Today’s “Feature Friday” comes to us from Shelsea and Coral!

Coral was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on Friday, March 11, 2016 at nearly 16 months of age. Her mom Shelsea has a wonderful diabetic blog which she says is an “honest and practical guide to managing her toddlers T1D.” If you have a young child with diabetes or know someone that does- you should definitely go check it out! 

She was in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a severe and life-threatening diabetes complication where the body has built up high levels of acidic ketones due to the lack of insulin. Coral’s full diagnosis story can be read on the T1D Life blog. (It is emotional and I suggest you grab some tissues!)

The meaning of thrive:

I often say, “strive to thrive!” Make realistic goals and crush them! Life was never easy for me before I met my husband. When Coral was diagnosed with T1d, I was very angry – all I wanted was a simple life for my first born child. She has become fierce, smart, and beautiful.

How this family thrives with diabetes:

Having a realistic approach to managing this chronic life-threatening autoimmune disease.

In the beginning, I wish I knew:

Log all carbs, boluses, and pre-bolus before eating carbs. All carbs affect each T1ds glucose levels differently.

Words of encouragement:

T1d never gets easier. We just get better at managing it.

Initial thoughts:

“Why my child??!! Was it because I couldn’t breastfeed longer than three months (due to mastitis)? F*ck T1d!”

Diabetic tip/trick!

Similar to the 6th question below. Also, *we* give Coral 2oz of protein shake or Lactaid milk or a small piece of milk chocolate before bed if she has .25 – 0.50U IOB to keep her bgs a bit more steady overnight. Learn how to adjust basals on pump and as much as you can quickly. We read a lot of books and medical journals right after Coral was diagnosed. All listed on the Quick Referrals page of my blog.

♡ Shelsea

PS: If you love this family, check out what family we featured last week

The post Feature Friday: The Deng Family & Coral appeared first on Thriving Diabetic.

That person isn’t the only one diagnosed- it is a family affair. Unfortunately, everyone shares in the burden of having diabetes. This could be felt through financial strain, pure exhaustion from being up all night caring for a T1D child or loved one, alarms for the highs and lows, coping and learning acceptance, the entire learning curve with CGMs and pumps, the mental challenges this disease brings you, and the work 24/7 work it entails. We could go on and on, am I right? Family and Type 1 Diabetes goes hand-in-hand.

Families are affected in various ways and I know that T1D affects my young children in many ways. They have seen me countless times calling insurance companies and diabetic supply companies, changing my infusion sets, giving myself injections via needles, sitting on the kitchen floor eating snacks, my post low moodiness, chugging water to bring my sugar down, and the list goes on and on. At the end of the day, I hope that I am a good example of a strong woman because this isn’t easy!

I hope they see that although I get frustrated and annoyed with diabetes and my body- I don’t give up. In fact, it makes me work that much harder. Diabetes affects my family but it also gives us a gift. It shows us how precious life is everyday. I know that I want and need to be there for my kids, so my health must be a priority everyday. Hopefully, they see it and they learn as I have from this disease.

How does diabetes affect you and your family?

Thank you for reading! If you like the blog and would like to share your story please visit this post for more information. Also, I found some resources and programs on “Beyond Type 1” about families and Type 1 Diabetes, if you need more information on this topic.

Thank you,

Stephanie

The post Family and Type 1 Diabetes appeared first on Thriving Diabetic.

What are ketones?

Ketones are a chemical produced in our bodies during the breakdown of  fat. The presence of ketones in our body is harmful to us as diabetics! Our bodies get rid of ketones in our urine, however, large amounts of ketones can build up in the bloodstream and cause problems.

What can happen if we have large amounts of ketones in our blood?

If we have large amounts of ketones in our blood, we could develop Diabetic Ketoacidosis or DKA. You can test your urine at home using ketone strips if you suspect you are “spilling ketones” but you should also seek medical help. DKA is an emergency and requires professional assistance. 

When should I be testing for ketones?

It is recommended to check for ketones if your blood sugar is elevated (300 <) and not coming down normally. Look for signs of DKA, such as, brain fog, feeling nauseous, feeling very tired, and other high blood sugar symptoms.

What should I do if I am spilling small or trace amounts of ketones?

First, breathe. Then try your best to get your sugars back in range (sometimes easier said than done, right?) with insulin. Also, make sure you are drinking A LOT of water to flush the ketones out! Exercise isn’t the best thing to do when your sugar is high but light movement is good and helpful for the insulin to circulate around your body. Think a light walk or dancing around your house.

What should I do if I am spilling moderate to large amounts of ketones?

Breathe again, stress only makes things worse! Contact a healthcare professional immediately and/or visit an urgent care hospital. Sometimes high blood sugars are out of our control and could be caused by an illness or an underlying infection. It is imperative to seek help at this point.

Final thoughts!

Ketones can happen to any diabetic at any time. It is important to share and refresh our minds about simple things like DKA and ketones, especially if we have had diabetes for a long time or if we are new in the diabetic world. Remember, you are greater and stronger than your highs! 

If you would like to learn more about Thriving Diabetic, click here!

Thank you,

Stephanie

The post Everything YOU Need to Know About: Ketones! appeared first on Thriving Diabetic.