I hate to admit it but I have been a fan of Army Wives since my wife got me watching it early in the first season. Well, last week, my interest grew due to the fact that the writers of the show have introduced Diabetes into the storyline. One thing that I was very happy about was the accuracy of the information about Diabetes on the show compared to other shows that have tried to address this. I would have to say they were pretty spot on last week in their portrayal of Diabetes. Now what they portrayed was not how I was introduced or how it effected me, but that is different for everyone, so I can’t say they got it right or wrong. I was just happy to see that Diabetes was getting exposure on TV.

Last night was a new episode of Army Wives and considering they had more or less ended on the Diabetes topic, I could only assume that they would continue in this weeks episode. Well, they did not disappoint. This weeks episode, along with the other storylines within the show, was about Claudia Joy coming home and trying to getting adjusted to a new lifestyle. The way that they depicted it, I thought was excellent for a number of reason. throughout the show, you could see the anger, frustration and sadness in Claudia joy. She was very edgy and very short tempered with virtually everyone she came into contact with. Claudia’s husband made mention that Claudia was trying to adjust and that her mood swings were due to this and because of her high blood sugars. I was really impressed on how they tried to explain what was going on with her and why it was happening. Not only that, but they were giving accurate reasoning for it.

In the show Claudia Joy is a very strong and independent woman. with the Diagnosis of Diabetes, she was very adamant about keeping her diagnosis private. She did not want anyone looking at her any differently because she had Diabetes. This very independent and self sufficient attitude resulted in her collapsing due to taking her insulin and not having time to eat, which in turn resulted in a Hypoglycemic episode. even after her episode, she was still very much opposed to letting anyone of her friends or people around her know about her Diabetes.

I was really impressed with this episode and it really got me thinking about this. Now, for me, I have absolutely no problem telling anyone that I am Diabetics. It may be a little twisted but I have a lot of pride in my Diabetes because I know that I am a very healthy person and anyone who didn’t know I was Diabetic would think I was just as healthy, if not healthier, that anyone else they walked by. I feel that it is so important to not hide the fact that you have Diabetes. Now, you don’t have to flaunt it, but it is important to let people know that you have it and what it is. The best way  to educate people about Diabetes is to expose them to it and word of mouth is one of the best ways of doing this. Not only does this educate other about the disease, make them aware and open the opportunity for them to help find a cure, but it also people to be aware that you are one of those millions of people effected by it. In addition, it also makes the people around you more prepared in case you are having Diabetes complications. When people are aware, they can help and when people help, those people allow you to live a more normal life because they are there to help you when you need it. In a perfect world, you would never need that help, but we all know this is not a perfect world so you manage the best that you can and allow other to help you you need it.

I am a fairly independant person and if I could do something without others help, I am going to do it. With that said, I also know that there are precautions that I must take due to my Diabtes. I am ok with this because I know there will be times when I need that help and they more people that I make familiar, the more help I can get which mean the quicker that I can get back to doing things for myself.

What I am trying to say, in my long-winded manner, is that having Diabetes does not mean that you are disabled or incapable, it just means that sometimes you need some help, just like everyone else in this world. The help I need just happens to be a little different than others. So for anyone who reads this who is newly diagnosed, in the closet or just plain stubborn about their Diabetes and letting others know about it, the best thing you can do for yourself and for everyone effected by Diabetes is to let the people you surround yourself with know about it. Educate them so they can be prepared and can educate others.

Sundays nights are usually the time for my wife and I to settle down get the kids situated for bed and then watch a few of the TV shows we like to watch. So last night was no different. We ate dinner, got the kids ready for bed and proceeded to sit on the couch and relax. We normally watch some kid friendly show first until the kids are asleep and then we get into our shows. So, my wife put me through the torture of watching “My Antonio” which is one of the most ridiculous reality TV shows to date. Anyway, after watching that train wreck of a show, we proceeded to watch 2 of our favorites that air on HBO: True Blood & Hung. The last of the regular shows that we watch on Sunday nights is one that my wife actually got me into and now I am hooked: Army Wives. So the reason for me even mentioning this on this blog is, obviously because it is somehow related to Diabetes. Well, this past episode of Army wives was just that.

