Pump Problems

So... I was challenged by my diabetes educator and close friend to tell my students this year that I am diabetic. This is a major source of concern for me because I still am somewhat reluctant to tell people. I kind of like it when they find out accidentally. So much less awkward to explain.

I felt like I needed to tell the kids in my class because sometimes there are alarms associated with my pump, and I might have to eat in front of them at times. Fortunately I haven't had any unforseen lows yet, and hopefully I won't with my new pump. I love it! The omnipod is the best thing that I could have changed about my diabetes routine. It makes life so much easier.

On the downside, the company (insulet) doesn't have to tell you when they make changes to their products. I found out from a diabetes forum that some companies are changing how adhesive their pump parts are. Therefore, the adhesive is less sticky, and especially in the frequent heat and humidity we've been having, is apt to fall off. Not good! So... after reading a few forums last week, I found out that you could get free samples of SkinTac, an adhesive that comes in wipes that they use to attach colostomy bags to patients. I tried it tonight, and it works great. They also sent me some Tac away samples that wipes the tackiness away from the pumpsite and your fingers after you get finished applying it. The true test will be tomorrow when I go running in the morning... will it stay, or will it fall off???

Operation Vegetarian

Operation Vegetarian has begun. You may be thinking... What????? A diabetic girl's going vegeterian? Absolutely. Don't worry, it's not a diet tactic, although it would be nice to lose a few jiggly spots. :) This girl's gotta eat... just not meat.

I've never been able to digest meat products well, so this is the final step in what's been a long awaited diet makeover.

Since I was diagnosed in 2004, I noticed that as I moved away from milkshakes, ice cream floats, etc., my body no longer accepted them well if I tried to eat them again. This has been the case with dairy, fried foods, rich foods, beef, and most recently pork. I guess it's just my body's way of saying "No!" And I'll agree with it.

So I've been going vegetarian, or going healthy in stages...

Stage 1:eliminate diet drinks and aspertame
Just because it's sugar free doesn't mean you should drink it.

Stage 2: eliminate pork products... bacon, ham, sausage.
This one has been hard. I do love a good hamburger pizza.

Stage 3: eliminate processed foods
This means fast food, sandwich meat... I'm trying to go towards more of a whole foods diet.

Stage 4: eliminate chicken and fish
This stage will probably take a year or so... I'm just not ready to give this stuff up yet.

Stage 5: eliminate dairy
Oh boy... this will take awhile. I have a love affair with bread and butter.

The advantages? Going vegetarian or vegan eventually will help me eat a healthier diet. Will I still get enough protein? Of course! There are other sources besides animal protein. Beans, nuts, green veggies are all good sources. It will also alleviate some stomach issues I've been having. Removing meat from my diet will also help me become a better athlete. All this will hopefully enable me to better manage my diabetes. Here's hoping! Wish me luck!