Happy Last 2006 Friday!

The last Friday on 2006 and I wonder what 2007 have in store for me. I am hopeful and encourage by all the advances and lessons learnt this year in regards to managing diabetes.

The best health decision by far in 2006 was getting an Insulin Pump even though it meant paying for it out of pocket I am yet to regret making this decision. I believe broke and healthy is much better than rich and sickly. I am so grateful to have been able to get a pump, this saddens me because I know there are lots of people around the world today to whom the diagnoses of type 1 diabetes still is a death sentence. The thought that some people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will also get possible preventable complications simple because they cannot afford medications is just not right.

Thank God for organizations like Insulin for life (http://www.insulinforlife.org/)
That strives to make a difference that keeps people alive. We are all hopeful of a cure someday but without the help of organizations like them, some people, and a lot more people than necessary will not live to see a cure. I wonder if we can afford a cure when it comes, will insurance cover it?

What is the price for health? What does healthy mean to me? These were all questions I had to ponder in 2006 and questions I am working through.

Running with Pump

Over the past six years I have been running, I learnt how to run on multiply daily insulin injections and never tested blood sugar during runs even on 10k runs. I only test before plus after, on NPH it was a hit or miss however, Lantus as well as Levimer was God sent. They handled running better I always carried glucose tabs with me - certainly not a meter as I did not want to carry medical supplies with me on my runs, lows were treated by the way I felt - Not a good thing to do, nevertheless I did this for years.

Now on my insulin pump, I am learning how to run again only this time I have been running with a meter and checking my blood glucose during my runs. This has been an eye opener for me as I find that my blood sugar rises within the first 30 - 45min of running and sometimes it rises rapidly as well as higher than I would like to see it go. I can start out at 5.2mmol/l (94mg/l) and clock in at 12mmol/l (216mg/l) 30-45min later this is with my normal basal pumping. I have played with giving myself a small - I am terrified of lows, so very tiny, bolus before the start of my run and that seems to combat the rise some, however I lack the courage to increase the amount of bolus cause I am terrified of a big drop hours after my run.

I am getting a little frustrated; I do not want to burn calories just to ingest it again to treat a low. Walking lowers my blood sugar gradually but I do not have enough hours in a day to walk the distance needed for as good a workout as running. Doing the stairs in my 12-floor building has the same effect on my blood sugar as running, I would like to loose some weight in 2007 with exercise but right now it looks like running high blood sugar for a few months to lose weight might be easier if not even pleasurable -- think all the food I can eat (Ok that was the devil talking) and who want to flirt with complications anyway.
I am thinking about maybe increasing my bolus, then running a temp basal for a few hours after my run I am not sure that will work. I also know that what works for one person may not work for me I however wish for a hint on what has worked for others.
I really want to be the boss of my blood sugar if that is ever possible.

Suggestions…………………………….?

Hope you had a Merry, Happy holiday

The holidays are almost over I am back at work today and wishing it was Friday the “long” weekend was too short and I am exhausted and have two more working days to go after today. Even my four shots of espresso did nothing to help me feel awake it felt more like sipping a sleep-aid that just happens to taste like coffee.

We attended a beautiful candlelight Christmas service on the 24th where traditional Christmas chorus were sang. This has become a Christmas tradition, we started a few years back we pick a church in the neighbourhood and attend their candlelight service. This year we went to St Andrews the church was packed no seats for latecomers.
This is my first Christmas with “Pumcy “ and it was Merry Blood Glucose to me. Combo and extended Bolus is a perfect match it worked wonders and made for a more enjoyable worry free holiday. Not to mention I slept well the usually multiply bathroom trips were just a memory of Christmas past.
I will go read others’ blog maybe that will be the magic to wake me up.

Victory - United Nations adopts diabetes resolution

A United Nations Resolution on Diabetes was formally adopted yesterday, making it the first time ever for a non-communicable disease. This will also mandate Governments around the world to establish national policies on the treatment, prevention and care of diabetes within the sustainable development of each Government’s healthcare system.

