MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'diabetes advocacy'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:50:05 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118904&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F08%2Fdiabetes_feeties.html (That has to be one of the goofiest subject lines I've had in the last few ... evers.)A few days ago, I received an email from a fellow T1 PWD who has been living with diabetes several decades ... but hadn't ever had a pedicure in her whole life.And I replied:  "Neither have I."There were several crutons of information thrown at my family and I upon my diagnosis almost 25 years ago ("Don't even think about getting pregnant" and "Pedicures will cause massive infections so none of that, either" being repeat offense croutons), and getting a manicure or a pedicure was always marked as a no-way back in the day.  However, times are doing their "changin'" thing.  From what I've been told, the risk is a possible infection.  With all that ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118904 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:40:42 +0100 5118904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096857&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F08%2Fbeing_an_adult_at_children_wit.html In the years I've attended CWD's Friends for Life conference, I always came away with this appreciation for what the conference provides for kids with diabetes, and their parents.  Kids - a whole bunch of them - running amuck and clad in green bracelets with pump tubing flapping from underneath their t-shirts ... it's a place where these families hopefully feel normal, and safe, and understood.  But I'm not a kid with diabetes.  I'm an adult.  (I checked, and it's true: adult.)  I always felt welcomed at past FFL conferences, but people constantly checked for the kid at my side, because the "child with diabetes" surely couldn't be me.  (And then there was that time that the registration lady thought Sara(aah) was my child with diabetes, wherein my he... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096857 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:06:15 +0100 5096857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028931&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F07%2Fdenise_jonas_talks_about_diabe.html Denise Jonas is the mother of a kid with diabetes, only her kid with diabetes happens to be Nick Jonas (known in the teen circles as "OMG Nick Jonas," first name "OMG").  Denise recently stepped in as celebrity spokesmom for the Disney Online and Lilly Diabetes collaboration I (and lots of others) blogged about this morning, and she was able to take a few minutes out of her whirlwind media schedule for the Once Upon a Time Contest to chat with me on the phone.  Gracious, kind, and definitely not in denial about the challenges of life with type 1 diabetes, Denise is as sweet as she seems.  Pun sort of intended, I guess.  ;)KERRI:  Thanks for taking the time to speak with me, Denise!  When I was diagnosed with diabetes, support was only withi... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028931 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:49:32 +0100 5028931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984622&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F06%2Fmedtronic_you_need_to_call_the.html After Abby wrote about her diabetes-themed tattoo, there were a lot of comments from people either yaying or naying the idea of a tattoo.  I received a few emails with some photos, but the BEST photo I've seen so far is from a mom in Quebec, Canada.  Camille is the mom of a kid with diabetes, and she and her husband got inked in solidarity for their son.  From Camille's email:  "My hubby and I both got inked last October in support of our four years old son Jacob who was diagnosed [in] January 2010. He started pumping in August 2010. One day he said to me, ''Mom, am I the only one in the world who has a pump?'' I knew he felt alone on his diabetes planet so we decided to join him! I told him that we too would get pumps, that T1 is part of who we are and that the lo... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984622 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:32:00 +0100 4984622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953248&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F06%2Fguest_post_what_is_a_diabetes.html If you don't know Captain Glucose and Meter Boy, you are about to have your animated world rocked.  This dynamic duo, aka Bill Kirchenbauer (Captain Glucose) and Brad Slaight (Meter Boy), are tireless advocates for the diabetes online community. They rap.  They advocate for why glucose meters matter.  And today, they're premiering their new PSA here!*   *   *There are many important questions in the world today, like: Will there ever be peace in the Middle East? How will America pay off the deficit? What the heck is that thing on Donald Trump's head? We have no answers for any of those, but we can answer the question we are asked the most often: What is a diabetes superhero? Years ago when we created the characters Captain Glucose and Meter Boy:... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953248 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:30:36 +0100 4953248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934689&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F06%2Fjoslin_medalists_how_far_weve.html During the Joslin medalist meeting last week, I didn't say anything.  I wasn't presenting or doing any kind of networking.  I was invited as "media" (totally in quotes) but I attended as a grown-up child with diabetes, hoping to continue on that path of growing up.  I sat next to a woman named Eleanor (my beloved grandmother's name) and she had been living with type 1 for 58 years.  She asked to see pictures of my daughter.  She offered me a cough drop after I spent a few minutes trying to clear my throat, and she stuck her hand out to take the wrapper, spying my pump tubing jutting out from my pocket.  "I don't wear a pump," she said.  "I do just fine with my needles.  And you appear to be doing just fine with your pump.&... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934689 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:00:16 +0100 4934689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934690&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F06%2Ftcoyd.html Over the weekend, the TCOYD conference team visited Albany, NY.  I was hoping to make it to this conference, but ended up all tangled in life stuff.  (Like a Sparling spiderweb.  Ew.  Spiders.)  Thankfully, Abby was nearby and able to spend the day checking out her first TCOYD event.  (And she got to meet up with the fabulous Karen and Caroline, and several other members of the DOC.)  Here's Abby's take on the conference.*   *   *This past Saturday, I attended my first Taking Control of You Diabetes conference in Albany, NY.  It was really amazing, and I'm going to try and recap it in one blog post.  Which is going to be a challenge, but I'm feeling pretty motivated after seeing Dr. Edelman and Dr. Polonsky both speak as part... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934690 Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:37:20 +0100 4934690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911745&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F06%2Fbullet_the_blue_sky.html What fun are random links if I can't share them with you guys?  These sites have been emailed to me, Facebook'd (what a crap verb), and Tweeted.  And now I'm channeling Bono (and wishing I had picked him up when he was hitchhiking in Vancouver) and bulleting the blue sky:The International Diabetes Federation is making a video compilation in time for World Diabetes Day, and they're getting a jump on things by starting now.  They are looking for videos on "how you act on diabetes," which makes me want to participate in a round with Kabuki Doug, but I'm excited to see how this plays out.And you can't mention video in this community without calling back to the You Can Do This Project.  Have you signed up?  Have you recorded your video?  No better day tha... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911745 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:13:56 +0100 4911745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902621&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F06%2Fjoslin_medalists.html To be a Joslin Medalist, you need to mark 25, 50, or 75 years with diabetes.  (Well, technically, you get a certificate at the 25 year mark, but it's definitely a milestone to celebrate.)  And over the weekend, I had the opportunity to spend the day with Joslin's medalists who have spent over 50 years with type 1 diabetes.  I was invited as a member of the "media," but it was a strange experience, being "one of them," but only halfway there.  ("You're a nice kid, but you're still a rookie in this crowd," one woman said, flashing her medal and her smile at the same time.)  These generous medalists allowed me to listen to their stories, and offered a few sage words of advice into my video camera. (Best response that didn't end up on cam... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902621 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:42:41 +0100 4902621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872348&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F05%2Fdiabetes_rockstars.html People within the diabetes community are strong, resilient ... and apparently pretty creative on the lyrical tip.  This video was sent to me by a reader, and even though the visuals on it are just the lyrics, it did crack me up (and she's quite the songbird)!  Created by Denise, who blogs at My Sweet Bean and her Pod, this song is now part of the diabetes-themed song library. "We can rock a SWAG for any popsicle." and "Pancreas stand-ins, now put your hands up" may be among the best diabetes-lyrics I've heard since ShugaSheen's debut. (Source: Six Until Me.) Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872348 Thu, 26 May 2011 14:26:54 +0100 4872348 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803410&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F05%2Fletter_writing_day.html Dear Littler Me,I wish you'd known you weren't alone.  That even though you didn't have a bunch of friends with diabetes (YET) when you were growing up, you still had lots of friends.  And a family that loved you.  And people who didn't understand exactly what it meant to be "low" or "high," but they wanted to, and they tried.I wish you had known that there were other kids just like you.  It wasn't until you spent your summers at Clara Barton Camp that you realized just how normal diabetes was for some families.  That some kids woke up every morning, just like you did, and shot up.  Or that some kids were hounded by their parents to "just let me check your pee for ketones, okay?"  I wish you had known that doctors lie.  ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803410 Tue, 10 May 2011 14:21:02 +0100 4803410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742597&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F04%2Fearth_day_and_diabetes_1.html Nothing says "Earth Day" like stumbling upon this awesome photo (and caption) on Facebook:"Using my infusion site protective cap as a guitar pick... total D-rockstar status!"Jessica writes a blog at J's Adventures in T1 Land, has type 1 diabetes, and is an excellent example of d-cycling (diabetes recycling).  Do you reuse your diabetes supplies in any way?  (Or am I the only one who has used clipped syringes as water guns, glucose tab jars to store whey protein, and pump caps as cat toys?)  How do you keep your diabetes green? (Source: Six Until Me.) Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742597 Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:04:39 +0100 4742597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4677026&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F04%2Fbe_your_own_advocate.html With all these diabetes blogs and fundraising walks and keynote speakers and advocacy unicorns, there's a lot going on in the world of diabetes.  Jumping into a diabetes advocacy role may seem as daunting as being a Yankees fan when you're the editorial assistant to a die-hard Red Sox fan (hi, Abby).  But being an advocate for diabetes doesn't mean you have to blog or speak at events or raise thousands for walk teams.  You can raise a lot of awareness in what may feel like the smallest of ways, but can make a difference for just one person.  And one is all it takes.  This month's Life, Uninterrupted video is about being your own advocate.  And it features Sprinkles.  Because unicorn puppets have a place in this, too.  ;) (Source: Six Until Me.) Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4677026 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:26:32 +0100 4677026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658546&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F03%2Fyou_wrote_mtv_answered.html The DOC, when acting in unison, is a LOUD voice.  Thanks to everyone who wrote letters to the MTV casting agent for True Life: I Have Diabetes (including, but not limited to, my red-headed friend Nicole in CT.  Thank you, Aunt Spazzy!!), the casting call has been updated to something a little less offensive, and many of us have received this form letter from Miscellaneous Media: To Whom It May Concern,Thank you very much for your note. I apologize for returning it with a form letter, but we've been getting so many emails from your community regarding our clumsily written casting call that it would be impossible to respond to everyone individually.First of all, I'd like to apologize for not being more articulate in our casting call. We didn't mean to offend anyone with diabetes wi... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658546 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:04:30 +0100 4658546 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4622447&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F03%2Fguest_post_diabetes_alert_day.html Today is Diabetes Alert Day.  What does that mean?  (Here - let the ADA help explain.)  Diabetes Alert Day points a spotlight on type 2 diabetes, encouraging those who are living with type 2 to take control and for those who may be at risk to get tested.  I'm really proud to be hosting my friend Rachel Baumgartel's words on SUM today.  Rachel is a passionate diabetes advocate with a type 2 voice, and you can find her online contributions just about everywhere:  on her personal blog Tales of Rachel, at Diabetes Daily, 'midterning' at Chronicbabe, and participating in the Diabetes 365 project on Flickr.  She's offered to post about her own diagnosis with type 2, about being young and living with a chronic illness, and her encouragement to anyone who may be ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4622447 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:20:31 +0100 4622447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615336&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F03%2Fthe_jdrf_and_the_online_commun.html As a kid, I wasn't an advocate for type 1 diabetes.  I was a kid.  I went to diabetes camp (CBC 4 LIFE) but that was the extent of my involvement with any kind of diabetes community.  It wasn't until I was out of college and feeling like I existed on a diabetes island that I began to crave interaction with and understanding from other people with diabetes.  So, at Chris' suggestion, I started a blaaaaaagh and everything just got all sorts of exciting.  Namely, I had finally connected with other people living with diabetes. And it felt gooooood.Now that there is an established online community for people with diabetes (PWDs, caregivers, and loved ones alike), there are a lot of opportunities for engagement and advocacy.  