I am so blessed. It's hard to remember that sometimes when you are under extreme stress. Yah law school! One of my best friends from college, (who I went on that Asia trip with) is visiting from Boston! We had an awesome time together on Sunday, and she gave me this adorable stuffed pancreas. It is literally one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received. My mom even cried when I showed her. It's also extra adorable because my friend is in Medical school. lol. When she gave it to me, she started talking about all these functions and such of the pancreas , and I had NO CLUE what she was talking about. I'm really glad there are people in the world who know more about my pancreas than me, especially when they are my friend. :) In the attached booklet, it has a cute little biography. My favorite part are the likes and dislikes.

Likes: cookies, cake, candy, insulin Dislikes: diabetes

We have very similar interests!! This thoughtful gift really got me thinking...I spend a lot of time thinking about how much I hate diabetes, and how it is a negative thing. But when she gave this to me, I smiled. Diabetes doesn't always have to be thought of that way. Here it took my friend to give me a stuffed pancreas, that is FOR SURE more usual than my current one. You can get your own HERE.

It has been an interesting past few days to say the least... A couple of years ago, I found out I was allergic to Colgate Total. The last time, I was in Florida on my Disneyworld vacation, and I had taken along a travel size of this toothpaste...well a few days in and it looked like I had thousands of blisters in my mouth...super fun...anyway, you would think something as scaring as that I would remember. Well, I guess I'm super smart and forgot and used it again! Of course this time, RIGHT BEFORE I left for New York. Great...so at least this time I realized I was having a reaction within a day of use. My wonderful mother forced me to go to urgent care, but of course I didn't want to go since I have to see enough doctors as is. I'm sure you can guess who won... I get to the urgent care and immediately they say I am having a severe allergic reaction. THANKS! I mention I have type 1 and they give me steroids. I have heard they raise blood sugars, but I was getting on a flight the next morning and didn't want to feel crappy on my trip. I think it is safe to say I would considered myself a pretty smart person. Let me write out these directions for you on the steroids.

Take 1 tab 3x a day for 2 days, then 1 tab for 2x a day for 2 days, then 1 tab a day every day for 2 days.

ARE YOU SERIOUS??? I had to read that AT LEAST 6 times before I got exactly what I was supposed to do. Anyway, here we are in New York, day two of these lovely steroids and my blood sugars ARE NOT HAPPY. NOT ONE BIT. They just DO NOT want to come down. It seems most Type 1's have this type of reaction, but it's not making me a happy girl. At least I have my dexcom here, letting me know I'm high all day. I just upped my basal and hopefully some walking in the freezing cold here in New York will help. I can't believe at home it is 80 degrees, and here it's in the 30's!! YEESSH. But seeing my brother is worth ANY temperature. View from the hotel of the Empire State Building :) In other news, before I left I ordered this wallet/diabetes supply bag. I'm really excited about it and here is a coupon for their site. As a girl with type 1, I really appreciate when my diabetes supplies can be cute, stylish and functional. I will let you all know how I like it!. **UPDATE** I can't believe I didn't mention it earlier! Skin tac is my dexcom HERO! My sensor stays on PERFECT -AND- there are no skin irritations. Dexcom should seriously look into including these in their packaging because I was a very unhappy customer until these. Thanks everyone for the tips!!! Time for me to go enjoy NY now!

It's like Christmas morning for someone with Type 1! I got a whole bunch of new stuff and let me tell you, I really do think that new technology makes me more motivated to stay in control. Just goes to show you how many people are working hard to make my life easier and better. First off, my Dexcom G4 arrived! I got pink :) What do you think? So far so good! This is probably the worst as far as calibration goes, and it wasn't too bad. Compared to the Medtronic sensor, which I was very unhappy with their accuracy. Medtronic also very kindly sent me a new meter! This works wireless with my pump, and it lights up! That is why I switched over to the Verio because I was tired of having to turn on a light when I was in a dark room. I am loving this meter! I love the size, and the fact that I can make notes, (which I also had with my Verio), but the wireless transmission is soooo nice!! As much as I love my Dexcom G4, I can't get it stay on! I know i have sensitive skin, but this is a picture after one day of use. The sensor itself is great. I just wish my skin didn't hate it! Any suggestions??

