Holiday Survival Guide

I once wanted to become an atheist, but I gave up - they have no holidays. ~ Henny Youngman      


        The holidays are finally here! This means the arrival of candy canes, holiday parties, and of course gift giving! While as wonderful as they are, the holiday season can bring stress and unforeseen complications.


         Different treats and goodies, especially if homemade, are difficult to adjust for in terms of insulin amounts.  I always try to adjust on the lower side if at a party or gathering, because I'd rather run a little high than low.  Carrying your carb counting book with you when you go out can be a good idea.  


         If you're hosting anything, tweaking recipes to reduce the carb or sugar count can be a good trick as well.  Even though diabetics can eat any kinds of food as long as they adjust for them, lower carb foods are easier to eat and help reduce sugar spikes.  Here's a recipe for a pumpkin cheesecake that's only 7 grams of carbs per slice! 


         In terms of holiday shopping, long lines and extensive wish lists can be draining for anyone, especially when lunch time rolls around and the food court is packed.  I always like to carry a few snacks like granola bars with me in addition to the usual glucose tablets. 


         The idea of navigating holiday parties reminds me of a concept I learned at the beginning of the semester, the idea of a public sphere.  This sphere is fostered by individuals who connect with one another separate from the greater forces of the government or public institutions.  Holiday gatherings are much like specialized public spheres: ideas are exchanged, connections are made, and individuals become part of a larger group.  This season, try using your public sphere to your advantage.  You never know what social capital you may gain!


Happy Holidays!

It's Finals Time!

         Who doesn't love finals?! Long, sleepless nights, stress eating in the dining hall, and cranky peers: what's not to love!  Dealing with the stress that final exams, presentations, and papers bring is hard enough, but being diabetic makes this time no easier to say the least.  

          I've found that stress usually drives my sugars up, although if I don't make an effort to eat enough before an exam I've fallen low during the middle of a class as well.  It's always important to test your blood sugar at least a couple hours or so before heading into an exam, so you'll have time to correct.  And then be sure to test again to make any other minor adjustments and avoid any surprises.

         It can sometimes be helpful to discuss your condition with your professors upfront.  That way, if an issue comes up during the middle of the exam there's a better chance they'll be more understanding.  However, when you're in a large lecture class it can be hard to feel like your condition will really matter that much.  But its important to remember you have every right to stand up for your health. 

         When studying, both high and low blood sugars can affect your concentration.  Difficultly reading, headaches, and blurred vision can all be signs that you're experiencing hyperglycemia.  It's easy to have several hours in the library pass by without stopping to test your sugar.  I'll sometimes set a timer on my cell phone or iPod to remind me. 

    

         Joseph Campbell is the creator of myth theory, which essentially states that all stories follow one standard outline.  The hero sets out on a journey with a set end goal, and along the way discovers something greater about themselves.  There are guides, challenges, danger, and elixirs that arise during the journey.  The journey that every student (hero) takes during finals week falls nicely into the theory.  A good grade on a finale exam (the goal) is met with the help of teachers, peers, and tutors (guides), and can be interfered with by exhaustion, parties, friends, and procrastination (challenges and dangers).  Perhaps energy drinks act as elixirs.  

         Whatever exam or challenge you are preparing yourself for, good luck, and stay healthy! 

Safety First

Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy~ Benjamin Franklin 

       A few days ago, I had an interesting talk with a friend from back home about her college experiences. After our discussion, I realized this blog wouldn't be complete without a post dedicated to  le booze.  

       Drinking is illegal for most college students.  But I really don't think that ever stopped anyone.  Sure, there are many people who choose not to drink while at school, and I don't mean to imply that there's a great pressure to do so.  Yet for those that do choose to indulge, its important to remember to do so responsibly.  Drinking too much for anyone is dangerous, but even more so when you're diabetic.

       First, always remember to eat while you're drinking.  Sugary alcoholic drinks may make your blood sugar spike up at first, but hours later will drive you low.  These later hours are usually when you're back in your dorm sleeping, so be careful to test before going to sleep to avoid overnight lows.  I usually aim to be in the 200 range before going to sleep just to be extra careful.

       While it may be cumbersome, always try to have a small bag with you when you go out, even if you're just headed to a friend's dorm room.  There's nothing worse than realizing a low is coming on and panicking because there's nothing for you to eat or drink.  I always like carrying a little cross body bag.  To fit my keys, lip gloss, glucose tabs, and tester in a small compartment, I'll take my tester out of its case and just slip the pieces in.  I usually throw a few extra lancets in too just in case.  

       It's always important to be sure the friends you're going out with know that you're diabetic.  This can be hard, especially if the friends you start off with at the beginning of the night end up being different than the friends you get back home with, which can happen at large events.  But the closer you get with people the easier it will be to inform the group as to what would be needed if case of an emergency.  And more than ever, its important to wear your medical i.d. 24/7.  

       B.F. Skinner is a well known psychologist, but has also done extensive work on verbal behavior. Skinner discussed in his studies "tacts and mands."  Tacts refers to making contact with, using words to connect with someone else in a social manner.  Mand refers to a command, which would hopefully result in a direct reward.  These tools are used by individuals to navigate interactions with others.  Just like being safe when you go out, tacts and mands can help you in informing a friend group about what you need to get home safely.  Dictating what others can do in case of an emergency are effective mands, and creating contacts with a group  of new people will only have benefits in the long run.

         Be safe, and have a great weekend!

We All Have Our Differences

      Most people who I discuss diabetes with very rarely know the differences between the two major types: Type 1 and Type 2.  Some people may not even realize there are multiple types.

      Type 1 diabetes, sometimes known as juvenile diabetes, can occur at any time in a person's life, but is usually diagnosed at infancy to age 30.  While the cause of Type 1 is not completely known yet, research indicates the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.  After a few years in a "honeymoon stage," where the pancreas is able to produce some insulin, patients need to deliver artificially produced insulin either through a syringe or pump.

      Type 2 diabetes usually develops in older patients, but has recently spiked in adolescent diagnoses.  The pancreas will still produce insulin, but does not produce enough or use it efficiently.  Type 2 diabetics can take additional insulin, but may be able to control their diabetes through diet and exercise alone.

      There are also lesser known forms of diabetes: monogenic and gestational diabetes. Monogenic diabetes is very rare, accounting for 1-2% of all cases.  Type 1 and Typ2 diabetes are polygenic, meaning the risk of developing them is related to multiple genes.  But in monogenic diabetes, the mutations occur in a single gene.  Mutations in monogenic diabetes reduce the body's ability to produce insulin and is often mistaken for Type 1 as a result.  Genetic testing can provide a proper diagnosis.

        Gestational diabetes affects 2-5% of all pregnant women.  During their pregnancies women will develop high blood sugars.  These usually go away after delivery, but those with gestational diabetes are at a greater risk for Type 2 later in life.

        Websites like the JDRF homepage and the American Diabetes Association website are additional tools and sources of information.  For a more in depth and scientific coverage, the convenient online edition of the Yale Diabetes Center's Facts and Guidelines is a great resource as well.  And this cute video gives a more personal explanation of life with diabetes:

      

         These informational websites serve as communities and support centers for those dealing with chronic illnesses.  Robert Putnam emphasizes the importance of such social capital and reciprocity in his book Bowling Alone. Through community involvement and charity, individuals can achieve greater societal goals, while receiving benefits on a personal level.  Websites and blogs dedicated to specific interests serve a similar purpose, in that they benefit those included in the interest with information and a support system, while also educating those outside the interest group.  The Internet simply creates a bigger community we can all be a part of.