My Diabetes Journey: Part 3

By: Lindsay Dawson, Choosy Kids Social Media Account Manager

Earlier this year, I began to tell my story about living with Type 1 Diabetes. I talked about my diagnosis, my victories, my struggles, and the means by which I overcome those struggles. I assure you, not much has changed between then and now.

The last few months have been difficult. My body trends are changing, and with that comes the very delicate guessing game of which settings on my insulin pump to change, which to keep the same, and which ones are no longer necessary at all. I think (fingers crossed) I’m beginning to see the light now, but after nearly 2 months of consistently low blood sugars, even a little progress is something I celebrate. 

Diabetes is a full time job. It doesn’t take a break while you’re sleeping; it doesn’t pause while you’re at the gym; it doesn’t rest while you’re at work or stop when you’re playing with your puppy. Anniversaries, holidays, vacations, errands, cleaning, getting sick: Diabetes will play a role in the most tame and the most exciting moments of every day life. Diabetics must constantly be prepared to deal with a variety of side effects of the disease. More so, Diabetics must also be prepared to deal with the temptation to give up.

For me, that temptation arises more than I’d like to admit. However, in spite of the ups and downs of the disease, I have something incredibly special that gets me through.  

I have the most incredible circle of support.  Last December, I had to go to the ER because my blood sugar was dangerously high. In those foggy moments of fear, I looked to my best friend for support and encouragement. She was comforting me, making me laugh, and telling me that everything would be all right. I don’t think she realized, though, that the most outstanding part of it all was her presence. She was there for me, sitting by my side at midnight in the ER, knowing that she had to be at work early the next day but caring more about my situation than her own.

She is the reason that I don’t give up. She and the hundreds of others in my life – family, friends, loved ones, acquaintances, fellow Diabetics – humble me with their support, cheers, and encouragement. The day after I got home from the ER, I wrote the following Facebook post that summed up everything my heart had been feeling:

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time when Diabetics come together to celebrate their successes, find courage to overcome obstacles, and encourage overall awareness about this chronic disease.  I think all Diabetics would agree with me that having a strong circle of support is one of the most beneficial therapies for the disease. I couldn’t do this without those I love.  

This November, I challenge you to learn a bit more about Diabetes. The statistics surrounding this disease are astronomical. In 2014, 387 million people were reported as having Diabetes; by 2035, this will rise to 592 million (International Diabetes Federation, 2015). In 2013, “more than 79,000 children developed type 1 diabetes” (International Diabetes Federation, 2015). I can only imagine how that will grow in the next report. In the meantime, Type 1 Diabetics are celebrating the month of November by showing others what the disease looks like to them in a campaign called #T1DLooksLikeMe.

Finally, World Diabetes Day is November 14th. On this day, Diabetics raise their voices and encourage everyone to wear blue as a symbol of hope and a call to action for a cure. With more awareness, more research, and more education, we believe that this disease can finally make Diabetes a thing of the past. 

Choosy wants us to be the healthiest and happiest versions of ourselves, and that’s where your part in my story comes in! This month, I encourage you to show support for those in your life. Whether you know someone with Diabetes or not, I’m sure each one of you has something you struggle with. Thank the people who help you make it through, and lend a shoulder to those who need your support as well. Choosy has been an incredible role model and Health Hero in my circle of support. Who would you say has been your biggest encourager?

References: International Diabetes Federation. Key Findings 2014, 2015. Web. 29 October 2015.

About the Author: Lindsay Dawson earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies and a minor in vocal performance from West Virginia University in 2012. In May of 2014, she graduated from WVU with a Master’s of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications. She has enjoyed working for several non-profits, and in addition to her position with Choosy Kids, Lindsay is currently employed as the Outreach Coordinator for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Morgantown, WV. Her ultimate career ambitions inspire her to combine her love of the arts with her passion for marketing, leadership, and civic engagement.

My Diabetes Journey: Part 2

By: Lindsay Dawson, Choosy Kids Social Media Account Manager

In the first part of my journey with Type 1 Diabetes, “Did You Know: Only 5% of People with this Disease Have it in This Form,” I discussed a lot of personal components to my story. I shared with each of you the fear I felt on the day I was diagnosed; I confessed the frustrations I endure now and again; and I expressed how imperative it is to channel negative energy into positive energy.

And this is what I’d like to discuss today. My life with Diabetes will always have victories and struggles - peaks and valleys. And learning (and actively choosing!) to see the positive side of struggle has helped me overcome nearly every valley that I have experienced. This is not just a practice I use with Diabetes; I try to do this every day of my life.

I certainly do not have as much to complain about as some, for I always say that my situation could be far worse than it is. Still, I am only human, and I get stressed out, anxious, frustrated, and discouraged like everyone else. When I have bad days – especially bad Diabetes days – it is so easy to slip into a negative mindset and stay there. Wallow. Exhaust myself in the frustration. But I have learned to take those moments for what they are, and allow them to motivate me into an even greater sense of positivity. How many people actually enjoy feeling discouraged? Not many! But how many people would feel a huge wave of accomplishment in overcoming discouragement? A lot!