Wow! Hello blogging world!!!! I know...I know...it has been forever since I've last written. Time for a massive update. You will then understand the lack of writing. I quit my job and I am now in LAW SCHOOL!!! You read right. I am loving law school for all of the crazy hard work it is, and I am learning so much. But before I went to law school, I went on the trip of a lifetime to Asia. Specifically, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand. July 2012 It was so beautiful, and I had ZERO diabetes type problems! I was so happy. Three weeks and everything was fine. Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, was literally the most beautiful place I've ever been before. The countries were so beautiful, and the people were so wonderful. I really would love to go back again. Cambodia was my favorite country overall, with Vietnam a close second and Thailand was my least favorite, though still amazing. Here I am on the island on Ko Samet, in Thailand. It was my favorite part of Thailand, along with seeing the elephants in Chang Mai. November 2012 I walked, as usual, in the Walk to Cure Diabetes. At least the weather this year was much better, as it was sunny and not rainy. I didn't raise as much money as I did last year, but it was still a success. :) I also got two clubs that I am involved with at school to donate to my walk to cure diabetes team! Together alone they donated over $500! It was so great to have my law school's support. Sometimes it can be so lonely having type 1 diabetes, but then you remember all these wonderful people who are behind you. One of things I I really like about the walk is that you can meet with all the companies that have new products out. I am considering switching to a dexcom sensor after meeting with them. Has anyone made the switch from Medtronic to Dexcom? Although, I saw that Medtronic is coming out with a new sensor when I did a video shoot for their website! I just really love having one device with all my information on it... December 2012 It was such a fancy day!! I was interviewed for Medtronic, and I was treated like a princess. I even was given hair and makeup! ooooo.... I had no idea it was such a big deal. A Representative from Medtronic called me saying they remembered me from my blog post I wrote for them and they wanted to interview me. They gave me a tour of the headquarters, including showing me their museum, which included the first insulin pump!! How crazy is this?? It's so big! It was so fun, and of course I will try to keep you all updated with where it will be posted or what not. LASTLY... I recently went wine tasting in Temecula and look to my surprise!! Of course I gave them some money! How could I not??? Obviously it's gorgeous there, not to mention the wine wasn't bad either ;) Though, my blood sugar didn't like it too much... I am sorry it has been so long my friends. I really want to write more often, as I have many more diabetes related stories to share. Please keep reading!!! I've missed you all!

What is the Promise to Remember Me Campaign?

The JDRF Promise to Remember Me Campaign asks Members of Congress to "promise to remember" those affected by diabetes when making decisions regarding diabetes research.

JDRF's Outreach Manager in Los Angeles contacted me and asked if I would meet with Congresswoman Karen Bass to ask for her support of JDRF and diabetes research as part of the Promise to Remember Me campaign.

This campaign is important as it develops the relationships between federal legislators and JDRF advocates. This year, the focus is on research for diabetes, in particular the artificial pancreas.

To learn more about the artificial pancreas, here are two great videos from CNN.

"'Bionic' Pancreas Gives Patients A Break"

"Artificial Pancreas Is A Game Changer"

The only way, as of now, to have access to the artificial pancreas is through clinical trials. Being chosen for one of these trials seems harder than winning the lottery! I have continually signed up, but to no avail. Although, the FDA is stating that this Artificial Pancreas should be available to homes in five years. A glimmer of hope! The Promise to Remember Me meetings are necessary in order to get the proper funding from the government so more people can have these types of technologies available to them. When I get to try out the Artificial Pancreas, the first thing I will do is drink a smoothie! The whole thing. And not the light kind with Splenda. As of now, I would never do that. That is unless I wanted to visit the hospital.




