Is Grazing Better for Your Blood Sugars?

Divabetic

Are you wondering if it’s better for you to eat  ‘3 meals a day’ versus ‘5 -6  smaller meals’ to manage your diabetes?

Experts agree that there are huge individual differences in how we respond to food, and no one  strategy- works for everyone.  Blindly following “conventional wisdom” or the latest diets seen on the morning talk shows isn’t a solution. The best way to begin managing your food intake and blood sugars is to pay attention to your individual differences when it comes to weight loss. There’s no ‘quick fix’ that’s going to work every time, all the time.

Past medical studies have found that grazing can lead to lower levels of insulin in people without diabetes as well as lower blood levels of cholesterol. But when it comes to weight loss in people with diabetes, a new study suggests than grazing may not be all that it’s cracked up to be.

The study, presented at the American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions late last month in Chicago, looked at adults with Type 2 diabetes over 12 weeks. According to an article at NBC News  each participant was assigned to a meal plan that cut his or her daily caloric intake by 500 calories. Some participants, though, had this food spread over six small meals, while others received only two larger meals each day: breakfast and lunch. At the end of the 12 weeks, both groups had lost weight. But the two-meal group had lost more weight than the six-meal group, as measured by body-mass index (BMI).

The common belief is that if you choose to eat every two hours then it virtually guarantees that your insulin is going to go up five times a day instead of, say, three.

“For many people, that means more hunger not less. Insulin is not only the “fat storage” hormone, it’s also the “hunger” hormone,” says Jonny Bowden PhD, CNS.

Jillian Michaels agrees,”When you’re constantly eating, you’re consistently releasing insulin, which puts your body into its “absorptive phase.” Basically what this means is that the insulin in your body is storing sugar — and not letting other enzymes in your body release sugar to break down fat. The goal is for your body to be in “postabsorptive phase,” where it uses your energy stores for sustenance, and burns more fat.”

When you have three, well-balanced meals a day, it’s easy to keep count of all of the calories you’re consuming and it’s much easier to nutritionally balance your meals.

This may why “Three meals a day”- each with a beginning and an end- is making a comeback as a weight loss strategy. Celebrity nutritionist JJ Virgin, PhD,  advocates eating three meals a day, the first meal within an hour of waking up and the last meal at least three hours before bed. And recent research has demonstrated- at least in rats- that “intermittent fasting” actually has some major health benefits.

So if three meals and two snacks works for you, great. Keep it up and carry on! But if it’s not working, don’t assume it’s because there’s something wrong with you. It just might be that you need to try a different strategy.

And three meals a day- each with a beginning and an end point, and with no “snacking” in between- might be one technique worth trying.

Do you live in Philadelphia? Get the help you need to manage your blood sugars beautifully at our free monthly Divabetic Club meetings presented at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Details at: divabetic.org

LISTEN NOW: March’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Carrie Underwood

Patti LaBelle Appears on ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Recap

Divabetic

“Because I’m seventy years young!,” declared Patti LaBelle when she was asked why she wanted to be on ‘Dancing With The Stars.’

That kind of ‘new attitude’ about aging is exactly why we’re turning in to ‘Dancing With The Stars’ this season to see our favorite ‘divabetic’, Ms. LaBelle, make diabetes dazzle on and off the dance floor.

Every week I’ll be giving you a ‘Divabetic’ recap of Miss Patti’s progress on the show. Let’s cross our fingers that she makes it to the finals.

There’s no doubt in my mind that on last night’s ‘Dancing With The Stars’ episode  Patti LaBelle added some much needed star power to the premiere of 10th year anniversary season. Unfortunately with each new season the ‘real’ celebrity quotient  and/or their offspring seems to be shrinking. Thankfully a wise producer decided it was time to get legit celebrities like Patti LaBelle to appear on the program.

Fasten your seat belts because Patti’s first appearance is a bit bumpy.

In true diva fashion, Patti LaBelle spilled her guts through mascara laced tears and admitted to America that she’s never danced before in her ‘behind the scenes’ video introduction.

Remember if you’re living with diabetes and you haven’t done exercise for a long time like Miss Patti then you should start with a little light exercise and build up slowly over time. It might take some trial and error to learn how to keep your blood glucose levels within range when you’re strutting your stuff on the dance floor too.

We were secretly hoping that a legendary performer living with diabetes like Patti LaBelle chooses to conceal a continuous  glucose monitor under her gorgeous costumes (more details on her gown later) to help her manage her blood sugars while she navigates the steps of a fierce foxtrot. Ask your doctor if a continuous glucose monitor can help you with your diabetes self-care management.