In this episode of Army Wives, 2 of the main characters (Claudia Joy played by Kim Delaney and Denise Sherwood played by Catherine Bell) were in a car accident where Kim Delaney’s’ character was seriously hurt. The reason for the crash was not totally clear but it seemed that Delaney’s character was dozing off behind the wheel. Well, not to go through the entire episode, Delaney’s character, in the battery of tests that were run on her, had elevated Glucose levels. As soon as I heard the word glucose, I was thinking, “Are they actually going to bring Diabetes into this show?” Now that I wasn’t already watching this show but this gave me a little more of a vested interest in the show. I leaned over and told my wife that I bet she is diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. She said maybe but could be pregnancy or something.

So as they get near the end of the show, Delaney’s’ character has to go into to have some additional tests with the doctor. They Diagnose her with Type 2 Diabetes. I knew that was going to be the case. To tell you the truth, I kind of saw it coming be didn’t pay much attention to it. Over the past few episodes, they had made more of a focus than usual to show Claudia Joy drinking quite a bit of water and to show her more tired than usual. While these symptoms by themselves mean nothing, once you start putting the pieces together, you can begin to see the picture they are painting. What happened next is what really warranted me writing this post. The first thing That Delaneys’ character did was go into denial mode. She was sure that the test results must be incorrect and that she wanted the tests done again. The doctor also mention that there was a more accurate and confirming test they could do called the A1c. I believe all of us Diabetics are more than familiar with this test. So they did that test and confirmed the diagnosis.

She then went into “How could this happen to me” mode. She stated that she was in good health and that she wasn’t overweight (a common misconception of Type 2 Diabetes) The doctor asked if anyone in her family has had Diabetes and she said that her grandmother did but she was overweight. The doctor then explained that they don’t know why  it happens. She continued by saying that Diabetes is very serious and the leading cause of blindness, kidney failure and amputation but with proper management, you can lead a full and healthy life.

I am really happy that Diabetes is getting more exposure in TV and media because it means that people are being made more aware of it. I was also happy that they got their facts right on this one and portrayed it in a realistic way. They made a point of telling her that she would be on injections because of the severity of the Diabetes but also mentioned that it is possible to take oral medications. It was good that they brought to light that there are different scenarios for different individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. They also mentioned how they both (her husband came in after taking the A1c test) would need to learn how to administer the injections, she would have to check her blood glucose, keep good logs and apply the correct diet.

I found this segment of the show a little funny in the way they portrayed it. Now that I look back at it I feel bad that I found it funny and it takes nothing away from how serious Diabetes is and can be but the mood of the show and the reaction of the actors were like they had lost a family member in Iraq or were diagnosed with terminal cancer. now I know that being Diagnosed with any type of disease can be a traumatic event, I guess I just found it humorous because I have never gotten upset about my disease, even when diagnosed but I am also very happy that they put a serious tone to this. I don’t want anyone to get the wrong impression about Diabetes. I just hope that within the show, they can show both the highs and lows (yes, another pun) about Diabetes so that an accurate picture of Diabetes can be drawn.

I tip my hat off to the Lifetime network and the writers for getting the facts right and addressing this very serious but very manageable disease. If you are interested in seeing the episode, you can see it here:

Army Wives – Season 3: Episode 12. Air Date: 08/23/09.

The other morning when I was headed to work, I was listening to The Johnny Dare Morning Show which is a really funny and edgy morning radio show in the Kansas City area. Johnny had a comedian by the name of Robert Schimmel on the program (this was actually pre-recorded but that is not important.) Robert Schimmel is considered by many who know and enjoy adult comedy as one of the funniest men in the world. Well, on the morning show, it was brought up how his act is largely based on his history and battle with cancer. You may be wondering what this has to do with Diabetes but it does and I’m getting there. during the interview, Robert made a statement that really struck a chord with me. He said

“My Dad taught me something a long time ago. He said you can’t look up at the sky and say ‘Why Me?’ it should be ‘Why Not Me’ Why should you be exempt from things happening to you when things happen to everyone.”

When I heard that statement, it really made me think of how lucky I really am. Yes, I have Diabetes and yes, it is a major pain in the ass sometimes but I can walk, talk, and do pretty much anything I want to do. Who am I to complain about havig to deal with a high or low blood sugar or having to change my infusion set or testing my blood for the 10th time today. These things pale in comparison to so many other things that so many others have to deal with everyday. I have never been one to complain about my diabetes. Yes, I get frustrated with it from time to time when I can seem to get my blood sugar below 200 but I take ownership of it and deal with the inconvenience and make it through just fine. I can think of a lot worse things in this world that I could complain about if I had to deal with them.

