Sweet and Sour- The Type 1 Diabetes Rollercoaster

I had a different post planned for today, but after receiving a comment on one of my other posts I felt this was a better topic. I hope this helps a few diabetics out there as well as informs everyone else about what it can be like when you're the token diabetic kid. When I was diagnosed with t1d, I went to a school that had no other diabetics.  None. Now that's changed over the years and the current group have a fairly strong support network, but I didn't.  Many things were a battle, like getting exam provisions and understanding from teachers.  But all that aside, I had an overwhelming sense of loneliness.   Those closest to you alleviate it to some extent, but they can't know exactly what it's like, because they have a fully functioning pancreas! Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they have a pancreas that does as it's told, but it gets a bit lonely. You look around at school, in the shops, anywhere and see people eating without a thought of h...

Well if there's anyone out there, hi! I'm right in the middle of my HSC, five exams left until I can finally finish high school for good and add my other subject's notes to the shredder (I wasn't kidding, this is English) But I thought I'd share some fantastic news with those of you that still pay attention to my little blog. Somehow, I managed to get an early offer/scholarship into uni. Yep.... even I'm not sure how that happened. It was nerve wracking and hard work, but somehow I managed it. So now, I don't have to get as high marks as I once did and if I fit the criteria I am guaranteed a place in the course and made an offer in the first uni offer round in January! I would also like to mention a lovely girl, who I didn't even know read this blog. She's kind hearted and sweet, not to mention driven and intelligent. I first admired her for her brilliance in the acadmeic arena, but as I spoke to her more, I have grown to resp...

Dear Dad, You're a wal, but you're my wal :) Whilst you may fit almost every category in the stereotypical Australian image and make a great example in demonstrating Australian culture in my society and culture classes, there's a lot more to you than surf, bbq's and NRL (although with that Manly obsession I've got to wonder sometimes!). You're smart, smarter than you give yourself credit for. You've taught me a lot, not just things like maths and driving but also how to communicate with other people and learn to take initiative. You're funny, always making me laugh when I need it most. Plus you give great hugs- but I think that's a pre-requisite of being a dad. For my diabetes, you're amazing. You wake me every night (even if you fall asleep you come in later on) to check my blood sugar. You get up out of bed at 3am to come and wake me up to check again if I need it, even in the middle of winter in the freezing cold. You do my set changes...

My first blog request from my favourite Type 5 asking for diabetes puns, jokes and pickup lines. These are terrible and have been found from stalking the internet, only two are my own because I'm not clever enough to think them up... or perhaps my sense of humour is a little more sane 1) The diabetics got on very well, you could say they glucose 2) Can you check your blood sugar? Because I would love to know your number 3) You're just my type 4) You're like my needles, ultra-fine 5) A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down..... unless you're diabetic 6) You're so sweet I need a dose of insulin 7) Did it hurt your pump... you know, when you fell from heaven? my own creation and the title of my major work 8) Sweet sensationalism 9) What does one meter say to another? HI-LO One I frequently say 10) Dude, I'm so high right now

EARLY POST :) Because it's cold outside and I have nothing resembling a social life at the moment... T ype 5's probably have the hardest job, their condition however was self-inflicted, which adds to their level of bravery, committment... and possibly stupidity. But type 1's like me appreciate them for their self sacrifice.  A Type 5 Diabetic has the following symptoms: - Has a fully functioning pancreas - Has no insulin concerns - Is the best friend and supporter of a diabetic - Doesn't judge what their diabetic friend eats - Doesn't tell their diabetic how to manage their condition - Asks questions (yes people, I LIKE answering questions!) - Carries or offers to carry emergency sugar sources (one of my type 5's did this even before I was diagnosed... she had a hunch) - Reads your diabetic blog - Doesn't get grossed out by fingerpricks and injections at the dinner table - Loves you despite your general craziness about everything...

Concerts are awesome. Simple really. But the thing is, diabetes and concerts just  well they just.don't.go. I don't know what happened between them to cause such a terrible mismatch, but in short their relationship is very VERY messy. Basically, being a t1d is a pain at times because you need to be able to check your blood sugar... kinda hard in a mosh pit.  There are three methods of sugar checking in a concert. 1) The Balancing Act: We've all done it, finger pricker in the mouth, sugar meter balancing on the arm and test strips flying everywhere. Obviously not one for the weak hearted, or the uncoordinated 2) The 'You Owe Me A Favour' Approach: That's right, it's time to call in our lovely friends and ask them to hold things for you. Maybe you say you're super low, but whatever it is, you make it seem like they have to help. The ultimate diabetic benefit is assistance in the mosh pit :) 3) The 'She'll be right mate!...

Dear Mum, If you’re reading this, welcome to my blog! :) I don’t really say it often enough, you are the most fantastic mother imaginable. You couldn’t find a more caring, kind-hearted, intelligent, hilarious person. Your strength is something I’ve always looked up to, and I hope that one day I’ll be able to be as strong as you. You can be tough as nails, but only with good cause. I look up to you immensely for your ability to stand up for yourself and your intelligence. You take such good care of everyone around you with your sweet and caring nature. My diabetes was something you found difficult to come to terms with, but you managed it.  Sometimes I wonder whether I’m the lucky one, being the mother of a diabetic is a difficult title to have but you manage it so well. You got past your anger, sadness, confusion, self-blame and needle phobia (good thing I didn’t inherit that one!!) to help me as much as possible with my diabetes. From yelling out the carbohydrat...

What’s a hypo you ask? Hypoglycaemia is when blood sugar levels drop below 4mmol/L. My definition? The source of some pretty intense stories! Hypos are funny little critters, they sneak up on you. Maybe you had too much insulin, maybe you didn’t eat enough carbs, maybe you spent a little too long on that exercise bike (hah who am I kidding, I barely exercise), or maybe just maybe for no reason at all, your levels drop. But then what happens? DISCLAIMER: In all seriousness, hypo’s can cause death. I’m lucky enough to have some fantastic friends that have quite literally saved my life again and again. If you ever do see someone with these symptoms, offer them something sweet to drink like coke or sweetened fruit juice (only if they’re conscious) and seek medical attention. Well, it varies for everyone, but for me, well I’m a ball of fun when my levels of circulating sugar drop and stop reaching my brain. Common symptoms include paleness, dizziness, fruity smelling breath, d...

I am a type 1 diabetic. And this? Well, this is my attempt at making people understand what type 1 is, and what it’s like. This isn’t a tragic story, this isn’t a plot to gain sympathy, and this isn’t about the plight of a teenager trying to find their place in a world of melodrama. Basically- I’m not aiming for Days of Our Lives here. This is just my life, and I’m hoping that by telling my story, maybe it’ll dispel the myths about what diabetes is, maybe it’ll help a diabetic see they’re not alone. Heck, maybe it’ll improve my writing skills and pass English :) I’m pretty average, I go to school, I play piano, hang out with friends, and I happen to have type 1 diabetes. I guess I should make it clear, I may have type 1, but that doesn’t mean that that’s all I am. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Pretty much, scientists don’t know what causes it exactly. In a non-diabetic, you have a fully func...