It’s back to basics!

In the first seconds of her dance rehearsal Miss Patti’s footwork was bad. Really bad. It was like she was channeling Whitney Houston’s lack of rhythm in her “I’m Not Your Baby Tonight’ video. It was painfully obvious to viewers that she has two left feet and absolutely no dance training at all. Good thing she can sing like nobody’s business!

Somebody loves you, baby!

Thankfully Patti’s partner is Artem Chigvintsev. Artem’s actually pretty good at working with the more mature ‘DWTS’ contestants. In past seasons he’s made his partners look ‘classy’ and not ‘cooky’ – no easy task. And he’s easy on the eyes which probably helps when you feel like a fish out of water in sequins on the dance floor.

Of course any ‘Dancing With the Stars’ fan knows that if you’re really going  to get to the finals than you better be partnered with Derek Hough or Mark Ballas. They’ve both been partnered with novice dancers in past seasons but you’d never know it. Their extraordinary choreography makes ugly ducklings look like swans.  

But hey, Artem is a way better partner than Tony Dovolani, who is partnered with Suzanne Somers. (Suzanne’s under armor was the star of her routine. She looked like she was cinched into that corset within an inch of her life. At 68, she’s still sexy and wants to show America that “Age is just a number and that blondes do have fun!”)

Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse  …

In less than ten minutes of her first rehearsal Patti admitted to Artem  that she was breathing like a horse. She took a break and it seemed to us that this multi-Grammy Award winner might be throwing in the towel. But two seconds later, the diva made up her mind that she would not be dismissed.

“I want to show America that Miss Patti can dance,” said Patti LaBelle declared as she pointed her rhinestone stilettos back to the dance floor.

Lights, Camera, Action! Time for Patti’s first performance on TV.

Patti LaBelle was serving up ‘superstar’ right from the start! She was dressed in a gold sequined dress that looked like 24 carat gold under the lights with matching cape. One word: magical. When the lights hit, she looked up and opened up her cape and dropped it to the ground. Since capes and divas don’t always go together it’s worth noting that  her cape fell without pulling her to the ground. There was no need for the  crew to start scrambling and yelling, “Diva Down!” like they did when Madonna tumbled at the Brit Awards..

Miss Patti’s first dance was a Foxtrot to her biggest hit,  “Lady Marmalade.” No surprise there. However, the producers wisely chose to play her version of the song rather than let the studio band cover it which would have been an embarrassment of horrific proportions.  After the routine, Judge Carrie Ann Inaba said Miss Patti’s routine was ‘simple.’ Ouch. When the ‘nice’ judge on the panel says your routine is ‘simple’ she means it’s a total snooze fest. And we agreed!  We’ve seen more speed and agility from Dowager Countess Violet Grantham of ‘Downton Abbey’ and she has a cane. Miss Patti did about fifteen more turns than necessary as she walked from one corner of the dance floor to the other. If she had performed the whole routine on a Segway to her song, ‘On My Own’ it would have been pure perfection. Unfortunately, she didn’t. Miss Patti LaBelle and Artem Chigvintsev’s dismal fox trot received  judge scores: 7, 6, 6, 6 for a total of 25 points landing her in ninth place.

And then there were tears.

The show continued on at a snail’s pace until  U.S. Army veteran Noah Galloway, who is an athlete and amputee danced his routine with partner, Sharna Burgess. It was a breathtaking performance. Judge Carrie Ann broke down afterwards. Okay, she breaks down every season but tears in the first week is a milestone. We love Carrie Ann because she’s not afraid to have an ‘ugly cry’ on National TV. You go, girl!

By the end of the show it seemed clear to this DWTS fan that the stars to look out for are: Michael Sams, Rumor Willis, Natasia Liukin and Riker Lynch. And maybe Suzanne Somer’s corset. That ‘diva’ apparatus really worked it, honey!

TUNE IN: March’s Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Carrie Underwood

Why Check Your Blood Sugars?

Mr. Divabetic

Mr. Divabetic and the Diabetes Late Nite team discuss the importance of checking your blood sugars  on November’s podcast on Tuesday, November 11, 2014, 6-7 PM, EST.

There are many reasons why people with diabetes choose to not check their blood sugars.

A common reason for not  checking is because it feels painful and hurts your fingertips. Although fingertips (on the sides of tips) offer a more reliable capillary flow and reading because changes in glucose levels are detected here more rapidly,  you can  use  alternative sites such as your forearm or thigh.