The DOC isn't limited to adults living w... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615336 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:20:15 +0100 4615336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4575201&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F03%2Fd365_third_times_the_charm.html I accomplished a full year of Diabetes 365 back in 2008.  It was the year I was getting married, and looking back, I love that I have a year's worth of photos to mark the fun buildup to that huge moment in my life.  I tried again in 2010 in efforts to chronicle my pregnancy and the chaos of new motherhood, but failed miserably.  Once the baby arrived, my camera only had a lens for BSparl.  Diabetes photography fell by the wayside.So ... glutton for punishment that I am, I'm giving the Diabetes 365 project another go for 2011.  I'm making today my starting point, and hopefully next spring I'll be loading up the last of the photos and enjoying a milestone of photographic success. ... or I'll be writing some other post about how I bailed on the project again.  We... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4575201 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 18:30:12 +0100 4575201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532494&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F02%2Finspired.html I spend a lot of time writing about diabetes within the diabetes online community, but I don't have a lot of opportunities to bring diabetes advocacy outside of certain parameters.  I've done some guest blogging for non-diabetes sites, but for the most part, I speak about and to the diabetes community.  Sometimes my advocacy efforts exist within a bubble.  But last week, I had a chance to step entirely outside of my comfort ... bubble? and speak with woman bloggers who aren't living with or caring for diabetes.  It's very humbling to sit in a room with women who have lost a child.  Or who have traveled to Africa to work towards eliminating pediatric AIDS.  Or who have made a difference for women who are dealing with depression or anxiety.  Women who can m... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532494 Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:08:36 +0100 4532494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507497&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F02%2Fdiabetes_terms_of_endearment_t.html People living with and caring for diabetes have their own special language; it's a language that includes terms like "no-hitter" and "tsunami" that people without diabetes wouldn't understand, but those with it nod their heads and say "Yup.  Same here."  This dictionary is compiled from input from the fabulous diabetes community and is definitely a collaborative effort.  Bring on the dTOES (Diabetes Terms of Endearment): Third Edition!!*   *   *A1C twinsTwo PWDs having the same A1C within the same week of endo appts "Are You Unplugged?"How to intimately ask if your partner has unhooked his/her pump site.  A way of subtly asking if it's sexy time.Baby Bear numberWhen your number is in target, or juuuuuust right ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507497 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:09:34 +0100 4507497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464648&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F02%2Fadding_to_the_dictionary.html The first Diabetes Terms of Endearment post went up on my old Blogspot blog back in March 2006, and re-reading last night made me laugh all over again.  (Everything from SWAG bolusing to dotties was on that list!)  Then I found the dTOEs from April 2008, where we saw vampires cannulas and the acronym "YDMV" added to the pile. A community effort, with our whole community contributing.  (Only back in 2006, there weren't nearly as many of us online - power to the patient bloggers!)But it's been a looooong time since the last dTOEs - like three years?! - and I know we have a bunch of words and phrases that only people with diabetes would really understand.  (Like no-hitter.  And #dsma.)  So I think it's time for a third edition.  For the community-c... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464648 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:20:02 +0100 4464648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411665&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F01%2Fdiabetes_goal_bingo.html Recently, I reconnected with a long-lost local PWD named Ryan.  Last time Ryan and I saw one another, we were talking about diabetes goal-setting and dealing with wicked bouts of burnout.  And this week I received an email from him with a freaking brilliant idea about how to stay motivated towards setting - and reaching -  diabetes-related goals. "I've had this 'pyramid' for about three months now.  Just something that I keep near my desk to keep me focused on my diabetes.  After completion of the pyramid I have no clue what I will do but some kind of celebration will be in order," he wrote, and attached a slide to his image.  And when I opened it, I was like "whoa."He had created a pyramid of his diabetes goals.  Tangible goals - real... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411665 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:28:28 +0100 4411665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405967&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F01%2Fi_can_only_use_one_word.html A few weeks ago, the WEGO Health editorial team was hitting up the Twitterverse, asking people to finish the Tweet:  "My health in one word is _______."My health, in one word, is VARIABLE.  As are my emotions related to it.  Since that question was asked on a day when I was watching giant Ms and Ws dance on my Dexcom graph, I wasn't feeling empowered or particularly rah rah.  I was pissed, because despite the fact that I had woken up at the exact same time and had eaten the exact same breakfast and taken the exact same insulin dose as the day before, the results were completely different.  (One post-prandial was 146 mg/dl and the other was 288 mg/dl.  What the fern?)  So "variable" was a tamer way of expressing other "one words&qu... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405967 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:28:58 +0100 4405967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399749&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2011%2F01%2Fjoe_solowiejczyk_and_cwd.html Back in 2009, when I attended the Children With Diabetes "Friends for Life" conference for the first time, I had the opportunity to check out the "It's Not Just a Numbers Game" session with Joe Solowiejczyk.  It was awesome!From that entry:  "I schedule my diabetes depression days," he said.  "I plan them and then I tell everyone I know to call me every hour and tell me how courageous I am."  He laughed.  "After about an hour, I'm sick of it and I just want to move on with my day."I like Joe.  I like listening to him talk and I respect him for managing diabetes for over 47 years.  I respect him for saying, "It took years for me to be able to say, 'I'm having a hard time with diabetes,' without it bein... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399749 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:45:57 +0100 4399749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266111&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F12%2Fupon_diagnosis.html Last week, I was at an event at Novo Nordisk in New Jersey, attending an event (more on that later) and participating in a discussion about what it's like to grow up with diabetes, and more specifically, what our actual diagnosis moments were like.I had a chance to talk with a few kids with diabetes (much younger than me - we're talking like the 5 - 10 year old range) and their parents, separately, and what amazes me is how much information is available to the newly diagnosed these days.  When I was diagnosed (cue stories about walking uphill both ways to get to the endo's office), there weren't any websites dedicated to the parents of children with diabetes.  There weren't blogs about all kinds of different grown ups who were living with diabetes, offering my parents a glimpse i... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266111 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:44:56 +0100 4266111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4251229&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F12%2Fthe_santa_conundrum.html (Note:  This post contains spoilers.  If you are like my girl Brittany and you believe happily in the story of Santa, skip down to where it says "Diabetes is like Santa Claus.") My husband and I share a philosophy on Santa Claus.   Santa gets too much credit.  Why should Santa get all the glory for the gifts that show up underneath the Christmas tree on Christmas morning?  Mom and Dad work their tails off to provide a fun and comfortable life for our child, and to have the fun thunder (funder?) stolen by Santa Claus is unfair.  "Thank you, Santa, for the Barbie and the Rockers van!"  I shouted as a kid, not realizing that Mom and Dad put in some extra hours (and spent half the night assembling the stupid thing) to get that Rocker ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4251229 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:11:49 +0100 4251229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245481&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F12%2Fhelping_out_diabetes_camps.html I loved diabetes camp.  Actually, that should be in present tense because I continue to love diabetes camp, even though I'm not a camper anymore.  Attending Clara Barton Camp for those five summers changed the way I looked at life with diabetes, and my health has always been better for it.But I've talked about camp before.  I'd love to play a role in sending other kids to diabetes camp.  And thankfully, we as a community now have that chance.The Diabetes Education and Camping Association (DECA) is in the running to win one of the Pepsi Refreshment Project grants.  If they earn one, they'll use their winnings to send kids to diabetes camps and will also arm them with digital filmmaking skills so that the campers can chronicle their experiences with type 1 diabetes.&... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245481 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 03:27:31 +0100 4245481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4241895&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F12%2Fgaining_diabetes_independence.html I spent some time with some parents of kids with diabetes this week (more on that in short bit), but part of what we talked about was that transition between being a "child with diabetes" to an "adult with diabetes."  One of the biggest milestones for me as a transitioning child was earning my driver's license.  I wanted to drive more than anything else.  I wanted that freedom and that ability to go where I wanted and when I wanted, without that awkward "waiting for mom to pick me up" moment.  But my parents and I talked about how driving with diabetes was a huge responsibility, and it was completely understood that if I screwed with my diabetes management intentionally, the car keys wouldn't be resting in my hot little hand.  As I mat... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4241895 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 13:31:11 +0100 4241895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207452&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F11%2Flate_special_sib_of_a_dkid_day.html I'm late to the party on this one, but I thought this was a great awareness initiative taking place across the diabetes blogoshere (and starting on Alexis' and Sherry's blogs:):  Special Sib of a D-Kid Day.I realize I am no longer a diabetes kid, but I used to be one.  And my siblings are still my siblings, no matter how old I get.  I don't have a clear recollection of life immediately after diagnosis, but I know back in 1986, food choices ruled the roosts of diabetes households.  Once the vials of insulin moved into our refrigerator's butter compartment, gone were the Twinkies and Ring Dings and Yodels (and other snack foods comprised of 1/2 a gram of actual nutrient and then a whole pile of crap).  Our eating patterns changed as a family, and Diet Pepsi and food ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207452 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 13:25:20 +0100 4207452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4172279&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F11%2Fdiabetes_gets_all_social.html "Social media in the diabetes sphere is exploding, and patients are actually using online venues as one of their first lines of defense after diagnosis - and even years after their initial diagnosis. Logging online hours is becoming as important as getting in to see your endocrinologist these days." - The Social Method for Diabetes CareAs a community of people with diabetes, we definitely know that diabetes is more than checking in with our doctor for seven minutes every few months.  But we want the general population to know that diabetes isn't an easy-peasy fun diseasey (sorry - that was horrendous, but if it rhymes, I'm easily suckered in), and that we still very much deserve research and advancements in disease management.  I'm happy to be hopefully helping to burst... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4172279 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:10:52 +0100 4172279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4168135&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F11%2Fparticipating_in_jdrfs_type_1.html When I arrived at the JDRF Type 1 Talk event in NYC, joining Aaron Kowalski (JDRF's Assistant VP for Treatment Therapies), Lorraine Stiehl (JDRF's National Chair of Grassroots Advocacy), Dick Insel (JDRF's Chief Scientific Officer), and Rachel Steinhardt (JDRF's National Director of Marketing and Communications) on the panel, I realized that I was the only person who wasn't directly tied to the JDRF organization.  Honestly, I felt a little like the wild card.  So why was I there?  In short:  to represent our community as best I could.   We had Rachel from the JDRF marketing side, Dick and Aaron from the research side, Lorraine from the advocacy Side, and then me, representing … well, the "plain ol' people with diabetes" side.  I wasn't th... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4168135 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:39:49 +0100 4168135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4164648&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=35162&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FLemonadeLife%2F%7E3%2Fi43lCuAqaQc%2F Today is World Diabetes Day. It is the fourth that has been official recognized by the United Nations. Diabetes is the only noncommunicable disease that has a day recognized by the U.N. in this way, because of its epidemic proportions. The goal of National Day Month and World Diabetes Day is to educate the general public about life with diabetes and the need for a cure. I have tried to do that through my blog, to show both a life as normal as possible while also showing the real impact of diabetes. A couple of years ago, I created this slideshow about my life with diabetes. As always, I hope it helps make this mysterious and complicated disease a little easier to understand. Although today is the day when the world focuses on diabetes, diabetes is something that I think about every minute... Lemonade Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4164648 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 23:55:06 +0100 4164648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152106&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F11%2Ftype_1_talk_what_the_heck_is_i.html This year, on World Diabetes Day, I will be participating in the JDRF's Type 1 Talk event in NYC.  