go_green4life's Blog

I have been a juvenile diabetic for over 20 years and have been told that I had a potassium deficiency numerous times and also have experienced horrible night time leg cramps. I do know that leg cramps can also be caused by a lack of folic acid in your diet. The best sources of these are fruits and juices but because my diabetes is so unstable I have been advised to avoid both as much as possible. I did recently find some diabetic vitamins at CVS Pharmacy and began taking them. I haven't had any blood work done recently but I have noticed that the leg cramps are getting less severe and fewer in occurance. I haven't changed any other part of my routine or diet so I can't help but attribute it to the vitamins. I know most pharmacies now carry a line of medications geared towards diabetic patients so you might even be able to find them at other pharmacies as well. Of course, I would check with my doctor before I took anything over the counter (even vitamins) as some can have an adverse effect on blood sugars.

I was diagnosed at the age of 14 with uncontrollable juvenile diabetes. I have been on up to 6 shots a day with no better control. I am careful with my diet and exercise but there is just not alot that helps me. I "rollercoaster" almost daily between 50 to 350. I have now been on an insulin pump for almost 2 years and my control has gotten better. They recently found out that I have a hormone imbalance that affects the way my body uses the insulin I take. I am supposed to start taking daily hormone injections next week to help correct the problem.
I do not, as of yet, have any complications whatsoever from my diabetes. I am one of the fortunate ones. The doctors sure can't explain it to me! I do, however, have another medical condition that when active greatly affects my blood sugar control. I was diagnosed with a very rare muscle disease 10 years ago and when it becomes active I have to take steroids and methotrexate (oral chemo). I am currently in remission but they cannot tell me how long it will last.
I learned a long time ago to just enjoy the day and be happy. I do everything within my power to control my diabetes and work closely with my doctor. Those are the keys. Know your body (each diabetic is different), learn from the people who have lived with it, follow your diet, and don't let it rule your life! Decide right now that this disease is not going to beat you! I know it's very scary. I remember waking up from the coma and finding out I would have to take shots for the rest of my life. We just have to do what we can and let God handle the res

Most often, juvenile diabetes is inherited. I got it from my paternal grandfather. Most people carry the gene that causes diabetes, it just depends on whether or not it goes active. They believe mine was triggered by a simple stomache virus. I ended up in a coma for almost 2 weeks. Blood sugar taken in the ER was over 900.
I know what you mean about "experts". I hate the misconception most people have that if you just eat right and take your insulin then you shouldn't have any problems. People who think that do not have a clue. You do learn to pretty much block them out but I still get aggravated at people.
The pumps take a little getting used too. You do wear them 24 hours a day. You can take them off for up to 1 hour to bath, swim, etc. I haven't had any problems with the comfort though. Most people carry a cellphone everywhere now a days and it's really not much different.
As for the expense of the insulin pump, there are alot of programs that help. I am fortunate enough to have insurance who paid part of the expense but I couldn't even afford the $1500 deductible. Minimed (the insulin pump manufacturer) has several programs to help people with the financial burden. When I had to get help with my deductible, I was told that they help alot of people 100% with the expense. You might speak to your doctor and see if they can help you. Most endocronologists have pump therapists that make regular visits to their offices for just such a reason. Please email me if I can be of any help at all! Mine has really made a difference.

I've heard lots of ideas about herbal remedies from different people over the years. Things like cod liver oil, garlic, and the newest one is cinnamon. I've even had a lady tell me that she was cured of Type 1 diabetes after seeing a native american doctor (don't know what tribe) who gave her this herbal concontion to drink. Says she saw him for a year and finally was cured. Never really could believe that though. If the cure was that simple there wouldn't be millions suffering from the disease, would there?
I've always been too scared to try any of the "homeopathic" remedies though. I have enough problems even though I follow my doctor's orders!

Texas tahnks and let us know what your dad says :)