Diabetes Juvenil

Finally, a blog meme just for those of us with wonky pancreases (and for the people who love us).  If you're in the mood for meme'ing today, have at it!

What type of diabetes do you have:  Type 1  (So tired that I originally wrote "type 12."  Clumsy fingers.)

When were you diagnosed:  September 11, 1986. (24 years ago this Saturday!)

What's your current blood sugar:  Um, my fasting was 58 mg/dl.  That sucked.

What kind of meter do you use:  One Touch Ping

How many times a day do you test your blood sugar:  When I was pre-pregnancy planning and then pregnant, I tested 15 - 20 times per day.  Now?  I'm aiming for 12 but I'm hitting more in the 8 range.

What's a "high" number for you:  Anything over 160 mg/dl.

What's do you consider "low":  Anything under 70 mg/dl. 

What's your favorite low blood sugar reaction treater:  I stick with boring old grape juice, mostly, but sometimes I love those candy orange slices?  So sticky and nasty, but those potent little suckers work!

Describe your dream endo:  Compassionate, attentive, non-judgmental, and part of my insurance network.

What's your biggest diabetes achievement:  Having that round-headed little biscuit baby.

What's your biggest diabetes-related fear:  Honestly, a heart attack.

Who's on your support team:  My husband, parents, close friends, and the diabetes blogosphere, of course!

Do you think there will be a cure in your lifetime:  I was given the old "five more years - we're so close" rundown when I was diagnosed, and I received that same platitude for years afterward.  Do I think there will be a cure?  I'm not sure.  But I think there will be advancements that make diabetes far less of a burden, and I also hope there will be ways to deal with diabetes-related complications that will make those complications just a blip on the life radar.

What is a "cure" to you:  I'd love to have medical science reverse my autoimmunity and set my islets straight, but I'd also take some version of a device that helps my body auto-regulate insulin levels.  An artificial pancreas would be nice, for starters.

The most annoying thing people say to you about your diabetes is:  "You must have it really bad."  ("No, I like totally have it awesome.  Hathat.")

What is the most common misconception about diabetes:  That my type 1 diabetes can be controlled with diet and exercise.  I hate that misconception.  As if I'm on insulin because I didn't work hard enough or something.  Or as if a healthy diet and regular exercise are only recommended for diabetics. 

If you could say one thing to your pancreas, what would it be:  "Get a job!!"

Posted by Kerri Morrone Sparling on September 8, 2010 09:31 AM