PWDs are constantly juggling the lows and highs of this disease. As Amber and Ryan look back at posts from DDG’s past – low BG was a common theme. We hope you enjoy our top three Low BG posts for 2015 as much we did writing them.
1. Tuesday Topic: Can T1D Affect Your Parenting Skills?
I’m NOT a parent and after my behavior today, it might be a good thing. My sister and nephew are in town and I made a point to have quality one-on-one time with Greg (a.k.a Grandpa Henry). GP Henry is four and 100% boy – fearless, somewhat stubborn and off the charts a cutie pie. We like to sing songs, eat vitamin C organic lollipops and solve the world’s problems. CLICK HERE to read more.
2. The Indiscriminate, Transcendental Low Blood Sugar
Peace. Focus. Confidence. Ask a person with diabetes if those words are associated with low blood sugar. You’ll get a resounding no. If we look at it from the perspective of the brain’s energy needs in blood, 20 percent of each heart beat heads to that squishy mass. In that blood is energy in the form of sugar. Cut down the energy source to your brain and lose functioning power, like the ability to focus. CLICK HERE to read more.
3. To Dog Or Not To Dog. That Is The Question.
For the past two months, I’ve been debating this very question: should I invest in a diabetes service dog? Until two months ago, I didn’t even know this was a thing. In my defense, it’s quite recent- although service dogs have been used for years, diabetic assistance dogs only started popping up in the past few years, after anecdotal evidence suggested that dogs could sense blood sugars. Diabetes service dogs are trained to smell your scent when your blood sugars go low or high, and both alert you (by nudging, pawing, laying on you, etc.) and assist you (by bringing you testing supplies, glucose, insulin, or even getting help). For a Type 1 diabetic that lives alone, the latter part is really appealing. CLICK HERE to read more.
BONUS – Podcast #7 with fellow T1D – Kelly McKeever
At the age of 13, did an event define your career path? For Kelly, it happened. A PWD–the importance of using this term instead of a diabetic was discussed, too–he now counsels patients with diabetes on a daily basis as part of a diabetes clinic. His real perspective for patients is invaluable. He relates to the ineffectiveness of the 15–wait–15 rule. He understands what it’s like to do something you regret when low or high. He’s been in that spot, where no matter how much insulin you dial up, your blood just won’t come down. He can empathize. CLICK HERE to read more.