If you have diabetes, checking your blood sugar (blood glucose) can be an important tool in managing your treatment plan and preventing long-term complications of diabetes. Blood sugar testing requires the use of an electronic device called a glucose meter. The meter reads the amount of sugar in a small sample of blood, usually from your finger, that you place on a disposable test strip. Your doctor or diabetes educator can recommend an appropriate device for you.

Blood sugar monitoring provides useful information for diabetes management. It can help you:

• Judge how well you’re reaching overall treatment goals
• Understand how diet and exercise affect blood sugar levels
• Understand how other factors, such as illness or stress, affect blood sugar levels
• Monitor the effect of diabetes medications on blood sugar levels
• Identify blood sugar levels that are dangerously high or low

Your doctor will advise you on how often you should check your blood sugar level. In general, the frequency of testing depends on the type of diabetes you have and your treatment plan.

Type 1 diabetes. Your doctor may recommend blood sugar testing three or more times a day if you have type 1 diabetes. Testing may be before and after certain meals, before and after exercise, before bed, and occasionally during the night. You may also need to check your blood sugar level more often if you are ill, change your daily routine or begin a new medication.

Type 2 diabetes. If you take insulin to manage type 2 diabetes, your doctor may recommend blood sugar testing one or more times a day, depending on the number of insulin doses you take. Testing is commonly done before meals, after fasting for at least eight hours and sometimes after meals if instructed by your provider. If you manage type 2 diabetes with non-insulin medications or with diet and exercise alone, you may not need to test your blood sugar daily.

LISTEN NOW: October’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast on ‘Anger & Diabetes’

Join Us for the Divabetic Club – NYC in October

Divabetic Club

After a four year absence, Divabetic’s premiere outreach program, the Divabetic Club returns to New York City on Sunday, October 26, 1-4 PM. “I’m excited to bring our diva brand of diabetes outreach back to NYC,” says Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek. “Divabetic started in NYC so it’s great to be back doing what we do best! We’re planning to focus on the emotional side of living with diabetes and give people the opportunity to let their hair down.” Divabetic’s belief in the power of a diva to change attitudes is what led us to take diabetes education out of the clinical setting and to direct our outreach efforts toward women. The ‘girl’s nights out’ atmosphere helps us to tackle real life problems, body image issues and matters of the heart where diabetes is concerned.  Different beauty, image, craft and lifestyle presenters join us from time to time to teach us about other interests, products and services. The Divabetic Club will be co-presented with Elliot LeBow LCSW, CDE. Elliot is a clinical social worker, psychotherapist and certified diabetes educator. At age six, I was diagnosed with Juvenile diabetes (Type I). I am now a Diabetes-Focused Psychotherapist, a Certified Diabetes Educator and Diabetes Coach as well as the owner of DiabeticTalks, a robust online platform dedicated to helping individuals like yourself live a better life.

“My own passion lies with helping people with diabetes live a capable, powerful life-with less suffering!”says Elliot LeBow.

If you’re affected by, at risk and/or living with diabetes or you care for someone living with diabetes – you’re welcome to join us. The best way to experience our diva brand of diabetes programming is to bring a friend! Mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, cousins, co-workers or best friends – all are welcome!

Sunday, October 26, 2014, 1 -4 PM – FREE ADMISSION 

Divabetic Club – NYC

323 West 96th Street, Suite 2

New York, NY 10025

REGISTER NOW: (646) 392-8599

Help, Diabetes Destroyed My Bladder!

Divabetic Hot Topics

More than half of men and women with diabetes have bladder dysfunction because of damage to nerves that control bladder function. Bladder dysfunction can have a profound effect on a person’s quality of life. Common bladder problems in men and women with diabetes include the following:

Overactive bladder. Damaged nerves may send signals to the bladder at the wrong time, causing its muscles to squeeze without warning. The symptoms of overactive bladder include

• urinary frequency-urination eight or more times a day or two or more times a night
• urinary urgency-the sudden, strong need to urinate immediately
• urge incontinence-leakage of urine that follows a sudden, strong urge to urinate

Poor control of sphincter muscles. Sphincter muscles surround the urethra-the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body-and keep it closed to hold urine in the bladder. If the nerves to the sphincter muscles are damaged, the muscles may become loose and allow leakage or stay tight when a person is trying to release urine.

