It was a long road.
Frankly, I had all but eliminated the possibility of ever wearing an insulin pump. I was totally against the concept, and hated the thought of being 'wired up' 24 hours a day.
Frankly, I had all but eliminated the possibility of ever wearing an insulin pump. I was totally against the concept, and hated the thought of being 'wired up' 24 hours a day.
I was diagnosed as a type-1 diabetic on June 20, 1986. So that means for twenty-two years now I've struggled mightily with obtaining ANY thing resembling control.
I used to laugh at those One Touch commercials that always showed a perfect '120' reading. I thought, 'yeah, right...'
My family and friends had encouraged me to give it a try, but I just could not wrap my mind around being tied down with this thing 24/7. But when my son, who has Down syndrome was born, I started to think about things differently.
I began to think about the importance of good health. Further, I considered the path I had been on for over two decades and what the long-term implications were. It was (and is) scary. So one night I googled "insulin pump" and began to research the options.
In a later post, I'll compare and review each of the pumps I was considering and give my reasoning as to why I ended up with the Medtronic/Minimed 522. But for now, suffice it to say I feel I made the right choice.
So my last A1C was about 10.5, which equates to an average blood sugar of approximately 255. (to calculate your average, check this out: http://bloodsugar101.com/A1Ccalc.php)
After two weeks on the pump, my average is 146 (6.7 A1C) and headed down!! Honestly, I've never felt anything like this. The energy, focus, positivity - I simply cannot recall ever feeling anything like this.
All of my fears were unfounded. Being 'wired up' is no big deal whatsoever. And going from 6 shots a day to 1 infusion set every 3 days is a major benefit!
If you are a diabetic struggling with control, I understand where you're at. I had been told I was in the top 2%...just so 'brittle' that no matter what I tried, control may not be attainable. Listen to me, that is false information. I just want to encourage you to consider a more progressive approach to diabetes management.
In this day and age, there is no reason to suffer through the 400's only to crash in to the 30's. There is hope. If I can do it, most certainly anyone can!
Until next time, I'll be pumpin...
My family and friends had encouraged me to give it a try, but I just could not wrap my mind around being tied down with this thing 24/7. But when my son, who has Down syndrome was born, I started to think about things differently.
I began to think about the importance of good health. Further, I considered the path I had been on for over two decades and what the long-term implications were. It was (and is) scary. So one night I googled "insulin pump" and began to research the options.
In a later post, I'll compare and review each of the pumps I was considering and give my reasoning as to why I ended up with the Medtronic/Minimed 522. But for now, suffice it to say I feel I made the right choice.
So my last A1C was about 10.5, which equates to an average blood sugar of approximately 255. (to calculate your average, check this out: http://bloodsugar101.com/A1Ccalc.php)
After two weeks on the pump, my average is 146 (6.7 A1C) and headed down!! Honestly, I've never felt anything like this. The energy, focus, positivity - I simply cannot recall ever feeling anything like this.
All of my fears were unfounded. Being 'wired up' is no big deal whatsoever. And going from 6 shots a day to 1 infusion set every 3 days is a major benefit!
If you are a diabetic struggling with control, I understand where you're at. I had been told I was in the top 2%...just so 'brittle' that no matter what I tried, control may not be attainable. Listen to me, that is false information. I just want to encourage you to consider a more progressive approach to diabetes management.
In this day and age, there is no reason to suffer through the 400's only to crash in to the 30's. There is hope. If I can do it, most certainly anyone can!
Until next time, I'll be pumpin...
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1 comment:
Hi James,
Becky gave me the like to your blog. I am so impressed. Your story is truely amazing...My 17 year old daughter has this disease also and struggles alot with it..I am going to forward the link to her and hopes that she can begin to see that she is not the only one... She has been on a pump for over 3 yrs now. It is amazing the changes it has made to her life. My heart goes out to you and all those who suffer...
I have been a participant in the JDRF walk for the past 3 yrs and I get my Employer involved, We have a Walk team and raise funds,get the staff members, families and friends involved.
I walk for my daughter and people like you...Best of luck to you and I do hope that some day a cure is found. Know one can know the hardships that come with disease unless they have lived with it.
Best of luck to you
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