Blog has moved.

Hi all,

My blog has moved, you can now find me at:

www.livingwithdiabetes.co.za

Hope to see you all soon!

Photos of Ruben

Here are some photos of Ruben’s birth, I also included some of Jacques, he is now 3 and a half years old.

Over protective? – I dont think so!

We were at a family get together this weekend and there was a lot of tension, again. There’s a long history behind this, but I wont go into the details now. As we arrived I saw that there were two bowls of chips on the table, and of course Jacques saw this too, and headed straight for the table. My husbands aunt asked if he could have any and I told her unfortunately not. He had had a large piece of savory bread on the way there and I had bolused him for that already. She only heard what she wanted to and gave him a chip none the less. But it didnt stop there. Whenever someone went to get a chip they’d give him one, and the aunt would say (jokingly), no dont give him that his mom will hit us.

Now, my first problem is that they gave him the chips even after I said he couldnt have any. (I had to bolus him again for the chips he had).

And my second problem, which is the bigger one, I’m the mommy, I know what’s best for him, I’m the one making sure his blood glucose doesnt go sky high which can result in him going into a coma. And she made me feel like a monster, like I was just being mean for not wanting him to have some chips.

I was so upset afterwards, my husband said that we were never going to his aunts home again.

Am I being an over protective neurotic mother? Even if I am, I am solely responsible for my sons health and I wont apologize for wanting to keep him safe (and alive).

Making lemonade from lemons

Making lemonade

My lemon tree is full of luscious fruit…

just ripe for the pickin!

It’s humbling when your time and effort by blogging actually inspires others. This morning I was nominated for the “Lemonade Award” by http://madmadmargo.blogspot.com/. I am thrilled and also touched that someone recognized our struggle and our triumphs in my post, http://diabeteschat.wordpress.com/2008/11/19/type-1-diabetes-blessing-in-disguise/

I am inspired by the many who share their story by writing or through their art within this community. They are givers. I’m constantly amazed. I am passing this award nomination along to those who have touched me, made me laugh and/or “wowed” me. Thank you!

whydidtheinsulindie.com

honeysweet.us

plasticpancreas.wordpress.com

lemonlemonade.wordpress.com

christianityandthesecret.wordpress.com

www.cancer-isnt-scary.blogspot.com

http://www.diabetes-wise.net/

http://123pancreaticcancer.info/

http://babybundlesinternational.blogspot.com/

http://madmadmargo.blogspot.com/

To accept this award, please…

• Place the logo on your blog and post.
• Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude!
• Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
• Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
• Share the love and link to this post to the person from whom you received your award.

Some family photos

Here are some photos of our family before Ruben was born (a month ago), I will add some photos of Ruben as soon as possible.

Jacques’s christening

Jacques

Jacques and mommy

Jacques

This last picture was taken on Jacques’s first birthday, his grandparents are also in the photo.

Jacques’s other health issues

I thought I’d update you a bit on Jacques’s other health issues.

Along with the type 1 diabetes he also has cfc syndrome.  This stands for Cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome. You can read more about this syndrome at www.cfcsyndrome.org.

What is Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome?

CFC syndrome is a rare genetic condition that typically affects the heart (cardio-), facial features (facio-) and skin (cutaneous).  It is seen with equal frequency in males and females and across all ethnic groups.  Children with CFC syndrome may have certain features that suggest the diagnosis, such as relatively large head size, down-slanting eyes, sparse eyebrows, curly hair, areas of thickened or scaly skin, and small stature.   Most will also have a heart defect.

In Jacques’s case he has the following symptoms:

An ASD (Atrial septum defect – hole in his heart)

Large head, low set ears, down-slanting eyes, curly hair, small ear and nose canals.

He also gets ill very easily, and this of course wreaks havoc with his sugars.

He was also on oxygen at home till he was 3 years old.

He is not walking yet, but is very near, he is walking with help.  He is also not talking yet.  He gets occupational and speach therapy once a week.

But even with all of these health challenges, he is still the sweetest and kindest little boy, and we love him to bits!

Type 1 Diabetes – blessing in disguise?

Now I know many people reading this heading will think I’ve gone mad.  Dont get me wrong, I would not wish this disease on anyone, but some good has come from it.

I will admit that before Jacques was diagnosed, we werent living the most healthy lifestyle.  But since his diagnosis this had to change, whether we liked it or not.  And believe me, at first this was a huge struggle.  Now, however we eat more healthily and we try to stick to a low GI diet.

Another blessing in disguise – we have learned a lot.  I now read the labels on food products, and actually understand what I’m reading!  I also know the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.  Before, I always thought this was the same disease, but it is most definitely not!  The biggest difference between the two types is that type 2, generally, is caused by a sedentary, and unhealthy lifestyle.  Whereas type 1 is not caused by anything the child (or the mother) has done.  You have to have a genetic predisposition.

Another thing I have learned is patience, and lots of it!  When Jacques seems to be naughty, I cannot be cross with him before I have tested his blood sugar.  More often than not, something will be wrong – either a high blood glucose, or low.  And I can most definitely not be angry with him for something he did wrong if his blood glucose is the cuase.

