I believe in the power of gaining perspective from other patients with type 1 diabetes who have experienced years of daily management, dealt with the associated anxiety and fears, and yet are still smiling and healthy. Sharing first-hand experiences about their journey can help inspire others who are struggling with the incredible amount of conflicting information available online or even at varying doctors’ offices for how to properly manage type 1 diabetes.
Participating in this discussion is my patient Pam M., sharing her story of her diagnosis and the lessons she has learned throughout her over forty years living with type 1.
Please note, this article does not contain medical advice. Always consult with your provider for any advice tailored to your needs.
Q: How old were you when you were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes?
PM: I was diagnosed in 1975, when I was 12 years old.
Q: Are you on shots or a pump? Why did you make this choice?
PM: I started out on multiple daily injection (MDI) in 1975 and switched to a a Medtronic pump in 2010. In 2017, I changed to the Omnipod, a tubeless insulin pump. When I switched from MDI to a pump, I wanted to see if it would improve my overall control — it didn’t. My A1c’s were still within the same “acceptable” range.
Q: What is your favorite physical activity to help foster a healthy lifestyle?
PM: I really enjoy walking and hiking outdoors.
Q: What are your usual food and beverage intake?
PM. My daily diet typically includes low-carb choices, lots of veggies, nuts, seeds and some low-sugar fruits.
Q: What is your favorite snack?
PM: Lightly salted assortment of nuts.
Q: What is your favorite emergency sugar source?
PM: When my blood sugar drops, I have recently started using glucose tablets since they work so fast and I don’t tend to overeat them since they are not that tasty.
Q: Where is your go-to source for type 1 diabetes information, recipes, meal advice, exercise info, etc?
PM: I browse the internet for general T1D information. When I have questions about something specific, I consult with my Naturopathic doctor, Jody Stanislaw, ND, CDCES. Working with her has greatly improved my care. Since she has type 1 herself, it’s so refreshing to talk to her because she really gets it.
Q: If you could tell your “first diagnosed self” what you know now, what would you say?
PM: Oh, Lordy, there’s not enough space here, but mainly:
1. You will be fine.
2. YES, you can have children — if you maintain good control of your blood sugars (I have 4 healthy children).
3. There will be so many easier ways to track your blood sugars and insulin intake as the years go by and technology improves.
4. Eventually there will be a DEXCOM.
5. You do not have to eat before you exercise if you don’t have too much insulin on board. Insulin is what makes our blood sugar levels low — not lack of eating (kind of hard to do when you’re taking one long-acting shot and one or two fast-acting shots per day — which is what I was told to do as a child). Thank you Dr. Jody for teaching me this!
Q: What is your number one goal in caring for your type 1 diabetes?
PM: Keeping my blood sugar levels in-range.
Q: What is your biggest frustration living with type 1 diabetes?
PM: There are so many variables that affect blood sugar.
Q: Do you work with a dietitian or nutritionist?
PM: Not currently, but I have in the past.
Q: How many times a day do you look at your CGM or test your BG?
PM: I check my smart-phone Dexcom G5 app — All. Day. Long. I love it! It is the best gadget ever! I would give up my insulin pump before my Dexcom CGM.
Q: How do you manage stress, lack of sleep or illness with type 1 diabetes?
PM: I do what it takes. I keep my immune system strong by eating well and adding natural remedies like ginger and garlic to my diet, especially during stressful times and winter. I also take supplements.
Q: What kind of support do you have with your diabetes?
PM: I receive fabulous support now that I’ve found Dr. Jody and many other online support communities. My family is supportive, as are my friends. I’ve been pretty private about my diabetes. I’ve never been that person who shares much about my diabetes with other people.
Q: Would you like more support for living a healthy lifestyle? If so, how?
PM: I now feel that I’ve done a disservice to folks with T1D. It seems the world only hears about the T1D’s who suffer from complications and not from those who are THRIVING. I am a member of the local JDRF board and I realize that people are less inclined to donate for T1D research if they think we’re all “just fine.” A cure would be great, but in the meantime, I’m loving the gadgets that are making life easier for me.
Q: Do you participate in type 1 diabetes education? If so, where?
PM: I love Dr. Jody’s online course. I also find a lot of educational information online and at JDRF meetings.
Q: What is the worst training advice you’ve ever received?
PM: I didn’t learn much worthwhile about caring for myself until I met and started working with Dr. Jody Stanislaw.
Q: What are your Top 5 “Golden Rules” of success?
PM:
1. Do not be so hard on yourself.
2. Reach out to other successful T1D’s (don’t settle for the folks you meet who are always in the ER, suffering from DKA, etc. just because our society says this is the norm).
3. Dexcom.
4. Dexcom settings 70–130.
5. A low-carb diet and/or the law of small numbers.
Want support on how to get an A1c below 6.5%? Dr. Jody offers private calls, online courses, and a monthly education program called The T1D CREW. Learn more here: www.DrJodyND.com
