Guilt and Gratitude: Parenting through Complexities (Episode 6)
Have you ever walked a mile in another parent’s shoes?
In this episode, host Lisa Brooks delves into her mixed emotions after attending the final home and school club meeting of the year. Along with deep gratitude towards the dedicated parents who volunteer their time, Lisa wrestles with feelings of guilt and inadequacy.
Celebrating Diaversaries: A Journey of Resilience and Reflection (Episode 5)
Ever heard of a “diaversary”?
In this episode of the “Perspectives from a Pomegranate” podcast, host Lisa Brooks reflects on her son's upcoming diaversary, a term that refers to the anniversary of being diagnosed with diabetes.
Do YOU Know How Many Carbs Are In This Bowl of Pasta? I Do!!!
After my child was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, one of the first pieces of advice I got was to buy a food scale to weigh food to help figure out carb counts…because every detail mattered. Learn more about one of my favorite scales.
Navigating Halloween With Food Allergies and Type 1 Diabetes
Halloween — Most of the day revolves around food… and costumes. While a lot of parents are simply enjoying the day, parents of kids who have food allergies or Type 1 diabetes (or both) have more to think about than a costume.
Should I Use WiFi Or Cellular Data With Dexcom?
We were at the pool with another Type 1 family recently. They had just started using a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and we were talking about how helpful it is for a variety of reasons. The mom’s biggest frustration was how often “I lose data when following my daughter’s blood sugar remotely.”
Defining Acceptable Risk For Our Children
Being a parent is tough for a lot of reasons. One of them is the worry most of us have about something bad happening to our children. We live in an age of school shootings and other tragedies. For those of us whose kids have life-threatening health conditions or other special needs, that risk can weigh heavily on our minds.
Going Back To School - With Type 1 Diabetes and Food Allergies
It’s that time of year – the return to school. While most parents are worrying about “the right” backpack or lunch box, parents of kids with special needs like Type 1 diabetes or food allergies are generally thinking about so much more than that.
"I'm Not Afraid of Low Blood Sugars" - Did I Just Say That?
Yes, I actually said, “I’m not afraid of low blood sugars.” And I said it to our new prospective endocrinologist! The words kept rolling around in my head the rest of the day. Is that true??? Sort of. I now have what I’d consider a healthy respect for: the nuances of diabetes, how quickly things can change, and the immediate action required to prevent or manage a low blood sugar.
Travel With Food Allergies And Type 1 Diabetes
That title sounds daunting even as I write it. But I’m here to tell you: you can travel with food allergies and Type 1 diabetes. It took me awhile to wrap my head around traveling anyway. We started small and worked our way into being more comfortable incorporating adventure into our lives.
High Blood Sugar After Exercise
When my son plays with friends – at the park, in the pool – anywhere that involves activity, he often has low blood sugar during the activity followed by high blood sugar after exercise. One of our physicians suggested that when he was invited to play I tell him he could do so – but needed to wait 30 minutes so I could decrease his basal insulin. While that sounds great in theory, imagine telling a young child whose friends have just knocked on the door that he has to wait because of diabetes. What resonates in my head is “child first, diabetes second.” This is my issue to fix, not his.
Six Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me At Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis
One of my closest friends in the diabetes community called tonight. Her colleague’s child was showing all of the “classic” signs of Type 1 diabetes, so she had done a finger stick on the child. The result was 212. We both know that is not a “normal” blood sugar, and combined with everything else we had heard, a diagnosis is likely forthcoming. She asked me to think about good advice for her colleague. Here’s what I wish someone had told me when my son was diagnosed.
Heading Into Summer: Keep Your Insulin, Epinephrine, and Glucagon Cool
If you’re like me, you’re on the go all the time. I often feel like a sherpa with the supply backpack: carrying diabetes and allergy supplies along with allergen-free food. Many of our medications have temperature requirements and storing them on the go used to be a challenge. Enter FRÍO® Cooling Cases.
Meet Our Version Of Type 1 Diabetes
Just like no two people are the same, neither are two people with Type 1 diabetes. What works for one person may or may not work for another. I’m going to share what has worked for us, and sometimes what hasn’t.
Type 1 Diabetes vs. Type 2 Diabetes
Until my son was diagnosed, I never gave much thought to the different types of diabetes. I remember saying, repeatedly, that I couldn’t imagine having to check my blood sugar and take insulin for the rest of my life. It was actually my greatest fear. So I guess life thought it would be funny to make me face my fears. I’m still at risk for Type 2 and work with an endocrinologist to attempt to stave it off. But what I envisioned living with Type 2 to be like is a far cry from the complexities of managing Type 1.
When You're On The Phone With Someone Experiencing Hypoglycemia
It’s happened a few times…and again just now, which reminded me of how I approach this situation. A very competent member of my son’s healthcare team called late in the evening. After chatting for a few minutes, I asked why this individual was at work so late. The response was, “I take my time…and I’m low.”