Meal Mommy: D-Blog Week Day Seven-Last Day: What I've Learned From The Doc...

Sunday, May 15, 2011

D-Blog Week Day Seven-Last Day: What I've Learned From The Doc...

Wow. Too much to write in a little blog about how much I have learned from the DOC. First, I have learned that there are many of us all over the world. I have made friends in so many other countries whose kids are diabetic. I feel like anywhere I go, someone will understand. Second, I have learned that every child really is very different and every parent is very different. We all have the same thing in common, keeping our children healthy, but we all go about it at different levels and in different ways.

I will forever be grateful to the PWD that are adults for giving me a glimpse of what Lily's life will be like as an adult. It has helped me heal tremendously to read about how NORMAL these people are and that they are doing all of the wonderful things that I hoped she would do. It's like proof that this disease won't consume her.

I have also learned about a ton of new products and research! I have gained a better understanding of this disease by reading all about other people's experiences. I really wouldn't have it any other way while fighting this battle. I have always had my local support by the way of close friends for me and for Lily. I have totally enjoyed making friends all over the world that share this journey with me as well!

5 comments:

UnknownMay 15, 2011 at 8:19 AM
RIGHT BACK AT YOU SISTAH!!! I feel the same about it all. Grateful for everyone. And..I would be lost without the DOC.
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Heidi / D-TalesMay 15, 2011 at 9:47 AM
I could have written this post myself. Love the DOC! :)
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LaLaMay 15, 2011 at 8:47 PM
Same. Too much to say in one post!
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AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 9:13 PM
Glad to have found your blog through dblog week. Thank you so much for sharing your posts.
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Jane KMay 21, 2011 at 5:05 PM
Your daughter will definitely not be consumed by diabetes, and all those things you are doing now will guarantee that! Nice to "meet" you out here!
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What is Type 1? Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's own immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas (called beta cells). Signs: frequent thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, exhaustion. For Dummies: Your pancreas breaks.

What is Type 2? Type 2 Diabetes occurs when insulin that the body produces is less efficient at moving sugar out of the bloodstream. Some sugar is moved out of the blood, just not as effectively compared to a person with normal insulin efficiency. High blood sugars are a result of this. Diet, exercise, weight loss, and possible medications are the treatment for this type of diabetes. Occasionally, someone with Type 2 may be placed on insulin to better control blood sugars. This type of diabetes is associated with physical inactivity and obesity. Type 2 Diabetes used to be thought of as the adult onset type of diabetes. However, an alarming rate of children are now being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes (from http://www.diabetesplanner.com/).

What is a bolus? A bolus dose of insulin is the dose of regular or rapid-acting insulin that is injected to cover the food eaten in a meal or a snack (carbohydrates specifically).

What is basal insulin? The basal insulin is the “background” insulin, it works behind the scenes to cover daily functions such as breathing, heart rate, etc.

What is DOC or D-OC? Diabetes Online Community

What is PWD? Person With Diabetes

What is a D-Mom? Mother of a diabetic

What is the average range of numbers? This can vary by age but for Lily (7) it’s 80-160. Anything below 70 is low and must be treated with 15 grams of carbs. High for us is anything over around 250 and we give insulin to bring the number back down.

What is DKA? Diabetic ketoacidosis, aka DKA, is a serious complication of diabetes, which occurs when a very high blood sugar level (above 300 mg/dL) is coupled with a severe shortage of insulin in the body. This is more common in Type I diabetes because the body produces very little or no insulin on it's own. The body starts to break down fat for energy and ketones (toxic acids) develop. People with DKA usually complain of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and sometimes a fruity odor on their breath. This can lead to coma or death and should be treated by medical personnel immediately (from http://www.about.com/).

What are ketones? Organic compounds that result when body fat is broken down for energy. Glucose is usually used by cells for energy. But, when there's no insulin to help it transport out of the blood and into the cells, the body has an "energy crisis" and starts to break down body fat into ketones as an alternative fuel source (from http://www.about.com/).

What is an A1C test? It is an average of blood sugars over a 2-3 month period of time and is used to determine how well diabetes is being managed. For dummies: The report card.