5 Common Misconceptions About Diabetes

More and more people are becoming diagnosed as Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics each year, which means that there are more and more people talking about the disease. And while spreading the word about diabetes is a good thing, there are also an awful lot of misconceptions out there. So, whether you’re a fellow diabetic, or have a loved one who is, this debunking session just might teach you a thing or two.

Misconception #5: Your Blood Glucose Must Always be on Target

The best way to describe life with diabetes is like being on a roller coaster ride. There are ups, there are downs, and there are even times when things go upside down and backwards. One thing that makes this ride with diabetes so difficult is the number of different things that can throw off the delicate balance needed to keep your blood sugar within range. Some everyday situations that can raise your blood sugar levels are stress, hormone changes, illness, certain medications, lack of sleep, and emotional changes, just to name a few. Just because your blood sugar is higher or lower than it should be doesn’t mean that you’re not taking care of yourself. Its a perfectly normal thing to have spikes, but if your blood glucose continues to drop too low or shoot too high, it’s a good idea to see your doctor right away, as you might need a slight adjustment in your medication or diet.

Misconception #4: You’ll End Up in the Hospital if You Get Sick

While it is true that diabetes weakens the immune system, making it easier to catch whatever is going around, that doesn’t necessarily mean that if you catch a cold you’re doomed. However, there is a tiny bit of truth hidden in this misconception. Because a diabetic’s immune system is weaker than the average bear, they typically get sicker and stay sick longer. It also presents an issue with spikes in blood sugar due to the fact that any infection in the body will cause those reading to rise. To remedy this, make sure to get a Flu shot every year, and try to stay away from those whom you know to be sick. But, don’t worry- if you do happen to catch something, it can be treated easily with some strong antibiotics.

Misconception #3: Being Overweight Caused Your Diabetes

Contrary to popular belief, a persons weight doesn’t always have to do with whether or not they have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can often be brought on by obesity and poor diet choices, but making changes to your diet and lifestyle, including dropping some weight will usually kick type 2 to the curb. However, for the type 1 diabetics out there, weight is rarely an issue. If the circumstances are right, diabetes can affect your life no matter what size you are.

Misconception #2: You Can’t Eat Sugars or Carbohydrates… Ever!

This seems to be the biggest misconception out there about diabetes. Many people seem to be under the impression that if you have diabetes, you only eat to survive. But they may be surprised to learn that diabetics can enjoy food and snacks just like regular people! A diabetic having carbs is no big deal, but it is important to make sure there are enough of the right kind of carbs going into your daily diet. Instead of having a donut every morning with your coffee, try a piece of wheat toast with a little peanut butter instead. But definitely don’t feel bad about splurging every now and then. Just make sure to keep a close watch on your blood sugar, and don’t worry about what other people say- you know your body better than anyone else!

Misconception #1: Diabetics Are Weaker Than Anyone Else in the World

Weak? Please! Diabetics are survivors. We handle more finger pricks and shots in a month than most do in a year, and we’re great at counting carbs and knowing exactly how much insulin to give with our favorite meals. Diabetics may have to take breaks a little more often than others, but that doesn’t make us any different than anyone else on the planet. Don’t ever let anyone give you the impression that you can’t do whatever it is that you want to do just because of your health. If you take care of yourself, you can achieve whatever your heart desires. Just like those who are battling similar diseases, diabetics are strong, persistent, and as my grandmother says, we’re “just a little bit sweeter than everyone else!”

Writing The Book

I don’t know about you, but as a diabetic, my biggest pet peeve is when someone treats me as if I don’t know what I’m doing when it comes to my diabetes. August of this year will mark my 14th year as a diabetic, and over those 14 years I’ve gained an awful lot of experience with my disease. As a lot of you probably have, I took many different classes when I was initially diagnosed which taught me a myriad of topics such as learning how to count carbohydrates and manage blood sugars, what to do in case of DKA or a seizure, and how to draw-up and inject insulin doses. The classes my mom and I partook in were wonderful and full of knowledge, but there’s never a better teacher than experience, which I think by now I have had enough of. Sure, I may not have gone to medial school, and I may not have an R.N. after my name, but I know my body better than anyone else, and I feel that I should be listened to out of respect.

This soap box I’ve climbed upon isn’t completely random. As a matter of fact, it has to do with an incident that took place just last week.

