My 1st experience: ADA Diabetic Expo-Prt 1

Diabetes has been living with me for almost 5 years.   I read a lot of stories and pretty much stay update on all things diabetes via the Internet.  I have only read one book about diabetes and I wouldn’t say it’s really a book about diabetes because it’s more about pumping insulin.  I figure why spend money on a book when I can catch up and learn more from reading blog’s, news, health info via the Internet and WHY not try going to the American Diabetes Assocation Diabetic Expo?  I mean wouldn’t you think it would be all things diabetes? healthy living, exercise and all things diabetes?? How exciting to be in a room filled with Diabetic’s of all different ages, ethnic background’s and different Types.  I was really pumped up and excited so,  Saturday I met Jaimie and we took a trip to Long Beach, CA to attend our first Diabetic Expo.  

We arrived at the expo. The first thing we see is a sign that say’s “Diabetic Parking”…lol I know it’s a little dingy but I had to take a picture of it.

 

We entered the Long Beach convention center and it was packed, wall to wall.  I thought it was cool to see the diabetic community come out to support the event.  Jaimie and I continued to walk and the smile I had on my face was washed away when I noticed the first booth,”Gastric Bypass and Lapband surgery.” There isn’t anything wrong with Gastric Bypass or Lapband sx, but I do have a problem with there being 3 booths and people getting their hopes up.  Gastric bypass and lapband are very hard to get approved through insurance companies.  When you have a FREE event that have  a lot of medcaid and medicare population…why would you market things that are so far out of reach. Medicare will barely pay for pump supplies and testing supplies, let alone gastric bypass sx.  

I did enjoy the Sweet Sucessbooth.  Sweet Success is a California Diabetes and Pregnancy program.   Sweet Success is a program based on seeing High risk pregnant women who have gestational diabetes mellitus.  I talked to the rep there, she said they see on average 20,000 women.  I asked her to explain the program to me.  Sandra (I think that’s her name) said, the ladies walk through the door and are greeted by MD’s, NP’s and Nutritionist. They help the woman from start to finish on managing diabetes by teaching them proper nutrition and how to maintain bg levels.  I could blog about Sweet Success all day but you have to check out their site.  Wouldn’t it be awesome to have the Sweet Success program around the USA.

The expo set-up wasn’t great.  Great speakers and great chef’s but you could hardly hear them speak due to the live band playing in the background.

To Be Cont…..Meet-up with Jaimie, George and Jenny & overall rating of the ADA Diabetic expo.

Be Blessed

Cherise

I’m still here

I am taking a short break from blogging…..

I’ll return on May 28, 2009

Please feel free to browse.

 

Be Blessed

Cherise

Diabetes & Family

I recieved a call last night from my little brother in MO. He never calls, usually texts back and fourth. I was a little worried. He said, “Pops is a little shakey. We think his blood sugar is high.” My Devonte (bro) was worried, I could tell by the sound in his voice.
“Devonte, what did his meter read? Did he test his blood sugar?”. Devonte paused. “Pops did you test your blood sugar? Cherise–he didn’t test.”
Ok. “Devonte, tell him to wash his hands and test his blood sugar.” Devonte repeated what I said to him to my step-father. My step-father is Type 2 non insulin dependent. He can’t UAE insulin to bring his numbers down.
I’m waiting patiently on the phone. Devonte said,”Cherise it’s 250.” I let him know that’s high. I told him if it was lower he could walk it off but it’s too dangerous to do any exercising if your bg’s are over 250. I told him to drink water and test his bg’s again in about an hour.

Hour later—

I was curious to know if my step-fathers numbers dropped. I called back, number was 350. OMG, that’s not good. I told him to drink water because he wants to start flushing his system out, keep the keytones out. I could hear him going off in the background. I explained to Devont that when diabetic’s have high numbers their moods change, we can be a little evil and don’t take it to heart. He understood.

This morning I called my step-father. I asked how he was doing. He said he was fine, his fasting was 200. He said he took NyQil and it made him go high. I said, “I’m worried about you. I want you to me around when Niya comes to visit. I want you to be able to chase her around. I don’t usually butt in and I hate being the Diabetic police but I’m going to call you every day and we’re going to get your Diabetes in control.” He said, “thank you.”

I hung up the phone, said a prayer. I hope he takes his health serious, if be doesn’t then it’s on him. I’m trying but be has to want it to control it.

Please keep him in your prayers.

Be Blessed
Cherise
iPhone Blog

Me, Step-father and Niya

A message to the Diabetic Police….

Diabetic Police: Diabetic Police is a loved one or friend who cares about your diabetes, doesn’t know enough about diabetes to really tell you what’s good, what’s bad for you, what to do and what not to do. Diabetic police may have read a mag or 2 about diabetes but never lived 1 day as a diabetic or with someone who has diabetes.

If you are a diabetic you have came across someone who has looked at you crazy for eating a piece of candy, chocolate, cake, donut, cookies or whatever. Diabetic Police are almost as bad as living with the disease. They hound you, they tell you shouldn’t do something….the list goes on and on. I honestly, don’t mind when my Husband adds his 2 sense, he has to live with me, he is gaining a better understanding of diabetes and living with someone who has it. I am only bothered by strangers, friends, associates and distant family members that try to tell me what’s best for me. I am not saying I don’t appreciate it from time to time to time, but not with every bite. I can enjoy the same foods you (non-diabetic) can, I know my limit’s. I know what makes me high and what makes me low. I can eat a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup without my bg’s getting out of control. I test my bg’s 4-5 times a day. I know the consequences of eating certain foods. I know, what’s best for me. Now, I am letting you know….So please Diabetic Police leave me alone.

Be Blessed

Cherise

click here, info on police pic

Read Before You Retweet

I am a huge fan of Twitter.  I love to tweet about things that happen in my life.  I love to read other people’s tweets .  I also have a habit of hitting the Retweet button to pass on a good quote or something about diabetes.  Honestly, I only read a handful of the links I retweet (blogs are on RSS feed).  I am usually at work and can’t read everything. So, I try to save it as a favorite or I use instapaper to hold the link for me.  Well, the other day I retweeted something about a little girl’s family trying to raise money to see Dr. Bernstein.  I am not familiar with Dr. Bernstein.  I had a chance to find out a few things about him and about the little girls family. I will not retweet anything unless I’ve taken the time to read the tweet or link first.   I learned a important lesson, make sure you read something before you retweet, You may be retweeting something “You”  don’t agree.

Be Blessed

Cherise