And by "participating," I mean I'll be part of the broadcast with Dr. Aaron Kowalski (JDRF Assistant Vice President for Treatment Therapies),  Rachel Steinhardt (JDRF National Director, Marketing & Communications), Dr. Richard Insel (JDRF Chief Scientific Officer), Lorraine Stiehl (JDRF Volunteer of the Year & National Chair of Grassroots Advocacy), and Rik Kirkland (JDRF International Board Member).So them.  And me.  Needless to say, I'm very honored and entirely out of my league.  And hoping to properly represent the diabetes online community for the afternoon.This event will broadcast live, using the Type 1 Talk application on Facebook (click here... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152106 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:01:37 +0100 4152106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152107&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F11%2Fdblog_day_six_things_on_sixunt.html It's Diabetes Month.  And it's D-Blog Day (thanks, Gina!).  This year, the online collective is talking about the six things they wish people knew about diabetes.  I know we, as part of this community, know an awful lot, but I wanted to write this for the people who might just stumble onto this post arbitrarily.  Because we talk a lot to one another within our community, but we need to bring awareness outside of this bubble.  Here are my six things that I wish society knew about diabetes:There is more than one kind of diabetes.  This isn't a knock on my type 2 and gestational diabetes friends, but definitely a knock on society's perceptions at large.  People have one musty, old perception of what diabetes looks like, and it's always someone older, heavier... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152107 Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:17:56 +0100 4152107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134101&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F11%2Fbe_part_of_the_cure.html (And no, this doesn't mean you have to become Robert Smith.)With more than two decades of diabetes clocked in, my faith in a cure has been shaken with every diabetes anniversary.  Each September, I realize that more has been done to improve the quality of life for people with diabetes, but little has been done in giving us the hope that a cure - a real cure - is possible in our lifetime. Except last year, when I made a trip to Florida to visit the Diabetes Research Institute, my hope was reignited.  The Diabetes Research Institute is functioning solely to provide research for a cure for diabetes.  And I have cautious hope that they will be the ones to make great strides in curing type 1 diabetes.  If not for me, then for the generation after me. Which is why I am part o... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134101 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:37:03 +0100 4134101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134113&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=35162&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FLemonadeLife%2F%7E3%2Fpl8vBgTZGso%2F November is National Diabetes Month. There are a ton of wonderful advocacy efforts taking place right now, but one that is near and dear to my heart is the Big Blue Test video campaign benefiting the International Diabetes Federation and Insulin for Life. I am a big proponent for diabetes education in underdeveloped countries, and have written about IDF’s Life for a Child campaign before. In America, when we hear of a child dying of diabetes, it is shocking. We wonder, “How could that happen?” But this is a reality for families in underdeveloped countries, where access to quality insulin and medical care is limited or completely non-existent. The life expectancy for a child with diabetes in a country like Rwanda is only 5 years after diagnosis. FIVE YEARS. The main reason... Lemonade Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134113 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:19:04 +0100 4134113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134103&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F11%2Fthe_big_blue_test.html It's Diabetes Month.  (You may have heard the rumors.)  And there are some fantastic awareness efforts taking place across the diabetes community, both online and off, during the next 30 days.But there's one campaign that's not only raising awareness, but also helping to bring insulin to children in some of the world's poorest countries:  The Big Blue Test.  Here are some of the details, pulled from the press release -->The Big Blue Test, an initiative started by the Diabetes Hands Foundation (DHF) in 2009, takes place every November 14 during World Diabetes Day. People with diabetes are invited to test their blood sugar, do 14 minutes of activity, test again and share the results. In 2009, more than 2,000 people took the Big Blue Test and saw the impact of exercise ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134103 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:33:55 +0100 4134103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125203&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F11%2Ffirst_walk.html We walk to show that we're in this together.  That we are an extended family of people with diabetes - young and old alike, all living as well as we can with this disease.   That we rally together and celebrate our lives, even when they're ornamented with insulin pumps and glucose meters.  We bring our moms and dads.  Our husbands and wives.  Our friends.  Our children.   It's an event crammed with people who love and who are loved, and we walk because we're part of this diabetes family.Thank you so much to everyone who donated to this year's JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes.  Your support means so much to me and my family!!And the walk was a great way to kick off Diabetes Month, where (hopefully) the attention of the nation will be turned to diabetes... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125203 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:17:14 +0100 4125203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119489&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F10%2Fthe_big_bad_wolf.html Yesterday, I was up in Boston proper for a meeting of health activists from the WEGO Health community, brought together as part of a panel of patients who were willing to share their perspectives with Pharma.  My fellow panelists - Alicia Staley, Rosalind Jaffe, and the diabetes community's own Karen of Bitter-Sweet Diabetes - and I talked with a group of representatives from Pharma who had questions about getting involved in the social media space.  (Did you know Pharma wants "in" on the social media space?  Can you tell?)Kerri Sparling, Rosalind Jaffe, Jack Barrette, Karen, Alicia Staley, and Bob Brooks.  (This is the happy photo. And because they all humor me, here's the serious one and the goofy one.) The discussions were extensive, and we talked openly ab... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119489 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:55:17 +0100 4119489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098316&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F10%2Flook_forward_to_today.html Last night, I woke up at three in the morning and listened to the sounds of the crickets outside my bedroom window.  Not a human sound could be heard.  When I closed my eyes, I could hear my own heartbeat.  And even though I don't spend the majority of my time worrying about diabetes complications, my mind went immediately to the news I heard yesterday, about another young child with diabetes taken while she slept.   (The both tragically named and tragically accurate "dead-in-bed" syndrome was to blame.)  She was 13 years old, her parents were active and engaged in her care, and there wasn't anything that anyone "did wrong."The Children With Diabetes website describes "dead-in-bed" happening "after having [the patient] having... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098316 Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:02:38 +0100 4098316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074325&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F10%2Fvegas_meet_ups.html Since I arrived here in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, it's been a revolving door of some of my favorite people in the medical blogosphere.  And it makes perfect sense, since this is the BlogWorldExpo conference and the Mandalay Bay is teeming with bloggers.  Thanks to the Social Health track that ran yesterday (much more on that tomorrow), I've had the pleasure of meeting up with plenty of familiar faces.There is so much to tell, and so much information to relay, but for now, I'm going to rely on the power of pictures (because this three hour time difference is seriously kicking my productive rear):Scott Johnson, Jenni Prokopy, Amy Tenderich, Kerri Sparling, and Manny Hernandez Mollie Singer, Kerri Sparling, Scott Johnson, Jenni Prokopy, and Jackie SingerThey say that what happ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074325 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:25:38 +0100 4074325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4065540&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=35162&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FLemonadeLife%2F%7E3%2FO9Ygcv58u_I%2F October is a busy month for me. Right now I’m sitting in a hotel lobby in Princeton, NJ at the Multi-Channel Pharmaceutical Marketing event (try saying that ten times fast!) because tomorrow morning I’m speaking on a panel about the “patient perspective” with Jack Barrette from WEGO Health and Megan Oltman, from FreeMyBrain (a migraine blog). It’s not as glamorous as sitting in a hotel lobby in Las Vegas because I’m speaking on a panel at BlogWorld Expo, but maybe next year. Anyway, this month is all about health activism for me. Yesterday, I was at Johnson and Johnson, courtesy of WEGOHealth (Jack and I are going to be best friends by the end of this week), to speak about health activism online. Next week, I’ll be hanging out with Hannah from Dor... Lemonade Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4065540 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 19:34:33 +0100 4065540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031428&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F10%2Fchange_just_one_thing.html Recently, I was asked to answer a few questions for a company that was looking to better understand people with diabetes.  I expected a list of questions ranging from "What color meter do you prefer?" to "List all medications you are taking to treat your diabetes, and why."  Instead, the questions were more touchy-feely than I had anticipated.  And a few of them were hard to answer.  The one I struggled most with was "If you could change one thing about living with diabetes, what would it be?"My first response was to shrug.  "Everything?  I'd change everything?"  Then I regrouped a bit.  But still, an answer wasn't jumping into my head as easily as it had for the prior questions.  Somehow, "What or wh... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031428 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:26:48 +0100 4031428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018373&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F09%2Fepatient_2010_are_you_one.html I spent the last few days at the ePatient 2010 conference in Philadelphia, and one of the terms (surprise, surprise) that kept coming up was "epatient."  I've written about my take on the term "epatient" before, and was surprised to hear that there was a negative feel to the term, like it was overused.  And overplayed.  (Like Chumbawumba.)   I turned to Facebook to see how my friends felt about the term, and the feedback was instant and mostly positive.  Facebook buddy and fellow ePatient 2010 attendee, Susannah Fox, connected with me after seeing the discussion and sent me a link to a discussion on her blog about the word "epatient" and how that movement is going through some growing pains.  Far be it for me to be ahead of the cu... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018373 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:34:25 +0100 4018373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4013419&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F09%2Fphiladelphia_diabetes_meet_up.html Conferences are a good time and a great networking opportunity, but there's NOTHING like hanging out with fellow PWDs (and PWD caregivers).  Thanks for coming out last night, everyone!  It was awesome!!! (Source: Six Until Me.) Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4013419 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:29:26 +0100 4013419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973064&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F09%2Ftcoyd_providence_recap.html I couldn't have thought of a better way to spend my 24th diabetes anniversary than at a Taking Control of Your Diabetes conference in my home state of Rhode Island - and with a bunch of diabetes buddies, to boot!Saturday dawned bright and early as I headed to Providence for the conference (though not as bright and early as it did for Karen, who was on the road at like six in the morning - she's hardcore!).  Immediately, I ran into Karen and her smiling husband Pete, and then we stumbled into everyone else at the exhibit hall.  Ashley, Faye, myself, Tina, Karen, Stacey, and Val.  Kelly Close, me, and Bernard made it, too.   (Better late than never!!)While sessions were interesting and the discussions were lively, the highlight of this conference was the lunchtime sp... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973064 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 15:41:51 +0100 3973064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3958021&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F09%2F24_years.html Tomorrow is my 24th anniversary with type 1 diabetes.  There's a lot I can say about the diabetes community, and how far things have come in the last twenty four years.  How what was once a disease that left me feeling alone and obscure now comes with a welcome bag and a community of people who can lift your chin when it sinks to your chest.  I thought about how many people I knew with diabetes on the day of my diagnosis (one) and how many I know today (far more than I can count).  I am grateful for all of these things.   Some years I want to celebrate another year marked with diabetes.  Sometimes I feel defiant, like I just poked diabetes in the chest and told it what's what.  Some years I want to keep to myself, feeling a little jumbled at the thou... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3958021 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:18:09 +0100 3958021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942971&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F09%2Ftcoyd_providence.html When I saw "Providence, RI" on the list of cities for the 2010 Taking Control of Your Diabetes conference, I thought it was a typo.  "Rhode Island?  Who picks Rhode Island for a conference location?"  Pause, and then a grin. "Smart people."Because Rhode Island is awesome.  (Note:  Born and raised in Rhode Island, I'm a little biased.)  A very short drive from Boston, MA and a decent but doable drive from NYC, my home state makes for a great place to kick off the fall conference season for TCOYD.  So what are you doing on Saturday, September 11?  I'll be at TCOYD, hanging out at the health fair and attending as many sessions as I can.  