JDRF walk - number one

Sunday was my first JDRF walk.  I think it all came together very well.  I had 18 people there walking with me and raised over $700.  The weather that day started out cold and gloomy, but was warm and sunny by the time everything began.  It was difficult being the leader and now really knowing what I was doing.  Next year, I'll know better how to organize both before and during the event.

I made a poster to show what kinds of research the JDRF was sponsoring.  I stood by it and explained to anyone who had questions what I was trying to show.  Again, it was the parents of diabetic children who were the most drawn to the idea.  I also had a nice conversation with a few of the other volunteers about my experience.  One was a new doctor who is specializing in treating diabetics.  She knew of the procedure and asked some good questions.  I asked her if she would recommend it to her patients.  She says that she would inform them, but that the timing of the surgery would have to be up to the patient.  I agreed with that.  Its such a complicated decision.

The walk itself was short.  They had some problems with fallen trees and had to shorten the course.  I was a little disappointed by that.  Some of my family had travelled a long way for this and I didn't get to spend much time with them.  We did decide to go out to eat afterwards which allowed us some time together.

My sister Liz made the t-shirts.  They came out really well.  This is the design.  Notice the pig in one of the shoes.


Here is my Mom and me standing in front of my poster.



This is the entire walk group.

Cassie came home from San diego for a visit.  She timed her trip to coincide with my walk.  Becky was very supportive too.  I was really touched.



I'm still struggling with high blood sugars.  The option to begin taking a small amount of insulin is being considered again.  It would be disappointing, I admit.  But, I know that it would be a tradeoff to seeing better numbers and a lower A1c.

Diabetes Transplant Summit at Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation

The Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation is hosting a Diabetes Transplant Summit.  I have been invited to be one of the islet cell transplant recipients there to share my story.  I am extremely honored and thrilled to have this opportunity.  Drs. Hering (my doctor) and Sutherland will be there to tell about the research.  As of now, there are four recipients, including myself.

I think this is such an important thing to do.  There are so many people, including the diabetic population, that are unaware of this research and how close we really are to developing it into the cure.  I feel my story is so important because it offers so much hope.  I am really excited to be able to share it.  I'm anxious just to hear what both Dr. Hering and Dr. Sutherland have to say.  It is just amazing that I will actually be a part of it all.

Here is the link to the DRWF pamphlet.  Take a look.  Come to it if if you are able.  It takes place on Nov. 12 in Bethesda, MD.

Eggs,bikes,and Tylenol PM

I have been struggling with some higher blood sugars lately.  About 10 days ago, it got suddenly worse.  My postprandials had been going higher for awhile, but then my fastings started to hover in the 130s.  I became worried enough to contact Janet and then Dr. Bellin about the situation.  After some discussion, it was decided to try a lower carb breakfast and to try not to worry about it too much.  I know that stress can cause higher BGs, and seeing those high numbers was definitely causing some stress.  This all occurred right before Labor Day weekend and it was decided to wait a few days and see if my numbers improved.  If not, it might be time to try some insulin.  It would break my heart a little to do this, but would bring down my numbers for sure.

When I told Gary about this, he asked if my sleeping problems might have something to do with the higher numbers?  I realized that he might be right about that.  So I started taking 2 Tylenol PMs at bedtime.  I had been taking them before, but only if I really felt that I needed to.  Its been almost a week now since I started all of this and my numbers are better. I know its not very scientific to try three things at once, but at that point, I was ready for any good idea.

So now, I'm having higher protein and fewer carb breakfasts, bike rides or long walks during the day, and Tylenol PM at night.  My fastings are definitely better.  I'm still having some higher postprandials, (200-250) but not as many. The exercise really helps.  I'm planning on tapering off of the Tylenol PM and keeping up with the breakfasts and the exercising for awhile.  I'm keeping a close watch on my weight during all of this.

The Labor Day weekend was wonderful.  I was really hoping that I would be too busy to worry about my BGs too much, and it really worked out that way.  We had a wedding on Saturday.  We went to Kelly's Island with some friends on Sunday. We had fun playing some horseshoes there.  And on Monday, we went kayaking on the Maumee River and then staffed a Donate Life Ohio booth at the Fulton county fair.  Blake Shelton was playing in the background.