It's Friday!

Oh, the joy of Fridays. I love Friday because I know that the minute the clock strikes 4:59, I am out the door.


Not too many plans this weekend. I am going to see my niece perform in Guys and Dolls this Saturday at the local high school. Then, the rest of the weekend will be dedicated to getting the house organized AGAIN. With 3 boys AND a husband it is hard to stay organized. I am one of those that feels they are spiralling out of control if the house is not in order. I just know that when the house is clean and organized, I feel calmer like I can finally relax. I cannot relax in bed watching tv if clothes are piling up or there is tons of mail cluttering the kitchen counter. I'm not OCD or anything, I just like to be able find things when they need finding. :)


I tested Christopher's BG this morning, and I was happy to see a lower number of 97. I am going to start paying more attention to the things he is eating. One thing he loves is Coke. We buy it from time to time, but I think we will have to substitute Coke Zero. I just know I need to make changes NOW and find better alternatives to the things he likes. we do eat healthy, we have pretty much eliminated eating out on a regular basis. We cook at home. It takes planning, but we have been doing good. It takes lots of trips to the grocery store, but it is well worth the trouble.
Well, have a great weekend!

What should I do? I'm worried...

I received a note from the teacher stating that my son Chris is always needing to use the restroom. I think they feel he is using that to get out of class for a bit. But Chris has always needed to use the restroom more frequently than my other 2 sons. Apparently, he needed to go twice in a two hour period, that does not sound that outrageous to me.


However knowing that I have diabetes, I know that my kids are at a 30% increased chance of having diabetes compared to kids whose parents do not have diabetes, so I am always on the look out for signs of this. I have tested my husband and all three of my kids to make sure that they are where they should be. Sometimes, when we have eaten the same thing, I will test them to see how my BG compares to that of a "normal" person.


This morning, I decided to test Chris again since I have not for some time. He was fasting and had just woken up. I am concerned because his BG was 114. I know this is not an alarming number, but it seems very high when they diagnose diabetes at 124. My husband and 2 other sons are always in the 80's or low 90's. Is this major cause of concern? My first thought is to schedule an apt. with the dr. and request a glucose tolerance test. I just feel I really need to act now so that 2 or more years down the road, he does not end up with diabets.

Blah!

Today is one of those mornings where I pressed the snooze button two times and when the alarm went off for the last time, I did not hear it until 30 minutes later. How in the world could I fall asleep so deeply with the loud BEEP BEEP going off in my ear? Then I remembered I have been fighting off a cold the last few days.
I have not been feeling like myself. This Texas weather is insane. Tee-shirt weather by day and heavy coat weather by night. These swings in our weather here is taking its toll on everyone where I work. My kids are under the weather. It is just a blah time of year.

However, I am thrilled that I am up to 32 pounds lost. I have been following weight watchers for some time now, and it is coming off slowly but surely.

My blood sugars are slowly improving. I have a real problem with my fasting. The rest of the day is pretty under control, but that dawn phenomenon is a mother!


More later...

...STICK YOURSELF

This may sound like a ridiculous question, but I still have to ask. What is the best way to stick yourself when giving a shot...in this case for me, it is byetta? Sometimes I do not feel a thing and other times I can feel my skin tearing as it is punctured. I wonder if I am not doing it straight or I am doing it straight and if that even matters. I am just tired of the ones that feel like a little honey bee stung my belly.

Hello Again!!!!!!!

Hello again everyone out there in the Diabetes Blogosphere! I have not posted in some time for whatever reason or another. But I am back.

Since I blogged last, I've been on 2 fabulous vacations. In June, we went to Disney World with the whole entire family. That was an absolute blast. More recently, in December I got away on a 5 day cruise with the hubby and friends. I don't know about you, but my diabetes control tends to go by the wayside when it comes to vacations. I sleep later, sleep less or sleep more, eat at odd hours, and it all just catches up to me at some point. I try to be good, but it is hard at times.