I'll also be marking my 24th year with type 1 diabetes that day, and I'm exci... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942971 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:23:53 +0100 3942971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899584&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F08%2Fwhat_is_the_best_motivator.html I've heard that fear is a pretty good motivator.  Over my two plus decades with diabetes, I've heard the "fear tactic" from many medical professionals.  Actual statements:  "Make sure you test or your eyes will become diseased and you'll go blind." And "If you don't take care of yourself, you'll lose a leg when you're older."  And of course, "If you eat that, you'll end up with complications and then you'll have to live with that."  (see also:  ugh)Fear has never been a good motivator for me.  When I'm scared, I have a tendency to hole up and hide.  When I think about the future of my diabetes, I know there is a good chance I will have some kind of complication. I have sat in the endocrinologist's office far to... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899584 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:47:00 +0100 3899584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885504&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F08%2Fartsy_fartsy.html Crayons.  Markers.  Colored pencils.  My childhood was spent coloring and drawing on papers, walls, books, and the occasional cat.  (When you have a calico, everything blends beautifully.)  Artistic expression for me, as kiddo, was so important to my mental health, even though I'm sure it came at the cost of my mother's mental health.  (She had to clean off the walls now and again.)  There's something so therapeutic about art, whether you color in the lines or all over the place.  It feels good to express yourself artistically.  I have some friends whose paintings look like photographs, and ones whose photos look like beautiful watercolors.  Their talent amazes me, and I envy it.Because I am not artsy fartsy.  I wish I was.  I can... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885504 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:17:10 +0100 3885504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3813149&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F08%2Fnosugar_added_poetry.html Diabetes isn't simply about blood sugar meters and doctor's visits - there's a decidedly emotional side to this disease, and to me, taking care of those emotions are just as important as maintaining a good A1C. And in the last few months, there's been a collective effort by the Diabetes Hands Foundation to create a book of poetry for people and by people with diabetes to help raise diabetes awareness ... and our spirits.I'm proud to be part of the No-Sugar Added Poetry book, written by members of the TuDiabetes community and published by the Diabetes Hands Foundation with sponsorship from Roche.  There are a lot of familiar faces contributing to this book (Amylia Grace, Miriam Tucker, Heidi Shell, and Kerri Sparling [in third person], to name a few), and the power of this poetry is tr... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3813149 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:33:22 +0100 3813149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3746922&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F07%2Fcalling_all_type_1_adults.html I've had a chance to attend several CWD "Friends for Life" conferences in the last few years, and it's been one of the most inspirational times in my life.  All those kids with their meters stashed in their backpacks, their pumps stuffed into their pockets.  All those adults who are living well, and honestly, with diabetes, sharing their stories "from the trenches" and leaning on one another for support.  All those parents of kid with diabetes, finding hope and inspiration in every person they have the chance to meet.Don't let the name of the organization fool you - Children with Diabetes isn't just about small children.  Becoming "friends for life" isn't limited to seven year olds.  But the conference used to be geared towards kids an... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3746922 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:05:23 +0100 3746922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3730036&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F07%2Ffinding_your_voice_online.html Last Wednesday morning, Amy from DiabetesMine and I co-lead a focus group at the Friends for Life conference called "Finding Your Voice Online."  The group consisted of a bunch of d-moms, d-dads, and some kids with diabetes who sat in on the session, not to mention some terrific diabetes bloggers (Heidi, Scott, Chris, and Bernard).  And then there was Amy.  And me.  (And my enormous iced coffee - so necessary.  Apologies to everyone who realized I was way over-caffeinated by the end of the presentation.)Amy opened with an introduction to her blog and her work in the diabetes community, and I finished with my story of how I ended up immersed in the blogosphere.  (Slides below.)  We shared how we 'got started' with blogging, and what kind of oppor... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3730036 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:41:33 +0100 3730036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721917&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F07%2Freaching_the_summit.html On Monday afternoon, BSparl, Chris, and I boarded a plane bound for Orlando, Florida.  (It was our first trip with the baby - more on that later, because I'm still processing all the stuff required to travel with an infant.)  My trip was dual-purposed:  to attend the Roche Social Media Summit and then co-lead a focus group on Wednesday morning at Friends for Life.  Like everyone else, I have a disclosure with this:  Roche paid for my plane tickets to and from Florida, and they also covered my hotel room for Monday and Tuesday night.  But they didn't hold me over a shark tank to gain input from me, and I am also still using my brain on my own, so basically they can only claim travel, food during the conference, and lodging.  They also didn't ask us to blog... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721917 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:34:26 +0100 3721917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3599668&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F05%2Foxygen_mask.html In the airplane safety manuals, they instruct you to, in the case of an emergency, put your oxygen mask on first, before assisting others with theirs.  Makes sense.  Can't help someone if you are in need of help, yourself.Chris and I reference the "oxygen mask" all the time, mostly when I'm low.  During the course of the pregnancy, I had some wicked lows that kept me from attending conference calls, making it to dinner meetings, and even just meeting a friend out for coffee.  "I'm going to be late, but I need a few minutes.  Oxygen mask, you know?"  And Chris would nod, knowing that I was waiting until my blood sugar was stable before I headed out.  But as I wrote about yesterday, I'm in the middle of The Suck.  Can't wrap my head... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3599668 Wed, 26 May 2010 14:26:28 +0100 3599668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3560422&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F05%2Fscaffolding.html I was thinking about today's DBlog Week prompt, and trying to figure out my "biggest diabetes supporter."  Would it be my mom, who learned to pinch hit as my pancreas before I started second grade, making sure I had a childhood that wasn't owned by diabetes?  Would it be my friends, who instinctively carry tubes of glucose tabs in their glove compartments or purses without even realizing it?  Would it be my pediatric endocrinologist, who never forgot that liking boys and sleep overs at my best friend's house were just as important as blood sugar logs and insulin injections?  Would it be this online community of fellow diabetics, who understand that there's a real life to be lived, even after diagnosis?  Or would my hero be my husband, who has championed m... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3560422 Wed, 12 May 2010 19:10:19 +0100 3560422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395321&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F03%2Flooking_back_understanding_pit.html Today is a BSparl day, and I'll be at the doctor's office for the majority of the day, having blood work, attempting to depuff Le Puff, and spying on my baby girl as she goes her moving and shaking in there.  I wanted to revisit a post from almost three years ago about the delicate balance between advocacy and pity.  I love me some advocacy, but pity?  No thanks.  I'm all set with that. *   *   * I see a lot of marketing materials from various diabetes organizations, publications, and websites.  The messages are varied, to say the very least.  They're all are asking for your support, most often financially, to either raise awareness of diabetes or march towards a cure.  That much is definite.The variances are to be expected, though.  This d... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395321 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:08:37 +0100 3395321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3383018&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F03%2Faccuracy_in_glucose_meters.html I've been diabetic for over twenty years, and when I was diagnosed in 1986, my first meter was an Accu-Chek (this post has some pictures of these old diabetes meters).  The strips were large, absorptive pads that soaked up the blood drop and changed color after I wiped the blood away with a clean cotton ball.  The color strips were either stuck into the machine and read after 120 seconds, or the color pads were compared against the guide on the side of the strip bottles.Comparing colors?  Total guessing game.  But waaaaay back in 1986, glucose meters were FDA "OK'd" to be off by a margin of 20%.   That means (if my math is right, and don't trust me that it is because I'm still a Morrone) if my meter said "100 mg/dl," I could have been anywhere b... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3383018 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:23:01 +0100 3383018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3280148&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fcalling-all-grassroots-diabetes-advocates-unite-to-get-noticed.html If you run a diabetes blog, web site, or small organization doing some kind of diabetes advocacy work, you will want to know about this: a new ‘Diabetes Advocates Program’ that can help you and your work get noticed. Basically, TuDiabetes founder Manny Hernandez and David Edelman of DiabetesDaily put on their thinking caps after last [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3280148 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:00:11 +0100 3280148 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3243966&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F02%2Foprah_does_diabetes.html Dear Oprah and Dr. Oz,Diabetes is very expensive to manage and to treat the complications of, but what comes at an even higher cost is the damage of statements from a doctor, claiming that diabetes is reversible. I was diagnosed as a child, and my type 1 diabetes is not the result of any controllable factors. However, I have many friends who have type 2 diabetes who can make the same claim.I can't lie - I had a lot of hope about your episode regarding diabetes.  Even though it was billed as "the silent killer" and even though I knew you'd show the darkest side of diabetes-related complications possible to "sensationalize" this disease, I was holding out because I wanted this episode to be accurate.  Dr. Oz, you are a doctor, and a mouthpiece for the medical co... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3243966 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:05:24 +0100 3243966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3239756&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F02%2Fwhat_defines_our_community.html What defines our diabetes community?  At the Smithsonian, there is an exhibit called "Portraiture Now: Communities."  It's described with the following (edited) language:"How do we define community today? Through new electronic networking, our connections with family, friends and acquaintances are increasingly widespread. And yet, we are still drawn to the idea of small communities and face-to-face interaction. Each of the three painters selected for “Portraiture Now: Communities” has explored this idea through a series of related portraits of friends, townspeople, or families. ... Seen together, the paintings by these three artists suggest the enduring power of personal communities." I can't remember how I stumbled upon this exhibit, but the idea ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3239756 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:15:17 +0100 3239756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212548&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F01%2Fdiabetessisters_weekend.html I wanted to do my part to help get the word out about the DiabetesSisters weekend that's taking place this coming May 22nd and 23rd in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Here are the details:The First Annual Weekend for Women Conference hosted by DiabetesSisters and TCOYD will begin at 5pm on Saturday, May 22nd (immediately following the TCOYD Conference) in Raleigh, North Carolina and end at 6pm on Sunday, May 23rd. The Weekend for Women Conference will take place at Marriott City Center in downtwn Raleigh, North Carolina. I love diabetes conferences, and in particular, ones that recognize the different needs of different segments of the diabetes populations.  Women with diabetes come head-to-head with some very unique diabetes-related issues, from periods to pregnancy to emotional hurdl... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212548 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:20:01 +0100 3212548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3149259&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2010%2F01%2Fzip_the_cure_an_interview_with.html I'm not the first to mention Zip the Cure (nor do I have the cleverest title - that definitely goes to Saraaaaaaaaaa[no h]).  But like my fellow d-bloggers, I was contact by15 year old Monica Oxenreiter about her type 1 diabetes fundraising project, Zip the Cure.  it's almost too simple!"Zip the Cure has just one uncomplicated goal; raise $100 in every zip code for research to find a cure for juvenile diabetes."  One hundred dollars is a good amount of money, but it's not a bank breaker, especially if you get a few $10 donations from friends, coworkers, family members, cats ... you get the picture.  Doesn't take much to reach this goal per zip code.I talked with Monica by email about her project, and wanted to give her an opportunity to raise her voice about Z... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3149259 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:10:26 +0100 3149259 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3061524&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F12%2Flooking_back_the_boy_at_the_he.html Today, I'm revisiting a post from 2006 (writing that makes me realize I've been blogging for a while now!), when I met a little boy at a Rhode Island JDRF event who warmed my heart - which I needed on this snowy, New England morning. ;)*   *   * I'd guess about ten years old.  Spikey blonde hair, pale blue eyes, chubby little kid face.His mother stopped by the table we were manning at the School Health Fair, mussing with the pamphlets strewn about the blue plastic tablecloth.  