Cancer

Aids

blindness

paralysis

I could make this list a mile long but you know what I mean. I am so fortunate to be as healthy as I am and I realize this. I enjoy everything that I have and that I am able to do. I have no reason to complain. My life is good. Diabetes and all, my life is good. Just remember those days when Diabetes is coming down on you like a hailstorm and everything you do to try and get yourself out of it just seems to go wrong, just remember how much worse off so many others have it. there is always someone out there who is have a worse day, week month, year or life than you are. I am thankful everyday that I can wake up, get out of bed, kiss my wife and kids and walk out the front door to start my day because that is another day that I live my life with Diabetes and not a day wondering “Why Me”

Its been a little bit since my last post but I have a good reason for that. I chose my next post topic based heavily on last months trip to Roche and also to some buzz around twitter last week. Accuracy is something that is crucial for any Diabetic working to maintain stable blood sugars and a long life. Whether it is counting carbs, insulin intake based on your food and and activities or even accurate blood sugar result, all are influenced by accuracy and are a piece of the puzzle that is managing Diabetes. Accuracy was something I knew that I wanted to touch on but there are so many different ways to approach it, this was the reason for my delay in posting (a busy life had a little to do with it as well.) Now after a week of dwelling on it, I figured I would just start writing and see what comes of it. So be prepared for some possible ramblings.

When I was at the Social Media Summit last month, one of the lunchtime topics of discussion was technology. Me being the geek that I am, I figured that this would be of the most interest to me.Well, the discussion became much about Roches’ Blood Glucose meters and what we would like to see, as diabetics, within the meter to make it more appealing for us to use. The first thing that virtually everyone mentioned was better accuracy. I know this would be my top priority in selecting a meter (and closely followed by cost / copay) It is really hard to feel that you are doing your best at managing your Diabetes when a device like a Blood Glucose meter, that all of us diabetics rely upon so heavily can be as much as 25% off of your true blood glucose. When I got home and was on twitter last week, the accuracy topic reared its ugly head again. This really got me thinking about my choice in blood glucose meters and was there a better, and more accurate, choice for me. I figured that I would throw a question out to all my fellow Twitabetics (yes, I just made that up):

If money or insurance red tape was not an issue, What Blood Glucose meter would you choose and why?

I was very curious to find out what would drive people (other than cost) to use a particular meter.  The following are the answers I received:

@MyTypeOne easy, Freestyle Lite. Tiny meter, tiny blood sample, strip port light, code free, and cute as can be!

@tmana I love my Freestyles (Flash, Lite) – lowest sample size, quick response, port light, back light.
@tmana Second meter choices: Keynote/Presto & OneTouch UltraSmart. Keynote/Presto small sample, small device, on-meter meal track

@mypumpgear honestly…none of them have had all the features we want!…we use 1 touch ultralink because it transmits to pump…
@mypumpgear but no backlight!!! and oddly…i miss the beeps!

@sammolsonkasey I use also the One touch ultralink because it transmit to the pump…. miss the backlight of the Accucheck compact
@sammolsonkasey I want one that transmit to the pump, that has a backlight and that beeps when it has enough blood

@Colcalli Any Freestyle meter. Smallest device, smallest blood and light at end of strip.

@badshoe same meter we use now. WaveSense jazz.

@amblass I always prefer meters that talk to my pump (except on CGM, doesn’t matter). Lifescan is my choice right now.

@karen_mst I love my Accu-Check compact b/c of the pre-loaded drum of strips & lancet attached to side. Easy to use on the go. But . . .
@karen_mst it’s so BIG. Love OneTouch mini for size. So would make my own meter w/ Accu-check features but size of mini.

@Wyldceltic1 I use the One Touch Ultralink to cal my CGMS, but use Accu-check Compact Plus for the 1-piece unit to carry w/me.

@CALpumper WaveSense Presto: Love it. Small, light. No coding. Cheap strips. And it gives me reason to shout Presto! 4 no reason.

@daytonbruster I have three and they’re all Ultra One Touch meters so I can read all three into my software for data analysis.

@jaclynt Fav was Ascensia Dex. My main req is a drum of strips like Dex or AccuChek Compact Plus (what I use now)!

@RideToRemedy i love my OneTouch meters, they’re all I’ve ever used in 17 yrs of D and I wouldn’t change that for anything.