One very positive thing, I started weight watchers when I got back from the Disney Trip. It is about time that I get the extra junk in the trunk out!!! I am happy to say that I have lost 30 pounds already!! YAY ME!! So I am feeling better and will need some new clothes very soon. I am looking forward to that! I am just amazed at how changing my diet and exercising can make me feel really good. I even adopted a cute pup named Pepper. I will have to get some pics up here soon. She is a boxer/terrier mix and she has a lot of energy. She makes me go walking even during those times when all I want to do is channelsurf on the couch.

Byetta and Morning BG's

Well, I have been on Byetta for a few days now and I have been doing good. I am noticing that my appetite is smaller which is a good thing.

Finally, the last 2 mornings I have had wonderful (to me) bg's fasting. Prior to byetta, my fasting numbers have been a bit high ranging from 135-155 on a consistent basis. This would drive me crazy because before bedtime it could be 90 and I would wake up with 150. I think that may be the dawn phenomenon that I have heard of. I don't know. But, The last two mornings I have had a 110. I am pleased with that. I hope with continued exercise and watching my meals will bring it down to 100. 100 is my goal. I just want to have a solid plan that works in managing my diabetes consistently. I am tired of all the troubleshooting! LOL Is that too much to ask?????????

VACATION METER?

I am a positive person and I am doing my best each day to remember to eat healthy, get some daily form of exercise and take my medications/shots etc. to manage this thing. It just gets tiring thinking about everything.
Like for my upcoming trip, I am thinking about, will I have enough medicine for the trip. needles and alcohol swabs for my byetta. will I remember to get it refilled before I go since I will have to start a new pen in the middle of my trip. Also, I need to get a cool pack for it since it can only be between 37-77 degrees. I will be in the Florida heat and I think it will be hotter than 77 at the bottom of my purse. I need to remember to take my UltraSmart Meter.
I actually had the thought of using one of my new freebie meters as a "vacation meter", since I may be more likely to have some bgs out of my desired range and I don't want them to affect my normal day to day ones when I am being good. Certainly don't want the dr. to see those, right?

I know. I'm crazy at times. I'd be fooling no one not even myself. This disease is real and unforgiving. Why would I care about the dr. seeing good results? The A1c don't lie.
That was just a rambling thought running through my mind as I prepare for my Disney trip.
I just wish I could drink orange juice at breakfast and have a regular coke with popcorn at the movies. Just a few simple things...

HECTIC TIMES...

I have been so busy with month end at work that I have let it take over my life this past week. I have been working late almost every night. Since I have been doing this, by the time I get home I am starved beyond belief and just end up eating dinner- forgoing my work outs. I relax for what feels like a minute and then it time for bed since I have been so tired. Then morning returns all too soon.

It is catching up to me. I am feeling tired again. My bg's are not where they should be. I went to the dr. this past Tuesday and I will start Byetta again. I still have not filled the script yet. I did attempt to last night but the pharmacy was out. I will get it today though. I also am planning on getting to the gym tonight.

Some things I plan on doing this weekend are:

• rest
• attend son's baseball games
• work out
• clean the house
• clean the garage (supervise my husband) :)
• see Made of Honor with Patrick Dempsey

Looking at this post, I see I do it to myself. I think I am a bit ambitious with my weekend but I will have help.

Have a great weekend Diabetes Community!

A1C and More Numbers

I went to the doctor and the doctor said, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" I'm sorry but I had to do that!

I love my doctor's office. They are so efficient. I walk in and sign in and then sit for about 3 minutes. Then, the lab lady calls me and before I know it they have weighed me, taken my bp, and drained a good deal of blood from my poor little arm.

Then it is off to the waiting area which is well-stocked with the latest issues of many diabetes related magazines. Then, I do what I call the "Read and Freeze" which is me reading while I am sitting their freezing-that would be my only complaint. It is cold!

"Susan", I hear the dr. call me. Off I go into the little room where she is able to pull all of my results up immediately. AMAZING!

Overall, my numbers are good. I am a little disappointed that my A1C went up a tad from 6.5% to 6.7%. Not sure how much a difference that makes, all I know is that is heading the wrong direction. My cholesterol and blood pressure are "excellent" according to my doctor. I lost 5 pounds from my last visit also.