Obviously, this is easier said than done. There are many times when I struggle with chaotic blood sugar readings - fluctuating for no reason at all, cutting a workout short at the gym, limiting my ability to enjoy a meal, exhausting my energy, and stealing my joy.  Since my diagnosis in 2001, I have made 4 trips to the ER for high blood sugar. The longevity of my diagnosis (despite my consistently diligent care) has left me with nerve damage within my digestive system, known as Gastroparesis. The anxiety that I deal with also causes unexpected spikes in my blood sugar.  When you’ve been a Type 1 Diabetic for 13 years, the negatives add up. And that is EXACTLY why I have to focus on the positive!  There are a lot of little things that could bog me down. But that would be silly!

There is so much in life to love. And I tackle my difficult times by doing the things that I love! As long as my blood sugar allows, I will go for a run or walk outside, hike at a local park, bike, or even go outside and take photos. I love being outdoors, and find my greatest reassurance from a pretty sunset or a good run. I also love to cook and try new healthy foods or recipes! I have a mental list of all the foods I want to explore. These include raw artichokes, raw beets, and poaching an egg.  Finally, I spend time with the wonderful people in my life (Diabetes is not something I could ever deal with on my own!), sing, listen to new music, play a new instrument, and blog!

So, thank you to each of you for letting me do something I love, and helping me cope with my Diabetes in the process!

I know many of you are parents and overcome obstacles every day! Whether big or small, we all have to take a deep breath and move forward. What do you do to overcome the obstacles in your life? Do you or someone in your family have a health issue that you’ve made better with a positive attitude? I’d love to hear your stories! Share with us your blog if you have one!

About the Author: Lindsay Dawson earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies and a minor in vocal performance from West Virginia University in 2012. In May of 2014, she graduated from WVU with a Master’s of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications. She has enjoyed working for several non-profits, and in addition to her position with Choosy Kids, Lindsay is currently employed as the Outreach Coordinator for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Morgantown, WV. Her ultimate career ambitions inspire her to combine her love of the arts with her passion for marketing, leadership, and civic engagement.

Diabesity: Prevention Is Possible

By: Dr. Linda Carson

We recently posted a blog by Lindsay Dawson who shared a very personal account of learning that she had a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes when she was young. That blog made me reflect on my own experience with diabetes. My sister was diagnosed later in life with Type 2 diabetes, and since then she has lost much of her vision and one of her legs to this dreaded disease. In the past 15 years she has managed her diabetes with lifestyle changes and much healthier eating.

Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult onset diabetes but in recent years, the age of onset has moved younger and younger. Children as young as six have been shown to have elevated blood pressure and cholesterol. Childhood obesity has steadily increased over the past three decades. An interesting book written by Francine Kauffman, a pediatric endocrinologist, describes the consequences of our lifestyles of convenience. She says that we have designed comfy environments and foods (non-foods) that are going to do us in.

Dr. Kauffman also warns that diabetes and obesity are so linked together that soon physicians will be diagnosing them as a single syndrome known as diabesity. In fact, Diabesity is the name of her book. It is written for parents to help them understand ways to prevent both obesity and diabetes in children. The CDC has published trend maps that show how the prevalence of both obesity and diabetes has revealed a similar progression in recent years.

http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/center/slides.html

Experts agree that many cases of Type 2 diabetes and obesity can be prevented or minimized with healthy nutrition and physical activity. To be sure that your family is getting the preventive benefits from your food, try to eat more leafy green veggies, beans, and fruits. The fiber, vitamins, and minerals in plant-based food are what we should have everyday to nourish body and mind. Eating natural, unprocessed foods that are nutrient dense rather than calorie dense, will contribute to healthy metabolism and blood sugar levels.

For many, a daily diet of fresh fruits and veggies will also result in healthy weight loss! Wondering how to know if a food is nutrient dense? Think of it this way, if it is grown as a plant, try to eat more of that. If it is manufactured or processed in a “plant”, try to eat less of that. The processing takes away nutrition. And when selecting or preparing food for your family, remember the caution from Dr. Kauffman: We’ve designed environments and diets out of convenience that one day soon will do us in. Everyone is busy and convenience is wonderful, but lets all try to make healthier choices for our children and families.

So feed them well and move them more. Listen to a song by the same title and let us know what strategies you do to promote plant flavors, plant protein, and plant fiber?

About the Author: Linda Carson, Ed. D, is the founder and CEO of Choosy Kids, LLC, and the Ware Distinguished Professor Emerita at West Virginia University. An award winning, nationally recognized expert, Dr. Carson has devoted her career to promoting healthy preferences for young children and the adults who make decisions on their behalf. Click here to learn more about Linda.