The tri-fold cardboard display announced "Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation" in bright blue letters.  Myself and another volunteer from the RI JDRF stood vigil at the table, handing out trinkets and informational packets, answering questions, and enjoying the sights."Hey bu... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3061524 Sun, 06 Dec 2009 16:05:01 +0100 3061524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3052334&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fgoing-rogue-for-diabetes.html It’s incredible to hear about the myriad of creative ways in which people are expressing themselves about diabetes and calling attention to this illness lately, both online and off-line.  Just a few short years ago, when I was diagnosed, it seems the Big Advocacy Organizations were the only games in town.  Now, individuals all over [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3052334 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:00:28 +0100 3052334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3039970&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F11%2Fembarrassment_pie_diabetes.html Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I had a few run-ins with the gentlest of diabetes police - people who don't mean to be second-guessing me or asking me why I'm eating that, but still, they can't help but ask.  Sometimes their questions are subtle and we end up having a quiet, private discussion about what type 1 diabetes means to my life, and I welcome these opportunities as ways to help educate and advocate.But other times, when I'm standing there with a piece of pie in my hand and about to sink my fork into it, knowing full-well that I am at a very good blood sugar and have bolused for the pie carefully, and someone asks, "Why are you eating that?" ... I feel completely defeated.  And embarrassed.  Can't a girl just have a piece of pie without being questioned?&nbs... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3039970 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:29:41 +0100 3039970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2993901&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F11%2Fworld_diabetes_day.html Happy World Diabetes Day to my friends in the diabetes community!!! (Source: Six Until Me.) Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2993901 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:30:52 +0100 2993901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2981294&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F11%2Fsum_diabetes_stuff_to_share.html Oh, the diabetes interwebs have some things to share ... so here's a few I wanted to make sure I passed on to you guys.Over the weekend, I saw a sneak peek of the final Making Sense of Diabetes video, brought to us by the Diabetes Hands Foundation.  (But for Gina and I, in the hotel lobby, it was bought to us by Manny and his laptop.)  I have to admit - and these aren't the pregnancy hormones talking - this video brought me to tears.  Not necessarily because it's depressing, but more because it's inspiring.  The people featured in this video are people with diabetes, and they're sharing the intimate details of what their life is like.  I'll admit it, I cried a little.  And Manny and Gina hugged me.  (Whoa, holy digression but bear with me, I'm an emotiona... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2981294 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:46:49 +0100 2981294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974144&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F11%2Ftwo_diabetes_heartbeats.html The first time we saw him (or her), it was at the emergency room back in Connecticut.  We were only seven weeks into the pregnancy and barely had caught our breath from finding out when the bleeding happened and I panicked.  We spent five hours in the emergency room, poked and prodded and with an IV line at the ready, only to finally be wheeled into the ultrasound room.  "Just relax, Mrs. Sparling.  And we'll take a look and see if everything is okay."And the screen switched on and Chris and I saw our baby's heartbeat, strong and steady and fast, beating inside of me.  Everything changed forever, even though nothing had changed yet.The bleeding stopped that day, and we moved forward, cautiously, frightened, and so hopeful.  A few weeks later, my moth... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974144 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:39:13 +0100 2974144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950938&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fcountdown-to-world-diabetes-day-get-ready-for-the-big-blue-test.html Hope you all had a fun Halloween weekend. Somehow the conclusion of that sugar-fest seems a great segue into National Diabetes Awareness Month, no? And the countdown begins to World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14, 2009. Where to begin describing all the activities planned around the web and around the world to “bring diabetes [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950938 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:22:23 +0100 2950938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2948440&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F10%2Flooking_back_reflections_on_ha.html Happy Halloween!  Today, I'm revisiting one of my first columns for Generation D, written back in 2006 about a Halloween experience from when I was in middle school.   (Believe me, it's safer than watching the Halloween video I did last year, before I figured out how to edit and instead rambled on and on and on and ... you get it.)  *   *   * More Than Candy and Costumes Dressing up was not an issue. I wore my silly costumes proudly and they were always homemade. I was a fairy godmother one year. I was a gypsy for about three years running. Another year I was Bo Peep, complete with sheep.Then one year, I was diabetic.When the central focus of the holiday is eating candy, what’s a kid with diabetes to do?I can’t admit that I remember it being a big deal,... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2948440 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:35:28 +0100 2948440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939494&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fsweet-book-sugarless-ballerina.html “Diabetes? I’ve heard of it. It’s one of those charity diseases, the kind they raise money for… There’s no way I can have diabetes. I’m a twenty-one year-old dancer with the New York City Ballet. Things like that don’t happen to people like me!“ — Zippora Karz, from the first chapter of her new memoir, “The [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939494 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:06:21 +0100 2939494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2931219&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F10%2Fdiabetes_linky_bits.html Due to some recent traveling, I've been falling way behind on my fellow diabetes bloggers.  But there have been some posts in the last few days that I think are must-reads.  So today, while I finish up my visit in Philadelphia at the ePatient 2009 conference, I wanted to share some of my favorite posts from the diabetes blogosphere:Lee Ann at The Butter Compartment is a longtime type 1-er and a lady who understands the trials of fitting an insulin pump into a fancy dress moment.  Thanks to some Twitter tips and some good, old fashioned ingenuity, Lee Ann managed to McGyver her way into a fashionable moment.  (And personally, I never underestimate the power of duct tape.)Wendy at Candy Hearts stumbled upon a Letter to the Editor from some idiot who saw a little boy take ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2931219 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:25:07 +0100 2931219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865868&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F10%2Fmaking_sense_of_diabetes_its_s.html I have a lot to catch up on, but something I wanted to post about ASAP was the Making Sense of Diabetes contest that is happening at TuDiabetes, in preparation to raise awareness of World Diabetes Day (coming up fast on November 14th).  According to the release, "We are seeking video entries that tell about the impact diabetes has on our lives through one of the five senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell.  Diabetes affects our lives in ways we may not always realize. We smell insulin, savor glucose tablets, feel the poke of our lancing devices, react to our doctor’s words and see the life ahead of us."They're looking for video submissions, and there are some really cool prizes on tap for winners.  Not to mention the emotional boost that creativity li... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865868 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:42:39 +0100 2865868 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2793372&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F09%2Finvisible_illness_type_1_diabe.html If you just snapped a quick picture, you wouldn't see it.  Not unless you were looking for the small signs, like my insulin pump.  Or my spotted fingertips.    Type 1 diabetes isn't something you can see on me.  It's not an illness that, at this point in my life, comes with any constant external symptoms.  I am fortunate enough to not use a wheelchair or need vision assistance devices.  You can't see my disease, even though it's something I manage every day.I seem "normal."  (Stop laughing.  Let me use the word normal for the sake of this blog post, at the very least!)  I seem like your average 30 year old professional woman (again, stop laughing), recently married, inspired to achieve, and happy.And I am happy.  But my good ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2793372 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:32:37 +0100 2793372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2752105&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F09%2Fno_moral_lifeguard_on_duty.html I'm refraining from using the words that are REALLY flying around in my head regarding this discrimination issue.  But believe me, Yosemite Sam ain't got nothin' on me this morning.  My whole brain is "frick-a-frackin' ..."Here's the story that was posted on TuDiabetes by "ShipAddict," a woman who wears an insulin pump.  This copy is taken directly from her posting, without any editing: "Has anyone besides me ever been kicked out of a pool for wearing a pump? I received a letter from my HOA board to refrain from using the pool because they consider my pump to be a port and I will infect our entire community for using the pool. Also they think that the wound site will spread infection through out our community. They photograph me using the pool o... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2752105 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:36:33 +0100 2752105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2674454&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fa-word-from-christian-stokes-one-lucky-teen-with-diabetes.html Several years ago, the American Diabetes Association decided to create a new position called the National Youth Advocate, which would give one lucky teen the chance to meet with Senators and Representatives and travel to summer camps to inspire young kids to get involved in diabetes research and awareness. It’s similar to the JDRF Children’s [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2674454 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:00:55 +0100 2674454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2653973&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F07%2Fpatientbloggers_at_blogher09.html The catalyst that brought me to BlogHer was a conversation back in October 2008 with Lisa Stone.  Lisa and I met at the BlogHer Outreach event in October and I talked with her about the patient blogging community and how we're truly changing our health outcomes through blogging about our illnesses and connecting with others.Fast-forward to July 2009, when the PatientBlogging panel debuts at BlogHer, with Jenni Prokopy, Loolwa Kazoom, Casey Mullins, and me on deck as panelists, with Mr. Lady as our moderator.I will admit to being very nervous before this panel, because it's one thing to write online behind the protection of a computer screen - another thing completely to speak candidly before an audience about our personal health issues.  But sitting there, in front of people who ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2653973 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:18:01 +0100 2653973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2645511&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F07%2Froche_diabetes_summit_sum_edit.html You have already read some great wrap-ups of the Roche Diabetes Blogger Summit from some of my fellow bloggers - Amy, Manny, David, Gina, Christopher, Bennet (Note: Mr. YDMV's updates are fictional.  Well, mostly.), and Sandra.  I just wanted to chime in with my thoughts and add my photos to the collection.  :)We met up in Indianapolis on Wednesday afternoon, after I had flown from LaGuardia to Detroit and then to Indianapolis.  (Yes, I took two flights so that I could avoid taking the itsy bitsy plane that Roche originally had scheduled me on.  The travel people at Roche were very patient and understanding regarding my travel issues, and I really appreciate their compassion.)But apparently my fear of flying wasn't kept within the travel coordinator circle, as seve... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2645511 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:14:00 +0100 2645511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2611138&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F07%2Fcwd_inspired_by_jay_hewitt_aga.html Jay Hewitt is one of those diabetes role models that makes sense to me.  He's smart, tuned in, and realistic about his health, and he doesn't pretend to be perfect.  (You guys know how I feel about the notion of diabetes perfection - doesn't exist.)  Jay and I spent some time chatting on Friday afternoon and we talked about the concept of survival with diabetes."I try and live my life as a non-diabetic.  I'm not going to live in denial [about diabetes].  I live in determination."  Jay told me about being diagnosed at the age of 24 while in law school (he's lived with type 1 diabetes for 18 years) and he's convinced that the stress of law school and life at the time is what triggered his diabetes diagnosis."Me, too!  I had a virus on my birt... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2611138 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:18:14 +0100 2611138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2598441&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F07%2Fa_testin.html (I had one more quick post to write.  THEN I'm going back on vacation!)  We're too active for a sit-in, and we aren't exactly the types (literally) who can do a hunger strike.  But a test-in?  That's something we, as people with diabetes, can and should get behind!In just a day or two, TuDiabetes and EsTuDiabetes will reach the combined member total of 14,000.  Manny Hernandez and team over at these sites have organized a "test-in," where everyone with diabetes can test together at 4 pm EST on July 14th.  If you're part of the diabetes community and you want to participate in this awareness event, here's what you can do:Test your blood sugar at 4 pm EST on July 14th.Post your reading in the thread at TuDiabetes, share your reading on Twitter using th... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2598441 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:35:29 +0100 2598441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2591663&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fim-fine-if-you-dont-want-the-details.html I realized with a bit of shock that the anniversary of my diagnosis came and went this year without notice. Here it is July already, and it just dawned on me that on May 21, I hit six years with this exasperating illness.  I suppose it’s a good thing that that day no longer knocks [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2591663 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:00:29 +0100 2591663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2561514&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F06%2Fglucostories_everyones_got_one.html I'm a supporter getting the stories of people with diabetes out there for public consumption. Awareness and advocacy are the name of the game, for me.  We aren't perfect, we don't have all the answers, but we do know what it's like to live, every day, with diabetes.  And now you can share your story and win a prize!  Here are the details, according to the info I received:If you have diabetes, support someone with diabetes, or help the diabetes community, then tell us. Your story could win you a trip to Charlie Kimball’s Firestone Indy Lights Championship race in Florida October 8-10, 2009! (Or other great prizes!) Entries deadline: Monday, July 6, 2009 Midnight (EST).  Enter at www.GlucoStories.com.I'm pro-Charlie, as you know.  I think he's a great guy and I... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2561514 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:03:12 +0100 2561514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2556314&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F06%2Ftype-1-kids-lobby-congress-attention-is-going-to-help-find-a-cure%25e2%2580%259d.html When I was a guest on cancer-patients podcast last week, the hosts asked me if we PWDs don’t get frustrated: cancer seems to have all the big celebrities behind it, and make all the big headlines. Does it ever bother your community that diabetes doesn’t get that level of attention? I was a bit dumbfounded. [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2556314 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:00:20 +0100 2556314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523621&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F06%2Ftype-1-diabetes-advocacy-meet-the-goulds.html As people with diabetes or parents of children with diabetes, we all know how difficult it is to manage the never-ending balance of food, insulin, exercise and myriad of other endlessly circumvolving variables.  Now imagine having to handle all of that turmoil for FOUR children. Meet Ellen and Dave Gould, parents of EIGHT children ages [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523621 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:00:34 +0100 2523621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512685&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F06%2Fsome_diabetes_advocacy_goodies.html Some bits and pieces that I wanted to get out as soon as possible, seeing as how I've been under the weather for a few days and falling wicked behind on just about everything.  Here are some diabetes advocacy bits I've been meaning to share! The NYC support group I visited a few weeks ago has outgrown its Tuesday meetings and is now spilling over into a third meeting, at the end of each month at The Cure Thrift Shop.  If you are in the NYC area and you have next Thursday free, here are the details:First meeting: Thursday, June 25th, 7:30PM-9PMMeets every last Thursday of the monthMeeting location:  Cure Thrift Shop 111 East 12th Street (btwn 3rd and 4th aves),New York, NY 10003 No cost or commitment.  All adults with T 1 diabetes welcome, newly diagnosed or old D vetera... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512685 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:15:04 +0100 2512685 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512689&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F06%2Fdo_i_have_the_right.html Over the weekend, Chris and I (and his sister and dad) ended up in a harborside restaurant in South County, RI.  We stood in line and read the chalkboard menu until it was our turn to order from the girl behind the counter."What can I get for you?""Can I have an iced coffee?  Do you have iced hazelnut?""I'm sorry - we don't have hazelnut.  But we have snickerdoodle or french vanilla.  Either of those work for you?""Snickerdoodle sounds awesome.  Is that a syrup?  Is it sugar-free?"She gave me just a quick look.  Not judging, just looking.  "It's definitely sugar-free.  Medium or large?""Large," I said, and she turned away to make my coffee and I saw the pink Animas pump clipped to the s... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512689 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:24:29 +0100 2512689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2473959&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F06%2Fcommunity_everywhere.html Earlier this week, dLifeTV did some filming for our upcoming new season.  And as part of a segment we're doing on online diabetes support, I had the chance to see Nicole Johnson again and to meet two members of the dLife community - Mark and Shauntaye. We talked about our common experiences as people with diabetes, and how online communities have positively impacted our health.  I thought about all of us, writing our blogs and really sharing so much of our personal medical experiences, and how much this whole journey has helped improve my life with type 1 diabetes.  Our little community here has gotten so big.I spent the better part of this week confirming travel arrangements for the next few months, and even though I'm not a very good (or calm) traveler, just knowing I'll h... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2473959 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:03:22 +0100 2473959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2473960&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F06%2Fan_open_letter_to_brett_michae.html Dear Brett Michaels,Really?  Really?  I'm going to hope that you were misquoted.  I'm going to hope that maybe the reporter took your comments out of context and made you sound like an idiot, instead of you actually saying the following:"Brett Michaels:  The only time it [diabetes] will ever affect you in bed is if you have extremely low blood sugar and you go into insulin shock, at which point you won't be standing up, let alone performing sex. However, I will sometimes hold off on the insulin, which will jack my blood sugar level up to the low 200 range. It's like how a prizefighter will want to go into the ring with his blood sugar levels high. It gives you the stamina of a bull. So, yes, sometimes I will endanger my own life to pleasure a woman."(source:&n... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2473960 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:20:43 +0100 2473960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2453044&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F06%2Fstereotypes_we_haz_them.html A member of the Diabetes UK outreach group sent me their video about "setting the record straight," featuring a young girl with type 1 diabetes who is being bullied by her peers.  They taunt her, telling her she brought this on herself and that she is contagious.  She turns to the camera and asserts the facts about type 1.And I agree with this.  My diabetes isn't contagious.  It isn't because I ate too many candy bars as a kid or because I had a weight problem or because a black cat carrying red balloons crossed my path on a Tuesday evening. But how often do I turn to the camera ... I mean, person, and set them straight with a well-articulated and poised onslaught of accurate information? I am not a doctor and I can't spin you a tale of the precise physiologic... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2453044 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:47:27 +0100 2453044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442500&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fshout-out-against-insurers-cost-cutting-skimping-on-insulin-packs.html Does your insulin always come packed carefully in ice? Or perhaps not anymore? Medical insurers, notably CVS/Caremark, are cutting costs by skimping on packaging used to keep insulin safe during shipping. And a bunch of PWDs are mad as hell about it. T1 writer and advocate Riva Greenberg wrote to me not long ago saying: “What they [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442500 Thu, 28 May 2009 13:36:20 +0100 2442500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442493&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F05%2Fsuperg_takes_the_world_by_song.html Diabetes brings us together, that's for certain.  Since I started blogging, I've had a chance to meet so many other people with diabetes, and I've had the distinct pleasure of forging friendships with these kindred spirits. George Simmons is a guy I'm proud to call a friend.  And he's written a beautiful song called "Not By Choice," which he has recorded professionally and loaded to iTunes (where you can purchase it)!  George and I shared a cup of virtual coffee and he humored me by letting me interview him:Kerri:  SuperG, I'm honored to count you as a friend, but there are some people out there who don't know who you are. (I know, dude. I, too, am shocked.) Can you tell them who you are?George:  My name is George Simmons. I am a 36 year old, father of 2,... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442493 Thu, 28 May 2009 13:30:25 +0100 2442493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442495&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F05%2Fsotomayor_and_diabetes_get_all.html I can't pretend to have all the information on Judge Sotomayor and her Supreme Court appointment.  But I do know that my first day back here at work has been one email after the other about Sonia Sotomayor and the effects of her type 1 diabetes on her potential new gig.  Total media deluge.  Here are some of the highlights: Time Magazine provided an article that made me wonder if I'll make it to 40 years old, never mind to tomorrow, complete with heroin-esque photo to represent an "insulin injection."  They unfortunately paint diabetes as a disease that will rot you in a month's timeframe and leave nothing but your shoes.  (Hey Time, why don't you visit the Diabetes365 project to get a feel for what real diabetes photos look like?  Sorry for that dig... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442495 Tue, 26 May 2009 22:15:35 +0100 2442495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405947&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F05%2Fguest_listener.html I boarded the train in Connecticut and from the time I found Karen (of Bitter-Sweet fame), I was downing Dex4 liquid things, glucose tabs, and Smarties constantly.  The Dexcom kept BEEEEEEP!ing, my meter kept confirming, and I kept infusing the sugar.  I was under 70 mg/dl for the entire train ride, the cab ride, and then the first ten minutes of the support group meeting in NYC.  By the time the group arrived and we were doing introductions, I was punchy from the sugar rush."Hi, I'm Kerri Sparling and I've been low since Karen and I got on the train in Connecticut."  This is how I decide to introduce myself to the support group in NYC?  Great.  Already off to a decidedly awkward start.  (But I'm nothing if not awkward.)But these women were pati... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405947 Wed, 13 May 2009 15:05:15 +0100 2405947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2399118&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fstem-cell-research-and-diabetes-realizing-the-promise.html There are so many fascinating diabetes- and health-related events taking place all around the country; I wish I could go to them all!  But thankfully, sometimes I can cover them in absentia here at the ‘Mine with a little help from my friends. A guest post by Allison Blass Last week, I was invited to attend [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2399118 Thu, 07 May 2009 13:00:44 +0100 2399118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2325179&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F04%2Fcolor_comparision_chart.html As I mentioned yesterday, I stumbled upon some diabetes relics at my dad's house the other day.  Now I'm totally in memory lane mode.  :)  I found this staple of my early diabetes management:The "Red Bible."  This book was given to my parents by the Joslin Clinic when I was diagnosed, and it held the supposed answers to any diabetes questions.  (You can see on the cover there where I was practicing spelling "restaurant" many years ago.)  I thumbed through the book and found plenty of recipes and snack ideas, all using the old food exchange philosophy.  Pages and pages of things I couldn't eat, and small sections of what my lunch options were. Half a cup of spinach, one sugar-free popsicle, rice cakes with peanut butter, those peanut bu... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2325179 Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:00:44 +0100 2325179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2325186&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F04%2Freaders_in_need.html Quick outreach post this afternoon for you guys:  I received an email from a very generous reader who mistakenly received 550 Freestyle strips (instead of Freestyle Lite strips), and their insurance company doesn't want the strips returned.  This reader wants to offer these Freestyle strips up to a PWD in need.  So if you are a Freestyle user and you are having some trouble making ends meet on the diabetes financial front, send me an email at kerri (at) sixuntilme (dot) com and I can put you in contact with this kind reader.  They're willing to pay shipping to get the strips sent out, and they would really like to help a fellow PWD in need.Thanks!UPDATE:  We found a home for these strips.  Thanks, guys! (Source: Six Until Me.) Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2325186 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:48:07 +0100 2325186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2325189&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F03%2Ftownie_bar.html "What are you on?"Four sets of hands fumble for their hardware.Me:  "I'm on a 522."Karen:  "I have the other one?  The bigger one?  722?"Erin:  "I've got Minimed, too."M:  "Animas ping!"  (She reaches into her shirt and pulls out a pink pump.)  "I bet you didn't even know it was in there." Where does the question "What are you on?" get everyone to flash their pumps, other than at a dinner with fellow diabetics?  Last night, four of us (me, Karen, Erin, and M) met up for another Fairfield County dinner at a townie bar in western Connecticut.   Despite the fact that none of us were locals, the townies in the bar accepted us and allowed us to occupy a table for two... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2325189 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:07:11 +0100 2325189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2297354&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F03%2Fdiabetes_alert_day_do_you_need.html Awareness days - we have a pile of them.  But because I am a diehard diabetes advocate, I believe in these moments of advocacy (see also:  World Diabetes Day, Diabetes Month, Raise Your Voice, etc.)So today is Diabetes Alert Day, and the intention of this day is aimed at people with pre-diabetes and people at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.  There are a number of fine, clickable resources out there to mark this day:dLife has a list of "getting to know diabetes" resources, including a quiz to screen yourself for type 2 diabetes.The American Diabetes Association encourages people to become volunteers and asks "Are you a risk taker?"Novo Nordisk is encouraging people affected by diabetes – including patients, caregivers and those at risk - to lear... