As a type 1 diabetic, I sometimes find it dismal to search the latest headlines on diabetes. If I stare long enough, I'll find articles that relate to information that could easily cause depression. Not something I particularly want. I'm mentally unstable enough as it is. :D
So in light of the goofy diabetes-related headlines, here's a little video for you:
R.E.M. - It's the End of the World as We Know It (and I feel fine)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Friday Wrap-Up
It's time for a Friday wrap-up!
1. A BIG congratulations to Team Type 1 for winning this year's Race Across America. The 8-man squad finished the 3,021-mile race in a record time of 5 days, 9 hours, and 5 minutes. Talk about a great inspiration for all of us living with diabetes. Way to go Team Type 1!
2. Had dinner last night with volunteer members of the Atlanta chapter of the JDRF. We shared stories and similar experiences. I always find it amazing to meet great people who are doing their best to manage this disease.
3. I'm honored to meet (in person or vitually) a number of diabetics who write almost every day of their experiences with diabetes. I highly enjoy their blogs for inspiration with a dose of humor. They are:
Kerri Sparling author of Six Until Me and dLife Editor
George Simmons author of The Born-Again-Diabetic Blog
There are many others in the d-world that I would love to virtually meet as well (or in person if you're ever in Atlanta). If you get a chance, try these sites:
dLife
Diabetes Mine
Tu Diabetes
Diabetes Daily
Have a great weekend!
1. A BIG congratulations to Team Type 1 for winning this year's Race Across America. The 8-man squad finished the 3,021-mile race in a record time of 5 days, 9 hours, and 5 minutes. Talk about a great inspiration for all of us living with diabetes. Way to go Team Type 1!
2. Had dinner last night with volunteer members of the Atlanta chapter of the JDRF. We shared stories and similar experiences. I always find it amazing to meet great people who are doing their best to manage this disease.
3. I'm honored to meet (in person or vitually) a number of diabetics who write almost every day of their experiences with diabetes. I highly enjoy their blogs for inspiration with a dose of humor. They are:
Kerri Sparling author of Six Until Me and dLife Editor
George Simmons author of The Born-Again-Diabetic Blog
There are many others in the d-world that I would love to virtually meet as well (or in person if you're ever in Atlanta). If you get a chance, try these sites:
dLife
Diabetes Mine
Tu Diabetes
Diabetes Daily
Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
New OmniPod PDM Review
Since putting on the OmniPod some two months ago, I'm completely sold that tubeless pumping is the only way to go. I really enjoy (love?) it! However...a new "device" has entered my life (cue sexy jazz music).
Oh yeah...the new color OmniPod PDM. Albeit a few shortcomings, e.g. turning on the PDM before taking a BG, being a little loud, and still no vibrate feature, this PDM is easy on the eyes with very clear step-by-step instructions. This PDM is much slimmer than the old one, lighter, and easier to grip. The battery life is about the same. I've been asked by co-workers and strangers if it's a Blackberry. ;-)
I'm interested to see what OmniPod will do next, especially with the tide turning to continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS). Rumor, and I do emphasize rumor, has it that OmniPod and Dexcom are trying to manufacture an all-in-one Pod with built-in CGMS. I am not yet a fan of CGMS, BUT, I am looking forward to seeing this device.
Anyway...if you are already an OmniPod user, and are contemplating the new PDM, my advice is to get it if you can. One last note:
You can believe that both MiniMed and Animas are working on a tubeless pump solution. The numerous improvements will cause pump manufacturers to become more innovative, which in turn, should benefit us.
Have a great day!
Oh yeah...the new color OmniPod PDM. Albeit a few shortcomings, e.g. turning on the PDM before taking a BG, being a little loud, and still no vibrate feature, this PDM is easy on the eyes with very clear step-by-step instructions. This PDM is much slimmer than the old one, lighter, and easier to grip. The battery life is about the same. I've been asked by co-workers and strangers if it's a Blackberry. ;-)I'm interested to see what OmniPod will do next, especially with the tide turning to continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS). Rumor, and I do emphasize rumor, has it that OmniPod and Dexcom are trying to manufacture an all-in-one Pod with built-in CGMS. I am not yet a fan of CGMS, BUT, I am looking forward to seeing this device.
Anyway...if you are already an OmniPod user, and are contemplating the new PDM, my advice is to get it if you can. One last note:
You can believe that both MiniMed and Animas are working on a tubeless pump solution. The numerous improvements will cause pump manufacturers to become more innovative, which in turn, should benefit us.
Have a great day!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Learn to Adjust
The heat here in Georgia can, at times, seem tropical. For instance, mix high 80 degree temperatures--with high humidity--and you get the tropics, but without the coconuts. It's this type of weather that my insulin pump and I do not get along. Due to my skin type and the heat, the pump insertion, aka "pod", keeps popping off.
I have Mastisol 
[skin adhesive] which works very well, but it leaves my skin a little battered. So, for at least two days, I have gone back on shots. I'm not happy about it, but adjustments are sometimes necessary when different conditions arise. [I'm playing in a couple of softball games--first base--if you should know. :) ]I've interacted with a number of diabetics who have experienced similar situations. One in particular, goes back on shots every summer, and returns to pumping in the winter.
