DiabetesSisters August 2010 Newsletter

Wednesday, 08 September 2010 19:08 | Written by Laura Ely | Newsletter

August 2010
DiabetesSisters August Newsletter

What's that circle on your arm?

Happy August DiabetesSisters!

What’s that circle on your arm? I’ve been getting that question a lot lately in reference to a blue circle tattoo on the underside of my forearm. Since I find this story especially touching I’d like to share it with my sisters as well. About a year and a half ago DS Founder & Executive Director Brandy Barnes and I attended a showing of “Life for a Child” a documentary in honor of World Diabetes Day, November 14th. This documentary chronicled the lives of three families with children with type 1 diabetes living in a third world country. Despite living with diabetes for almost 20 years at that time I had never really considered what it would be like to live with diabetes in that type of setting. Each child’s story was truly eye opening but the story that touched me the most was that of a four-year old girl living with type 1. This little girl lived in the mountains of India; her home was literally a cave. In order to keep her insulin cool the family dug a hole in the ground filled with water and that served as a refrigerator. Her father’s description of their trek to town to attend routine doctor visits and purchase supplies brought tears to my eyes. The walk to the nearest bus stop into town was three hours, the bus ride another hour and a half. At times she would suffer from low blood sugar during this trek. The family did not carry glucose tabs or juice boxes – those types of things did not exist in their world. The father and daughter would have to continue on despite the low blood sugar and hope for the best. The thought of not having access to resources that are so easy for us to come by had never crossed my mind and left me truly heartbroken.

I tell this story as it constantly reminds me how lucky we are to have access to such great resources to treat our diabetes. Yes, our healthcare system is frustrating at times and don’t get me started on monthly co-pays (or for those of you who do not have insurance!) but at least we have access to the daily necessities to treat this disease. I encourage you all to consider our DiabetesSisters across the world as diabetes is truly a global disease.

Until next month!
Laura Ely

The Yin & Yang of Diabetes

Meet our three new CDEs!

Conversations that matter:

If you haven’t visited our DiabetesSisters “Yin & Yang of Diabetes” blog, you might want to do so soon, so you can keep up with the story of our C3 Sisters as they head off to the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Annual Meetings in San Antonio. Claire, Connie, and Cindi are all Registered Nurses and Certified Diabetes Educators who have each lived with Type 1 diabetes for more than 30 years . . . for a combined experience of more than 100 years of “life lived well” with diabetes. Together they will be presenting a breakout session at AADE entitled “Conversations that Matter: Living with Advanced Duration Diabetes.” It would seem that considerable interest has been stirred by the topic, as they were advised by the leadership of AADE that they will be presenting in one of the larger rooms. Please cheer them on as they endeavor to bring awareness to the unique and special needs of people who are living longer and healthier with diabetes!

The DiabetesSisters Sister Spotlight!

Meet Riva Greenberg...

As one of the 100 women at Diabetes Sisters’ first “Weekend for Women” this past June I can tell you how groundbreaking it was to have a learning and bonding event just for us gals. Bravo, Brandy.

As a blogger myself on my web site, Diabetes Stories.com, Brandy reached out to me to share my experiences as a woman living with diabetes. In my case, type 1 for 38 years, since the age of 18. So, here goes.

Q: What obstacle(s) have you had to overcome as a woman with diabetes?

A: Actually, I’ve never run into any obstacles as a female with diabetes, or as a person with diabetes. Hmm…except maybe if you count trying to check my blood sugar and dose my insulin injection discretely while seated in the middle seat on an airplane!

Q: How about dating and diabetes?

A: I kept my diabetes out of my casual dating relationships. After all, why does a blind date or a one-night stand (oops!) need to know. But for anyone I was seeing for a few weeks or more, diabetes was on the menu.

In fact, I knew it was time to break up with an Australian man I was dating in London when I woke up in the middle of the night with low blood sugar. Maneuvering my way out of bed over him, he asked me what was going on. “I’m low, I need sugar,” I said. He rolled back over to go to sleep. I had to forage in his dark kitchen for a shortbread cookie! Not only did we break up, but I also learned to speak up for myself.

This story, however, has a happy ending. Dumping him led to the man I married; my husband couldn’t be more different except for the European bit, he’s Dutch. As soon as he hears the crinkle of my SweeTarts in the middle of the night he wakes and asks, “Are you OK? Do you want me to bring you juice or your meter?” He’s a keeper.

Keep it real, girls. If your guy rises to your diabetes, or doesn’t, better to know.

Q: What lessons have you learned about living a happy, healthy life with diabetes that you would like to share with others?

A: My mantra is, “You can have a great life not despite diabetes, but because of it, using diabetes as a catalyst to design a healthier, happier, more meaningful life. I believe it with all my heart and I’ve interviewed more than a hundred people who concur.

I am healthier and happier today than I’ve ever been, and if not for diabetes, believe I would have become. I watch what and how much I eat, keep my weight down, and power-walk an hour a day. It keeps me fit, looking pretty good in my clothes and boosts my endorphins, anti-oxidants, pride and confidence.

Here’s my wrap up:

Decide diabetes is a friend, not the enemy. It is a part of you, and while often an annoying part, it can also bestow benefits — greater health, strength, compassion and appreciation for life and loved ones.Find support. It may be your spouse, or a friend with diabetes. Either way, having a friend or two with diabetes is a treasure.Find 1 positive thing diabetes has given you. It’s there if you look.Keep learning. Things are changing all the time: new research, devices, information. The more you know, the better you’ll do.

Riva is the author of “50 Diabetes Myths That Can Ruin Your Life and the 50 Diabetes Truths That Can Save It” and “The ABC’s Of Loving Yourself With Diabetes.” She blogs on her web site and on The Huffington Post

Newsworthy notes

Check out the changes at DiabetesSisters!

You may have noticed some big changes to the DiabetesSisters website recently. We are adding new features to provide you (women with diabetes) with the best possible resources for support and education. Over the past month, we have refreshed the cascading photos on the homepage with new women that continue to reflect the diversity of the organization. In addition, when you click on "Read Stories" below the women in the photos, you will be directed to a new page that highlights women who have sent in their inspirational and educational stories via the website. Now, we want to hear from YOU! By Sharing Your Story, you may provide the inspiration or information that is necessary for another woman to make important changes in her life ! After all, nothing is more powerful that hearing from a woman who has "walked in your shoes!"

In addition, our NEW Event Calendar found under Upcoming Events will house all information pertaining to upcoming events in your area- such as PODS Meetups, Quarterly Gatherings, and Conferences. Please check this calendar regularly this Fall as new PODS Meetups kick off in cities throughout the country.

DiabetesSisters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and quality of life of women with diabetes, and to advocate on their behalf.