These were just some of the “blessings” this aweful disease has brought us.  I guess I’m living my life according to the philosophy that every cloud has a silver lining.

Guide to the Minimed insulin pump

Jacques is on the Medtrontic Minimed insulin pump.  This has been a life saver for us.

Here is a quick how to guide on this amazing insulin pump:

Listed below are all the components used in the pump:

1.  Paradigm quick set

2.  Quick-serter (quitie pie as we call it)

3.  Paradigm 1.8ml reservoire

4.  Novo-rapid insulin

(These are the products we use with Jacques – there are a few other also available)

Our routine of changing the needle site:

Setting up

In order to use an insulin pump, the reservoir must first be filled with insulin. Some pumps are designed to be used with prefilled cartridges that are replaced when empty. Most, however, must be filled with insulin of the users choice (in our case Novo-Rapid)

Setting up includes:

1. I first open a new (sterile) empty pump reservoir
2. Then I withdraw the plunger;
3. The needle is then inserted into the vial of insulin;
4. The air from the reservoir is then injected into the vial to prevent a vacuum forming in the vial as insulin is withdrawn;
5. The insulin is then drawn into the reservoir with the plunger, and the needle is then removed;
6. Any air bubbles is squirted out from the reservoir, and the plunger also removed;
7. The reservoir is then attached to the infusion set tubing;
8. The assembly is then installed into the pump and the tubing is then primed (insulin and any air bubbles are pushed through the tubing) – it is essential that this is done with the pump disconnected from the body to prevent accidental insulin delivery;
9. It is then attached (the needle is injected) into the infusion “site” (and a fixed prime is given in the cannula if a new set has been inserted).

Insulin pump, showing an infusion set loaded into quick-serter insertion device. A reservoir is attached to the infusion set (shown here removed from the pump).

Dosing

An insulin pump allows the replacement of slow-acting insulin for basal needs with a continuous infusion of rapid-acting insulin.

The insulin pump delivers a single type of fast-acting insulin in two ways:

• a bolus dose that is pumped to cover food eaten or to correct a high blood glucose level.
• a basal dose that is pumped continuously at an adjustable basal rate to deliver insulin needed between meals and at night.

This whole process sounds a lot more complicated than it actually is!  Once you get used to the process, you will be able to do it in your sleep.

Type 1 Diabetes – what does this mean?

The definition of type 1 diabetes: Diabetes is a disease that causes an abnormally high level of sugar, or glucose, to build up in the blood. Type 1 diabetes — previously labeled insulin-dependent, or juvenile diabetes — is caused by the destruction of cells in the pancreas (an organ located just behind the stomach) that produce the hormone insulin.

In layman’s terms, something happens to the pancreas and it then stops producing insulin. Insulin is the hormone needed to convert glucose into energy.

Popular symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:

Extreme thirst – really extreme, just before Jacques was diagnosed he literally only wanted to drink, at night he would sleep for 30 minutes and then wake up to drink again.

Weeing a lot: again, a lot is an understatement! I had to change his nappy every hour, it seemed as if the water was coming out as fast as he was putting it in.

I would definitely say that those two symptoms are major warning signs, if you or a loved one experience this, take action! Get to a medical professional for a blood glucose test.

Food for thought

Jacques has a monster appetite. And I mean huge! He usually eats all the food I give him and sometimes even wants more. I try to give him low-GI food, but that’s not always possible. Luckily sweets are not a huge problem, we try not to keep sweets in the house, but we will give him diabetic sweets once in a while.

I will try to add a recipe every week.

Here is his favorite chocolate cake recipe:

Recipe Ingredients:

3/4 cup Margarine @ rm temp
1/4 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Liquid egg substitue @ rm tm
Liquid sugar substitue equal
To 1/3 cup sugar
2 tsp Vanilla
2 cup Cake flour
2 tsp Baking powder
1/4 cup Instant dry milk
1/3 cup Cocoa
1 cup Water @ room temperature

Recipe Instructions:

Cream together margarine and sugar at medium speed until light and
fluffy. Add egg substitue, sweetener, and vanilla to creamed mixture
and beat at medium speed for 1/2 minute. Stir together flour, baking
powder, dry milk, and cocoa to blend. Add 1 cup water to creamed
mixture along with flour mixture and mix at medium speed only until
smooth. Spread evenly in a 9 inch square pan that has been greased
with margarine. Bake at 350 degree F. for 30-35 minutes or until a
cake tester comes out clean and the cake pulls away from the sides of
the pan. Cool to room temperature and cut 4 x 4 to yield 16 equal
servings. Food Exchange per serving: 1 BREAD EXCHANGE + 2 FAT
EXCHANGES; CAL: 157 CHO: 16gm; PRO: 3gm; FAT: 9gm
LOW-SODIUM DIETS: Use salt-free margarine and low-sodium baking
powder.

Source: From the New Diabetic Cookbook by Mabel Cavaiani, R.D.
Brought to you and yours via Nancy O’Brion and her Meal-Master

Servings: 16

For more delicious dessert recipes
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