Diabetes Health Talk

It’s always a trying time when waiting for a diagnosis, and once it comes there’s a moment of relief because you finally KNOW. Then comes the questions - what do I do now? Can I still do all the things I want to do? How much am I going to have to change my ways in order to remain healthy? What are the risks if I don’t, if I do, what if what if what if?

Diabetes is something that must be controlled for the long haul, and we’re lucky that there are some great role models that show us while changes need to be made, it doesn’t have to steal your life, at all. Even Pro football players.

The NFL is in the middle of training camps, preparing for the upcoming season, and recently Wade Wilson, quarterback coach for the Dallas Cowboys, and Jay Cutler, Denver’s starting quarterback chatted a bit about real life, blood sugar, insulin pumps and managing life with Type 1 diabetes.

“It’s a constant battle,” said Wilson, who has lived with diabetes the last 22 years, “but if he can handle professional football, he can handle diabetes. I told him I’d be pulling for him.”

Wilson was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1986, at the start of his fifth season with Minnesota. He played another 14 seasons, and has been an assistant coach since 2000. He’d lost 20 pounds and was urinating all the time, and those are the symptoms that sent him to the doctor. He didn’t think diabetes, as he had no family history, even though his insulin-making cells were being destroyed.

Cutler, age 25, has almost the same story to tell. He’d lost 20 pounds during last season, was hungry all the time but never gained weight. He continued to play, passing for 20 touchdowns and 3,497 yards. In April he received his diagnosis for Type 1 diabetes after a workout at Vanderbebilt - his alma mater - where he was weak and lathargic.. He’s regained his weight, and his arm is strong as of Wednesday’s practice between the Bronco’s and the Cowboys.

“There have been a lot of people that have played with diabetes,” Cutler said. “Even now, athletes have diabetes, especially Type 1, and they are playing. There are people that play with pumps on, so it definitely can be done. I am managing it right now, and it is going well.”

He wears a pump during practice to regulate his insulin, while Wilson takes injections. Wilson took injections, and the trainers had sugar on hand for him just in case. As a player, he had a workout program, and now watches what he eats. Cutler has hired a personal chef to help him monitor what he eats. He knows he’ll be judged on his performance, not on the disease. You are judged on how well you play, and how many games you win.

After their short meeting, Cutler was impressed. “He (Wilson) went through his career with it, and I don’t see any reason why I can’t.”

Check out the Jay Cutler Foundation for more about Jay, and his efforts to aid Diabetes Research!

This has been a loooooooonnnngggg week. I work for a domestic violence shelter as education and training coordinator - we hold a week-long workshop twice each year. This was my first to facilitate/teach since receiving my promotion in May. Phew! Quite a busy, busy week.

We make sure that there are nutritious snacks available every day for the participants - fruit, bagels, muffins, juice, etc. There are also the not quite so nutritious snacks - chips, chocolates, etc. The days are long - the subject is hard - there is a need for comfort food, too.

One of the participants has gestational diabetes so we saw her check her glucose levels several times through the week.

That opened avenues for discussion, of course. Discussion about diabetes are ALWAYS a good thing. It is important to be open and to share when you find you can help someone grow in their own mental/physical/emotional health. In sharing with others we also can be helping ourselves. So . . . as the kids say . . . it’s all good.

And, speaking of kids - and getting to the title of this entry . . .

I came home a bit early one night this week and popped the tv on and happened to see the Jonas Brothers on Ellen. Hubby and I looked at each other and shared our feelings - it’s like stepping back 40+ years and seeing the Beatles perform with screaming teeny-boppers in the audience. The early Beatles - you remember them, the clean-cut youth from across the pond who smiled and charmed all of America’s girls?

The Jonas Brothers are home grown - teens from New Jersey; 19-year-old Kevin, 17-year-old Joe, and 14-year-old Nick.

The reason I’m writing about these young singers? Nick Jonas has Type 1 Diabetes. Here’s his story - in his own voice:

He’s a great spokesman for Type 1 Diabetes.

diabetes, type 1 diabetes, juvenile diabetes, nick jonas, jonas brothers

Daughter, Lessa, writes for 451 at www.watchingsurvivor.com. She has had some good communications with past Survivor contestants - one of whom is Billy Garcia.

Billy is going to walk for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation fundraiser! Hey, it’s at King’s Island near Cincinnati!!! We’ve been there, Lessa! Well, you were little and all, but, hey - WE’VE BEEN THERE!!!

That’s kinda coolSeems he is going to take part in a walk for diabetes - and needs your help to meet his goal. So I am going to post a link both to Lessa’s story about it - and to his fundraising page. Hey! He only needs to raise another $60 to meet his goal!!!! Wouldn’t you like to be the one to boost him over? What are you waiting for . . . go on now - git! and then come back, of course.

Good Day All!

Today we will be discussing the Risk Factors for Type 1 Diabetes. We will be discussing ways of preventing Type 1 Diabetes. There are many was to delay or prevent Type 1 Diabetes, We
will focus on self education and living a healthy lifestyle.

