Hi All,

One of the most interesting(frustrating, saddening etc) aspects of diabetes is the number of misconceptions in the general public, and sometimes within the medical community also.  I know many of you have heard some questions or comments that made you cringe—I certainly have myself. Right now the one that tops my list was  question online from a husband asking whether or not he could “catch diabetes” from “relations” with his wife. THAT took me a few seconds to recover, let me tell you! But it made me realize that I am quite biased by what I see in my Endocrine clinic. Many people I see are quite knowledgeable about diabetes and know at least some basics about how it happens and how it is treated.  But that is not necessarily the case in general. 

So with that intro, I will plan on starting a short series of myths about diabetes. Some of this will be so basic that many of you will just look at it and say , “Uh huh, that’s not news!” But there may be a few out there who need info from the foundation upwards, so stay tuned next week…

Have a great one, stay safe and healthy.

Cheers!

Dear SugarStats family,

 Thank you for welcoming me into your community! When I was first asked to contribute as a blogger on SugarStats.com I initially thought, “what could I possibly contribute to this community? “  Sure, I see patients with diabetes in my clinic and I specialize in diabetes care. But I do not have diabetes myself, aside from mild gestational diabetes years ago that I controlled with diet changes. I endured finger sticks eight times a day for a few months but then went back to normal life. It definitely wasn’t the same as having diabetes for the long haul, so I initially felt as though my perspective would be from so far outside…

But then I realized I was going about this the wrong way. Blogs are not one-directional, and this is the beauty of it all. It should be a conversation! So I will share what I know from my training, my patients and personal experience, and hopefully you will share what you know from your own education, your interactions with others with diabetes, and your own life experiences. Between all of that, we should have some wickedly good dialogue going!  Sharing stories, advice, agreements, arguments—it’s all good.

Until next time, stay safe and healthy everyone…

Cheers,

Anita Ramsetty

Later this week my family and I are going on a cruise to Mexico. I always get hyped up about long trips and know that I will be trying to manage the plethora of all you can eat buffets, long days, sunshine, and being on the run.   I will suffer through this …...gladly.  

Does anyone else always winding up bringing 2 to 3x more diabetic supplies than what you actually use?  

I always seem to drag along everything but the kitchen sink…........

Keep Going….......Peace, Bob

I was at a soccer tournament today and noticed a coach who was going off on his kids. (He is a type 1 on a pump) I thought to myself..”Oh man, I hope he’s not low.”  I always try to make sure I am alright during coaching stints so as not to get easily frustrated and take it out on the kids….I know I have run into that before, and I always regret any times I may have been a “grumpy diabetic” with my kids.

If you are a diabetic coach…...Stay in the zone…Little kiddies are counting on you.

Keep going…..Peace,   Bob

Recently my book The Joy of Diabetes was reviewed by Amy Tenderich at www.diabetesmine.com .

I was totally blown away when she stated “This little book, with the seemingly contradicting title, turns out to be one of my very favorite books ever written on diabetes”. 

Holy Cow!  (old man response …i know)   I am honored to receive such a review…

I hope that all who are in their diabetic walk choose to jump up every morning and decide to “live out loud”.

Every day holds new adventures around every corner. I hope you choose to go out and find them!

Keep Going…......Peace, Bob

Well, I think I have finally almost got this figured out. I have recently cut my morning carb count in half when eating breakfast and have had very positive results.

I was use to eating a bowl of cereal (I tried about 15 different unsweetened types) and would typically go to work and a few hours later , my bg’s would be 180-240. I would bolus to cover as I started to see it rise.(ya gotta love CGMS) and would be frustrated to know that I was damaging my body.

A few hours later would come the inevitable crash as my insulin would kick in and overcome the highs.

I realized there has to be a better way and have swapped to a low carb, high fiber cereal. It doesn’ taste too bad to me.(of course my teens say it has the taste and texture of cardboard). My counts went from around 40 carbs to around 20 carbs.   So far, so good….......Ah the joys of the dawn phenomenon(dawn effect)

Keep Going…......Peace, Bob 

Dear friends at SugarStats..I am honored to be included in your list of authors. I will do my best to assist the readers to claim their diabetes and to “Help you take this thing by the horns and wrestle it to the ground”.

I have always tried to substitute the word “and” for ”or”. It allows me to do two things or more and not just one. I can do this “or” that becomes  I can do this “and” that.

No limits, No worries…....do them both  I can be diabetic “or” Healthy, becomes I can be diabetic “and” Healthy.    

Keep Going…..Peace,   Bob

We’d like to welcome Bob Hawkinson of JoyofDiabetes.com as the newest writer for the SugarStats.com Blog. Bob has had to deal with and manage diabetes on a daily basis for 45 years and takes a pro-active approach to his diabetes management.

Bob takes a positive outlook on it all and it reflects refreshingly in his writing style. We welcome him to the blog and look forward to his future contributions to educate, inspire and help inform diabetics and non-diabetics alike world-wide.

Be sure to check out his book: “The Joy of Diabetes”.

Here is a little bit more about Bob:

“Bob’s account of his life with diabetes is a testimony to the truth that people with this chronic illness can lead very joyful, fulfilling lives. He focuses primarily on his accomplishments in a way that is uplifting to the reader.

At the same time he acknowledges that he must constantly prepare himself to manage his diabetes in whatever direction his life’s journey takes him. Bob demonstrates that people with diabetes can pursue whatever they want as long as preparation is made to handle the special needs of their blood sugar in that circumstance. By taking a pro-active approach to the management of his diabetes, he is a positive example for diabetics and all the people who love them. He stays one step ahead of his blood sugar through constant trial and error. At times it is a struggle but a fight well worth fighting. In his own words, “the management of diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Join the SugarStats Community Blog

Do you also have a passion for better diabetes management, educating/informing people and would also like to contribute to the SugarStats community blog?

Feel free to contact us at info@sugarstats.com and send us some examples of your writing, we’d love to talk to you.