Fast-Acting Sugar of Choice

C was diagnosed at such a young age...22 months. She was still in diapers. She was still a baby. She had never even had a piece of candy before.

So, when diabetes came into the picture and an entire double cupboard in our kitchen was dedicated to all of her supplies, we started stalking up on all the suggested fast-acting sugar sources. We included juice, of course, sodas, sugar packets and even tubes of frosting. But no candy.

In the early days, the item of choice was a juice box. We would buy those cute little 4 oz. boxes of apple juice with "Clifford" on the front, Hansen's Junior Juice. The size was great since she really only needed about 2 ounces to bring her number up. It was easy to use. It didn't need refrigeration. And, it had Clifford on it! The only downside was carrying it around long-term.

I remember our Grand Canyon train ride. Before exiting the train, we checked, and of course, C was low. When I searched her bag for a juice, they both had been jostled around so much and worn down that they were slowly leaking. We scrambled for something else. Some nice lady gave us a regular soda. After this experience, we started carrying glucose tabs.

Glucose tabs really are wonderful. They are portable. C likes them. They bring her number up nicely most times. Juice can spike it, but the tabs bring it up to a good range. However, they're quite expensive. And while we've used them for years now, I'm beginning to look at different options: candy.

I know how tempting and addicting candy can be. Up until this time, I really didn't want to put that temptation out there for C. But, as I read more and more blogs surrounding diabetes, I've discovered that so many type 1's have their favorite candies to treat lows. I go back and forth with this idea. We have used Smarties, jelly beans and such, on occassion. When certain candies are handed out to the kids, I've always allowed C to receive them. She used to be happy just to give them to her dad or brothers. But now, we stash them in her bag in case of a low. The main problem with this has been rearing it's head lately...

C will announce to me "I feel low." Okay, let's check...189...nope, not low! Then she'll ask "When I am low, can I have the lollipop I got from the party?" Ug...okay. I fear that she may create a low just to get the candy! I've talked with her about it, telling her how dangerous this could be. I really am fearful about this possibility. But her reaction to me when I mentioned this, she really seemed genuinely (at 7 years old) surprised that I would think she would do that. I don't know. I feel like I'm going into unmarked territory with this.

I suppose we'll do what seems best at the moment. I guess diabetes is just like that.

Recall!

Okay, so we've had some crazy relentless high numbers the last few weeks! It's taken a toll on the sleep issue for us, not to mention doing a "number" on C's A1c, no doubt. It's been frustrating, irritating and...downright mysterious...until now (maybe!).

As I sifted through Twitter news from all our diabetes friends, I came across a notification from @DiabetesMine Recall on Medtronic infusion sets (seek link). Okay, I thought. I'll have to look into that. I forgot all about it until our UPS man dropped off a nice big package for C just a few hours later. Yep. Recall. 1 new box of infusion sets and directions to send any unused sets back to them.

As I read the recall letter, lightbulbs start flickering above my head like a cartoon.

Question 1: Why is Medtronic recalling Lot 8 Quick-set infusion sets?

Answer: We recently identified that approximately 2% of "Lot 8" infusion sets do not allow the insulin pump to vent. This can potentially cause too much or too little insulin to be delivered.

Huh. I remember having to change C's site several times ahead of schedule due to consistently high numbers during the last several weeks. Perhaps we are part of the 2%? When we're part of the small percetage of something, it sure feels like 100% to us!

Needless to say, C's site has been changed and I've gone through the steps to send back our unused sets. I already messed up one set. It got all sticky and stuck in the quick-sert device. (Arghh!) So, we are down to only 8 from the new box. I will hope our other replacements will be here soon.

A side note. Smack-dab in the middle of the recall letter?...could potentially result in too much or too little insulin being delivered and may lead to serious injury or death. Gee, diabetes, you're so subtle.

The Cat in the Hat Dilemma

So C tried out for Seussical the Musical last week. Even though all the kids make it, it was still exciting for them to be given the packet for each part (even if the part was simply the chorus!) Wednesday night C was given the part of "Jungle Citizen." I don't know. I've never seen the show. I suppose she'll be a citizen of the Jungle of Nool?!

Parents were given a schedule of practices and performances. In an earlier church bulletin, we had read that the performance would be some time in late September. I thought, okay, that'll work. It will give C something to be participate in, through the summertime...cool! She had performed in the last Christmas show the previous year. Honestly, it was stressful. Bunches of late-night rehearsals on school nights right before break. It's a wonder we all didn't get sick! Needless to say, I already knew we would be passing on the Christmas show for this year.

Well, I was shocked when I read the schedule. It showed that this was actually going to be the Christmas show on December 22 and 23! 5 months of rehearsals...another crazy, chaotic Christmas time?? They had changed their minds on the performance dates as the script and songs are quite difficult and didn't think it could be done by September...Trouble is...we, parents weren't notified. Hmmm? What to do???

Now, you might be thinking, "just let her do it...What's the big deal?" I guess this is where I need some sound advice. Maybe I am being selfish about it all. No...I know I am. I will need to be at every rehearsal. It will not be possible for the sweet show director to take in all of the diabetes issues and be responsible for C to test and ward off any lows. I can't expect her to clue into the seriousness of diabetes when she has 50 other kids to direct. So, of course, I would be there...every time. But then comes people's assumptions that while I'm there, couldn't I just help out with costumes or snacks or sets or miss all the performances and supervise all the out-of-control children while they wait to go on stage? And on...and on...and on. It is difficult, at best, to explain the true reason I'm always there! Gosh, this does sound selfish! It's for my daughter's well-being! And, it never fails, that while I get caught up in "helping," I lose focus on C. On her numbers. Then, we're dealing with an unexpected low or forgetting to test before she's on stage or something else important. Ug!

As I look at this post, it's a mess...sorry! But I'm really needing some other type 1 parents to lend me some sanity here. Any thoughts? Even if you think, "just suck it up and do it!"...I want to hear from you.

What Tehnorati Wants, Technorati Gets

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I Love the 4th of July

Fourth of July! We're gearing up for a great day tomorrow...home-town style! Our tradition begins with Dan taking all the kids to the local Fireman's Pancake breakfast (always a tricky carb count!). I love this tradition. It allows me some great quiet time in the morning for me to leisurely shower and get ready for the day. I may even get a delicious white chocolate mocha brought back to me!

Then, it's on to the parade. Both our boys will be in the parade this year to celebrate their "all-star" baseball teams! A parade is always exciting. I can't help but be touched at the beginning when all the veterans march with the flag. I love it! Dan, C and I will cheer them all from the sidelines!

Later in the day, we hope to do a little swimming and relaxing. Maybe we'll head down to the fair festivities at the high school.

And, in between all these wonderful things, there will be diabetes. But it won't take center stage. We won't let it...because...

By 6:00 we'll be enjoying a picnic dinner with family and friends on the high school football field. The kids will be playing catch with a football or frisbee. Music will be playing. Friends will be visiting. The kids will keep asking when the fireworks show is going to start. We'll spend way too much money on glow sticks. And then, when the last remnants of sunlight are gone, the show will ooo and ahhh us for about 30 minutes. We'll hear patriotic music that will focus everyone's attention on the beauties of our country. It will put a lump in my throat.

I love the Fourth of July!