Urine retention. For some people, nerve damage keeps their bladder muscles from getting the message that it is time to urinate or makes the muscles too weak to completely empty the bladder. If the bladder becomes too full, urine may back up and the increasing pressure may damage the kidneys. If urine remains in the body too long, an infection can develop in the kidneys or bladder. Urine retention may also lead to overflow incontinence-leakage of urine when the bladder is full and does not empty properly.

“I have lost my bladder control completely. I have to change diapers as much as a six month old. Is there anything that can be done to correct this problem? I just turned 52. Please help!”

Diagnosis of bladder problems may involve checking both bladder function and the appearance of the bladder’s interior. Tests may include x rays, urodynamic testing to evaluate bladder function, and cystoscopy, a test that uses a device called a cystoscope to view the inside of the bladder.

Treatment of bladder problems due to nerve damage depends on the specific problem. If the main problem is urine retention, treatment may involve medication to promote better bladder emptying and a practice called timed voiding-urinating on a schedule-to promote more efficient urination. If urinary leakage is the main problem, medications, strengthening muscles with Kegel exercises, or surgery can help. Treatment for the urinary urgency and frequency of overactive bladder may involve medications, timed voiding, Kegel exercises, and surgery in some cases.Keeping blood glucose levels in your target range may help to lower your risk of further damage

 LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite Mystery Radio with Tonya Kappes 

LISTEN NOW: Mr. Divabetic Show on Diabetes Innovators podcast

How I Met My Meter by Scott Johnson

How I Met My Meter – Scott Johnson

Mr. Divabetic recently interviewed one of his favorite people in the diabetes community, Scott Johnson.

Scott Johnson talked about his work with the mySugr companion on the Mr. Divabetic on Diabetes Innovators podcast.

The mySugr diabetes app for iPhones and Android Smartphones is a fun and motivating way to help people  with diabetes to tame the monster.

Scott Johnson who is the Communications Lead for mySugar has been living with diabetes since 1980. He started writing about his life with type 1 diabetes in February of 2000. First as a way to journal, and keep records, maybe so one day his family could look back on his struggles and successes and better understand him.

“I found the exercise of putting words to those thoughts and feelings helpful,” says Scott.  “I wasn’t the only one. There were four or five others who also started blogging about their lives with diabetes. The Diabetes Online Community took off, and hasn’t slowed down since. A handful of us has turned into thousands of us. The support and encouragement I find “out there” is immeasurable, and plays a crucial role in my self-care.”

Scott states, “I bring an honest and open account of my life with diabetes. I work hard to stay involved, and give as much as I can back to the community that empowers and inspires me.”

Read how this amazing diabetes advocate embraces technology to help him manage his daily blog sugars. Here’s Scott Johnson’s ‘How I Met My Meter’ story:

“I am a huge fan of the iBGStar meter from Sanofi! Why? Because it is sooooo tiny – take a look! The bottle of test strips is bigger than it is! I can toss this little guy in my pocket along with my test strips and a lancing device and have everything I need to keep an eye on my blood sugars while on the go.

Because I’m typically an early adopter, and a gadget guy, I was really excited when the iBGStar first hit the market in the United States (May 2012). It was the first meter to integrate with an iPhone, which was really cool.

But when I learned that I didn’t need to have it attached to the iPhone – that I could test on it even while it was unplugged – it was game over. I simply had to have it.

Like most of us here in the U.S., my health insurance plays a big part in which test strips I can afford. So I can usually only afford the strips for my beloved iBGStar late in the year after I’ve met my out of pocket maximum (I have to use a different meter and strips until then). But I’m thankful to have health insurance at all, and make the best of it.

I’m also excited about the integration between the iBGStar and mySugr Companion on iOS. Earlier this year (2014) we announced an agreement between mySugr and Sanofi Germany that made it possible to do live blood sugar tests and import values from the iBGStar meter. It’s a major step forward and a preview of mySugr’s device connectivity capabilities.

I love forwards steps and device connectivity, even if I can’t have it in my home country. Yet.”

READ MORE about Scott’s struggles, successes, and everything in between at  Scott K. Johnson 

LISTEN NOW: Mr. Divabetic Show on the New Diabetes Innovators featuring mySugr mobile app, Jerry the Bear, HelpAround mobile app and the Eugeena Patterson mystery book series.

Melon Mojito Salsa by Arthur Espino

Melon Mojito Salsa

Summer’s almost over but there are still plenty of fresh fruits and veggies to inspire you to create and enjoy salsa. Home cook, Arthur Espino created this refreshing Melon Mojita Salsa that makes a great snack with low-fat tortilla chips. (Our Diabetes Late Nite cast can’t get enough!)

