Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Must Keep Going...

Last Wednesday afteroon, I felt a cold coming on like a freight train. My body ached all over. Yes, I had sinuses, but no temperature nor flu-like symptoms, i.e. the yucky stuff. So, I rested Thursday and Friday, and yet continued to ride. On Saturday, I managed to get through a 5K "fun run".

On Sunday, I finally felt much, much better. I couldn't understand it. But I'm glad to be back in the swing of things.

The only strange diabetes-related stuff happened on Wednesday afternoon. At 4 pm, I tested with an 80. However at 6 pm, I tested a 359 with extremely high ketones. All I ate was a handful of cheddar popcorn! I ran high ketones into mid-day Thursday. My average sugar level was below 130. I spoke with my endo regarding my concern. She believed my body used up all the Lantus, during the day-Wednesday, and crashed. There was nothing I could have done as this was a very rare occurrence. She further mentioned that I took the right measures by frequently testing, adjusting my insulin, and drinking lots of water.

Scary? Yes, but when you keep calm and take the right measures--and contact your doctor--all will be well. Keep going!

Mark

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Exercise - Day 2

My blood sugar went all out of whack since eating dinner last night. Even though I took way too much Novolog, for a small plate of spaghetti, my sugars last night and this morning were high. Gave a correction and biked 10 miles today. Let's just say my bum is numb. :-)

After the ride, I ate breakfast and took my shot. Been at work now for almost 6 hours and my blood sugars still haven't gone above 100. Yeah!

Proving more difficult than I had expected, is the change in diet. First, less caffeine and more water. Second, no chips or cookies or cake or... You get the picture. Third, more natural foods, i.e. green and colored veggies. Fourth, I have no idea, but I'm sure there is one.

Any suggestions on food is much appreciated, especially with the routine I'm on. I am trying to stay away from starchy foods, i.e. fries or pastas. That will likely change over time.

One last note... Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, in Marietta, GA, is having a Diabetes Support Group meeting on Sunday, February 22nd from 4 pm to 5 pm and another one on Monday, February 23rd, from 7 pm - 8 pm. Both in Loft D. Anyone associated with diabetes is welcome.

'Til tomorrow,

Mark

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Starting an Exercise Routine

Woke up 30 minutes earlier this morning and rode 5 miles on my stationary bike. Laugh all you want, but Toto never caught me: :-)

My goal is to return to an exercise routine and, with God's help, loose 15-20 lbs. One day at a time...

The better I treat my body, the longer I live with minimal complications. I already suffer from proliferative diabetic retinopathy. For the last year and a half, I've had numerous laser surgeries. Not fun and, despite what others may think, very painful. I have to be very careful with my activity; not too much motion to my head. That said, stationary biking is my ticket.

As most diabetics will tell you, beginning a particular exercise can play havoc with the blood sugar. Hormones awaken and are released in to the body causing the blood sugar to rise. After the exercise becomes routine, the hormones subside. Subsequently, blood sugar levels drop.

My blood sugar went from a 185, before the ride, to 329 afterward. After an ample correction, I came back down to a 130. An insulin pump would be a big help.

Tomorrow's another day.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Change in Direction

Yes, I've been away for a little while.
My life has changed for the better...At least, I believe so.

This blog will change to more diabetes and faith related articles. I am researching an insulin pump called, "OmniPod", by Insulet. Due to a job change, and more travel, I need to better manage my diabetes.

After not seeing an endocrinologist for some 5+ years, I am now seeing one. My recent A1c number was 7, which hasn't fluctuated in 3 years. Yet, it needs to be better. I have hope that an insulin pump, with all the new technology, can help me achieve better blood sugar results.

In addition, I am joining a diabetes support group. I used to be against such groups, since they mostly consisted of naysayers. However, my goal is to be a light and to listen and to learn. I've had this disease for over 32 years and, frankly, want to live a long, fruitful life.

Please write me with any pump suggestions or candid diabetes opinion. I am also following Team Type 1 on their ride in California. Good stuff!

May God bless you,
Mark