August 22, 2010

Exercise lowers blood sugar, right?  Moderate to intensive exercise increases the muscles’ sensitivity to insulin.  The insulin moves the sugar (glucose) in the blood into the muscle to be turned into energy.  For those with diabetes, increased exercise, along with healthy eating, is often suggested as a good way to reduce our high blood sugar levels.  Well, that is not always the case as I recently learned.

August 15, 2010

At a recent support group meeting, I was asked why I, a person with type 2 diabetes, choose to inject insulin.  I gave my stock answer: lower blood sugar, lower A1c, and reduced risk of diabetes complications.  While many nodded in agreement, several people were actually shaking their heads in disbelief.  So I asked, “Why would you not want to inject insulin.”   Their responses lead to a great discussion on many of the myths that still surround injecting insulin.  I’ll share the topics we discussed in hopes of reducing any fears or concerns you may have about injecting insulin.

August 8, 2010

DiabetesSisters was well represented at the AADE 37^th Annual Meeting that occurred in San Antonio, Texas, this past week!   Several of our sisters were at this event.  Our founder, Brandy Barnes; DS bloggers, the C³ Sisters: Claire, Connie and Cindi; and DS member, Riva Greenberg.

August 1, 2010

Markee’s June 27^th post struck a chord with me.  I have family members and friends who are concerned for me and want to give me, what they think, is good advice.  They mean well, but their statements are not based on current information about diabetes. At first, I was angry and ignored their comments.  I felt that I knew more than they did. I was the one learning about diabetes and creating my management plan.  Now I am more secure in my knowledge of diabetes and my managing of it, and I take the time to educate them.

July 25, 2010

My friend, who has had type 1 diabetes for 45 years, inspires me to be positive no matter how difficult a situation may be.  His indomitable spirit will not allow his diabetes or his complications – very poor eye sight and severe neuropathy in both feet –  to stop him from living an active life.