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2297354 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:00:30 +0100 2297354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260351&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F03%2Fdiabetes_stem_cell_research_pr.html Chris and I were talking the other day about something completely random, when he turns to me and says, "Oh, wait.  Did you hear that Obama is signing that bill to reverse the ban on stem cell research?""I did."  "So?  Are you excited?"And I thought about the last two decades.  How the veiled promise of "five more years and then ..." and still nothing.  "I'm hopeful.  You know me, baby.  I'm almost always hopeful, but until it's actually real ..."He gave me a grin.  "We just keep you healthy and hoping, right?  Well, this is a huge leap forward."And today, we leapt as President Obama reversed the ban.We'll keep hoping.  With the JDRF actively leading (and Tweeting!) the charge... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260351 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:50:30 +0100 2260351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2240584&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F03%2Fi_am_spam_spam_i_am.html Well this has never happened before.Click.Subject line:  diabetes Email:  rid myself from insulin lowered glucose from 600 mg/dl to avg of 69 mg/dl to118 mg/dl with an A1C reading from11.8 to 5.8 in 190 days check it out [name and URL redacted] doesn't cost a thing...hard to believe but that's life....  Fantastic.  Another spam peddler.  But I'm not looking for a war this morning, so I just filed it into the email folder called "Spamtastic" and proceeded to check my other new messages.Click.Subject line:  sorryEmail:  I email you before I read your blog sorry that you have a difficult life with diabetes 1 and am sorry I tried to help by referring a wed site to you as you stated "don't e-mail you with snake oils" it's just that som... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2240584 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:34:14 +0100 2240584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2232367&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F03%2Fher_dream_assignment.html As I've mentioned countless times before, I love the CWD forum folk.  They are compassionate, kind, and always doing their best to raise awareness for diabetes.I received an email from one of my friends at CWD this morning about Michelle Rago, a CWD mom who is aiming to make a difference using her camera ... and her heart.  Here are the details: "One of the longtime CWD moms, Michelle Rago, has entered a contest - a photography contest. The winner wins $50,000 to photography her proposed subjects. Her proposal is to document people with type 1, doing both type 1 type things and their favorite things.In her words: 'I would like to photograph children with Type 1 diabetes doing two things: 1. testing their blood sugar or injecting insulin and 2. doing their favorite thin... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2232367 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:40:53 +0100 2232367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2232627&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fcontemplating-d-care-reform-in-our-nations-capital.html Guess where I am today?  That’s right. If the headline didn’t tip you off: I’m in Washington DC, elated to be rubbing elbows with some of our nation’s most prominent diabetes advocacy groups, at the high-level Diabetes Forum 2009 Conference, this year titled “Broaden Your View.” I say “high-level” because this truly is the most influential [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2232627 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:00:39 +0100 2232627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2216462&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F02%2Fsnake_oil.html There is no way I’m going to name the person who contacted me, nor would I even think about linking out to their ridiculous product.  But I received an email over the weekend from a tool who I will call Peddler.Peddler started their email to me by saying, “Hello Kerri.  You can cure diabetes.”  Then there was a link to a YouTube video.  (With instructions on how to cure me, I assumed.)  I clicked through and watched their video and did the whole “rolled eyes” routine.I am a relatively well-educated patient.  I am by no means a doctor, but I could pretend to be one for at least 8 minutes (until someone asks me to recommend treatment options or draw blood, and then I pass out and they find out I’m a lowly editor).  False ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2216462 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:39:48 +0100 2216462 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2200379&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F02%2Fblogher_09_patientbloggers.html Hey guys - I've been wanting to share this news for weeks now but just received the "green light."  I'll be at BlogHer '09 this summer in Chicago as part of the PatientBlogger panel!  (I'm grinning so big right now that my face actually hurts.)  Along with two other panelists (who are announcing their good news tonight or tomorrow, so I won't steal their thunder), I'll be representing the diabetes blogosphere PROUDLY, talking about the power of PatientBlogging.  Here's the panel description:Identity/Passions: PatientBloggers - You Are Not Your Disease, You Just Blog About It Every Day:  Chronic or acute disease can change your life overnight…and make you feel as though you’ve lost control of your own body. PatientBloggers find support, inform... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2200379 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:28:25 +0100 2200379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2190466&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F02%2Ffriends_for_life_scholarship.html This summer, the Children With Diabetes "Friends For Life" conference is taking place in Orlando, FL in July.  Last year was my first time at the FFL event, and it was beyond inspiring.  Now there's a chance for people with diabetes to attend through the help of the Diabetes Scholars Foundation!Here are the details:  "The Diabetes Scholars Foundation will provide financial assistance for at least ten young adults (ages 18 to 24) to attend the 2009 Children with Diabetes Friends for Life Conference at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort from July 7-12, 2009 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The conference is a gathering of world-renowned clinicians, researchers, physicians, adults, children and families with diabetes. It offers many opportunities to learn the most cur... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2190466 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:54:23 +0100 2190466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2100833&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F01%2Fguest_post_from_fran_carpentie.html Today I have the infinite pleasure and honor of hosting a guest blog from my friend Fran Carpentier.  Diagnosed in 1969 with type 1 diabetes, Fran Carpentier is a devoted member of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, and the American Diabetes Association.  I met Fran at an advocacy event in NYC last October, and our friendship was instant.  Fran has offered up her perspective on community, pregnancy, and her almost 40 years with diabetes here at SUM: "Remember that slogan of the late 1990s that was said to come from Africa and made its way to Hillary Clinton’s book? “It takes a village to raise a child.” Every now and again, I use some version of it to poke fun at my diabetes. Here’s what I might... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2100833 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:32:53 +0100 2100833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2086812&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2009%2F01%2Ffda_petition_for_diabetes.html A little patient perspective goes an awfully long way.And this time, the diabetes community is rallying to make a lot of patient perspective go as far as it can - straight to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to urge them towards creating a Diabetes Advisory Council.Members of the diabetes community, myself included, are co-sponsoring a petition to achieve this advisory council goal.  Here is the core goal of the petition, as written on the website:"Due to the very nature of the severity and prevalence of diabetes, the following leaders within the diabetes community, who have signed this petition, implore the FDA for the immediate creation of a Diabetes Advisory Council, whose goal would be to improve options for patients. This council would include practicing endocrinologis... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2086812 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:25:14 +0100 2086812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2005521&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F12%2Ffivehumans_cool.html At the WDD event in NYC, there was this really nice guy who came up to me and said, "Okay, this is going to sound completely weird, but I think I know you from Facebook.  Are you Kerri?"And this is how I met Lee Fine from FiveHumans.com.  He was attending the World Diabetes Day event as one of the Discovery Health Ambassadors, and his words inpired the crowd.  The company slogan of FiveHumans is "Ignorance is a curable disease."  I'm so on board for that.According to their website, "Dan Grunvald and Lee Fine (read Lee’s story here) first dreamed up the concept of producing t-shirts with slogans and information related to a variety of diseases, which they called Disease Tees. Their goal was to help raise awareness and provide a tangible opp... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2005521 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:20:19 +0100 2005521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1968639&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F11%2Fworld_diabetes_day_in_nyc.html Last Friday, on World Diabetes Day, I had the pleasure of spending the day with Fran Carpentier at the Young Voices event in NYC.   Discovery Health showcased the video submissions from people with diabetes and they had a talented panel of guest speakers and ambassadors, including Lee Fine from FiveHumans, the adorable Charlie Kimball of racing fame, and Miss Black USA Kalilah Allen-Harris.  I had some great interviews with these folks that I'll be posting over the next few weeks, but in meantime, I wanted to share some photos from the event. Former Mets player Todd Zeile, Fran Carpentier, Kerri Sparling, ESPN report Brian Kenny, and country star Steve Wariner  Fran, me, and Kalilah Harris Charlie Kimball and me.  :) A big part of what was discussed ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1968639 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:46:43 +0100 1968639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1960503&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F11%2Fworld_diabetes_day_sum_style.html Happy World Diabetes Day, everyone!  To mark this year's WDD, I've created a little video about what a day in my life is like.  People know what diabetes is, but they don't know how much management is part of our daily routine. (And, because I watched Pee Wee's Big Adventure the other night, it's a bit inspired by the breakfast machine.) What's a day in your life like?  Blog it! Vlog it!  Or even just tell someone who may not know.  Today is the day to educate people and let them know that diabetes isn't an invisible disease - it affects every single one of us.Be sure to check all around the medical blogosphere today for diabetes awareness efforts.  Special thanks to Dr. Val for taking the time to do a podcast with me for Getting Better, and to my friend Bu... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1960503 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:33:54 +0100 1960503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1960504&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F11%2Finvolved_in_world_diabetes_day.html Tomorrow is World Diabetes Day, and it's time for the diabetes community - and society as a whole! - to get involved.  There are a ton of people who are doing their part to raise awareness, and the efforts of this crew on the whole are remarkable.  Here are some of the highlights so far:Have you seen SuperG's list of Things NOT To Do On WDD?  His number one answer was enough to make me laugh so hard I cried.The JDRF has launched their own social networking space at Juvenation.org.   I've joined the beta community this morning, and while the JDRF team is still making tweaks and adjustments as they move towards a hard launch, it's a solid space and could be fun.  You can find me here, and you can also find their community leader, our own Gina Capone, here!Online... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1960504 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:30:21 +0100 1960504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1947009&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F11%2Fwaldorfing_it.html This past Saturday, Chris and I had the absolute honor of being Fran Carpentier's guests at the JDRF Promise Ball in NYC.  At the Waldorf=Astoria hotel, where I felt waaaay out of my league but thrilled to be there.  We don't have the opportunity to rock the black tie very often, so it was a fun treat to get all dressed up again.  Chris and I at the gala, feeling rather spiffy.Fran Carpentier, me, and Gina Capone with our big grins.A D-Blogger sandwich, with Mr. Tom Karlya at the center. The night was beautiful, with friends and wine and many laughs.  With Mary Tyler Moore speaking to the crowd from years of experience with type 1 diabetes, and with Elaine Stritch backing her up in style, the crowd was impassioned, inspiring, and ready to spend.  And oh how th... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1947009 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:12:34 +0100 1947009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1917853&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F10%2Fhannah_montana_does_diabetes.html Here I am again, stepping waaaay outside of my comfort zone and admitting that I've seen that ridiculous TV show "Hannah Montana."  My niece M (formerly "Chris's niece M," but now that he and I are married, she's my niece, too!) has made me watch Hannah Montana many times, and it makes her giggle, so I tolerate it.Now we all know that Hanna Montana is played by Miley Cirus.  Miley Cirus used to date Nick Jonas.  (Gag - I can't believe I'm writing this, but there's a point.  Bear with me being all TigerBeat.)  Nick Jonas was diagnosed with diabetes in November 2005.  And in an episode airing on November 2nd, diabetes makes an appearance on Disney's Hannah Montana show.I've come full circle.  Finally.  ;)This upcoming Hannah Montana... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1917853 Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:01:15 +0100 1917853 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1886252&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F10%2Finsomnia.html Back in high school, I used to have wicked insomnia.  I would lay there in bed for hours, unable to fall asleep.  Then I'd get stressed out because I couldn't fall asleep, which kept me awake longer.  Reading a book didn't help.  Watching tv didn't help.  Warm milk is gross, so I didn't even try that.  