Now when you hear “Healthy lifestyle” Most of us envision the
person jogging around the neighborhood, or the gym. Though living healthy involves a lot more then just exercise. Contrary to to popular belief, you can live a healthy lifestyle without devoting all you have worked hard to earn on your gym membership.

Though we all have grown accustom to waiting for our doctors to tell us what to do. We must change our way of thinking and take care of ourselves as much as possible. Patients with Type 1 Diabetes know this all too well, and though it is hard to change the things we have been doing for years.

As creatures of habit is it easier to take the easy more familiar road. However education and awareness can bring about a healthier life. Below are some of the risk factor as well as links to aid you in your search for answers. As I am not a health care worker, or licensed physician if you find you may have some of these risk factors please talk to your doctor:

Risk Factors for Children:

1. Born with a parent who has Type 1 Diabetes

2. Having a mother of older age

3. Illness as a baby

4. Overweight in childhood

With the rise in cases of childhood diabetes, researchers are finding that there is a link in children who have been sick as a young child and obesity.

Risk Factors for Adults:

1. Family history: if your family has a history of diabetes it is wise to get check early and educate yourself of the symptoms.

2. Race

3. Trauma: trauma can cause a shut down of the pancreas or failure of the pancreas causing the sugar level to rise in the body.

Some helpful sites:

American Diabetes Association:

This site provides helpful information on diabetes and its risk factors.

www.diabetes.org

The Mayo Clinic:

They provide resources and information about Type 1 Diabetes Risk Factors.

www.mayoclinic.com

Next time we will discuss Hypoglycemia: Warning signs and symptoms of hope to see you soon!

Until Then!
Smiles,
Lisa

Salutations All!

Today I would like to talk about symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes is a hard disease to deal with, this form quite
possibly the hardest. Dealing with Type 1 Diabetes is difficult because the complications of this disease can be more severe and fatal quicker then the other forms if not properly taken care of.

No body likes to deal with needles and shots constantly but in this case it is very common. The idea of giving yourself shots regularly can become very scary. Though even with this condition you can still live a very normal, or healthy life.

Below are some of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. If you suspect that you may have this disease you should seek help from a medical professional right away.
Diabetes can cause strokes, heart attacks, blindness, kidney failure, and in the worst cases coma and death; this is why it is important to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Eat healthy, and exercise regularly!

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes:

1. Increased Thirst: IF you are thirsty and can not stop drinking.

2. Dry mouth: when your sugar level is elevated your mouth drys out; it seems no matter how much you drink!

3. frequent urination: of course the more you drink the more you urinate.

4. Weight loss: Loss of large amount of weight too quickly

5. Blurred Vision: this is a common symptom of complications to Type 1 Diabetes.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis: is a life threatening condition that must be treated immediately. Caused by lack of insulin in the blood, while sugar levels rise. If you experience any of the symptoms below go the emergency room immediately:

1. A fruity breathe oder: you usually can’t tell but a friend or family member can so make sure they know the signs!

2. Flush, or heated face or skin

3. Restlessness, or confusion: Sometimes it becomes difficult to speak depending on how long it has been this high.

4. Problems waking: if someone you know or love will not wake up, call ambulance immediately.

We will talk more on Diabetic Ketoacidosis later this week! So come back for the basics!

I hope this information has helped you in your search for information on Type 1 Diabetes, I have provided you some additional links to view for your research.
For any detail specific question please contact your medical physician:

Life Clinic:
This site provides more information on Type 1 diabetes and its symptoms, as well as causes to the disease.

www.lifeclinic.com

Medical Services and Products:

This site sells products for diabetics as well as gives informative information on Type 1 diabetes and its symptoms.

www.medicalservicesandproducts.com

I hope to speak with each of you again!

Until then
Smiles,
Lisa

Greetings all,

Today I want to talk about Type 1 Diabetes. Though many decades this condition has lowered the of quality of life of its victims. This is a difficult disease to deal with since tight control of it is important at all times.

Type 1 diabetes though it is found in only 10% of Diabetes cases in the U.S. today still packs a powerful blow to all who suffer. This illness requires constant need of insulin as well as constant checking, keeping track of levels and diet.

Type 1 Diabetes is usually caused by either a shut down of the pancreas or non functioning pancreas at birth. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed before the age of 30, however in some cases it is diagnosed after thirty brought on by a trauma to the pancreas or failure of the pancreas.

Type 1 diabetes is harder to accept since the treatment for the disease is more extreme and complications of the disease hit the sufferer faster. The ages of this disease is younger making it difficult for all involved.

Later in this series we will be discussing risk factors, symptoms, and treatment for Type 1 Diabetes. We will also touch on how this disease affects the body as well as complications. Below are some links to aid in your research of this condition.

Remember to educate yourself and take care of your body!

Go to these sites for more information on Type 1 diabetes:

American Diabetes Association:
This site provides information, research, and support for diabetics.

www.diabetes.org

The Mayo Clinic:

This organization gives research, support, and counseling to those affected with diabetes. Visit them at:

www.mayoclinic.com

Diabetes Mall:
This site provides not only research and support, but a place to purchase some diabetic products.

www.diabetesnet.com

Until next time!
Smiles,
Lisa Robertson