Ten Thousand

Well it's official I have reached over 10 000 individual views on my blog in less than three years.  It seems that in the past year my blog has really taken off with over a thousand views a month.    I can hardly believe that I have reached the 10 000 mark, but when I hear such positive feedback I know at least I have done something right.

I started this blog in March of 2009 and had no idea where it could really take me.  I didn't know much about blogging, but I knew that I was interested in writing.  I'm glad I had decided to take the wonderful public on a journey with me through the life of a diabetic.  I think it has given some people a new perspective on life unlike no other.

Living with diabetes is normal for me.  I know that my roommates aren't taking insulin injections or checking their blood sugar, but I do know that I have a bunch of friends that are.  I know that despite being the only diabetic in the room most days, there are always diabetics just around the corner, in the next town or just a click away.

For me, my blog has allowed me to connect with people all around the world.  Those that are living with diabetes and those who love diabetics.    It has given me amazing opportunities to reach out and take my diagnoses and mould it into something that is unusual, yet positive.  I have given myself a voice and strength to go about my mornings, afternoons and nights feeling O.K about my diabetes.

The best thing is that as I reached 10 000 I knew that there were at least 10 000 people who have given me a chance. Checked out what it is like to live with diabetes in college, go out and party and date.  All the answers that you aren't going to find in your doctor's office.

10 000 isn't the limit, I cannot wait to see it grow and reach new heights much like my life with diabetes is growing and reaching new heights.  

Thank you all to my readers who have supported me thus far.  I can assure you that big things are to come!

Kayla

Trendsetter

This winter's new accessory is a classy insulin pump. It can be worn anywhere you please, in your back pocket, in your front pocket, in your bra, or strapped to your arm or leg.  You can find them in a variety of colours from purple, blue and clear and don't worry you can shop around because there are about at least three brands to choose from.   The best part is that if you're an Ontario citizen your new accessory is paid for or else you'd be forking over thousands of dollars to look this good and that stuff that comes with it - well it's all part of the look.  So, start shopping around and if you've not being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes yet, you may want to work on that.

I went back to classes yesterday, but since I only have one class on Monday it feels like today was my official day back with a whopping 4 hours of class.    Today was the only day of school that I actually had a different class than first semester and to make it even more exciting it was at the Brecia campus (which is nice because it is much closer to my apartment.)

But, either way the real excitement of the class is when I realized that insulin pumps are definitely making a scene in the fashion world, like who doesn't want to sport a nice plastic box with 23 inches of glorious tubing.    In class, there were three pumps (including mine.) Three wonderful diabetics wearing their pumps showing the world that pumps can be the next best thing since Coach made wristlets.

Now, I haven't made my move yet. I haven't approached these (soon-to-be-diabesties) however, I will because while I know that there are diabetics out there that are not interested in talking to other diabetics, there is a good chance that they are. But, these two diabetics were sitting beside each other, so if they haven't made the connection yet, I wouldn't mind being the one that does it.

Either way, these girls made me proud to show off my pump as I pulled it from my back pocket and sat it on my lap (two reasons: just in case this intrigued either of them to approach me and the next, it's not so comfortable sitting on your pump for 2 hours) So, let this be a reminder to all you pump wearers or to those that are looking at getting an insulin pump:  you may not see them all the time, but when you do, know that you're not alone and that your pump really enhance your winter fashion...right?

Kayla

Sleeping Diabeauty

You've pulled the covers up to your chin, fixed your pillow a couple times and managed to peel off your socks using only your feet - you are off to a good nights sleep. The only thing now that will wake you up is that sudden 'I have to pee' urge or your stupid alarm clock buzzing at 7am. This is the scenario for most when it comes to bedtime routines; however, for diabetics that would only be the beginning.

As a diabetic you check your blood sugar, realize it's a little on the low side so you wander to the kitchen to grab a totally unwanted snack. You finish half of it then climb into bed deciding whether you are going to attempt to sleep with your pump tucked in your pajama pocket or let your pump run free. You decide free.

Next, you pull up the sheets and blankets over your body and adjust your pillow (whoa, your like a normal person) oh wait, you realize your pump just vibrated.. Why did it do that? First terrifying thought "please, oh, please don't tell me the resivior is low...." you look, nope just pressed something I guess.

Finally, your off to dreamland - you think. But, now your rolling finding a good sleep time position. On your side, on your back, front? Either way you've now have been tossing your pump back and forth, up and down, just to get comfortable. Then, either your mind falls asleep or you just don't care that a plastic box has found shelter in your side - you just fall asleep anyways.

