This morning was very weird.  When I first woke up I felt extremely dizzy.  I couldn’t figure out why.  I went to test my sugar and it was 80.  Which is great because I normally wake up in the 200 range.  So maybe that could have had something to do with it.  But then I ate, and I guess I started to feel a little better, but I still felt really light headed.  Very weird.

But now I feel perfectly fine and just came back from eating lunch and taking a quick walk around the block.  I just started my Twitter account for my personal stuff, so be sure to start following me today.  I can’t wait to do some live tweeting from the Friends for Life conference next week.  If you’re going to be there, let me know!

So last night it started to rain like a hurricane when I left work so I couldn’t go for a swim in the pool, but today it looks a little better, but of course the clouds are starting to roll in.  I plan on going and doing a few laps just to start burning off some calories here.  I’d like to get back fitting into all these summer clothes that I bought at the end of last summer when they all went on sale.  Plus not to mention, I have to be in at least some what descent shape for football season or else these kids won’t respect me as a coach.

Well you all have a wonderful day.

Yesterday I flew up to Jacksonville FL to attend the dinner reception for Camp JADA.  It was another great kids camps that I was honored to be able to attend.  You meet so many wonderful little kids and their excitement level is crazy!  But then there was the trip back home.

This trip consisted of, going to bed at 12:30 a.m.  Waking up at 3:45 a.m.  Going to the airport at 4:30 a.m.  Flying from 6:30 – 7:30 a.m.  Driving straight to work, and here I am.  I am on coffee # 4 already and it is only 10 a.m.  This should be an interesting day.

Anyway, on to other things.  My blog will be going through a complete re-design shortly.  So, when I update my blogroll, finally, and I missed your site, don’t hesitate to let me know.  The new blog will have a more personal touch to it, basically, a lot more pictures and interactivity.

Have a great day everybody!

Trying to get all my stuff together for my long trip to Jacksonville, FL.  An hour flight from here, put together some goodie bags (drawstring back packs, water bottles, glucose tabs), Camp JADA diabetes kids camp from 5-8 p.m. go to dinner, hotel for some sleep, alarm at 4:00 a.m., 6:30 a.m. flight back to Fort Lauderdale, drive to work around 8, go home around 6.  Fun filled day.

I love going to these camps though, they are so much fun to see the kids playing and having fun with other kids with diabetes.  I never experienced one until last week at Camp Koral Kids.

On another note, I broke off from my diet this morning.  I was rushing around, forgot the muffin that I had sitting out for myself, but I was starving, and the McDonald’s had buy 1 get 1 free, and i just couldn’t resist, but now I feel disgusted.  However, I did bring a small salad for lunch and also an apple.

Well today is a busy day, so I hope you all have a wonderful day.  Remember, GlucoStories submission period ends on July 6!

After dinner last night the heat wasn’t that bad so my girlfriend and I went for a walk.  I had planned on going on a long one, which probably would have been about 4-5 miles, but we ended up walking about 2 miles instead, we stopped short because she was on her feet all day.  I plan on doing that daily, but who knows.  It’s raining bad down here today, so I definitely won’t be doing it outside, but that is what the indoor gym is about.

Last night I had to take out my sensor because it was starting to hurt a little bit and then when I took the dressing off, I saw that the actual sensor was pretty much coming out anyway, so I think that is what hurt.  I didn’t re-insert a new one last night, so I just let the transmittor charge and I will put another one in again tonight.  That was one of the main things that I discussed with my endo, she said that if I have a CGMS and supplies for it, why not use it every single day?  So, I said, good call doc and trying to keep it on everyday.  Even on the days that I am not wearing it, I still test about 8-10 times.

My morning sugars have been coming down lately, except for this morning.  It was a 298 about 30 minutes after I ate breakfast.  I had a bagel this morning, and when I went there I pulled out the meter in my laptop bag and I was fresh out of strips (last night I forgot to remind myself to grab another box and put in there!).  So I couldn’t test before I ate, but I know that breakfast could not have raised it that much that fast, so it must have been around that when I woke up.  I went to bed with a 135 sugar and had a PB&J, which usually keeps my sugars level.

Well you all have an amazing day today!

Golf this weekend was an adventure, to say the least.  I put a sensor on Friday night so I could keep track of the levels of my sugar throughout the whole 18 holes.  I went early to go to the driving range, which was a bad idea in itself because I used up all of my bad shots.  It was 7:30 a.m. and about 90 degrees already.  Some from constantly bending over to tee up a new ball and the sweat, my sensor decided that it didnt want to stay on any longer.

Hmmm, if the sensor didn’t want to stay on, I could only imagine the plans that my infusion set had.  Luckily, the night before I thought it may be a good idea to bring another infusion set and iv pads and dressings and my insertion device.  Hole # 2, infusion set falls out.  I tested my sugar multiple times and it was staying steady around 120-140.  I made it to about the 8th hole where there ending up being a bathroom so I stopped in quickly and re-inserted the infusion set.  This one actually stayed in the rest of the course.

