Thursday, March 21, 2013

Type One Trivia


Now, for a new approach . . . 

I know my blog reaches out to a wide variety of readers. If anyone would like to find out more about Type 1, you can go down to "Comments" and post your question. 

I thought it might be interesting to try and answer some questions you might have through this blog.

This way, you don’t have to do the research, but rather get an answer that is not answered "technically," but "personally". 

 Straight from the horse's mouth. :)

Also, if you have any questions for Hannah or Daniel, include that in your post and I will have them reply to your questions.

Until I get specific questions from you…

Here are some popular questions.

How long will someone have Type 1 diabetes? Can you outgrow it?

For me, this was the hardest part to. Type 1 is life-long. You can’t outgrow it; you can’t escape it: it’s always part of me.

A lot of people hear about Type 2 Diabetes and confuse it with Type 1. Diet or pills can control Type 2. A Type 1 Diabetic is insulin-dependent. Without insulin, it is impossible for a Type One to live.

What is a "good" blood sugar number?

From what I am told, 80 - 120 is a "good" range for blood glucose numbers.

What does it feel like to be low?

Very shaky and weak. It makes me very easily agitated.

What does it feel like to be high?

Sick. For some reason when I am 200-250, I feel worse than when I am 400. Beats me.

Is Type One contagious?

No, it is not contagious. Don’t worry, you're safe.  :)

Can you to eat normal foods?

Technically, a good diet helps. For Type 2, diet is essential.

Realistically, as long as you cover the number of carbs with units of insulin, you’re fine.

For me, if I have to get a shot, I’ll eat whatever I like. :)

What does it feel like to get a shot?

Depends.

Sometimes it hurts for an hour; sometimes it only hurts for a few seconds. I think it depends on where you give it. Due to the fact I give most of my shots, my stomach is the main injection site.

Many times the shot will bleed and you loose insulin from the bleeding.

Very annoying  . . . it means another shot is coming. :(

What does it feel like to prick for blood?

In the beginning it hurts a lot. But after a while, your fingers callous from all the pricks.


What does it mean to bolus? (with a pump)

That is the term for giving insulin by the pump. You have to bolus the amount of insulin needed for your carb ratio.



-DISCLAIMER-


On a serious note, I am not a professional. This is NOT medical advice. I am a type one, not a doctor. I am telling you about my own feelings, not advising you to anything I have said. This is a disclaimer. :)

~Thank you~

6 comments:

  1. Does it help to meet other T1's? Do you go to a T1 support group?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Mrs. Skidmore!

    Yes, it does help to meet other T1's. To be able to have someone that understands what T1 is like helps. T1 seems hard to describe, and talking to those who are experiencing T1 also, gives hope and strength.

    As for a T1 support group, I am in Typeonenation.org. I have just started and honestly, it is rather confusing! :) I am trying to connect with T1 online, but that seems rather slow too. I know my doctors up at UW Madison would be able to help me out in that area. I'll give them a try! :)

    Thanks!

    Caleb

    ReplyDelete
  3. Caleb,

    Do seeing-eye dogs help Type 1 patients?? ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. No, Hannah, seeing-eye dogs do not help. And I have a feeling you knew that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah yes, but seeing-eye dogs can also only help blind people if they are already experienced with using a white cane or are good at mobility in general.:) Otherwise, they still would not be able to use a guide dog.

      Delete

Feel Free to Comment! :)