Of course, your going to wake up to pee and your all of a sudden feeling like being diabetic has its perks as you glide with ease down the dark hallway with the light of your pump leading the way. Well, hey there has to be something good of it all!


Kayla

Jokes

I don't know how many shows I have seen that make jokes about diabetes.   Vince and I were watching a couple episodes of Modern Family and in two of the three we watched they joked about diabetes. Of course I laugh!  I don't take the jokes to heart and if anything I am glad they are in some way acknowledging diabetes despite the jokes often being exaggerated.

It always catches my attention when they say something about diabetes or insulin etc.   But, it also catches everyone else's attention around me, as they look at me after it is said to see if I am going to give some kind of reaction.   I often wonder what other people think of it though. I can't imagine that everyone finds it entertaining.

The best way to look at it, if you are offended is that if diabetics got together and made a comedy, chances are we would make jokes about non-diabetics asking silly questions and being extra cautious around us.  I am sure that our version of a show like Family Guy would contain a family with a diabetic child, where the mother is constantly asking her daughter if she has her supplies and the neigbours always bringing over sugar free baked goods for the 'diabetic.'  

Kayla

Sexy Pump

I think one of the worst things about having an insulin pump is wearing it.  I think that is what took me a year and a bit to even consider looking into one.  Everyone told me how great it would be, you wouldn't have to take needles every single day and with one or two presses of a button you could be giving insulin like no one's business.  

When I decided to go on the insulin pump, I stopped worrying about where I was going to hide it for a second. I realized that I needed to take advantage of new technology like I do with my mac book or iPad.  I mean, if I am willing to carry an iPhone with me 24/7 I think wearing a pump is manageable.  But, what divides your cellphone and my pump is that stupid tubing that hangs about.

The tubing that gets caught on anything it can find, door handles, seat belts, your clothes, in the couch... whatever it wants.   Eventually, you get used to a swinging pump and even yesterday my pump flew from my pocket and hit me right in the knee cap!  It's an aggressive little device.

But, most of the time when you are wearing your pump you've found a good place for it to be comfy (at least to a diabetic's standard.)   But, those times when you want to go out on the town, and wear a nice dress that is when the challenge between looking good and being comfortable divides. Let's face it, a pump in the bra looks good (sometimes) but it is not comfortable.

I slowly got tips from other diabetics when I realized that their pump wasn't always hanging on their pants and their tubing wasn't hula hooping around their waist.   I often wear my pump in my bra (tucked near my armpit) but sometimes you have to experiment with where to place your pump depending on what you're wearing.

You've got your nice black dress on, your black heels, your beautiful flower earrings, a nice long necklace and your sexy pump.

Kayla

Mingling with Diabetics

Most of the time, diabetics spend their time with non-diabetics. No one really knows exactly what frustrations come with wearing a plastic box attached to 23 inches of tubing, nor do they know what it is like to prick your fingers.   But, as diabetics we don't mind that our love ones don't know exactly what it is like; however, when we get that chance to mingle with another diabetic - we won't turn it down! 

I really enjoy being around other diabetics.  Although we aren't always talking about 'diabetes' things, the topic is never far off.  I enjoy talking about my diabetes with anyone, but when I am talking to someone who knows exactly what they're talking about - it's nice! 

I've made a lot of diabetic friends from all across Canada and the United States.  The best part is knowing that when you're having those days when you can't help, but vent - there is always someone there.  Someone who can say, "I know exactly how you feel."

The weirdest part of it all is when you're with the other diabetics and you realize at that moment when you have to check your sugar, 10 minutes later, they will be checking theirs.  Then, they will pull out your pump, only to remind you to check yours.  It's weird seeing a somewhat similar reflection of yourself - something you don't see often! 

Kayla 

Check It!

The hardest part about being diabetic is finding the time to be diabetic.  There are times when going to check your blood sugar isn't your first priority as much as it should be.  Sometimes you just want to sit around and have some snacks like everyone else and not have to worry about what your sugar levels are.   I find taking my blood sugar probably the most annoying part about diabetes.

Having an insulin pump, it is pretty easy to administer my medication without difficulty. I can remain sitting with the group and give insulin, but when it comes down to checking my blood sugar, my meter is often tucked away in my purse somewhere, unlike my pump that is tucked away in my bra or back pocket.

When it comes down to it, there is nothing else that can be done.  I have to face the fact that I am going to have to leave the odd time to check my blood sugar.  Most of the time I am with people that are used to seeing my pull out my meter to check and usually they are the ones that are reminding me to do it.

One thing I'd like to do in the New Year is to check my sugar a little more to keep on top of things.  I know that no one else in the room is checking their blood sugar, but that's the job that I have to take on!

Happy New Year!

Kayla