I felt very honored to be chosen to attend this meeting. It can feel so helpless as a person with Type 1 Diabetes just waiting for a cure or the next best technology. It is events like the Walk to Cure Diabetes and these meetings that make me feel like we can create a difference. It was meetings like these that got the contiguous glucose monitoring system on the map and I hope we can push for more technologies that will improve the lives of everyone with diabetes.

The event was very educational. I felt so insignificant in a room full of educated and important people. Yet, Congresswoman Karen Bass was personable and kind. Representing JDRF was the Outreach Manager who contacted me (Her husband is a Type 1 Diabetic), a Nurse (who also was a Type 1 Diabetes) and myself. After she spoke beautifully, there was a long line to speak with her. Once we got to the front of the line, she made us feel like we were the most important people in the room. Her eyes were full of warmth and she listened to our every word. Here is a picture of us showing her our pumps and me giving her my card for this blog.



Right after this photo, Congresswoman Bass told us that her mother had Type 1 Diabetes. As sad as it is to hear that another person has diabetes, it's also nice to know we have someone in congress who understands our struggles and is on our side.

She had agreed to support us, and that promise was captured with this photo.



The most powerful portion of the evening though was in meeting Albert (far right). He was the person who had invited JDRF to this event. Albert told us the very sad story of how his son, a type 1 diabetic, at ten years old, had passed away due to a diabetic coma. Our eyes filled with tears as he told the story. I often forget, how life can literally slip away from us so easily. He stressed the importance of taking care of ourselves and how he wanted to become very involved with JDRF in his son's memory.

There is no sorrow like the loss of a child. Any time I hear of a death due to type 1 diabetes, of course I get scared and I am reminded of how serious this disease is. In honor of Albert's son and all the others, we MUST make a different and we MUST fight.

You can help by clicking ‘Continue NIH Research like the Artificial Pancreas’, asking you to send an email to your Members of Congress and remind them of the important contributions the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) has made towards diabetes research.

Help break misconceptions about diabetes. Join the DOC blog list for Socks4Life!

During the summer before second grade, a new family moved in on my street that had two kids, one of which was my age, Michael. He was a really nice kid and after getting to know him, we soon became friends. Living on the same street, we were on the same bus and would often meet up and play basketball, soccer, or some other sport after school. For about a month, he never mentioned to me that he had diabetes. The day I found out, we were playing basketball in my driveway and we had a close game going. We were only a few points away from ending the game when he said that he had to run home. Although I reiterated that we were almost done, he insisted he would only need a couple minutes at home and then he’d come back.
After we finished our game, I asked him if everything was ok. That’s when I learned that he had diabetes and he showed me this gizmo that was attached to the inside of his pants (I now know it was a pump). He explained to me what the pump was and that he had diabetes. As any curious 7 year old would do, I asked him a lot of questions about the pump and about diabetes. He opened up and told me everything about the disease, answering every question I had. He told me that he had to leave because he wasn’t feeling well and needed some juice. He then explained to me how he needs to test his blood sugar levels, keep track of everything he eats, take his medicines, etc… This sounded very complicated and a lot to handle, but he made it seem like it was nothing at all.
To this day, we are still friends and I’m yet to see him allow diabetes to get in his way of accomplishing anything. When we play football or basketball, I’ll tackle him to the ground and contest every single shot he takes (and we’re not afraid to foul either). He also played on the soccer team for his college for 2 years. I was a little shocked when he told me he was the first player with diabetes his coach ever had on the team. We talked in depth about this and he told me that many coaches are reluctant to accept players with a disease such as diabetes due to liabilities risks with the school. We both knew this was ridiculous and that patients with diabetes can play sports just like anyone else! Great athletes such as Jay Cutler, Ty Cobb, Walt Frazier, Jerry Stackhouse, and Jackie Robinson led outstanding careers while fighting the battle against diabetes.
Michael also told me a rather chilling story over the winter vacation for the reason he and his girlfriend broke up. They had been together for almost 6 months, and things seemed to be going well. He told me out of nowhere, she called everything off because she didn’t want things to get more serious between the two of them. When he asked why, she said she didn’t want to date someone she couldn’t eventually have kids with. She thought because he had type 1 diabetes, that his kids would have the disease. Although we know this isn’t true, she still believed this hurtful myth.
For reasons like this, my company has been working with the American Diabetes Association and the Diabetic Online Community to create this diabetes guide and info graphics to de-bunk common myths and provide facts behind the disease. If you have a blog and would like to help us with our mission to provide the truth behind diabetes, join our DOC directory so that others with the disease can join you and your community!

