Category Archives: Diabetes Notes

Robots for my Robot Parts

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Please note: I’ve never met a sequin or piece of glitter I didn’t like.

You MAY have noticed, I have gotten VERY into decorating my Dexcom.  When it’s starting to look fuzzy around the edges, I go into fancify mode (yeah I made that up).  IV300 works best on top of the stickers (keeps ’em on) and I need it anyway to help my Dex last a few more days.

Yep, that’s right.  Pink ruffle dress and oh, wait, what’s that there?  Looks like a Dexcom site.  But there’s something on it.  A little glittery?  A little shiny?

So yep, here are some robots, you know, to go with my robot parts (of course). I am only responding to the name Mrs. Roboto today (or until it’s time for some new decorations).

I have entirely too much fun with this.

Egg And Toast Please

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This morning I stopped by my office building’s cafe to grab some breakfast, my standard, multigrain toast and a hard-boiled egg.  Today I am wearing a black sleeveless dress and amazingly, (see pic from yesterday’s post), my fauna decorated Dexcom still looks perky after a shower (shocking, I figured it would dissolve). The Dex in my arm doesn’t seem to ever blend-in but the contrast today seems more significant.

The woman behind me in line asked, “What’s that on your arm?”.

Me: “Oh I’m diabetic and it’s a continuous glucose monitor so it shows me blood sugar trends” (pointed at Dex receiver on top of my phone on counter).

Lady: “Oh my friend has diabetes but he has a…. ummm…” (pointing to her hip).

Me: “Oh an insulin pump.” I grab my pump thru my dress, attached to underwear so she can see the boxy shape on my hip.

Lady: (looking confused). “Oh his pump takes care of everything, he doesn’t need anything like that” (pointing to my arm).

Me: “Yes, the thing in my arm gives me glucose readings.  It helps me make decisions with the pump and alerts me if my glucose is too high or too low.  It’s a new technology that’s been really helpful for me.”

Lady: “The only problem he has with the pump is if we go to the theater and it goes off going through security, but otherwise it takes care of EVERYTHING.”

I’ve decided I MUST find this theater loving man with a pump that takes care of EVERYTHING.

This week has been filled with incredible BG frustration (and yes I am still taking +10% to +20% temp basal & multiple corrections per day with mild success).  I got in the elevator and felt angry.  In my moment of anger and frustration, I thought how much I would like to smack the man with his pump that takes care of everything.  He has done a disservice to me and many others like me, letting this woman roam the earth thinking that his pump is a cure and its biggest frustration is that it sets off a metal detector sometimes, you know, at the theater.

Diabetes Notes… Part 1

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Some diabetes thoughts:

1. Putting a Dexcom sensor in my arm, solo, is definitely doable.  Having gravity work to my advantage to release inserter… maybe not so much.  I watched the amazing Kim from www.textingmypancreas.com and she is so smooth (and bravery/awe inspiring).  Her Arm Dexcom Insertion video is awesome, but for some reason she has better gravity (the gravity in NYC may be broken, but I have not confirmed this).  I get the site inserted (woo hoo) but can’t get the inserter OFF MY DAMN ARM.  Mild panic then ensues (and hopping). I consider going downstairs, asking my doorman to pull the inserter off while I squeeze the sensor sides.  I then wonder which doorman is on duty.  I’m convinced it’ll be the same doorman who told me he was going to faint the time I tripped and came home with a bloody knee. THAT makes me laugh.  Yes, I’m sick in the head.  Doorman horrified and passed out while I greet my neighbors with that barbaric inserter protruding out of my tricep.

Here’s what I’ve realized…having a bra on the bathroom door knob is key.  I use it as a sling shot to release the inserter while I frantically squeeze the sensor.  This manuever may make me either McGuyver or a genius, or someone who needs to straighten up.

2. Speaking of straightening up, if you need to do some Spring cleaning (well in my case it’s more like Summer-Fall-Winter-Spring cleaning), donating your gently worn clothing to a charity, will make you feel good.  Donating to a store that supports diabetes research will make you feel EVEN better (it’s also extremely motivating).  NYers, check-out Cure Thrift Shop. Cool right?

3. Making jokes with fellow DOC friends on Twitter about Dexcom adhesion battles, really will lighten your mood.  It also MAY turn a hassle… into an art project!

Floral Sparkle Dexcom? Yep!