Community, Emotions, Events, FamilyStacey D.

Today we’re going to share our most memorable diabetes day. You can take this anywhere…. your or your loved one’s diagnosis, a bad low, a bad high, a big success, any day that you’d like to share.

Some people are sharing their diagnosis story for today’s topic. I don’t really remember my diagnosis since I was only 5 (and have a horrible memory!). Some are sharing stories of scary low or high experiences. I am blessed to not have any true life or death experiences to share. Some may be sharing successes worth celebrating or of friendships made worth cherishing. While I do have some of those, I have a more memorable day relating to diabetes. I usually focus on the positive and do not like to dwell on the negative. I hope if you know me, you have picked up on that. However, the most memorable day in my diabetes world happens to be a very sad one. The day my father passed away.

Some people may even be sick of hearing about this. And I apologize if that is true. But that day, my life changed forever. Not just because I lost my father. But also because what caused his death was diabetes. The very disease that I live with and have had for almost as long as he had. As much as I remind myself that things were different during his diabetes lifetime. As much as I tell myself that his tools were very unlike the ones I use today. As much as I try to focus on my attitude being different than his was. The fact still remains that diabetes took my father’s life. Even before he died. And that will forever be etched in my soul.

Day Two of Diabetes Blog Week, 2013.

May 14, 2013Advocacy, Community, Education, EventsStacey D.

Recently various petitions have been circulating the Diabetes Online Community, so today let’s pretend to write our own. Tell us who you would write the petition to – a person, an organization, even an object (animate or inanimate) – get creative!! What are you trying to change and what have you experienced that makes you want this change?

Diabetes is freaking expensive. Those of us living with it, know that. Even if you have insurance, it can still be costly. Insulin, test strips, needles, insulin pump supplies, ketone testing products, Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists or Biguanides, adhesive products, lancets, glucose goods, CGM sensors, office visit co pays, the list seems to go on and on. I have been *extremely* fortunate to have good health insurance both under my parents and since I’ve been working on my own. I know some people with diabetes who do not have health insurance at all. And I cannot even imagine the financial burden that can cause.

For about 16% or more of the population in the US that are uninsured and those who have insurance but still carry a hefty bill every month, I would love to start a petition that would establish a statute that provides affordable diabetes supplies to everyone without any restrictions. I know this would be a tremendously daunting and complex effort. I know there needs to be money in order to make this happen. I know some of this could be addressed with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which began in 2010. But I wish something like this could seriously be implemented. None of us asked for this disease. None of us could have avoided having diabetes. None of us planned for a certain (large) percentage of our earnings to be spent on diabetes. None of us want to be stuck in a job strictly for the benefits. None of us want to be told how many times per day we can test our blood sugar. To live a healthy life with diabetes, there are many tools needed and those tools cost money. And I wish for so many people that wasn’t such a hardship to them.

Day One of Diabetes Blog Week, 2013.

May 13, 2013Advocacy, BG, CDE, Community, Complications, Endocrinologists, EventsStacey D.

Often our health care team only sees us for about 15 minutes several times a year, and they might not have a sense of what our lives are really like. Today, let’s pretend our medical team is reading our blogs. What do you wish they could see about your and/or your loved one’s daily life with diabetes? On the other hand, what do you hope they don’t see?

My diabetes health care team consists of two people for the most part – my endocrinologist and my diabetes educator (CDE). I am fortunate to consider my relationship with both of them pretty darn good. I spend more time with my CDE, M, at each visit (although I hate to admit it’s been a while since I’ve seen her) since we go over in more detail my blood sugar readings, glucose monitor history and other records like food and exercise. My endo, Dr. K, goes over things with me at more of a high level. Since M and I do a lot of poking and prodding while together, I feel like she has a true sense of my day to day management. I also talk more with her about my advocacy efforts, social media involvement included. With that being said, I think there is something that I would like Dr. K to know.