@Corky1961 I hv the Accu-Chek Compact +. I like the drums (no coding) & the lancet is attached. Also is backlit. Not all that compact.
@Corky1961 Don’t c anything out there that I would want other than what I already have. Got mine at TCOYD Conf. My ins cvrs the drums.

@Landileigh I would use my AgaMatrix Presto! and then the next would be the AgaMatrix Jazz. but have to use OneTouch as Ins. covers

@MarkMansheim FreeStyle Lite: no coding, little blood, two light functions…yeah, it’s good. I’m not yet sold on a cgms…

As I read the responses I received, I think that the most interesting part about them is that not one person mentioned anything about accuracy. I really don’t blame anyone for not mentioning it because virtually all of the meters out there run very similar in regards to accuracy. Most of what was talked about was the bells and whistles of the devices. Small sample size, backlight / strip light, no coding compact among others. I want all the luxuries that I can get as well but more importantly, I want accuracy. The only company out on the market that really boasts about accuracy is Agamatrix, who is the make of the Wavesence Presto and Jazz meters. Now, with the FDA recent news about tightening down requirements in regards to accuracy on new meters, I am hoping that a new wave of devices will be coming that will give better accuracy. What I do fear is that these devices will come with a hefty price tag which many people will not be willing to pay. I am hoping that these companies really step up to the plate and improve on the accuracy of their meters. I am willing to pay a little high price if it means better accuracy, but there is a cap on that out of pocket cost.

I have gone ahead and decided to give the Wavesense people a shot and see how it fairs to my current OneTouch meters. I am waiting to hear back from Wavesense to find out my out of pocket cost.  I guess we will all just have to sit back and keep an eye on emerging technology to see if quality will play a part of if it will continue to be all about the money.

When I began writing my last post, I had every intentions to stay on target with my original topic: Why I blog. Unfortunately, my passion for Diabetes, my friends and the defense of my own self, took control and my post became of of a defense and rebuttal on some things that I took fairly personally about my passions. Yes, I did touch on the subject of the reasons why I blog, but I do not feel like it was a complete representation. So, I thought that I would recollect my thought and give it another shot.

I think, for me at least, blogging is something that I do because, first and foremost, I enjoy doing it. I think that the moment I stop enjoy doing it or do not feel any enjoyment from what comes of it, then it is time for me to stop. As everyone who comes across my blog knows, I blog about Diabetes. Why? Because it is what I am passionate about, it is something I have a wealth of experience with ( regardless of whether it is good or bad), it is a great outlet and there is always the possibility that someone may be able to benefit from my words. One thing that is very important for anyone who reads my blog to understand is that I do this for me, not anyone else. I don’t get paid to blog. I have never been sent things from companies to review (although I would not be apposed to give my honest and unbiased review of any Diabetes related product someone wanted to send me) I have never let anyone or anything sway my views on Diabetes without it being my own decision.

I am not what you would call a “medical” blogger. I am not one who regurgitates Diabetes news or reports / reviews on Diabetes current events. While these things, I believe are very important, it is not where my passion lies. I would also say that I am not a polished writer. The words that you read in each of my posts are what flow from my brain to my fingertips. I rarely, if ever, proofread my posts other than for possible spelling errors. For me, this is how I can truely express what I choose to write about. I know that if I went back and reread everything that I wrote, I would likly second guess some of my thought and wording and then my posts who not be a true statement of my thoughts.

I think, and I really can not answer this question completely, that I write because it is in some way therapeutic. While, you will never see me down on myself or down about Diabetes. this is not the type of person I am and I like to think that it comes out in my writing. I always try to stay positive and I hope and feel that my writing conveys this. Granted, there are times when my posts call to be dark, but that is only because the topic requires it, not because I am in my life. I like to think that my style of writing and view on all things Diabetes is not quite like most others. I know that we all write for our own reasons and have our own styles and I am so happy that there are so many out there that do have their own unique twist on Diabetes. This is what makes each of our blogs successful. Maybe not in regards to numbers but in regards to the way it touches ourselves and others.

Regardless of whether I have 10 readers or 10,000 readers, my blog will always represent who I am as a Diabetic and a person. What you read is the real deal. No smoke and mirrors, no hidden agendas.If you get something from my writing, I am happy. If you get nothing from my writing, I am still happy because it is what what I choose to write and not what I am required to write.

I blog what I am passionate about. Myself and my Diabetes. Nothing more, nothing less.