1 post tagged “living with diabetes”

 I should not listen to myself when I have a thought that is not routine.  I knew that it probably would lead to trouble and I was right.  I normally like being right but not in this instance.

For the last three years I have been treating myself for Adult On-set Type II Diabetes.
This disease has taken over my life and turned each day into a tedious routine that I loath.
Loath ... Yes! Yet it is critical to my continued well being so I keep at it.

The set of circumstances that became my morning was unusual to begin with.
I got up around seven o'clock.  I had slept most of the night, having it interrupted by a trip to the bathroom and then right back to bed.
I thought it would be a good time to check my blood sugar since I had not had one bite of anything all night long, which for me is unusual going in.  I'm almost always up at some point during the night, having a snack or two and watching some TV.

My glucose meter displayed 134 and I freaked out.  134 - How can that be?  I haven't eaten anything yet.  It should be down in the 90's right now.
Getting freaked out usually results in me doing something stupid.  This time was no different.
At least I can count on me to be consistent.
I gave myself a shot of insulin and waited to see what affect that would have.  While I waited I shared a small piece of Super Sharp Cheddar cheese with Jenny and drank a cup of coffee.  One hour later I checked my glucose again.  The meter displayed 143 and I got even more freaked out.  I told Maureen I was worried.  She wanted to know why. I explained all that happened so far.  She asked me what might be the worse case scenario considering the glucose readings I had gotten so far.  I told her it probably wasn't anything to worry about. My pancreas may have totally shut down...that's all.

She suggested that something could be wrong with my glucose meter.  It was almost three years old and never had new batteries put in it. Once again, my loving, younger bride was correct.  She checked her own blood glucose and it displayed 139 and she has never had anything over 118 and she also had nothing to eat yet.  Just for good measure, I went downstairs and checked Gail's blood glucose,  When it displayed 143 I knew something was askew with the meter.

I got on the phone with my pharmacist and asked him if he had any special deals on new Glucose meters.  He was glad to report that he did.  The Bayer Company would give me a FREE one.  I was elated to hear that news.  I needed some other medical supplies refilled so I arranged for them and told the pharmacist we would pick all of it up later in the day.

When the lady folk got back from the grocery and drug store, I sat down to get acquainted with my new glucose meter.  It was a beautiful piece of work, looking almost exactly like my old one.  It had a few new features to it.  It would give me readings after only five seconds instead of fifteen.  WOW!  (only kidding)  Also, I could test blood drawn from my arm or palm, essentially from any spot on my body that I could coax blood from.  I believe I could do that with my old one too.  I tried to get blood from my arm but no dice. 

By that time, we had eaten breakfast and I was interested in seeing what my blood sugar was after that.  It was 117 and I was tickled pink.  So...it was the old meter for sure.

I hope that the new meter and I will have the same long, satisfactory relationship that I and my old meter had.  I will be 70 years old by that time or working on my afterlife.

I really mean this next statement:  I hope to see all of you there later.