I guess I thought I would have more results with the weight loss. Dr. says it is probably because I am building muscle. I feel like I lost 15 pounds. My pants are getting baggy. Basically, the doctor told me to keep doing what I am doing and the results will come. I really want good control from my bg so I am also going on Byetta in addition to the metformin and amaryl. So we shall see.

Importance of SHOES!

I have all kinds of shoes. I love shoes. I have red ones, white ones, tan ones, pink and white ones, tons of black ones, and some polka dot ones too! I love having the perfect shoe for the perfect outfit when I leave the house.

However, at home, it is different.

I do not like to wear shoes when I am in the comfort of my home. I like to live on the wild side and go BARE. wild side for people with diabetes!

We are often told by doctors and magazines that we should always wear shoes and that our feet need to be protected. I always thought this true when I am outside or out of my house. However, I am in control of the inside. My floors are clean and vacuumed at least once a week. I like the freedom of running around barefoot.

Well, over the weekend, I was loading the dishwasher. I washed pots and pans (we had a great dinner), plates, and the silverware....yes that darned silverware! I am mildly accident-prone so it is not too much of a surprise that while I am rinsing silverware and turning to place it in dishwasher, I dropped a fork right smack on my big toe. It hurt as I yelled an inexplicative *%$$%. It started to bleed. My husband immediately ran for the first aid kit. Once he cleaned it up, you could see the cut area was like a little square. He put neosporin and a band aid. It looks like nothing happened now-healed great. Now, I revised my prior thinking of the no shoes in the house- to no shoes when I am just relaxin. If I am house cleaning or something, I'll put on my crocs, kind of ugly but very comfy. I was wearing them yesterday and I felt like I could clean the whole house!

MISBEHAVING

Since I have been Behaving so well, sticking to my mealplan and daily exercise (most days), I noticed it has been a while since I had visited with my brother. We are tight. We hang out every now and then. But I must say, he likes to have fun and party some so it is hard for me to hang out with him when I am being good. It just brings out the old me. However, I felt it was time for a little bit of Misbehavin! :0))

But I decided to let my hair down a bit last night as we were at the local Buffalo Wild Wings. I had a around 3 beers-which were so good by the way! I discreetly and secretly would check my blood sugars especially since I had a low-carb dinner. I was consistent at 90. Before bed, I tested and it 110.

This morning when I woke, it was 210. I was so surprised at how high it was. I did not eat anything yet it was so high. I always thought that you had to be weary of lows whenever I drank-so not the case this time. I took my medicines and had two eggs for breakfast and then it was 97. I am waiting to see what it is 2 hours post lunch.

Bye Bye...Laziness

Well, I hate to say it but it has been 4 days since I have worked out. 2 of the days were planned rest days, and the other 2...well..were unplanned lazy days.

I am proud of myself though for what I have accomplished this past month. I've stuck to working out and I am not giving up.

It seems like the day to day can really be trying sometimes. I commute an hour to and from work and that is on a good day. I get home hungry and many times I grab a snack and off I go the gym. However, yesterday I had to stay late and meet some deadlines so I was an hour past my normal schedule. Long story short, by the time I got home, I was beyond hungry....more like starvin marvin! Traffic was bad and I was tired, so needless to say I ate dinner and passed on the gym. Not my best decision.

Today, I will get home and get my work out in. It is something that hopefully can become as routine as washing my face and brushing my teeth.

The one positive thing is that normally, if I missed too many days, I would just unconsciously say, "what the heck", and not return to exercise. But, I love it. I do. Plain and simple. Sometimes I just need a kick in the B-hind to get going. Don't get me wrong, I truly am far from lazy. After work, I have to cook, clean the dishes, check homework for 3 kids, attend practices and games etc. I have a lot of room to make excuses, so I say OUT with the excuses. I have to make it a point to squeeze in exercise for me no matter how busy I think I am.

Does Diabetes afftect how you take days off in the workplace?

How do you handle your Paid Time off days from work?

I never really thought about this before, but I heard some co-workers discussing how people should use days off whether it is considered vacation days, sick days, or just PTO (paid time off).
One co-worker is not really wanting to use more than a couple of days for vacation because if she got sick she wants her days for that. I can understand that we need to be responsible and try to save some of our days for sickness. But, this person also made a comment, that if you are "sick" or have a chronic problem then you should really save your time for that.