"Today the United Nations has recognized diabetes as a global pandemic.The adoption of the Resolution affirms the belief that access to properPrevention and management is a human right which should not be ignored," says
Michael Howlett, President and CEO of the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Diabetes - it’s with you always

I arrived at work yesterday to find our power out the generator had kicked in however we needed that juice to run the data center to keep all the other employees around the world working. After a couple of idle hours and electricians with blank look on their faces, we were asked to go home.

I decided to take the opportunity to start my Christmas shopping being that there is only three days to Christmas I headed to Metropolis at Metrotown. A one stop shopping Mecca, with close to 500 stores, this is the perfect place to find the perfect gifts.
Christmas cheers that have eluded me so far this year enveloped me as I walked into the mall. It was packed with people some happy and cheerful and some looked stressed, people carrying bags upon bags of stuff. I methodically went form one favourite store to another picking up presents and then headed to the gift-wrapping station to drop them off. I was filled with excitement and could picture facial expressions when those gifts are opened. I continued with my shopping, I felt a little hungry but ignored both the hunger and the fact that this could very well be a warning sign my body was trying to give me.
I was headed back to the wrapping station when I saw the food court sign, my brain translated the sign to “check blood glucose” a light bulb went off in my head. I have been walking probably for miles in this huge mall - oops I am diabetic I did not make arrangement for all this walking I did not reduce my basal insulin nor did I eat extra carbohydrates. Just as fast as I had been bath with the seasons cheers it was gone again as I stopped tested and treated the low.
Days like this I think I really need a CGMS.

Cleo 90 Infusion Sets.

About a month ago I contacted Auto Control Medical, the Canadian distributor of Cleo 90 infusion sets and request sample sets to try. Samples were sent to me via overnight mail, but I had not tried it till yesterday.

I have been using the Quick Set infusion sets with the inserter since I started pumping. I have not tried any other set because I am a big baby, angle sets looks painful and I could never bring myself to manually inset an infusion set. With the Quick Set, I am familiar with the initial sting of the steel needle breaking and entering my skin. Not wanting to get to know how another set feels entering my skin along with not wanting to learn the steps to inserting a different set had kept me from trying the Cleo 90 that sits in my supply basket.

Yesterday evening I ripped out my old set took a long soothing shower; I was ready to put in a new set. The purple Cleo, caught my eye begging not to be ignored any longer, I picked one up quickly skimmed through the instruction sheet that come with it. I unscrewed the cover and placed it on the area I had prepared.


My hand now frozen on the set, it hit me, there is no button to press to release the spring, I did say I was a big baby I will have to use my own force. Just bang on it as quickly and as fast as you can I said to myself… Hmm they say it is virtually pain free I try to convince my self. However the other side of me said – Yap like needle-breaking skin can be pain free, you know that is why they use the words “virtually pain free” right? I look at my Quick Set and inserter and for a moment I wanted to just use what I know.
But, I held my breath and pressed on it… Ah! It is virtually pain free, I think I will try again and even switch to using them.

All I want for Christmas is……….

Every year around this time I get fatigued and wish I could turn it over to someone else to manage. I wish just for the last few weeks of each year I could outsource my diabetes management to someone or to a company.
What I really want for Christmas is a “diabetes spa”, a first class, five-star resort. Staffed with the best endocrinologist, certified diabetes educator, nutritionist, and exercise physiologist along with all the other staff a resort requires. Where I check in and do not worry or think about managing diabetes till checkout. My personalized diabetes management - well thought out and documented, basal and bolus rates and ratios, fun-exciting activities, nutritional tasty foods all taken care of. Blood sugar monitoring, infusion set changes and decisions surrounding everything to ensure I stay within my ultimate aim of fasting and before meal blood sugar of 5.5 (98), one-hour after meals will be no higher than 8 (144) and two hours no higher than 6.5 (117)
There will never be a hypoglycaemia events at this spa and all the regular spa activities will be available to be enjoyed worry free.

BD sells blood glucose monitoring business

BD Logic and Paradigm link Blood Glucose Meter has been raised from the dead. I know some people were sad when BD announced a few months ago that they are pulling out of the glucose monitoring business.


Below is a press release from BD.


BD sells blood glucose monitoring business to Sanvita, Inc.

