Holiday Tips

Part of what keeps my diabetes in such good control is routine. Every morning, I make the same lunch (78 carbs), I exercise at the same time every day, I steer towards the same foods at restaurants I go to, I eat at the same times every day, and I refuse to get a new type of pump, even when my insurance is up. This helps me keep my blood sugars in range because through years of practice (I’ve actually packed the same lunch for three years) I’ve found what’s worked and used that to keep myself in range.

However, all the work that I’ve done during the years I’ve had diabetes always goes to waste during the holidays. The actual travel is the first issue; I hate planes and always get very, very anxious before I go on one and this spikes my blood sugar like crazy. Also, the pressure changes during takeoff and landing make all of the insulin in my tubing go “bad,” so I squeeze it out and make the whole plane smell like an emergency room. Also, the security line always brings problems, unfortunately. Last time I traveled, they found “bomb residue” on my pump (they told me later, after everything checked out, that it was most likely a compound in the hand lotion I use) and, like a trooper, I started bawling in the security line.

These problems can make it harder to manage diabetes. Also, at my destination, it’s harder to focus on checking or bolusing when I’m surrounded and distracted by friends and family, or, when I go to visit my uncle and his three little kids, it’s very stressful to have to constantly watch my kit to make sure it’s close to me but far enough away so that they won’t find my syringes or strips and ingest them. Or, when my little cousin tries to push the buttons on my pump to see what they will do.

And, of course, all of my food regimen that has been perfected for years goes out the window during the holidays; grazing all morning and not having a solid meal until 4:00 creates a CGM map that looks like a tennis match between highs and lows.

So, a couple things I’ve started to do to alleviate holiday stresses and complications are to keep all my medical stuff in a plastic bag when going through TSA so that it’s easier for them to check all at once. And, I pack my own snacks so that, even if I don’t eat them in the airport, I am less worried about finding something and know I have backup. For the actual plane ride, I now bring a napkin to let the bad insulin out into and throw it away with my drink cup.

Unfortunately, for the flying anxiety, the only thing I’ve found to help with that is testing a lot to make sure I don’t spike. I’ve also started using Tupperware to hold my kit when I visit my family because the little ones can’t get into it and I can leave it close to me, and I tell my little cousin that if he pushes my pump buttons it tells Santa to bring him coal for Christmas. And, during the holidays, if everyone else is grazing in the morning and eating a big meal in the evening, I try to stick more to my own schedule and avoid grazing, eat a real breakfast/lunch, and then eat a smaller meal at dinner (with less of an emphasis on sweets at the end J).

So, over the years, I’ve accumulated these tips so that I can enjoy the holidays to their full potential, and I hope you can, too!

Happy holidays! 

Halloween

This will be my 7^th Halloween with diabetes, and I have some things that I’ve learned over the years in regard to this holiday.

Candy is one of the main factors of Halloween, for sure. This can be hard for people with diabetes, because its high sugar content makes it hard for insulin to catch up and often leads to blood sugar spikes. I do love Reese’s Pieces, so what I used to do with my friends was go trick or treating with them normally and then go back to my house to trade pieces. I’d always trade for non-edible treats (i.e. pencils or toys) and a few pieces that I did want. I then would count the leftover pieces and trade with my mom (i.e. 10 pieces for a dollar or 20 for 30 minutes of TV time). These trades were very important to me; my mom knew that the candy would be tempting for me and would most likely end in a blood sugar spike but also didn’t want to make me feel different, and she succeeded in avoiding both of these. Also, she never told me I couldn’t go trick or treating! When all of my friends went, I was allowed to too. This didn't make me feel any different than my friends.

It takes a little bit more testing (walking and excitement make me go low, adrenaline from being scared and possible candy eating make me go high), but it was manageable and very important to me.  I am no different than other people and I can do anything, but it was better for me to avoid the candy and take the trade instead.

Holidays centered around eating have always been harder; when someone pulls out the cranberry sauce, candy corn, or pumpkin pie, I always get a little nervous. However, part of growing up with diabetes is learning the importance of managing yourself around these foods. Of course you can eat what you want, however quantity and control are the names of the game.