I’ve started with minor complications. And this seems to surprise Dr. K. I’ve only been seeing her for about 2 years. (I’ve been going to that diabetes practice for about 15 years but Dr. K took over for my old endo when she left for a different practice) For this reason, she has only really seen the better side of my diabetes management. When I first began being treated here, I was on MDIs of a sliding scale with an A1c in the 8%-9% range if I had to guess. Then around 2006, I got much more serious about things and got an insulin pump. It was ever so slow progress, but over the years since then, there has been improvement in both my A1c and my overall management. Maybe in her eyes, this is how I’ve always been. But I haven’t. I’ve also have diabetes for 31 years. This is a long time of high and low glucose levels. Much of that time with higher than desired levels for various reasons. These things can lead to complications. I’ve seen what can happen through my father. And I am scared to freaking death of that. I’m doing everything I possibly can, now, to keep the complications to a minimum. I sincerely appreciate her goal of keeping my A1c at a desired level, without too many lows, to keep my diabetes health in check. I’m very glad she realizes the importance of that in this stage of my life. But I’m not sure why she’s surprised at what has started in my body. I don’t think she’s ever asked what my diabetes was like all those years ago. Maybe that would help her put things in better perspective. Even so, I’m hoping we can continue to work together to keep me alive and my organs healthy for a long, long time.

Best of April ‘Betes.

May 1, 2013Advocacy, Community, Education, Events, FunStacey D.

Happy May everyone! (where on earth is this year going??)

So today is the day. I have the honor of announcing the diabetes blog warriors for the month of April. I had quite a bit of reading to do in order to pick the warriors! And some tough decisions to make. But the pleasure was mine in having to read it all. This community rocks. That is all. Now onto what you’ve all come here to find out 😉

Best Use of Humor – Jacquie

Best Use of Photography – Heidi

Best Advocacy – Reva

Best Reference to a D-Celebrity – George

Best Story of a D Meet-up – Briley

Best non-D Related Post – Jeff

Best Post by a Type 1 – Shannon

Best Post by a Type 2 – Sir Bob

Best Post by a Type Awesome – Moira

Best story of a D-mistake – Katy

Best Motivational Post – Nikki

Best Diabetes Art – Meri

There were no nominations for Best Vlog, Best Recipe or Best Post by a LADA/ Type 1.5/ Not otherwise specified.

In all honesty, all of these posts were fantastic. And I got to learn of a few new blogs that I haven’t read much of before. (time to update the blogroll!) A huge thank you to those who nominated as well as those who had submissions. Without our stories and participation, our advocacy would not exist!

For those who would like to add the Best of the ‘Betes Blogs button to their own blogs, please use this script: <div align=”center”><a href=”http://www.bestofthebetesblogs.com” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://momentsofwonderful.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/bbblogo-final-e1309479808835.png”></a></div>

Best of the ‘Betes Comes To Portable Pancreas Girl!

April 24, 2013Advocacy, Community, Events, FunStacey D.

Hi there. Remember little ol’ me? I hope so 😉 Even though I’ve been super busy with work and some fun traveling and more work, I’m here with an announcement. I am honored to be hosting the Best of The ‘Betes Blogs for the month of April. If you’re not familiar with what that is, let me tell you.

Here are the categories:

Best Use of Humor
Best Vlog
Best Recipe
Best Use of Photography
Best Advocacy
Best Reference to a D-Celebrity
Best Story of a D Meet-up
Best non-D Related Post
Best Post by a Type 1
Best Post by a Type 2
Best Post by a Type Awesome
Best Post by a LADA/ Type 1.5/ Not otherwise specified
Best story of a D-mistake
Best Motivational Post
Best Diabetes Art

Think of blogs you have read or will be reading during this month, take note of any posts that you think are a perfect example of one of the categories listed above (please no self-nominations). Email bestbetesblogs@gmail.com or send a DM to the Best of the ‘Betes Blogs twitter account (@bestbetesblogs) with your nominations.

A nomination would look something like this

Sara (include link to blog if you have one) nominates Sprinkles for the Best Story of a D-Mistake (link to the specific post you are nominating on Sprinkles’ blog)

You do not need to have your own blog to nominate – anyone from anywhere can make a nomination! Come back here or visit BestBetesBlogs.com on May 1st to see the winners. Easy, peasy. I like this idea because it gives exposure to some great blogs out there. And provides some great reading material for everyone. So get to it. Send in your nominations! It’s always open so you have from now until midnight (EST) of April 29th to submit. Thank you Sara and George for bringing this opportunity to nominate blogs in order to connect everyone’s circles together and allow people to expand their network of support and encouragement 🙂

Extra Care.

March 12, 2013Advocacy, Community, EducationStacey D.

Has it really been this long since I’ve written?? I’ve got lots going on it seems. This particular post is overdue but I’m finally getting to it!