Important Information for BD Logic® and Paradigm Link® Users
We have some exciting news for you! There is no need to switch from using your BD blood glucose monitoring system. We are pleased to announce that BD has sold the blood glucose monitoring business to a valued business partner, Sanvita, Inc. This means that you will be able to continue to use the quality BD blood glucose monitoring system that you have been using.
Sanvita has a strong commitment to patient care, and to delivering high quality products and services. Sanvita will continue to supply test strips that work with BD Logic® and Paradigm Link® monitors through pharmacies, mail-order providers, and health plans well into the future.
This announcement is limited to BD blood glucose monitors and test strips and has no impact on other BD Diabetes Care products such as insulin syringes, pen needles, lancets, and lancing devices.

You’ve got to have faith

I took a call from a friend (L) I have not seen in over four years whom I however, speak to several times a year. We went through the obligatory pleasantry of “how have you been”, etc.

While on the phone with L my pump vibrates reminding me to check my blood sugar level, it has already been two hours since my last bolus. I naturally held the phone between my ear and should, pulled out my monitor and without missing a beat, pricked my finger. A squeeze and a little bright red dot settle on the side of my finger. I touch the tip of the strip that I had inserted into my meter, which is now begging for a drink, on the red dot and watch as the dot disappears. I licked the remaining evidence off my finger, within five short second the meter beeps at me; I glanced at the number 5.1mmol (92) and smiled.

“What was that beeping?” L asked? “My blood glucose meter” I responding and went back to talking about my recent NYC trip. Adjoa! L interrupted “Do you still have diabetes?” “Waiting for the cure,” I replied.

My Friend proceeded in telling me that there is already a cure, his mane is Jesus and that I need to find a good bible believing church to become a member of.
He goes on -------->

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” he mumbled adding “the bible says by his strips you are healed” “diabetes, like any illness is just a spirit that needs to be cast out”

“With a little faith, even one as small as a mustard seed, you will be healed”

That was when I told my friend I needed to go.

I really did not have a comeback nor do I know how to respond to something like this.

One World One Hope – Unite for diabetes

I try to work hard on my health knowing that I am lucky. I am also very thankful for the advancements in medical and technology that aid me stay alive and healthy with type 1 diabetes.

Insulin is not a cure, however insulin keeps us alive and healthy. Without insulin, diabetes is a death sentence.

Diabetes is a pain to manage, its like a cruel joke that does not end, a forced marriage that did not take what you want or need into consideration, and a spouse who takes “till death do us part” very seriously. However I am still very lucky, because available to me are all these wonderful tools that enable me to cope.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) knows that not all of us are as lucky, and that diabetes kills more people than it is necessary. A United Nations Resolution on Diabetes has been drafted, when passed will be the first time ever for a non-communicable disease. This will also mandate Governments around the world to establish national policies on the treatment, prevention and care of diabetes within the sustainable development of each Government’s healthcare system.


Go sign and write a message of support for this resolution unite for diabetes

For many people and in many parts of the world a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is still a death sentence today.

O! I really want to get back to ...............

I stopped by my favourite café Caffe Artigiano for a personal Mocha treat, the science of bolusing for said Mocha was perfected during my four-day pump training. I stepped up to the cash register paid, moved to the designated wait area and communicated my bolus to my beloved pump “Pumcy”


Barista guy recognised my personal mug and draw a heart into my Mocha, we exchanged good mornings, have a great day and hope to see you again tomorrow. I took a sip placed the lid of the mug securely on and made my way back to my car.


Ø Mug placed in the cup holder
Ø Wallet returned to it rightful place in my bag
Ø Seatbelt fastened
Ø Hands free earpiece comfortable positioned
Ø Ignition turned on
Ø Turn signal engaged

I had a quite and pleasant drive into work while outlining all I have to accomplish today and came up with the perfect strategy on just how to get it all done. Got to my desk and got right into my work, a friend on the east coast sends me a usual morning email and I quickly reply getting back on schedule. My phone rings, I notice I am a little angry at the unwelcome interruption. On the other end was my friend ----

Friend “Adjoa! Are you OK?”
Me “Yes, just a little busy, can we talk later”
Friend “Sure, but are you sure you’re alright?
Me (angry) “Yes, we will talk later, bye”

I got back to work, angrier than ever, now I am not going to get everything accomplished. “Pumcy” vibrates, reminding me to check my blood sugar, a reminder that I have not done much in the last 1hr30mins. What follows is like second nature now, I licked my finger and my meter said 3.1 (55).