My mom helped me so much to instill good habits in myself so that I knew not to go overboard with sugar and so that I always bolused myself for however much I was going to eat. And, of course, this can be very frustrating for little guys who just want to eat candy like their friends, I know it was for me the first Halloween after the diagnosis. However, my parents stocked a bowl full of weird spooky toys, decks of cards, whistles, balls, and other little items that I had full reign of. Little trades and distractions like these helped me out a ton!

It’s also important to communicate with school during the holidays; Halloween parties can be tough when they’re stocked with punch, candy, and other sugary snacks. Recently, my AP chemistry teacher made punch with dry ice for the class and, remembering I have diabetes, made me my own little cup of sugarless punch, which was one of the most touching things that a teacher has ever done for me.

In addition, for me, it helped to place more emphasis on the non-food parts of Halloween, like spending time with friends, exploring my neighborhood, wearing cool costumes, and watching scary movies. So, although Halloween can be tough for people with diabetes, it can definitely be a safe, fun holiday.

Happy trick or treating!

Back to School

School is now officially in full swing! It’s been a great transition for me so far, and I’m excited to be a sophomore this year. For the most part, everything has been going great!

One event that was troubling this year was when I alerted one of my teachers to the fact that I have diabetes and a 504 plan. When I told him about this in an individual conference he had with all of his students, his response was “well, that’s good to know, but it doesn’t pertain to this class.” I responded with, “it’s important for you to know I have diabetes.” What I took away from this experience was that not everyone will react ideally to type one diabetes and in fact, it’s very rare that I walk away from telling someone completely happy with what happened. However, it is important to get across the point that I have diabetes and I need reasonable accommodations. Although not all situations flow seamlessly and end in perfect understanding, it’s important to state what you need. In this case, the reaction wasn’t what I’d hoped for, but I still told the teacher I have a 504, type one diabetes, and a need for reasonable accommodations that are listed in my 504 plan. 

Also, this year, I’ve got the perfect locker spot in the school (highly enviable, considering my school has 2 buildings and a combined total of 13 floors), which has given me a great chance to prepare myself with diabetes supplies for the new school year! In my locker, I have a bag with extra strips, lancets, pump change-out supplies, insulin, glucose tablets, pump/meter batteries, and snacks in case I forget something or need a replacement. Although I am very good about remembering to get my supplies before school, it’s easier and less stressful to know I have a backup plan and am always prepared in class. 

For more information and resources (which I frequently use!) about diabetes in school, check out the ADA’s Safe At School Page at 

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/diabetes-care-at-school/

Thanks, and here’s to a great school year!

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes

My favorite part of fall is coming up- the Chicago Step Out Walk! It's great to come together every year with my friends and family and walk to support a common cause- defeating diabetes. Attaining this goal of stopping diabetes is incredibly important to everyone I walk with (including myself!), and this is my favorite way to do it! I love seeing people from camp or other ADA events and meeting new people, who always have interesting stories to tell and unique perspectives on diabetes. I'm fortunate to have many of my friends on my own team this year, which has made the fundraising process even easier and more successful! I absolutely love this event and I highly suggest that if you haven't already, join a team or make one of your own and help us stop diabetes!

You can join the ADA Illinois Camper Team, Campers Conquering Diabetes! Or the ADA Illinois Camp Staf Team, Camp Crew-zers! Bring your friends, family and community together to support the American Diabetes Association’s fight against diabetes. We will be taking a Camp Photo at the Chicago and Buffalo Grove location’s main stage at 11:30am – I hope to see you all there!

To  learn more about Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, please visit: www.diabetes.org/stepoutchicagoland

Sneak Peak at College and Life Away from Home

This week, I started taking an honors chemistry class at Northwestern University where I’ll be living and studying for three weeks. I was very excited to start this course, but also very nervous about how I’d manage my diabetes while away from home. Although I’d been away from home before, I’d never been away with completely new people for this length of time. While packing, I filled half of my suitcase with extra pump supplies, syringes, 4 bottles of insulin, 9 bottles of strips, and extra CGM supplies! The whole time while packing, I was wondering how I was going to do on my own. Although I am confident in my abilities to manage my own diabetes, I was scared about the possibility that something might go wrong and it would be up to me to fix it. The worst part of it, however, was the fear of telling the teacher and teaching assistant about my diabetes. Even though it is not a big deal, it always makes me nervous to tell people that I have diabetes. Sometimes, people don’t understand or they make a big deal out of it or, worse, they treat me completely differently than they treat other people. But, when I told my teacher, she asked a couple of questions about what exactly I needed and then told me that anything I had to do was perfectly okay! And, so far, camp is going great and there have been no diabetes problems! This has been a great lesson for me that sometimes it’s scary to tell others that you have diabetes or it’s scary to think about the worst that can happen in regards to diabetes, but everything always works out okay in the end. 

