Fashion, Its A Way of Life

"I don't do fashion, I am fashion." ~ Coco Chanel 


       Let's be honest, being trendy and fashionable and put together at all times is not realistic, and certainly not easy.  But when you have a cell-phone-sized object strapped to you at all times, fitting this extra item into your fashion repertoire is a challenge at best.


       There are going to be some items that you'll never really be able to wear and fully disguise your insulin pump, if this is what makes you feel the most comfortable.  I know for me, while I have become more and more comfortable discussing my diabetes with others, I'm still not always ready for the looks and questions that accompany the display of my pump.  Maybe I'll feel better about it someday, but for now, not today.


       Over the years of pumpdome, I have acquired some basic skills and tips for disguising the little device.  Pashminas come in a whole rainbow of colors - I have everything from midnight blue to pink to purple.  They add a splash of color to an otherwise drab ensemble, and the fabric itself is soft and flawy.  But more importantly, the scarves, when draped casually in any way that falls past my hip, can cover the bulge of my pump.  


       But one of the best devices I've ever found is the leg cuff by t&j design.  I heard about this from my endocrinologist, and apparently one of the recent Miss America's uses it herself.  For prom, weddings, graduation, any event which requires a garment other than pants, I pull out my leg cuff.  My pump is securely tucked away from any questioning eyes, and I know it won't slip out at any time during the night.


     Yet there are certain events which I will always face with dread.  Ok, maybe thats a tad dramatic.  But still, when summer rolls around, and the bikinis come out, I'm always reminded there are no pockets, no scarves, no skirts that I can hide my pump under.  People are going to stare at the device clipped to my suit, simply because they've probably rarely seen one before, and it's hard to hide.  This is a time when its best to just remember this device is designed to manage my health, and it's nothing to be ashamed of.  
     
       When I began this blog, I can't say I was 100% confident and comfortable with discussing my diabetes.  But I soon realized the stories I share, in addition with those offered by others, can create a social network that will benefit anyone who chooses to join.  The web allows us to use one another as a social commodity, exchanging ideas, brands, connections, almost anything with one another.  So I'm here opening myself up to the World Wide Web to anyone who needs me.  

Let's Get Physical

There are really only two requirements when it comes to exercise.  One is that you do it.  The other is that you continue to do it. ~ The New Glucose Revolution for Diabetes by Jennie Brand-Miller, Kaye Foster-Powell, Stephen Colagiuri, Alan W. Barclay

       So after endless meals at the dining hall and weekends consisting of waking up far part noon to barely sneak in a shower before heading out again, you've probably started to feel like the textbook definition of a lazy ass (I know I'm not the only one).  Changing your diet will help some, but the only way to gain a complete revival of those energy levels is some good old fashioned exercise.

      Every college has at least a few exercise machines available to its students.  Take advantage of them! When else in your life will you have access to a free gym membership? Yet I do understand that having these machines at your advantage doesn't necessarily mean you'll automatically gain the motivation to use them.

       For those readers who are diabetic themselves, you probably already know the importance of exercise in terms of managing your blood sugars.  The effects of exercise on glucose levels are similar to those of insulin, making exercise another effective tool to use in terms of management.  Exercise helps enhance glucose's uptake to cells and counteracts high sugar levels often seen after eating.  In time, a frequent exercise routine will help reduce the amount of insulin needed daily, helping prevent insulin insensitivity from occurring.

      Be sure to test your blood sugar immediately before and after exercising, as well as a couple hours after.  If your sugar levels are low before exercise, correct appropriately by taking the proper amount of glucose.  However, if your sugars are too high, do not exercise until they come down as exercise will block the insulin's ability to bring these sugars down and can lead to ketoacidosis.

       Once you're ready to begin your new exercise regime, start by setting up an schedule that won't be too demanding.  Be honest with yourself--are you really going to wake up at 6:30 to run two miles before your 9 am class? I didn't think so. You don't need to plan to fit some exercise in every day either.  For those whose previous main form of exercise was a walk around the mall (aka me), planning to go down to the gym every other day is plenty.

      Yet say there's a night when its either too cold, too dark, or you're just too tired to walk down to your school's gym, but still want to feel good about getting some exercise in.  Fortunately, online resources and tools provided by the Internet will help you.  My favorite indoor workout is Pilates: you don't have to run or sweat too much, but still feel like you're really working out.  YouTube and iTunes are home to a wide selection of videos for a small routine.  Below is one of my favorites:

      While technology is a great tool to use to plan out exercise routines, working out with a group of friends is even better.  Staying inside and interacting with a computer screen is much less rewarding than interacting with others in person.  We often end up tethered to electronics and miss out on the experiences and friendships that are occurring in the present.  So take a break from the texting, IMing, and Facebooking to focus on your body and clear your mind.

Now go hit the gym!