I usually don’t post on Wednesdays, but until I get things situated on my podcast, I’m going ahead and posting an extra blog post today, and then another on Friday. So for today, I’m talking with Aimee and hearing her story. Keep reading to learn about my friend Aimee.
What type of diabetes do you have?
Aimee: Type 1
How long have you had diabetes?
A: 38 years
How did you manage, growing up? Did you hide your diabetes?
A: Nope. Had a dad and uncle with Type 1. Completely in the open.
Was it tough on your sibling(s) if you had any, with you being the center of attention?
A: No. Dad had it too so it was nothing new to him. And, I certainly was not the center of attention!
What was hardest for you and your family — emotionally? Or financially?
A: For me, giving up the treats I liked. We never had too many because at that time they thought to limit sugar intake in kids with a type 1 parent might stop it. Once diagnosed no more Mr. Softee for me. Financially dad had good insurance
What treatment do you use to treat your diabetes?
A: Insulin pump with Humalog insulin, Dexcom and blood glucose testing
How often do you have to test your glucose levels?
A: about 5-7 times a day
What kind of insulin do you take?
A: Humalog
What insulins have you had throughout your diabetic career?
A: Regular, NPH, Ultra Lente, Novolog, Lantus, Humalog. The earlier ones were Beef only as I was allergic to pork insulin
How well do you think you manage your diabetes?
A: pretty good
Can you recognize the symptoms of a low/high blood sugar?
A: yup, although usually takes longer to feel the lows after 38 years
What symptoms do you get, and how often?
A: Low-shakes, fast heart beat, sweaty, weak High-thirsty, tired, hit by a truck feeling, eyes hurt
What do you eat for breakfast/lunch/dinner? When?
A: Varies. I eat everything I like even if it has sugar, like my ice cream for dessert every night. All in moderation. Weekends usually skip lunch.
Do you vary your insulin dose if you eat something that is not really good for you?
A: Usually my carb ratio can cover it unless it has not in the past and I’ve trialed other doses til I found the one that worked
Do you eat snacks in between meals? Soda?
A: sometimes, if I’m hungry. Not a soda drinker.
Do you eat vegetables? Drink lots of water?
A: Yes to veggies with dinner or a salad at lunch. Lots of Sobe Life Water
Do you ever skip meals or find the diet restrictive?
A: yes I’ve skipped meals and don’t find the diet restrictive
Do you get annoyed when people ask if you should be eating a certain food?
A: At times but usually not
Do you do anything else to manage diabetes better?
A: stay on top of my Dexcom
What is the hardest part of being diabetic? And the best part?
A: Hardest is it’s like a full time job. Not sure there is a best part
Does your diabetes cause you any other problems?
A: yes. As an autoimmune disease it comes with all of the side effects. I’ve had one heart stent placed due to “wear and tear” after so many years. Neuropathy of the sweat glands so I sweat profusely
What would you like a non-diabetic to know about having diabetes?
A: It is not so easy to live with, I don’t have it because I’m overweight now, and your kids can get Type 2 if you keep feeding them fast food and don’t make them exercise. Also, there does not need to be another type 1 in your family. Just another autoimmune disease on each side
What would you tell someone who has just been diagnosed with diabetes?
A: it does suck but if you do what you have to do it’s manageable for the most part. Just keep swimming!
Who do you get support from? Who treats you?
A: my husband, parents, Diabuddies and friends support me. And I have an endocrinologist I see.
Please don’t forget to check out the other interviews and if you or someone you know is diabetic and need some support or advice, please feel free to join Diabuddies Support Group. There will be another interview on Friday and don’t forget to check out my other social media accounts for other diabetic related content.