Wondering if alcohol is off limits with diabetes? Most people with diabetes can have a moderate amount of alcohol according to the American Diabetes Association.

Research has shown that there can be some health benefits such as reducing risk for heart disease. But, moderation is important. If you have any questions about whether alcohol is safe for you, check with your doctor. People with diabetes should follow the same guidelines as those without diabetes if they choose to drink: Women should have no more than 1 drink per day. Men should have no more than 2 drinks per day.

Melon by Arthur Espino

Ingredients:

1/2 cup watermelon chopped

1/2 cup cantaloupe chopped

1/2 cup honeydew melon chopped

3-4 Jalapeños take seeds out

1 medium size ripe avocado

1/2 cucumber peeled ( no seeds) and chopped

Juice of two small limes

Small bunch of fresh mint chopped

1/4 cup of white rum

Small bunch cilantro chopped

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate. Let sit overnight for best results. Salt to taste

Salsa can be so much more than a snack from a jar when you bring your healthy salsa recipes to life with fresh fruits and fiber-packed vegetables. Make a fresh homemade salsa recipe to avoid the high sodium in many store-bought salsa brands. Enjoy your healthy homemade salsa recipes with any meal or as a satisfying and healthy chip and dip snack.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Miranda Lambert . Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Mama Rose Marie, Author Kim Boykin and Marina Tsaplina.

TUNE IN: Mr. Divabetic Show on Breast Cancer & Diabetes featuring Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. April Speed, Mari Michelle Ruddy, Mary Sue Englund and E.P. McKnight.

Divabetic Platinum Picks for Diabetes Self-Care

Divabetic Platinum Picks

We’re embracing the essence of a ‘platinum’ lifestyle on August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Miranda Lambert on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, 6 – 7 PM, EST.

Country superstar Miranda Lambert says, “I see a “platinum” kind of lifestyle and attitude catching on. When you’re in the industry and you hear ‘platinum’ you think platinum album but platinum is a lot of things: it’s hair, it’s diamonds and platinum, it’s Bud Light Platinum, it’s the color of an Airstream. It’s a fun yet glamorous vibe.”

Why not go platinum and glamorize your health in order to help you stay positive when you’re dealing with the up’s and down’s of diabetes?  One way to boost your feelings of self-worth is to give yourself affirming and positive messages. Recognize your “platinum” aka good qualities and give yourself a break, even if no one else does.

You can also go “platinum” with Divabetic’s favorite ‘platinum’ self-care product picks guaranteed to help you GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS:

The Dexcom G4 Platinum Continuous Glucose Monitor features an extended 200 foot range, glucose trends in vibrant color and a sleek and small receiver. Available in three fit, fabulous and fierce colors – classic, black, ocean blue and tickled pink.

Wet Platinum Premium Silicone Lubricants feel like silk. It’s never sticky and never dries so it leaves your skin feeling soft and moisturized. It does not break down in water so try it in the bath, shower or spa. It’s also great for a full body massage and skin conditioning. Now kosher!

One of Miranda’s favorite lyrics on her fifth studio album titled “Platinum” is ‘imagine a fighter with a centerfold face.” Miranda says, “that’s how I picture all of my friends. They’re strong – and gorgeous. They make me proud.”

Tune in August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Miranda Lambert on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, 6 -7 PM, EST. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, Mama Rose Marie, Author Kim Boykin and Marina Tsaplina.

TUNE IN: Mr. Divabetic Show on Breast Cancer & Diabetes featuring Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. April Speed, Mari Michelle Ruddy, Mary Sue Englund and E.P. McKnight.

How I Met My Meter by Judith Jones Ambrosini

Diabetes Late Nite

July’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast features a new segment titled, “How I Met My Meter” featuring Mr. Divabetic’s Digital Divas. Since our podcast aired we’ve been receiving numerous e-mails from people with diabetes sharing their “How I Met My Meter” stories.

Here’s the “How I Met My Meter” story by Judith Jones-Ambrosini who is the author of the Sisterhood of Diabetes. 

“Approximately twenty years after diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in 1962 I met my first home blood glucose monitor. It was such an overwhelming occasion – a great gift. My Glucometer gave me the power to test my own blood glucose at home or anywhere I felt like doing it instead of going to the doctor’s office where he pricked my sensitive fingers with a guillotine-like lancet.