This bothers me. I consider myself to be healthy despite diabetes. I am eating healthy and exercising 4-5 times a week. I don't think I get sick any more than a non-diabetic person. I work full-time and I NEED my vacation time. I need it for me. I need it to re-connect with my husband and kids. It is our time when we are together away from the demands of the world.

I don't know if I will be sick later this year. I take care of myself. I cannot predict the future. But, do I not deserve to use my vacation time as vacation time? Or should I be conserving my days for possible sickness???

Working out and Blood Sugar

I must have stressed out my body again. I had a great workout with my personal trainer last night. We did crunches, sprints, lunges, and fast walking with 5lb weights doing bi-cep curls or lifting them up and down over head. I was sweating. I like sweating. I feel like I am really on the road to reaching my goals.

I started with 25 minutes on the elliptical. Then it was time to meet with my trainer, so I tested-bg 95. I went through the whole work out and I tested when we were done and it was 157. My body must have been stressed. My breathing does not get out of control or anything. I feel great during the work out-it is just something is making it go up. 20 minutes later it was down to 125.

The weird thing is that this does not happen when I just work out on my own. I think it will take time for my body to get used to workin it! Really, my bod must be in shock. My body probably missed the old routine -get home from work, eat, hang out on the couch watching lifetime movie network, bed! My new routine is-get home from work, grab a snack, work out, shower, smoothie or light dinner, 1/2 time of Lifetime Movie Network, and bed. This is when I don't have to run the kids to scouts or baseball games. Then it takes a lot to get everything in! But then, that is what husbands are for :)) to take the kids to baseball etc.

I test my blood sugar a lot! I test at least 10 times a day. I am not on insulin so some people would say that it is not necessary, but I feel for me it is. It helps me determine the course of my day. If I test before exercise and I am under 120, then I have a snack. If I test before lunch and I am 140, then I will be sure to have a very low carb salad. I make adjustments as needed. If I test high, then I go for a walk to try to quickly bring it down. I have several meters, and I think I prefer the one touch ultra smart, but I have many others too.

Here are two links for some freebie meters
www.onetouchcolors.com
www.freeaviva.com

Possible Goofy Question...treating lows

At what point should you treat for a low blood sugar?

Earlier today, I tested at 74 and was already feeling a little weird- I get a funny tingly sensation around my lips (this does not always happen). I was about to go to lunch with co-workers and I knew it would be like 20 minutes at least until we would be eating/drinking, so I went ahead and drank about 5 oz of apple juice...just in case.

This got me thinking...there are many times that I can tell it is on its way to being low, but what is the point to treat? I want to avoid lows, so usually I'll treat if my bg is anywhere in the 70's. But, I'm wondering, is that necessary to treat even if I am 78? I think I may be overtreating, but at the same time...I know it is heading that way. Should I let my body reap the benefits of the lower blood sugar as long as possible? Does it depend at all on how you feel?I have not yet had this discussion with my dr. because I have not had to deal with too many lows- until now that I am exercising AND eating right. Prior, I would never have anything under 90's.

The weather here has been wonderful. This is a serene picture of the sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico.

I need a vacation soon.

I am just feeling a bit tired lately. I had a very busy weekend. It was non-stop, the whole entire time. Friday night was date night with my husband. Saturday was M's birthday, so we went to the zoo and park and just walked the trails. We walked throught the Japanese gardens. It was nice. The weather was absolutley a confirmation that Springtime is here. Sometimes, in Texas, it feels like we only have Fall and Summer. So, we have been enjoying this wonderful weather. Then, we rode go-carts..needless to say, it was a late night. Then, Sunday morning, we went bowling and had a swim party. It was go, go, go and then some combined with squeezing in my work-outs. I am tired!
When I got home from work yesterday, I just went to bed. No work out. No cooking. I went to sleep. I feel better today. I am just looking forward to my vacation at the end of next month. I want to relax.

My blood sugars have remained good through the whole celebratory weekend. I know it is the exercising that has added a whole new level of protection for me. I must say that I am eager to see my doctor on the 29th. This will be the first time that I have been doing everything that I am supposed to do to manage this D. Either I was not eating right but I was taking my medicines, or I was eating right and taking the medicines, but never the 3 combined. I do feel good about that.