My brain says - needs sugar fast, I grab four glucose tabs and start chewing. I reached for my mug and it is still full, I wash the glucose tabs down with my Mocha. As I slowly get back to live and to reality.

After the rain the sun... it’s a beaut here!

I hate the gym with a passion, I try my hardest not to go to the gym, so naturally I have been bummed out by how unusually stormy it has been in Vancouver lately. Last night I come up with the brilliant ideal of running up and down our 12 stories apartment building stairs for a workout.

First of all I do not like “climbing” of any kind I would rather walk an extra mile to get to point “A” than climb a little hill to get there. Secondly I do not think I get the same workout on a treadmill as I do outdoor.

Delusional? Whatever, I live in my own special world anyway.

My stairs workout, while good did not meet the goal I set for myself, my sister ended up laughing so hard at my initial goal as she asked – You just said “up and down 10times” just for my sake right? This was after the fifth set when I was huffing and puffing with complains of my legs shaking.

This afternoon, the clouds parted a bit, the sun is fighting to shine and my spirit is lifted, I am in love with my city again. I cannot wait to get off work, and then I remembered I am set to meet these two Internet buds at an event this afternoon an indoor event :-)

Sorry guys, I know I am being selfish since you both have to be at this event and I don’t but I would rather go out running.

My mental health and my diabetes really need me to run outdoors the way God intended me to run. Besides just take a look at how beautiful the neighbourhood is when it is not raining who can resist.

Hope you understand since “they” are calling for storms again.

Brothers and Sisters and Diabetes

Currently my favourite TV show is Brothers and Sisters, it airs on ABC Sundays at 9pm.

The show is about a multi-generation family that work to balance their personal life and work life. Sounds familiar?

If you have never seen the show the first episode started off with an “idyllic family”, having a party during which the father has a heart attack and dies. The heart attack was witness by his granddaughter.

After the father’s death the family was force to face new realities, discovering that their idyllic family was just a façade under which laid secrets that will either tear the family apart or bring them closer together. There are many levels and many interesting stories woven into the show. One storyline I find myself captivated by is about the granddaughter.

The stress of witnessing her granddad’s heart attack and subsequently his death brought on her type 1 diabetes. The writers so far, do a great job in just weaving the diabetes storyline into the show just as we diabetics weave diabetes into our life.

Last night’s episode had a scene where the little girls mom administers her night time insulin and the girl says something about when she gets well. With a heavy heart her mother tells her she will always have diabetes. The scene brought tear to my eyes knowing that my own mother must have felt this way and still feels this way.

I was a little disappointed that there was no promise of a cure. But I could see how the mother did not want to make a promise that was not within her control.

Getting back on the blog horse

I need an outlet for my frustrations, triumphs and newly discovered delusions. My deliberate disregard for certain things (my delusions) is partly by design because I have decided that just as with medical practise the cure is more important than the side effects. Sounds stupid? Well not to me at least not at the moment, maybe a few weeks, months or even years from now things will look different and so will my reality.

A good decision can never be made a day too late as with my recent triumph. One of the best decisions I have made for me was to go on an insulin pump, meet “Pumcy” (like Percy) as I affectionately call him.





Yes, him and yes I named him. It’s the least I can do for the little machine that has become my constant companion. We are still getting to know each other, learning to live together and figuring out each other’s like and dislike.

I wake up every morning trying to master my joggling act, the secret act that takes place even as I type, sleep, eat, drive, while working. I joggle type 1 diabetes while my real life happens –




Welcome to my frustration of learning to live a balanced life, trying not to be overwhelmed by life while ensuring that I do everything in my power to starve off complications and live a healthy fulfilling life.

Hi,

My name is Adjoa (African Akan name, meaning “Born on Monday”)