Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Now Use Them!

Now that I spent so much time thinking of something I do well with my diabetes management it is time to go the other way.  Today's challenge is to think of something that I could improve on, not much of a challenge, but I'm sure all diabetics can agree diabetes is a challenge unlike no other not to mention the life we have to live and maintain around it.    The main thing I can think about is checking my blood sugar, and to be honest I have been doing a good job this week, but like any diet or knitting project, eventually it goes downhill.
Blood sugar from yesterday morning!
Good way to start the day! 

Insulin is great, insulin is a life saver, however if you are mindlessly pressing buttons or giving injections without knowing where you are at, insulin is being wasted.  Sometimes I feel this way, like I am abusing my insulin, by quickly giving myself two units if I 'feel' like I need it instead of taking the time to check my blood sugar and really see what I am working with.  Even though I strongly believe that diabetics mentally can tell what their blood sugar is most of the time and can predict if they need that extra shot for good luck etc. I know that it is KEY and IMPORTANT to check your blood sugar before giving insulin or adjusting basal rates, suspending your pump etc.

Beyond that, it is also important to check your blood sugar when you're going for a drive or a run etc.  This is what I need to improve on, checking before these important events that can dramatically effect blood sugars, or the opposite: blood sugars can dramatically effect these activities.   It seems like a pretty easy task, but it actually is time consuming and irritating; however, if you can push yourself to do it at least four times a day, than you're on a roll!

So, this is what I am going to work towards, I have learned that if I leave my meter laying around, in a visible location - I am more likely to test my blood sugar, as it stares me down screaming, use me, use me.  I have learned to smile at good blood sugars, and challenge myself to try and stay below certain numbers, but at the same time not get angry when they are higher than normal.      

The important part of it all is for me to constantly remind myself that I am lucky to have the technology and supplies that I do.  So very lucky....NOW USE THEM!

Kayla

3 comments:

  1. Very insightful post! You're totally right that insulin can be abused if not used properly. I think this is a challenge many of us face. And our meter only helps us if we use it! Great post, I totally appreciate the reminder ;)

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  2. There is one problem with testing and using your meters. The cost. If you don't have government insurance, you're the one who has to pay for the supplies for your meter.

    The cost, not only emotionally and health wise, of being a diabetic is enormous.

    I use the contour meter. I test 3 times a day, sometimes it's up to 7 but most of the time it's 3. I get 3 boxes of 50 strips a month. My supplier charges my insurance company $135.50 and the insurance company knocks off, it's called an adjustment $28.77. So my price is $104.73. I get 2 boxes of 100 lancets. My supplier charges my insurance company $29.00 and the insurance company knocks off $6.22. So my price is $22.78. So every month, until I meet the deductible I pay $127.51 for JUST my strips and lancets.

    But the big problem is the insurance company my husband's company uses. They have decided if the doctors ordered a script for 150 strips a month, that is how many you will use. They do not believe a strip will be damaged or you may have to recheck because the result is too far out of range. Many times if I'm below 30mg/dL (2mmol/L) I don't get enough blood on the strip or my fingers are wet and I get water where the blood goes. So a wasted strip.

    If your doctor orders you to test 10 times a day (I'm friends with the owners of where I get my supplies) the doctor, patient and the diabetic supplier has to fill out tons of extra paperwork. Then the insurance company will decide if the 10 a day is required!

    So there are times when a diabetic may want to test more often than they do, but for reasons not under their control, they cannot.

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