And some mornings, I would fall asleep during anatomy.But my insomnia spells were limited to my senior year of high school, and in college, I fell into a more predictable, comfortable pattern of work-class-party-sleep.  I thought this insomnia crap was behind me.Last night, though, it came back with a vengeance.Part of what keeps me up at night is the spin-cycle of my mind.  (The Internet doesn't help.)  I'll start thinking about something I'm wri... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1886252 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:02:13 +0100 1886252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1847862&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F10%2Fa_unified_front.html Tmana wrote a post on TuDiabetes today that hit home and hit hard. An excerpt: "I am concerned that these different outlooks and interests could, rather than unite us in the common cause of improved quality of life and life expectancy for people with diabetes, cause public conflicts that could rob all of our communities of the resources needed to assist diabetics, both within our online communities and outside of them." I agree with this whole-heartedly.  While I'm an in-house editor at dLife, a member of several online communities like TuDiabetes, Diabetes Daily, a diabetes blogger here at SUM, and an active supporter of organizations like the JDRF, ADA, CWD, and DRI, these things all come second to why I'm doing this in the first place:  I am a person with diabetes, a... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1847862 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:40:18 +0100 1847862 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1825402&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F09%2Fkiss_diabetes_goodbye.html Us Barton girls stick together - it's a proven fact.  And when a Barton girl emails me about her efforts to raise funds for diabetes research, I have to do what I can to help her raise awareness.  Meet Valerie Riordan, both a fellow Bartonian and a type 1 diabetic, and her campaign to Kiss Diabetes Goodbye! Kerri:  What is your diabetes story? Valerie:  I, like you, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in August 1986.  Twenty two years ago this week.  It was one week before my 11th birthday.  That was one birthday I'll never forget!  I remember seeing the doctor the day after I was diagnosed.  He told me I couldn't have cake and ice cream at my birthday party.  I was devastated.  What's a birthday party without cake and ice cream?! ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1825402 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:37:00 +0100 1825402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1782529&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F09%2Fdiabetes_for_the_day3.html I've said it before, but I must say it again:  my co-workers are a rare breed.  They are funny, brilliant, and they actually care about making a difference in the lives of people with diabetes.  Another co-worker took the Diabetes For The Day challenge, and wrote about what it was like to test all day and wear the newest version of the "faux pump."  (This one was a definite upgrade from the Kool-aid box of yester-post.  We used a Freestyle flash meter as "the pump" and taped an infusion set, sans needle, to the back of it.)  Here's her take on a day with diabetes.Kerri:  You wore a “pump” and tested your blood sugar throughout your day with diabetes.  How did you feel about these devices? Co-Worker:  At first I th... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1782529 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:43:33 +0100 1782529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1704636&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F08%2Fthree_coffeys.html  This is one of the most remarkable stories I have heard in a while – three siblings, all with type 1 diabetes?  When Lori first emailed me several months ago, I was intrigued by her site, 3CoffeysNoSugar.com.  After hearing her family’s story, I had to share it with you guys.  Lori, take it away!Kerri:   What's the story behind your involvement with diabetes?Lori:  Our middle child, Emily, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes almost 7 years ago. She was 2 1/2 years old at the time, and still in diapers. She had been peeing excessively and her diapers were like bowling balls; they would sometimes fall off her tiny waist from the weight of all the urine. That was really the only symptom she had.I worked as a research scientist in my life "pr... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1704636 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:45:36 +0100 1704636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1686143&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F08%2Fcwd_jay_hewitt.html Role models are crucial when dealing with a chronic illness, and the CWD conference wasn't short on it's share of role models.  From session leaders like Nicole Johnson to the parents who take care of their children with diabetes, heroes were everywhere.  The keynote speaker at the banquet was Jay Hewitt, and he was diagnosed with type 1 when he was 24 years old.  His speech was nothing short of inspirational.  Aside from the fact that he is in top physical condition (not to mention pretty damn handsome) and well-spoken, Jay said some things that resonated to my very core.  "You are not alone," he said, striding across the stage and smiling down at the group of kids who were looking up at him.  "All of your friends here are doing the same thing.... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1686143 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:13:50 +0100 1686143 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1660638&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F07%2Fcwd_my_first_time.html Up until last week, I had never been to a CWD event before.  I had heard about them through the diabetes community, and I knew that many of the parents who were reading my blog were members of the CWD forums. Now I know why people are so into CWD.  It's like coming home.These people get it.  I've said that before about my best friends, who do their best to understand the subtleties of diabetes, and about my wonderful co-workers, who go to great lengths to know what a real "dLife" might be like. But the parents and children at the CWD conference are the ones on the front line, the folks who are living with this disease every single day, either as the diabetic themself or the caregiver of a PWD.The CWD Friends for Life conference in Orlando is filled with parents who... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1660638 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:29:40 +0100 1660638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1370673&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F04%2Fraise_your_voice_for_type_1_di.html I can hear you, loud and clear!  Here's a running list of the posts people are writing, which will be updated throughout the day:Liz has "seen type 1 diabetes day and is raising us a week."  She's writing a week-long series about how she manages her daughter's type 1 diabetes.  Visit her at Reflections in the Dragon's Eye.CALPumper has taken the leap and started her own blog this morning at Pumped Up - check her posts out today as she gets the blogging ball rolling! Beth at In Search of Balance has done a simply gorgeous etching of what life with type 1 diabetes means to her.  It's a very moving tribute - please see for yousrself. Aunty H writes about her seventh anniversary with her insulin pump and invites her readers to play along in another game ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1370673 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:19:12 +0100 1370673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1351930&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F04%2Fwinnah.html (Thank you, RI accent I wish I had.)The polls are closed and we have a winner in the RYV logo competition:  Gina Capone's logo!  Congratulations, Gina!  The fine folks over at EatSmart will be contacting you for your shipping address for the nutrition scale.  G has also offered to create a bunch of color options for everyone to download that I'll be loading up on Monday.  Thanks, Gina for all of your hard work, and thank you to everyone who submitted a logo!  They were all awesome, and your contributions stand as yet another example of how diverse and deep the talent pool is here in the diabetes blogosphere.  And while Gina is the "official" contest winner, feel free to use whichever logo you prefer to represent your personal raised voice. On Mo... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1351930 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:00:36 +0100 1351930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1349433&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F04%2Fraise_your_voice_the_logo_cont.html There have been some seriously awesome logos submitted to the Raise Your Voice logo contest.  Now it's time to cast your vote for your favorite logo!  The winner will be announced tomorrow at the end of the day.  (Note - the creators of the black and white entries said that any color can be applied to the logo if it's voted as winner.  FYI.)  Here are the entries (with their numbers underneath): Logo ONE  Logo TWO    Logo THREE    Logo FOUR   Logo FIVE Logo SIXLogo SEVENLogo EIGHTAnd that's it!  The polls are open (over there in the sidebar up near the "About Kerri" section - take a look!) to vote for the logo you want to represent Raise Your Voice day.  Polls close tomorrow a... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1349433 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:39:45 +0100 1349433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1344105&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F04%2Fraise_your_voice_two_more_week.html No, I'm not going to pull any fast ones this fine April Fool's Day.  I'm all business today.  ;) Two weeks from today, on April 14th, we'll Raise Our Voices for Type 1 Diabetes Awareness.  With "diabetes" being one term that covers such diverse territory, it's important to make the distinction that not all "cures for diabetes" or "new diabetes drugs" benefit the type 1 community.  We need progressive and aggressive awareness of type 1 diabetes.  But in order for people to listen, we need to be loud.  LOUD!So far, I've received several logo designs and they are wicked cool.  :)  The judging panel is assembled and ready to view your submissions (to win the cool scale).  Here are the rules, in case you missed them the ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1344105 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:52:19 +0100 1344105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1324920&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F03%2Fsound_the_alarm_diabetes_alert.html Today, March 25th, is Diabetes Alert Day.  This awareness campaign is aimed at people becoming more aware of type 2 diabetes and taking a few minutes to assess their own diagnosis potential.  dLife has a whole section dedicated to Diabetes Alert Day and a quick quiz to help you assess your risk for type 2 diabetes.Now this is all well and good for raising awareness for the type 2 community.  All awareness is good.  And as Amy noted, there are ways to get involved to benefit the type 1 community, too.  But I would love to have a day dedicated to raising awareness for type 1 diabetes.  Often, type 1 is pooled together with type 2 diabetes, causing society to look at me and wonder if my diabetes is "bad" or "uncontrolled" because I'm using an ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1324920 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:25:30 +0100 1324920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1286132&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F03%2Fearly_weekend.html This morning I had the pleasure of sitting down for a great breakfast with Mollie Singer and her mom, Jackie.  (Yes, her sister is Jackie as well.)  Mollie blogs over at CureMoll and has been type 1 since she was four years old.We sat down for coffee and eggs at Pershing Square (right near Grand Central) and gabbed about college, relationships, and our experiences growing up with diabetes.  There's something very unique about sitting down with another blogging diabetic and have that instant connection.  Mollie's mom reminded me so much of my own mother, talking candidly about how an upbeat attitude can make all the difference.  And Mollie, with her bright smile, was just as sweet and positive as I had anticipated.To that end, we laughed, joked, ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1286132 Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:07:38 +0100 1286132 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1283365&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2008%2F03%2Fdiabetes_undetected_emma_dougl.html Sad news from The Times Online:  "A female Royal Navy officer with a promising career before her was left to die on the floor of her cabin because colleagues thought she was drunk. An inquest jury blamed a series of mistakes yesterday for the death of 29-year-old Lieutenant Emma Douglas in a diabetic coma when her life could easily have been saved."Emma was found on the floor of her cabin, deep in the throes of DKA due to her undiagnosed type 1 diabetes.  According to the article, after losing weight and diagnosed with oral thrush, "The doctor advised her to rest and return if the symptoms persisted but failed to suggest a urine test for diabetes."  On the day she slipped into a coma, a midshipman who saw her on the floor assumed she was drunk and closed ... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1283365 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:51:54 +0100 1283365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1024195&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2007%2F11%2Fdiscovering_health.html Last night, I had a chance to attend the premier of Discovery Health's documentary, Diabetes:  A Global Epidemic, held at the Museum of Natural History in NYC.  The documentary follows former American Diabetes Association president and head of the Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Fran Kaufman, around the globe as she visits different countries and explores their ways of managing diabetes.The documentary itself was very interesting, focusing heavily on the education aspects of diabetes management.  I agree whole-heartedly that education is completely necessary in dealing with diabetes - I can't count how many times people have said to me, "You have diabetes?  Aren't you a little young / old / thin /  for... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1024195 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 21:13:58 +0100 1024195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=790498&cid=t_136252_134_f&fid=34847&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsixuntilme.com%2Fblog2%2F2007%2F08%2Fwhat_counts.html "This is our new normal, our new way of dealing with life.""Diabetes is a burden we didn't bargain for...""These moments are beautiful because we're not alone...""A cure."Snippets of conversations stuck to the wallpaper in the dining room of the country club.  Adults spoke into the microphone about the diagnosis of their loved ones, shuffling the papers in their hands to keep the tears from falling out onto them.  It's tough to sit in a room filled with the parents of diabetic children, as a "diabetic child" myself.  I feel so close, yet so oddly removed from their lives.  We were all gathered there as part of the JDRF Walk Team Captain kick-off luncheon, bringing together our teams and banding together in effo... Six Until Me. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=790498 Thu, 09 Aug 2007 17:23:23 +0100 790498