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

Back To School... Wait Again? How to Handle School And The 'Betes

Hey Everyone!
 Sorry it's been awhile. I haven't been 100% diabetes this summer. So have you ever wondered what to pack in your new backpack for school? I have a solution for you. It's simple. Obviously you or your child can't carry around pump supplies or insulin during school hours. But there are things they can carry during school hours.

1.Meter and Strips- These are essential when dealing with diabetes. Carry them in a case and make sure you have easy access.
2.Glucose Tabs- How can you take care of a blood sugar without these? They are so important. Even if you have 10, make sure you have them! Trust me I have learned from mistakes on this one.
3. Blood sugar sheet- Keep track of those Blood sugars while in school. You never know what they might throw at you.
4. Diabetes Bracelet- I know this one is super annoying. Trust me it has lead to many fights in my house. Just have one. There are a million different kinds, I'm sure you can find the perfect one.
These supplies can change per person and that's ok. You need to know how to fit your diabetes and school around your needs.
    One last thing. With school comes tests. A fellow diabuddy told me that you should always write your BG on a test. That way when you get it back you can see if you really didn't know the stuff or if it was your Blood sugar. Most cases I just don't know the material. Good Luck and Happy Schooling!
Here's To Year 15!
Rachel

Bionic Pancreas? For It? Or Against It?

I can almost imagine it. Waking up in the morning not having to check my blood sugar, just sort of living in the moment. Now what makes me think this? The Bionic Or Artificial Pancreas. It is almost the cure for diabetes. Sounds Cool right? Well according to most diabetes blogs, it's amazing. So why am I hitting the brakes?
   It seems as though I wouldn't know how to live without diabetes. I mean I have had it for 15 years. I have to wonder how life will change. Will life become easier? Less stressful? These are questions I ask myself when I think about this. What are your opinions?
Here's To Year 15 (And Maybe The Last?)
Rachel

Fast Food and Diabetes- Can They Mix?

Just a few minutes ago I got the dreaded phone call....

    "We are getting McDonalds"

This literally sends me into a panic! I mean of course I know all the ways to handle it, but the real question is which one will work? But Don't worry my friends, I always have a solution. Remember I am not a medical Professional.

Step 1. Add up ALL Carbs- Don't shortchange fast food! Yes you can occasionally do that with home cooked meals, But NEVER EVER on fast food. Trust me I speak from my own stupidity.

Step 2. Give insulin at LEAST 20 minutes BEFORE. Believe it or not having insulin just slightly before your meal can help! It will be in your system and getting ready to peak as the gross fast food hits your lips. Clever right? I also tend to do my insulin off my blood sugar. If I'm a little higher I might give a little more. Lower? Just the normal amount.

Step 3. For Pumpers Only! Depending on the pump you have you should have a option to spread your insulin intake out. People on shots, are you confused? Basically what my pump has is a feature that allows me to take insulin in small portions spread out over time. Why does this help? Well if the fat of my food won't kick in for an hour, I can still be getting insulin up to two hours after my original bolus. Covering EVERYTHING!! It's amazing!

Step 4. Make sure you have all your carbs correct before you bolus. Usually on most meals they have the carb count, but if you want to pre-bolus use a calorie king or some other carb/calorie counting site or App. This can Help ensure a better number afterwards

Step 5. Check 2 hours after the meal! This can help control blood sugars for a longer period of time. Trust me I know checking the sugar can be annoying, but this will help you. I swear. Well most blood sugar checks do help you, but this one especially. If you do one two hours after it can help lower any sugar that might be affected by the fat. Helping you get more sleep... Hopefully

Here's to year 15!

Rachel

Frequently Asked Questions

Evening!
So I wanted to cover some FAQ's tonight. Also I am not a medical professional so please do not seek my medical advice!

1. What Are Some Diabetes Symptoms?
     Well most of the symptoms (that I've noticed) are like having a high blood sugar. The Symptoms can include:
          - Constant Thirst- You're body needs to urinate and spill ketones!!
           - Constant Urination- You are constantly drinking keep urinating Let those ketones spill!!
2. Is there  such thing as "Bad Blood Sugars"?
          No! No blood sugar reading is good or bad! They just give you information on what you might need to fix. And try not to tell your kids "It's time to test". Why? You can fail tests my friends, but you can't really fail a blood sugar checking! So try to say "It's time to check your blood sugar". It might help things run more smooth.
3. Do you have to wear a pump?
           Here We go! No the insulin pump is not the only option for the treatment of diabetes. I feel that it is the best treatment, but other people may and will feel differently. That is ok! You don't have to conform to a pump wearing society! Be unique! You are special just the way you are.
4. Why do you celebrate every year you have had diabetes?
          It's like an accomplishment. Like it's another year my family and I have made it through the challenges. We made it through what could have been a year of heartbreaking defeat. And you know what? Our feet are still on the ground! That alone is amazing.

That's all the time I have for now!
Here's To Year 15!
Rachel