A Different First Impression

Technically if I had my life together and was organized I would have written this yesterday. I'm still adjusting to the university life...my blood sugars seem to be cursed or something just either crazy high or crazy low! Also I never thought my feet could ever walk as much as I do...oh boy!

Anyways to my main point...first impressions! Just like every teenager, fitting in is such a vital part in their teenage mind. The fears of standing out, not fitting in or being viewed as lame or rude. Although i'm a shy person i'm working on opening up and talking and getting to know others but some days when blood-sugars aren't cooperating that action can be extremely challenging, especially for an introvert like me.

Yesterday I had my very first lab and just like every time I meet someone new I want them to have a good impression of me. I want them to see the real me and not see diabetes overshadowing me however, yesterday was quite challenging. After having half my site disconnecting and not realizing till I got home I was running between 20 and above 33.3 (360-600) (the maximum my meter can read is 33.3) for around 6 hours. I could feel my leg and arm muscles fatigue, excruciating headache, tingling tongue, super hungry but feeling aggravated at the same time and not wanting to eat anything. I was drinking heaps of water and i'm sure I've went to the washroom more times thank you can count!  You see I could've gone home but I cared about the first impression of being on time and prepared. During the lab I tried hard to focus but the information was barley going through. I would read my instructions 4-5 times before I knew what step I needed to be done next...through this procedure I worried what first impression my lab partner would think of me? Stupid? Takes forever to understand? Or what would the TA might think? Being high I get frustrated easily, super impatient, I struggle processing information and feel lethargic overall...not really the reflection I would want someone to think of me

In general first impressions can be an important part of friendship, group work or basically any interaction with others because our brain automatically does what it does and sometimes diabetes overshadow the real me!

My bloodsugars over the 6 hours

Diabetes and Driving

Just like anything that diabetes mixes with it makes things more complicated. Not in the sense that things are impossible to do just more challenging. I'm currently in my 2 driving lesson. Lets begin by mentioning I've always had an unusual fear or driving, I have such a scary feeling when i'm driving and I go over the speed of 40...I know old grandma driving here. But here is where diabetes plays a role...you pretty much need numbers in range to be able to drive, well in my case anyways! The rule is as long as you're above 5 you're able to drive because that will reduce the risk of having low blood sugars while driving.
That is never a worry for me because I get anxious to go driving which means my bloodsugars spike because of the adrenaline. Today I was told my reaction time was slow. Reaction time on turns, switching lanes, pushing gas pretty much anything to do with reaction was low. Although my blood sugar wasn't too high (14.4) I realized that even numbers that high along with stress affected my reaction time. So although driving is a great privilege, with diabetes it can be tough because I have to find that perfect balance between high and low

PS. To all my friends reading this I promise you i'm a good driver and you're in safe hands when i'm driving...it all depends on my blood sugars though (may the odds be ever in you favour) Haha

BG post driving 

Back To University / College Guide

Okay, let me be honest here. I was a nervous wreck to start post secondary but hey, it's not as nerve-wracking as I thought. However,  what a transition it is from high school. Although it has only been a few days, here are 4 things I have learnt in coloration with my diabetes.

1. Adjusting meal timings:

- Since starting university things have been a little bit chaotic. My schedule is all over the place and I'm constantly busy either walking around campus or in a lecture that usually the last thing that crosses my mind is food and I realise that I haven't eaten anything but apples and breakfast the whole day. In addition to that, knowing food areas and what they sell around your campus is important. Personally, I decided to pack leftover food as I am a picky eater but I do have a meal plan for emergency purposes like forgetting my food or need food to treat a low.

2. Professors: 

- It is my responsibility and a super important one to let my professors know about my diabetes for a couple reasons. Some lectures have a "no eating in class" rule so in the case of a low I will need to eat or if I need to leave class. Taking chemistry means I will have lab time, in the case of a low I will need the TA support so I can treat without causing any danger with chemicals and to be able to get food in the lab. Lastly, profs need to know for exam and testing purposes. If you are a quite person about diabetes I would suggest emailing your prof, that way you can avoid the face to face conversation.

3. Walking:

- OMG! I can not begin to mention how much walking I've been doing around campus. What a great exercise and movement especially following a 3hr lecture but honestly it is resulting in nothing but constant lows and no matter what I eat. It is really important to have some quick on the go snack with you all the time and to adjust ratios to try and prevent as many lows as possible. Afterall low blood sugars are never fun.

4. Sharps Box

- Before starting university it is important to know where sharp boxes are located. In my university, they are located in some of the bathrooms so it is important ti know which bathrooms in case I need to change my site or if I decide on going on a pump break I need to know where to through my pen needles. 

Let me know if you have any other tips and tricks about dealing with diabetes and university. Feel free to comment below 

It's That Time Again

It's that time again...every three months! In about 10 days. The dreaded endo appointment. I've always had mixed feelings towards doctor visits in general. The idea of being in a room with a doctor or two talking or questioning me keeps me stressed for days prior leading up to the appointment. Being in hospitals has always been something I despised...definitely not fun. The appointment usually takes about an hour were blood work is done, blood pressure and weight are recorded followed by seeing my team. Recently my diabetes team (endocrinologist, nurse, dietician) would enter the room at different times rather than have all three be in the room at the same time. I am not sure why they started doing that but I am glad they did that because it helped ease down on my anxiety of the visit.

But I know what many of you might be questioning: "why is she even anxious? it's just an appointment

Despite my team being super supportive and also encouraging...it is me that makes this harder on myself. I am usually hard on myself...I strive for improvement and get easily disappointment when my efforts don't add up or when I go through a rough period dealing with my diabetes. Having my A1C results feels like a pass or fail exam...a mindset that I am working on changing. An A1C is a blood test done that shows blood sugar control over the past three months.

I always try and add humor into the appointment to ease down on my anxiety a bit that is why it is important finding a team that you feel comfortable with and trust. Sadly though it is my last appointment before transitioning to adult care. The good part though is instead of the appointments becoming every three months they are now twice a year.