The group behind us caught up to us a little bit because of that stoppage, but oh well, that’s what happens when you play golf with a diabetic!

Well, have a great day everybody!

I must begin by saying, wow am I impressed with my new Endo!  I think she knew more about the pump I am on then the people who make it!  Also gave me some great ideas on inserting the real time sensors and how to cover them and the transmittor with the dressing.  I was happy that I finally went to see an Endo and that this is the one that I went to.

On to other things.  Last night was the local Greater Palm Beach County JDRF’s appreciation dinner from the walk in Boca Raton back in March.  This was a great event.  It started off with JDRF talking about GlucoStories and how great of an opportunity it is for everybody.  The fact that they can meet Charlie Kimball, plus all proceeds are being donated to JDRF!

Next up were the awards.  My company was awarded two awards for the walk.  I was personally awarded the Golden Sneaker Award which went to individuals who raised more then $1,000.  I am just happy I could help.

So all in all yesterday was a very inspiring day.  I wish I could inspire you all the way these kids inspired me last night.  Well this is not a shameless plug for GlucoStories, but this is really a great way to motivate and inspire the people out there that need it.  I read most of your blogs, I know you have great stories.

I hope you all have a great day and even better weekend!

The dreaded diet counseling continued this week.  I don’t dread the counseling, but the patient may dread it until they are overjoyed with their new knowledge to help them succeed with their goals!

I happen to enjoy the look on my patients face when I tell them that 4 ounces of orange juice is 75 calories and turns into 4 teaspoons of sugar (over 1 tablespoon!), or that the avocado they are eating as part of their healthy weight loss plan may be healthy (and it is filled with monounsaturated fats – the most heart healthy fat!), but every 2 tablespoons have 45 calories and is considered one fat serving.   One patient this week was so excited to learn about nutrition.  She has been successfully cutting back on portion sizes and fats but didn’t realize some of the hidden calories and how quickly they can add up.  She was surprised to learn that 3,500 calories equal ONE POUND and ………….if you reduce your caloric intake by 500 calories a day, for one week, you will lose that pound!

It’s so easy!  She was eating 1/2 an avocado.  If 2 tablespoons has 45 calories how many calories in 1/2 of the avocado?  Too many!  One piece of cheese is 100 calories, 15 almonds is 100 calories, 6 ounces of juice is 100 calories, 8 ounces of skim milk is 90 calories, 4-6 crackers is 100 calories – and there you have it – your lost pound.

The moral of the story is:  calories add up when you don’t think about them.

©2009 Do It Yourself Diabetes with Marci Sloane. All Rights Reserved.

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Pompano Beach, FL (PRWEB) May 18, 2009 — With the Centers for Disease Control (CDC.gov) reporting that nearly 24 million Americans are living with diabetes, the creation of a unified diabetes community that is focused on healthful living is more important than ever. American Diabetes Wholesale, a diabetes supply company keeping diabetes management affordable for all, especially the uninsured, has partnered with Charlie Kimball, a 24-year old Indy Lights race car driver and who has Type I diabetes, to announce the launch GlucoStories & Charlie Kimball Share Your Story Contest. Bringing together individuals living with diabetes and providing them with a platform to share their personal experiences, the contest asks people to explain how diabetes has impacted their lives and enter to win a Grand Prize trip to the “Firestone® Indy Lights” Championship Race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida Friday, October 9, 2009.

Charlie Kimball Firestone Indy Lights Race Car Driver

“Reaching out and supporting people in the diabetes community is what American Diabetes Wholesale is all about,” said Chris Maguire, Vice President of American Diabetes Wholesale. “GlucoStories is an extension of our commitment and partnering with Charlie Kimball to bring this program to the community was a win-win for everyone involved.”

Diagnosed in 2007, Charlie manages his diabetes, while growing his racing career. Racing since age 9, he has been involved in the most competitive racing categories in the world including British Formula 3, the Formula 3 Euroseries and the World Series by Renault. He made international history with a podium finish in the Formula 3 Euro series in his first race and is currently preparing for the Firestone® Freedom 100 from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway taking place at the end of May. Charlie was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 22 and because he cannot stop during a race to check his blood sugar he has a continuous glucose monitoring system where the receiver, mounted on his steering wheel, displays his glucose levels. Charlie also has a drink pack installed in his cockpit so he can sip orange juice if his blood sugar is low while he is driving.

“Diabetes doesn’t slow me down and is as much a part of my life as racing. Being able to merge the two is an incredible opportunity,” said Charlie Kimball, Professional Indy Lights Race Car Driver. “My hope is that by sharing my story, other people will be comfortable and open about sharing theirs. We’re all working towards the same goal of finding a cure and living a healthy, productive and successful life in the meantime.”

