It looks like a confusing slew of numbers, right? Right. This was the mandated log I kept of blood sugars during my second pregnancy. It almost brought tears to my eyes remembering how tedious it was.
First thing in the morning - prick your finger, squeeze, and check sugar.
Two hours after EVERY meal - prick, squeeze, and check sugar.
If you have ever experienced diabetes or unstable sugars, you know to prick the meaty part of your finger. Rotate fingers, switch sides, and after a while the throbbing redness turns to calloused numbness. This is why it is not recommended to use the index finger...especially for a nurse who has to feel for veins during a work shift.
In addition to the finger pricks, my second {and last} pregnancy came with belly sticks. Draw up insulin, swab belly, insert needle, and inject.
p.s. insulin burns
p.p.s. injections leave bruises
After a while, I was fortunate to get an insulin pen for injections. Dial to 14 units and click a button to inject. I am not squeamish, nor do I fear needles - but I remember holding my breath hoping I didn't hit an invisible nerve that would cause sharp pain.
In addition to the hard work of treating diabetes, I had to keep a log and report to an endocrinologist twice weekly with biweekly appointments. Time consuming? You bet! It was also expensive...glucometer, disposable test strips, lancets (to prick fingers), insulin, needles, alcohol swabs, gauze, and specialty doctor bills.
As of 2014, the CDC reported that 29.1 million people have diabetes and 27.8% of that number is undiagnosed...meaning 8.1 million people are not receiving medical care to treat the disease.1 I had gestational diabetes for 9 months. Imagine the time and cost incurred to those who suffer daily with no hope of the disease 'resolving' on its own.
There are two types of diabetes - the most common is Type II. While there is no cure, healthy nutrition and consistent exercise can improve the condition or even eliminate it. Diabetes is in my genes and I cannot change that. Darn sure I am going to do EVERYTHING in my power to prevent that tedious, painful, depressing, and restraining lifestyle.
I'm so thankful and blessed to have a healthy family and it seems to good to be true. What IS true is that I have worked hard to lose 30 pounds in a HEALTHY way. Diet patches, weight loss drops, fat blockers, and social gym memberships didn't work. There was no success hiding in a 'quick fix.' We continue to live a fit lifestyle with balanced eating and healthy portions. Make your life count with good choices now. In the end, it's what brings happiness and purpose...and saves a whole lot of money.
Sources: 1: CDC Stats
