Continuous Glucose Monitoring! I'm Back!

Hey EveryOne!
 I thought I would share my CGM  now that I wear one. So as of Saturday I am wearing a CGM again. While the last time I wore on it didn't end so well, I think this time around is going really well! It seems to be more of a help than a hinder. As long as I don't calibrate when I am too high or low it works amazing! It does take a little while to get it almost perfect, but don't get discouraged. There is always a 20-30% point of difference. Even then it's great. It can catch your highs or lows at least 15 minutes before they happen! I love it. It's so easy to sneak a quick look at it and know an estimate of where you are at that moment.
   I have found a few quick tips for you guys!
       -Never Calibrate when you're high or low- The sensor will pick up on that and it will go off constantly. It's not fun.
       - Don't treat or correct based on the CGM- It's not a good idea. Where there is a bit of a difference it usually isn't a good idea.

That's all I know for now!
Here's To Year 15!
Rachel

Diabetes Camp

Hey!

   I realized that I have touched upon the subject of diabetes camp, but never have i made it a post. I feel like it's something that deserves it's very own post. But where to begin? It's a place that has changed my life forever. Without diabetes camp I don't even think I would be the Same person. There are many options for diabetes camp. You can go all over the country for them. I know of a few good ones out of Massachusetts, Like Camp Nejeda in New Jersey. The director is my friend and can promise a good experience.
      I personally go to Clara Barton Camp, And Camp Joslin. They are both about an hour and a half away from me. While I don't really "go to camp" anymore these are the camps I work at. I used to go to Barton's Residential camp when I was younger. Now being a bit older I work day camp because I can come home from time to time. The great thing about Barton is that they offer coed weekend programs. They range from overnights where you trick-or-treat to weekends with caregivers. My mom and I traveled down for "Live,Laugh,Love" almost 11 years ago. That weekend I met so many wonderful campers and staff who just got it. Diabetes was the norm there and I needed that.
      So how does camp play a role in my life now? At 17 years old I am proud to say that camp has taught me to embrace myself in any way I can. Today when I do my camp work I try to send the same message so many staff members taught me.  "It's Diabetes, It's hard to handle, but you always have camp. Until there is a cure there is camp". Even though it may be hard to believe this is true. With camp most kids feel better about there diabetes. They truly know that aren't alone and it gives them the strength they need to deal with their diabetes in the real world. So if you're thinking camp as a diabetic check out a diabetes camp!

Here's to year 15!
Rachel

15 And A Half Years. As Of Today

Hey Everyone!
     I thought today that I should talk about year 15. It's been quite a year trust me.  Through the ups and downs it is still my diabetes and I still know I have to do it. Let's review
   -Diabetes Burnout- I went through an awful burnout this summer. I basically tried to be diabetesless. Yeah Bad idea, Rachel. I thought for sure that going to camp would make it better. Did it? Yes for a few days then I gave up. I felt like I couldn't do it. Maybe even didn't want to do it. I took my mother's help for granted. It was obvious that I need more help then I willing to let on. I feel a need to be independent all the time. Don't worry if you're not ready either. There is always tomorrow.
    -Allowing Parents back in- This was so hard for me. Being a senior in high school I thought I could do it all myself. Who wouldn't?  Allowing my mom to come back was extremely hard. Everything she would do I see as overbearing. It seemed to me that we couldn't do anything without getting mad. Can you blame me?  It was a lot to handle. Now? We're fine. We manage to make it work.
   - School- It's only been 2 weeks. Right now everything is fine. I'm hoping it will stay this way. I mean I don't have much more time left here, so it better behave. No more diva attitude.
That's All For Now!
Here's To Year 15
Rachel

Frustration...

Hey Everyone!
 Today's blog is about mistakes that can be made constantly. All those things any one can say and sometimes they just push you over the edge. I get it. But remember no one is perfect It might get wordy and I'm sorry.
     1). Test Your Blood Sugar!- Hold up! Do I need to pass a blood sugar the same way I pass an english test? Uh I don't think so. In fact there really isn't a way to pass a blood sugar, or even fail it  for that matter. I have seen kids at camp who freak out about that. I mean the only blood sugar you can pass or fail is your A1C.
    2). Why Is You're Blood High/Low?- Sometimes you just can't answer this. All though most of the time a high blood sugar is caused by too little insulin or even forgetting insulin. It could be ketones as well. Chances are If you don't forget a bolus you have ketones. Low blood sugars can be hard to figure out too. I mean you could just be low because you're body is reacting to insulin too fast. Or maybe it's the lag effect. Either way it doesn't matter too too much unless you treat. And you don't go into DKA or Diabetic shock, cause that would be bad.... Really bad.
   3). Did You Test?- Chances are that if you don't have a blood sugar I haven't tested. If I have and haven't told you, give me a moment. Sometimes giving insulin is a bit more important than giving you a blood sugar. Sorry it's the truth. Wait until you see the pump put away. Or even when I might look as though I'm done.
    4). What's Your Blood Sugar? This one stems off of number 3. Sometimes you just get caught up in the moment. I can guarantee that you will know it soon enough. It just takes time for me to process everything.
  5). Did You Bolus?- There is a good chance I could miss a bolus. I don't mind being reminded, but there is something about it that ticks me to no end. I don't need you in my face about it.

Thats it for now!
Here's To Year 15!
Rachel