With the support of Home Diagnostics, Defeat Diabetes Foundation, Diabetic Rockstar, American Diabetes Wholesale and other partners, GlucoStories is a platform for people with diabetes or those who support people living with diabetes to inspire and feel inspired about living the best life possible. To learn more about the prizes, rules and to enter the contest, please visit www.glucostories.com and share your experiences with diabetes. Contest and story submissions deadline is July 6, 1007 Midnight, EST.

GlucoStories Contest Rules: no purchase necessary. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), 13 years and older who did not purchase any equipment for purposes of entering the promotion and are not a practicing physician at time of entry. Void where prohibited. Enter Contest by: 7/6/09. Sweepstakes starts 7/15/09 and ends 8/17/09. For Official Rules, odds disclosure and prize descriptions, visit http://www.glucostories.com. Sponsor: American Diabetes Wholesale, 2501 NW 34th Place, Suite 35, Pompano Beach, FL 33069.

ABOUT CHARLIE KIMBALL

At 24, Charlie Kimball is a successful young American race car driver forging a career in the highly competitive world of open wheel racing. Charlie is currently racing in the Firestone Indy Lights Championship race circuit. Racing since age 9, he has been involved in the most competitive racing categories in the world including British Formula 3, Formula 3 Euroseries and the World Series by Renault. In 2005, Kimball shattered the European stereotype that “Americans are not fast” by becoming the first American in 11 years to win a British Formula 3 race. He went on to secure two track records and several F3 victories in both Britain and Europe. He made international history with a podium finish in the Formula 3 Euro series in his first race after he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2007. For more information visit: www.charliekimball.com.

Watch Charlie Kimball race on Friday, May 22 in the Firestone® Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on VERSUS TV. For more information about the Firestone Indy Lights Championship visit: http://www.indycar.com/indylights

Today in at special ceremony American Diabetes Wholesale paid tribute to Joyce Malaskovitz, PhD, RN, CDE, the winner of their 2nd Annual Diabetes Educator of the Year Contest. We also recognized esteemed Diabetes Educator of the Year Contest finalists Suzanne Laws, MS, RD, LD, CDE and Laura Terrio, RN, BS, CDE.

Created to recognize the unsung heroes of the diabetes epidemic, the Diabetes Educator of the Year Contest received an outpouring of support, and more than 60 people, in both the diabetes and non-medical communities, attended the awards ceremony. NBC 6 South Florida News Anchor and Type I diabetic, Joel Connable, hosted the event. Other attendees included diabetes education professionals, local dignitaries and members of our Destination Diabetes advisor team.

In addition, the event featured prominent speakers such as Donna Rice, immediate past President of the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and Charlie Kimball, a 24 year-old race car driver who made international history with a podium finish in the Formula 3 Euro series in his first race – after he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2007.

Christopher Thomas of Diabetic Rockstar and Andy “Mr. Diabetes” Mandell of the Defeat Diabetes Foundation were also in attendance. We want to recognize the team at IPump.org for their support of this important award as well.

About Our Winner

Joyce Malaskovitz. Joyce believes in following dreams and taking risks. After the sudden death of her grandfather who was a diabetic, Joyce embarked upon her lifelong mission to become a nurse and certified diabetes educator, and to provide the best possible care to all people with diabetes.

For the past 18 years, she has worked as the Director of the Diabetes Treatment Center at Desert Springs Hospital, and in partnership with Healthways, has led the hospital to become the first in the nation to achieve the Certificate of Distinction for Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Care awarded by The Joint Commission. She has spent countless hours supporting diabetes colleagues across the nation to prepare for their certification. She also spends time assisting various community organizations and businesses to make a difference in the fight against diabetes. She is their voice, educator, leader, advocate and friend.

The American Diabetes Wholesale team extends a heartfelt thanks to everyone that made this award so special to all involved. Special thanks go to Home Diagnostics and the Boca Raton Resort & Club for making this year’s contest possible.

This year’s award was even better than last year, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to raise awareness about the importance of diabetes education.

Just scheduled my A1C for next week.  I know it is going to be a little higher then last time, but I know exactly why and it is my own fault, so it can be corrected and I am taking steps today to correct it.  I have no time at all to make it to the gym, however, I am freeing up some time at night because exercise is extremely important.  I went golfing this weekend, which was great exercise, but I am now extremely sore today.

I have planned out my meals for the entire week in order to keep my calories at a certain level.  That is the easy part, now the hard part is actually following through on it.  Eating at work is simple, but more difficult once I get home, I know it’s usually the other way around, but that’s how it is for me.  Salads for lunch, and over eat for dinner, same story.

My blood sugar levels while I was golfing were pretty steady.  It is a great sport to be able to blame a bad shot on a low blood sugar.  Everytime that I sliced a ball, it was only because my blood sugar was low, obviously!

Everyone have a great day!