I luv Fridays!!

Wow! I had another great work-out. My thighs are in pain. I increased my resistance and incline on the elliptical.

In a few, I am about to have lunch with my husband. He surprised me showing up at work today. So that will be nice. We have to decide what we are going to do for my son M for his birthday tomorrow. We celebrtate birthdays big in our family. I just feel it the one day where we should feel extra special! I am just trying to get a little creative this time-since we are trying to save money for Disney next month. Disney is not cheap! So, we are going to see about going to the zoo and a picnic at the park. Any other ideas????

I am going to be good and stay away from the cake. I would rather have a berry smoothies anyway! I have a great recipe that I will post later. My bg's stay pretty good since it has protein and omega 3 and healthy berries.

Well, I am off to lunch. Have a great Friday!

Routines can be a good thing

No more overly intense work outs for me. Not only did my sugar spike upwards, but yesterday my calves were so tight it was hard for me to walk normal. My co-workers were laughing at me.
I am all for a good work out BUT I have to remember that I am still a beginner at this-trying to make it a permanent part of my daily life. My new routine has been to get on the elliptical machine for 45 minutes-love the cardio. Then I will work out my arms or legs on the machines for 15-20 minutes. Then twice a week I have been meeting with a personal trainer to switch things up and keep me motivated.

However, I don't think they really take in to account that everyone is at a different level. It has only been almost 3 weeks for me. The guy I got on Tuesday was working me HARD. For a second, I thought I was in boot camp. When I meet with him on Monday, I will have to let him know to relax- a bit.

But, the positive thing is that I am working out. I feel a daily need to do it now. I make the time instead of excuses. I never thought I would get to this point. It feels great. I am noticing my pants are feeling a bit loose and I am feeling strong! I will keep on!

Why is this??!!??

OK, yesterday I forgot my medicine when I went to work.

My blood sugars held pretty steady all day. Two hours after lunch, my blood sugar was 108-which I thought was Awesome! Of course, I made sure to eat a very low carb garden salad with grilled chicken. I had a 3 o clock snack, as me and my co-workers usually do each day for a 20 minute chat and snack (as we call it). I had sugar free jello.

When I got home, I tested and bg was 84. I needed to work out and I was very hungry so I had about 8 ritz crackers and 1 slice of american cheese and headed off to a very INTENSE work out. I mean it when I say intense. We had a different personal trainer this session, and let's just say he worked my a__ off! I tested after the work out and my blood sugar was 189. What could have happened? Could it be that I was stressed since it was an intense workout? Or I wonder if it was not having medicine all day that finally caught up to me. I usually drop by 40-60 points on the norm whenever I exercise.

I went home and took my evening dose of pills and had a lean hamburger patty and 1/2 cup of white rice (my favorite). Two hours later I was at 100-which is fine for me.

Worked out on my Anniversary!!!!

Yesterday was my 16th Wedding Anniversary! My husband surprised me with a yummy steak and roasted asparagus dinner. It was wonderful and he gave me the most romantic card. I love him so much. We did not go away this time only because we are saving $$$ for our trip to Disney next month.


I even made it to the gym last night. Of all days, I still made it. I am happily surprised at myself. This would definitely be a day where I would say, "this is a special day so I will skip the work out and the meal plan". I have come to realize that there are just too many days where I can say this. My son's birthday is coming up this weekend too. I think I have finally reached a point where I can do this for ME. The point where I am taking the time to take care of myself and get healthier. This makes my third week, and doesn't 3 weeks of doing something make it a habit??? Please tell me it is so! I am feeling great and sleeping like a baby.


I forgot my medication at home this morning. My blood sugar was at 138 after breakfast of lowfat no sugar added chocolate milk and a fiber one bar. I think that is decent. Right now, I am at 95, with my stomach growling as I type. I plan to eat a grilled chicken salad from Chik Fil A since that is about the healthiest affordable meal to have where I work. I hope my BG holds steady until I get home this evening. I think it is the working out that is making everything work better right now. Either that or it is the residual medication that is still in my system.