Summertime with the American Diabetes Association

My involvement with the American Diabetes Association is in full swing this summer! Last weekend, I volunteered at a rest stop for the Tour De Cure in Lippold Park, which was super fun! I saw so many smiling faces and so many people having fun just in the one place I was stationed. People were bicycling 10-100 miles to raise money for diabetes and I saw cyclists from 5 years old to seniors. Everyone at the rest stop was having a great time meeting new people, playing bean bags, getting snacks, and just relaxing. I was a volunteer this year, but after seeing how fun it was for the participants this year, I intend to make my own team next year!

Also, camp season is just starting! Parent Orientation for Camp Confidence was on Saturday, June 18th, and it was really nice to see everyone again! This year, I’m seeing my campers from last year, meeting the younger siblings of many of the campers I had last year, and meeting a lot of new campers! Personally, I felt at ease being around so many people with diabetes. It reminds me that people with diabetes can do anything and there’s nothing “different” about me, other than the way my pancreas works. Even the little 4 year olds in my group seemed to be immediately at ease; it seemed all of the worry (and sometimes fear) that comes with diabetes melted away on the campground. I am so fortunate to be a part of this experience for the campers (and for myself!). Every year, I learn more and more about diabetes, not just about the physical aspects of it but also emotions that come alongside it. It’s scary for everyone involved and camp helps every member of the family learn and feel more comfortable.

I am also excited for the 2016 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes in Chicago coming up after Summer! I’ve registered my team and am getting started on fundraising with my friends and family. I’m delighted that so many of my friends are eager to join, as well, and that I can have a part in funding diabetes research!

I am also fortunate to be on the Camp Confidence Teen Panel Parent Session this year! Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 21st from 9:15-10:15am. All camper families are welcome to come listen and ask questions to several of the Camp Confidence teenage staff. It is very rewarding for parents to ask whatever questions they might have about their children’s futures and it’s a great experience for me to be a role model. Hope to see you tomorrow! :)

Being Prepared as a Teen

Preparedness is important for everything; everyone has heard the idiom “hope for the best and prepare for the worst.” This phrase especially pertains to diabetes. Hope for an A1C of 6, a blood glucose of 120, never running out of strips, never having to use a glucagon, etc., but remember it’s important to prepare for anything. 

As a teenager, I have to admit that I'm sometimes less prepared than I was when I was younger because I’m juggling more things and I am more familiar with my body, but that is not a smart way to manage my health. A couple of weeks ago on my way to a volleyball tournament over an hour away, I realized when I got there that I had 20 units in my pump and I’d left my kit at home. It was going to be at least a seven hour tournament, I would be playing volleyball for most of it, and I would have to eat something at some point. Thankfully, my mom got a kit from Walgreens before I started playing and I had enough insulin to get me through the tournament, but I learned valuable aspects about being prepared. I didn't have anything in my bag for a situation like this. 

Now, after being through this experience, I carry extra pump supplies, an extra bottle of strips, tabs, the little kit from Walgreens, and a bottle of insulin in my sports bag just in case. And, for school, I have a similar bag in my backpack. I also double check to make sure my kit is with me if I’m going somewhere. So, although it is usually not necessary to bring everything and the kitchen sink, it is reassuring to know I am prepared for anything when I leave the house. 

Being prepared for everyday life is important, but it is also important to be prepared in case of an emergency situation. You can read more about being prepared for an emergency situation diabetes.org. 