[skin adhesive] which works very well, but it leaves my skin a little battered. So, for at least two days, I have gone back on shots. I'm not happy about it, but adjustments are sometimes necessary when different conditions arise. [I'm playing in a couple of softball games--first base--if you should know. :) ]I've interacted with a number of diabetics who have experienced similar situations. One in particular, goes back on shots every summer, and returns to pumping in the winter.I'm open to suggestions/recommendations if anyone has any.
Have a great day!
Mark
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Diabetics and Diabetes in the News
Needless to say, it's been a freaky week of diabetes-related news. Consider the following:
Sotomayor breaks ankle...
Bret Michaels injured at the Tony Awards...
Missing companion dog crosses two counties...
(You're probably wondering about the above link. Trust me, it's a good read.)
Monster cupcake attacks diabetic
(Okay, not really, but pretty funny if you ask...)
And yes, I am contemplating video blogging or aka, "VLOGging". I think that's right, but not absolutely sure. Have a great week!
Mark
Sotomayor breaks ankle...
Bret Michaels injured at the Tony Awards...
Missing companion dog crosses two counties...
(You're probably wondering about the above link. Trust me, it's a good read.)
Monster cupcake attacks diabetic
(Okay, not really, but pretty funny if you ask...)
And yes, I am contemplating video blogging or aka, "VLOGging". I think that's right, but not absolutely sure. Have a great week!
Mark
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Sorry I haven't posted in a while...
Here's the latest health update:
My new OmniPod is working great. I've had a few very minor speed bumps, but otherwise the pump works wonderfully. A big "thank you" goes to the OmniPod support team at Insulet. They are always kind and patient dealing with my troubles.
I haven't been able to cycle much, due to family activities, e.g. constructing a landscape area for a fire pit complete with pavers. Am I nuts? Yes, but that's beside the point. I have two boys who need to experience the goodness, and safety, that comes with a fire. We purchased a fire pit, at Lowes, and have had a blast making smores. No, I don't eat them, but watching my family have fun is good enough for me.
I am still losing weight, but gaining muscle mass as I do different exercises. I stationary bike 3 times a week [40+ minutes], but run or play with our boys the other 4. I put on a pair of 38 size jeans yesterday and they fell down around my ankles. I've had to tighten my belt another notch to prevent "wardrobe malfunctions". Co-workers want to know my secret. It's called, "sweat". I tell my wife and boys that if you don't sweat, during a workout (other than swimming), then you're not working out hard enough. Thank you, Jack Lalanne!
My oldest son and my wife are now exercising daily and eating differently. My son is taking it so seriously, that he is sad when he forgets to exercise. He doesn't realize that swimming, for 4 hours, is a great workout. I can't wait to see our "new" family in the coming months.
Big kudos to the new Wii game, Active Personal Trainer. My family loves it! I highly recommend this product. In my opinion, it is much better than Wii Fit.
Final words:
Diabetes is a give-and-take disease that must be watched with careful diligence and determination. I personally admire diabetics that want to live longer, healthier lives. Many of these people I've encountered on dLife.com and here around Atlanta. We have our good days, and not so good, but overall this disease won't conquer us. We must never give up hope that one day there will be a cure. We must never give up.
Have a great day!
Mark
Here's the latest health update:
My new OmniPod is working great. I've had a few very minor speed bumps, but otherwise the pump works wonderfully. A big "thank you" goes to the OmniPod support team at Insulet. They are always kind and patient dealing with my troubles.
I haven't been able to cycle much, due to family activities, e.g. constructing a landscape area for a fire pit complete with pavers. Am I nuts? Yes, but that's beside the point. I have two boys who need to experience the goodness, and safety, that comes with a fire. We purchased a fire pit, at Lowes, and have had a blast making smores. No, I don't eat them, but watching my family have fun is good enough for me.
I am still losing weight, but gaining muscle mass as I do different exercises. I stationary bike 3 times a week [40+ minutes], but run or play with our boys the other 4. I put on a pair of 38 size jeans yesterday and they fell down around my ankles. I've had to tighten my belt another notch to prevent "wardrobe malfunctions". Co-workers want to know my secret. It's called, "sweat". I tell my wife and boys that if you don't sweat, during a workout (other than swimming), then you're not working out hard enough. Thank you, Jack Lalanne!
My oldest son and my wife are now exercising daily and eating differently. My son is taking it so seriously, that he is sad when he forgets to exercise. He doesn't realize that swimming, for 4 hours, is a great workout. I can't wait to see our "new" family in the coming months.
Big kudos to the new Wii game, Active Personal Trainer. My family loves it! I highly recommend this product. In my opinion, it is much better than Wii Fit.
Final words:
Diabetes is a give-and-take disease that must be watched with careful diligence and determination. I personally admire diabetics that want to live longer, healthier lives. Many of these people I've encountered on dLife.com and here around Atlanta. We have our good days, and not so good, but overall this disease won't conquer us. We must never give up hope that one day there will be a cure. We must never give up.
Have a great day!
Mark
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