Yes that first Glucometer called for calibrating, wiping off blood drops with a cotton ball as part of the procedure, recharging batteries and waiting impatiently for the 60 seconds to tick down to get a number.  But, it really was quite an epiphany for this girl who had become used to slicing Clinitest strips into 3 or 4 pieces to get more tests out of each strip.  I also remember the frustration of not getting a big enough drop of blood to make the test work.  But despite its bulkiness and weight I became quickly enamored by my first Glucometer.

There have been many more meters through the years and yes, they are more accurate, faster, cheaper, don’t require calibration and are sleek and lightweight with streamlined cases —  but I will always have a place in my heart for the first awkward, boxy, somewhat daunting Glucometer that changed the way I managed my diabetes.  It gave me the power to know my numbers and act on them in a flash.  After over a half century of living with diabetes I think of technology being our “cure” today with all its sophisticated advances and accuracy that make living with diabetes almost a cakewalk.  However if it weren’t for that first Glucometer, who knows where we would be now.”

Checking your blood sugar is one of the best ways to know how well your diabetes treatment plan is working which is why your meter is so important. The main goal of treatment is to keep blood sugar levels in the normal or near-normal range which is why the relationship with your blood glucose meter is so important. E-mail your “How I Met My Meter” stories to: mrdivabetic@gmail.com

BUY NOW: Judith Jones- Ambrosini’s fabulous book, The Sisterhood of Diabetes features 44 true-life stories of women with diabetes-the challenges they faced and the adventures they took — available on Amazon. The message of SISTERHOOD OF DIABETES  is to live your dreams with diabetes, or any other challenges, with a positive attitude and inspired determination.

TUNE IN: Mr. Divabetic Show on Breast Cancer & Diabetes on Tuesday, July 22, 6-7 PM, EST. Guest include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. April Speed, Mari Michelle Ruddy, Mary Sue Englund and E.P. McKnight.

July’s Diabetes Late Nite the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic and his guests talk about the concept of ‘reversing diabetes.’ LISTEN NOW

 

How I Met My Meter by Jessica Clark

July’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast features a segment with the Digital Divas (Taryn and Jessica) titled, “How I Met My Meter.” One of the biggest  relationships for people living with diabetes is the one they have with their blood glucose meter. Was it love at first sight? An online hook-up? Did you settle? Or are you still looking for the perfect one?

Checking your blood sugar is one of the best ways to know how well your diabetes treatment plan is working which is why your meter is so important. The main goal of treatment is to keep blood sugar levels in the normal or near-normal range but if you can’t read the display? You have trouble downloading the information? Or your meter is malfunctioning?

Jessica’s been living with type 1 diabetes for over 22 years. Here’s Jessica‘s story on how she met her current blood glucose meter:

“Not many people would remember my first meter. It was bigger than an iphone, required a gallon of blood, AND took an entire 60 seconds to get a reading! Needless to say, any meter after it was a step up.

Through out the years,  I tried many different style and varieties. Sadly, as diabetes become more prevalent, more companies made more meters, in more styles. I tried the colorful ones, the larger ones and the ones with more features. There was even a meter with a rechargeable battery and a color screen!

When i got my insulin pump it came with a one touch meter that could link and bolus to my pump. It was nice, and for times when I needed to conceal my pump (like a dress) I could easily bolus without needing to undress in the restroom. However, it was kind of bulky. Trust me, when you have a tiny purse, carrying an decent sized meter takes up valuable room. Eventually, I got a “free trial” meter that was a freestyle lite. It was perfect! So tiny, (affordable, free), easy to read the screen, everything! I always gravitate back to it when I try a new meter out. No matter how many times I stray, I can always go back to my freestyle. It will always take me back, work the way I need, and most importantly, leave room for more make up in my purse.”

The results of blood sugar checking tell you if your diabetes treatments are on target. Your blood sugar  can be affected by activity levels, stress, emotions, sex, anxiety, foods, hormones and medications (including insulin and oral diabetes medications). To interpret results, it is important to consider all of these factors.

You should review your blood sugar results regularly with a healthcare provider. The record should include the time and date, blood glucose result, and dose of medication used; additional notes about what you ate, exercise, and difficulties with illness or stress can also be helpful but are not generally required every day.

TUNE IN: Mr. Divabetic Show on Breast Cancer & Diabetes on Tuesday, July 22, 6-7 PM, EST. Guest include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. April Speed, Mari Michelle Ruddy, Mary Sue Englund and E.P. McKnight.

July’s Diabetes Late Nite the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic and his guests talk about the concept of ‘reversing diabetes.’ LISTEN NOW