A few weeks ago, some folks from media relations at CVS Pharmacy reached out to me to see if I was interested in receiving more information on their ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes savings program. Being that I do use my local CVS as my primary pharmacy for both prescriptions and over the counter items, as well as being a regular ExtraCare member of theirs already, I agreed.

A short time later, I received a package full of stuff. I mean full.

Sugar free cough drops, sugar free candy, toothpaste, a toothbrush, healing lotion, sugar free cough medicine, glucose tablets, socks, sugar free aspirin (did you know that existed? I didn’t!), needle collector, etc. I particularly liked the socks – I sometimes have an issue with my socks being too tight at the top, creating a mark which I would imagine is not so good for my legs. I will certainly be on the look out to buy some more of these. I also appreciated being able to try the Diabetic Tussin cough medicine. I use cough medicine more than when I’m sick due to the severe allergies I have. I find myself waking up during the night coughing a lot so I keep a bottle on my nightstand. I typically use Robitussin and never thought it was bad for me using that type of product. However, if I had the option to use one that is sugar and alcohol free, I could gather it would be better for me, despite how horrible it tastes. All of these products, even some you wouldn’t think of, specifically cater to people with diabetes. I think this is something that can be very beneficial to a lot of people.

Being a member of the diabetes program, you are eligible for double ExtraBucks rewards (which if you receive ExtraBucks already, you know they are pretty generous with rewards), special offers and savings as well as a newsletter delivered via email that includes information, recipes and offers. All it takes is a minute or two to sign up. I think it’s a great program to help with the expense diabetes supplies can cost us. And we all know, diabetes ain’t cheap!

The feedback on the items sent to me and the ExtraCare Advantage program is strictly my own opinion and I want to thank CVS for taking the time to share with me their products and for offering a program designed to help people with diabetes.

Flying With Diabetes.

February 12, 2013Community, Education, Fun, Guest Post, TravelingStacey D.

I love to travel. I by no means travel more than some of my PWD (people with diabetes) friends but I have to been numerous locations abroad in recent years. (Usually nice, warm, sunny locations!) Lucky for me, the great people over at Sanofi Diabetes asked if I was willing to share some advice or tips if you will, on traveling with diabetes. I am very honored to be featured over there today 🙂

Flying with Diabetes: Tips from Stacey Divone

A Valentine’s Day Gift Beyond Flowers.

February 10, 2013Advocacy, Community, EventsStacey D.

If you happened to notice some of the buttons I have on the side of my blog, you will see one for the Life for a Child program, established by the International Diabetes Federation in 2001. The purpose of the program is to get life saving insulin to children in need in developing countries. Living with diabetes for over 30 years, once as a child, I know first hand the expense insulin and other diabetes supplies can be. I admire the IDF for putting a program like this together. I am all for helping those less fortunate than myself and I do so whenever I can.

This year as Valentine’s Day approaches, a few great members of the diabetes community have come together to start a campaign, if you will. The object of the Spare a Rose Save a Child initiative is to spread the word about the Life For a Child program in order to get life saving insulin to children who need it most. We as a community all over the world, can make a huge difference. If I lived in a country that didn’t have insulin as accessible as it is to me here in the US, I would love to know there were others around the world willing and able to help me. Or more importantly, if it was my child.

So let’s use our voices and share the information about this program. If you have a blog of your own, write a post about it. If you are part of the Twitter-verse, share it there using the hashtag #sparearose. If you’re on Facebook too, let all your friends there know about it. I will be doing all of these things, plus making a donation. Please click on the picture below if you’d like to contribute yourself.

Together, the diabetes community is strong. Let’s show the world we mean business!

Diabetes Art Day. 2013.

February 4, 2013BG, Community, Emotions, Events, FunStacey D.

Diabetes Art Day is a fun event started by my friend Lee Ann to “encourage individuals and families with diabetes to engage in creative visual expression to communicate their experience with diabetes, connect with others, raise awareness, and promote insight and positive coping skills”. One thing that I have learned over the past few years participating in this is that I’m really not all that creative 😉 But I still have fun and especially love seeing the entries by others in the community.

My submission for this year is about the ups and downs of diabetes. Figuratively and literally. There are both good and bad times living with diabetes. And even though the bad times can seem overpowering and never ending at times, in reality, the good times are bigger. And this I believe is what gets us through.