Diabetes Camp

This year, I am so excited to go back to diabetes camp with the American Diabetes Association! I’ve had the privilege of being a volunteer for the past four years and a camper at the Association day camps. I went as a camper the year after I was diagnosed and, as most campers are when they start, I felt scared, alone, and different. However, after just the first day at Camp, I gained confidence, hope, and learned a lot! When the week was over, I left with more experience, knowledge, and assurance. I went from being a scared kid, the only type one child in my entire school, to knowing that I was one of hundreds just in my community with the American Diabetes Association to help me! 

I’ve gained even more knowledge as a volunteer— every year that I return, I see kids give their first shots, test their blood sugar for the first time, or bolus from their pump with pride. Kids learn important, tangible diabetes information, like carb counting, safety, etc., but also non-tangible lessons like ‘diabetes makes me stronger,’ ‘I am no different than any other kid without diabetes,’ or ‘I can do anything!’ I am so lucky to be able to go to Camp every year as a volunteer to continue my learning - nothing is more heartening and special than watching kids go to Camp and have the American Diabetes Association Camp experience. 

Although it’s only one week, Camp lasts forever. It gives dozens of positive messages to kids that they will have in their toolbox for the rest of their lives and gives them connections that will also last them their entire lives. All of the volunteers are excellent role models who guide kids to safe management of diabetes through fun activities. As a volunteer, I’ve seen many campers undergo the positive changes of Camp- coming in scared and dependent on others for safe diabetes management and leaving confident in their own abilities. Personally, I’ve developed a network of friends through Camp who I know I can always count on if I’m having a bad day. Camp is an amazing experience for campers, volunteers, and parents alike! Don’t miss out this year!

You can register for Camp, and learn more at www.diabetes.org/illinoiscamps or contacting the American Diabetes Association at illinoiscamps@diabetes.org. 

The 2016 camp dates and locations are: 

June 20 to June 24 2016

Camp Confidence

Des Plaines, Illinois

Age Range: 4 to 9 years

June 27 to July 1 2016

Camp Discovery

Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Age Range: 4 to 9 years

July 10 to July 15 2016

Camp Granada (Camp is full, can register for wait list)

Monticello, Illinois

Age Range: 8 to 16 years

July 11 to July 15 2016

Camp Crossroads

Chicago, Illinois

Age Range: 4 to 9 years

July 24 to July 30 2016

Triangle D

Ingleside, Illinois

Age Range: 9 to 13 years

July 31 to August 6 2016

Teen Adventure Camp  (Camp is full, can register for wait list)

Ingleside, Illinois

Age Range: 14 to 18 years

August 1 to August 5 2016

Camp Can Do

Palos Park, Illinois

Age Range: 4 to 9 years

American Diabetes Association Expo

Get ready, the 2016 American Diabetes Association Chicago Expo is here! 

 

The American Diabetes Association Expo is very, very informative and fun. It’s an amazing experience; everywhere you turn, you can find great information and tons of diabetes support! I handed out flyers in the  Family Fun Zone last year, and I saw firsthand how much effort goes into making sure that every person who walks through the door can learn and have as much fun as possible. I talked to friends, siblings, and teachers of many people with diabetes who came to learn and had that request fulfilled. It’s a great, great experience for all! Come take advantage of cooking demonstrations, giveaways, information, and medical/health screenings at the free Expo, April 9th in the Lakeside Center of McCormick Place! 

Learn more and register at www.diabetes.org/expochicago

Sports and Diabetes

Sports and diabetes can be tricky! Each different exercise requires something different from your body and therefore does something different to your blood sugar. It is an intricate calculation to figure out what/when/if to eat, how much insulin to take, how much you will play, and how all of these and other variables will affect your body and blood sugar. Over the years, I've played many different sports, including volleyball, hockey, track, basketball, and soccer and weight training/conditioning for many of these sports. I can confirm it is complicated to take all of these factors and calculate them, but from my athletic experiences I've gained wisdom.

One of the first things I've learned is talk to the coach(es). Keep a strong communication with him/her because your blood sugar will most likely be affected the most while exercising. Tell the coach exactly what you need and always tell him/her if something is wrong or you need to take a break to eat/drink/bolus. It can be weird or embarrassing to have to take a snack during games, but it is necessary and nothing to be ashamed of!