If you’ve been following my blog then chances are you’ve read about my on-going battle with pancreatitis. It’s been an incredibly tough road, but I thought I was going to finally get some answers when I was referred to a clinic about 3 hours away from me. They told me they were going to perform an EUS, or an Endoscopic Ultrasound, which is basically an ultrasound that takes place from the inside. When I was first diagnosed with pancreatitis in early April, I was told that I needed the EUS to find out exactly what was going on, and my hospitalist made an appointment for me to have the procedure done. I was nervous, but the though of finally getting some answers excited me.

The day finally came around and per the doctor’s instructions, I had nothing to eat or drink after midnight, and did not take my insulin the morning of the procedure. Now, I thought it was strange that they would tell me not to take my insulin, but I trusted the doctors and I followed my instructions. My mom picked me up from my house at 4:30am, and we made the long drive to the hospital. I was put in a room, given an IV, had my vitals checked, and filled out all of my paperwork when they finally decided to check my blood sugar before going in to the procedure. That’s when my nurse came into my room and delivered news that I did not want to hear. The procedure was canceled.

Surprisingly, (sarcasm) because I wasn’t allowed to take my morning dose of insulin, my blood sugar spiked to over 600, putting me into mild DKA, and rendering them unable to perform the test. I was immediately rushed to the emergency department and given an insulin drip, as well as fluids to bring my sugar down.

What made me so angry, besides getting up at 4am and driving over 3 hours for nothing, was the fact that while at the hospital I was being treated as if I had no idea how to manage my diabetes. They were spouting off facts about blood sugars, insulin, and checking my blood sugar, and after a while it started to make my blood boil. Finally, I spoke up about the way they were treating me. (I was under the influence of heavy medication, just so you know.) One nurse came in and begin to explain (again) that if I do not take my insulin, my blood sugar would spike. I raised up from the bed, looked her straight in the eyes and said, “Honey, I’ve been a diabetic since I was 10 years old, I could write the book on this stuff!” Lucky for me, that finally got her off of my back.

After a few bags of fluids and several doses of insulin, my blood sugar finally went back down to normal and I was released. My test was reschedule and took place just a few days ago without incident. This time I was allowed to take my morning insulin dose, and my blood sugar stayed perfectly controlled the entire time. Hmm. Who knew.

– Jessica.

A Fine Day Indeed

My outlook on today started out wonderfully. I was all set to have a very important test called an Endoscopic Ultrasound at a hospital over three hours from my home, but even though the drive was quite ridiculous, I was hopeful because I really believed that this test would give me the answers I’d been seeking about the pain in my abdomen.

My mom and I arrived right on time and I was immediately called back to begin prepping for the procedure. They had started my IV, and I had already spoken with the anesthesiologist when the doctor came in with some news I did not want to hear. My blood sugar had spiked to an incredible 703 due to the fact that I was instructed not to take my morning insulin dose because this was a fasting procedure. (Meaning that I was not permitted to eat, drink, or take any medication after midnight) The doctor informed me that going under while having such a high glucose could cause a myriad of problems, and that performing the test today was out of the question even if my blood sugar did come down. I was then sent to the emergency department of the hospital to receive fluids and an insulin drip.

I was furious, disappointed, and scared all at the same time over this situation. My blood sugar had never reach that level before, even when I was diagnosed. I had also driven such a long way to get this test done and finally get some answers- answers that would now be kept from me even longer. I had decided to try and relax while they were bringing my sugar down, and maybe even try to take a nap. But no sooner did I get checked into the ER did they come in and say those words that I’ve heard way too much over the past few months- “We’re going to admit you.”

I could feel my blood pressure rising more and more until I felt like my ears were going to blow off. There was no way I was going to be admitted to the hospital for a 4th time in 2 months. Furious was not even close to how I felt in the moment. But as soon as the doctor left and the door closed, I lost it. I was crying like a baby- everything just hit me at once and I had a complete breakdown, but luckily for me, my mother was there for support and comfort and after a little while was finally able to calm me down.

After a few hours, several insulin injections, and 2 bags of fluids, my blood sugar came down to a normal level, and I was given the joyous news that rather than admit me, they were going to let me go home. By the time I was released I was completely exhausted, but nevertheless very happy. Unfortunately, today was not the day of answers that I had hoped for, but I have faith that my answers will come soon. And the next time I’m told not to take my insulin in the morning before the procedure… I think I’ll take a little anyways.

– Jessica.