Bio: As the philanthropy and outreach coordinator for Socks4life, I have truly been blessed to have the opportunity to give back to the diabetes community. Whether we donate diabetic socks to those with neuropathy or sponsor our local Step Out walk, my team is dedicated to doing our part to improve the lives of those with diabetes. We won’t stop our efforts until a cure is found! To connect with me, feel free to email me at abruk@socks4life.com.

I'm not sure why it took me so long to find this program. Lately, I have felt the need to refresh myself. Sometimes, even with diabetes for so long, I feel like I can know nothing, then one minute I am am a specialist...


If anyone has heard of this program and has any feedback, I'd love to hear, as I am seriously considering this but I know it's very expensive.


After some advice from a doctor, I decided to investigate and I loved what I found. I was quickly provided with lots of information after emailing the contact person. This is what they sent me and more. If you'd like me to forward you info you can email me as well. authoroftheld@gmail.com

Diabetes Outpatient Intensive Treatment (DO IT) Description

Tune-up your diabetes management at Joslin Clinic’s DO IT Program

Whether you were diagnosed years ago or just recently, whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you know that with good strategies for nutrition, exercise and medication, you can enjoy better health, experience far fewer medical complications, and significantly increase the quality of your life.

This popular 4 consecutive day comprehensive program of medical care, personal training and group seminars is designed for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Included in the program is a physical assessment as well as small group and individual sessions with a nurse educator, registered dietitian, exercise physiologist and social worker.

If you have a challenge, such as a physical disability we need to be informed.

The DO IT Program is usually conducted Monday through Thursday and is conducted exclusively in our Boston location.

What You Will Do in DO IT
Assessment

On the first day of the program (Monday), you are assessed individually in one-on-one appointments by the DO IT team, which includes a staff endocrinologist, a nurse educator, a registered dietitian and an exercise physiologist. Although you will have laboratory work done on the first day, please do not fast on the first day of the program. Follow your regular routine on the first day. There is also an introductory meeting for all participants and their guests, conducted by a member of the Joslin Mental Health Department.

On days 2, 3 and 4, individual consultations with the DO IT physician, lectures and group exercise sessions are scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On each of these three days you eat breakfast, lunch and snacks at Joslin Clinic.

We strongly encourage you to bring a guest (spouse, relative, and friend) who can learn about the challenges of managing diabetes and become part of your support team. Other than meals, there are no additional costs for your guest. Included in the program is a support group for all guests conducted by a social worker.

Participants also receive digital imaging of their retinas for diabetic eye disease using the Joslin Vision Network (JVN) technology. This does not take the place of a comprehensive eye exam.

Consults
A comprehensive eye exam with a staff ophthalmologist experienced in diabetes eye care, is available upon request. Any other consultations may be ordered by the DO IT physician, if deemed necessary. We try to schedule any additional consultations around the DO IT schedule so that you will not miss any lectures or exercise sessions.

What Is the Cost?
While many insurance payers cover much of the cost of the DO IT program, we advise you to call your individual insurance carrier about your plan’s coverage. There is, however, an out-of-pocket expense of $500 for each participant for non medical services within the program that are not billable to insurance. A list of these services follows on page five.

Patients are responsible for:
• The $500 out of pocket fee
• Co-pays required by your insurance, which may include one co-pay for each MD office visit and each day of education
• Deductibles or co-insurances assigned by your insurance.
• Services not covered by your insurance





Education Fee~ Diabetes Self Management Training
This fee is based on the intensity of your medical needs and includes the services of the DO IT nurse educator, registered dietitian and exercise physiologist. 18 hours of diabetes education using billing codes G0108 and G0109.
Estimated educational charges are $2274.