Sometimes, teammates will want to know why/what you’re eating or if they can have some. I've found that it’s usually easier to bring a “disguised” snack, like Gatorade, a protein bar, etc. to have so that you can “blend in” with others’ snack choices. Treating a low blood sugar is nothing to be ashamed of, but it can be easier and quicker to treat if people aren't asking questions or asking you to share.

Third, listen to your body! Take the time to check your blood sugar to see how your exercise affects you and learn to interpret the signs your body gives you. It’s no big deal if you ask your coach what exercises you’re doing that day so you can adequately prepare; for example, I personally keep my pump on when I lift weights, and on days that I practice volleyball I bolus for half my food before and take my pump off.

Lastly, make sure you have everything you need on the bench. In case of a situation, it’s easier to have your supplies near you rather than in your bag at the other end of the gym. Also, this can alleviate any anxiety you might have about going low and help you to focus on giving your all at whatever exercise you choose.

Be sure to check out the American Diabetes Association Webpage to learn more tips on how to prevent hypoglycemia while exercising or playing sports!

Good luck in all your future athletic endeavors!

-Amelia

2016 Illinois Youth Ambassador
American Diabetes Association

Dealing with Diabetes at School

One of the hardest thing about managing my diabetes is managing it at school. It can be uncomfortable to be high/low at school, awkward to tell people that you’re diabetic, or embarrassing to have to leave the classroom when no one else is available to help treat your blood sugar. Sometimes, it is hard to have to explain it over and over again to classmates who may not fully comprehend what diabetes is or the difference between type one and type two.

            Over the years, I've developed some strategies that have helped me deal with diabetes in school:

            a) It is very important to tell your teachers/coaches that you have diabetes. It’s reassuring to know you have support in case anything happens. Although I have a school diabetes management plan, I've found it helpful to make a clear, concise, one page document that I give to my teachers explaining what diabetes is, what I need, and a couple of other important details.

            b) I am very open about my diabetes. I keep my pump clipped to the outside of my pocket and I test in front of people. That is what works for me and my school; however, it is important to do whatever you feel comfortable with. If you want to tell only your close friends, that is completely fine! If you choose to have a whole-class meeting to tell your peers, that works too! Remember, it’s your diabetes and whatever works for you will work for everyone, too!

            c) Do whatever makes you comfortable! Diabetes is about you, and whatever makes you feel safe, secure, and happy is what should happen. It is you who has to deal with it all the time, and therefore everything you need should be provided to you! If you want a space to store your diabetes supplies within a classroom, permission to leave/stay in the classroom while you test, or having an alternate choice if an edible prize/snack is given in class that is not compatible with diabetes, that is something you deserve to have. 

And, if you have any questions about in-school diabetes management, the American Diabetes Association Safe at School program has great resources to support you, you can find more information at www.diabetes.org/safeatschool. 

Thanks!

Amelia Renner

2016 Illinois Youth Ambassador
American Diabetes Association

Introducing the American Diabetes Association 2016 Illinois Youth Ambassador!

Hello! My name is Amelia Renner and I am the American Diabetes Association 2016 Illinois Youth Ambassador. I am fifteen years old and a freshman in high school in downtown Chicago. I play competitive volleyball at a club and at my school, I love to read, and I use an Animas insulin pump and meter.

I began my experience with the American Diabetes Association almost immediately after my diagnosis. I was diagnosed in August of 2009, right before I went into the third grade. I was terrified, anxious, and completely dependent on my parents and teachers to control my diabetes for me. My mom then sent me to the American Diabetes Association Camp Confidence where I learned many, many lessons on managing my diabetes, viewed many positive role models, learned about my condition, made new friends, and had a great time! 

For the past 3 years I have been volunteering at Camp Crossroads and for the past 2 years at Camp Confidence because it is so important for people with diabetes to learn these lessons and I am sure that American Diabetes Association diabetes camps are the best places for this to occur. To me, being the Illinois Youth Ambassador means that I get to help more people learn these lessons and get to know the American Diabetes Association support system. I am very, very lucky to have been able to participate in diabetes camps and to have become the American Diabetes Association 2016 Illinois Youth Ambassador; I am very excited to work in this position and to get to know all of you!!