Total DO IT charges for medical services generally are $3200.

If you have insurance coverage, all of your medical services will be billed to your insurance carrier. You are responsible for co-payments, deductibles, and balances after insurance. Managed care plans require referrals and co-payments for medical office visits as well as education classes. We strongly advise that you contact your insurance carrier to verify coverage for this program.



DO IT Program Non-Medical Services and Fees (May, 2005)

The following non medical services are not billable to any insurance carrier and are included in the out-of-pocket expense of $500:

• Meals $90.00
• Books $92.00
• Research Lecture $26.50
• Support Groups Session (including guests) $69.00
• Official Joslin Clinic DO IT Tote Bag $15.00
• Pedometer $20.00
• Stretching Bands $37.50
• 6 months telemedicine $150.00 (6 months at $25 per month)
Total $500



What You Will Eat
Please follow your regular routine before coming into Joslin Clinic on your first day. Please have breakfast and please take all medications. We will provide lunch. You should be prepared to eat dinner and your evening snack on your own each day.

Participants have breakfast, lunch and snacks on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the clinic. If your guest joins you for your DO IT meals, there is an additional fee of $155.

What You Will Leave With
At the conclusion of the program, you will receive a summary letter, one for you and one for your physician at home and/or Primary Care Physician (PCP), detailing what you’ve accomplished in the program, any changes made to your regimen, as well as any other significant findings. You’ll also receive a laboratory summary for you and your PCP.




DO IT Program Tuesday through Thursday Schedule
Your Monday schedule will be sent to you with your confirmation letter.

Tuesday
7:30am: Patient Lab on 2nd Floor
Check-in with DO IT Team nurse
Choose from Buffet Breakfast
Exercise Video
8:00am: Matching Insulin to Carb: Per MD order
8:40am: Introduction
8:45am: Diabetes…the Facts
10:00am: Food for Thought
11:00am: Exercise Session in Fitness Center
12:00pm: Lunch
1:00pm: Medications
2:00pm: Exercise Your Heart
3:00pm: Skills Training/Check out with Case Manager

Wednesday
7:30am: Check –in with DO IT Staff~3rd Floor
Choose from Breakfast Buffet
BGAT per order of MD
8:30am: What Goes Up Must Come Down (part 1)
9:00am: Research Lecture
10:00am Research Tour
10:15am: Muscle and Bone Tune–up
11:15am: Making Healthy Food Choices”
12:15pm: Lunch
1:15pm: Responding to Blood Glucose
2:15pm: Exercise Session in Fitness Center/Family Support Session
3:15pm: Skills Training/Check out with Case Manager

Thursday
7:30am: Check-in with DO IT Staff~3rd Floor
Choose from Breakfast Buffet
8:30am What Goes Up Must Come Down (part 2)
9:00am: Exercise Session in Fitness Center
10:00am: Eating for a Healthy Heart
11:00am: Ways to Invest in Your Health”
12:00pm: Lunch
1:00pm: Jeopardy
2:00pm: You Did It! Bringing it All Together
3:00 pm: Check-out with Case Manager

Even if you haven't heard of this program before, what are your thoughts on it? Does it sound worth it?

To me, it sounds like exactly what I need.

They have a convincing list of "WHY DO IT?"

In following up on people who have gone through the DO IT program, we’ve found:

* Their A1C results have improved by an average of almost 1.5 points. Those with the greatest risk of complications—with A1C readings greater than 10—reduced their levels an average of 2.75 points in the first 3-6 months.
* The number of their emergency room visits and hospitalization was cut in half the first year.
* The time lost from work or school was reduced by 43 percent the first year.

There are lots of books, brochures and articles filled with diabetes advice. But your path to better glucose control is going to be unique to you.

Is this the answer I've been looking for?