Living with diabetes (or caring for someone who lives with it) sure does take a lot of work, and it’s easy to be hard on ourselves if we aren’t “perfect”. But today it’s time to give ourselves some much deserved credit. Tell us about just one diabetes thing you (or your loved one) does spectacularly! Fasting blood sugar checks, oral meds sorted and ready, something always on hand to treat a low, or anything that you do for diabetes. Nothing is too big or too small to celebrate doing well!
I think most moms have a hard time seeing the things we do well when it comes to our kids. As the mom of a child with T1, I see Ethan’s A1c as a direct and very personal reflection of my diabetes management skills, my parenting and of course, ME as a human. Ridiculous, I know, and I remind myself at each appointment that it’s simply a benchmark to let us know where Ethan has been. But I do think most D-moms understand.
Needless to say, today’s prompt is a hard one to answer. One thing that I have always done well in Ethan’s care is to keep meticulous records. I record every blood sugar and make notes when there is something unusual. For example, if he was 350 at bedtime but I know he just had a big snack, I make note of it (as opposed to being 350 and having no idea why). It was a sad day for me when I filled up our first Lilly Log Book!
As for Ethan, he always tells me if he feels like he might be high or low. I think the thing he’s best at, though, is that he never complains about diabetes. Surely he must want to sometimes – I know I do! But he never does. I suppose some would say that isn’t healthy, that he should be giving voice to his feelings. I hope he will when the day comes that he is fed up with this disease, for I am sure that day will eventually come. For now, he simply carries on living.
I hope that never changes.
That is such a great post. Parents of CWD are all complete and utter superheroes #thatisall
Mike, thank you!!
I am also a serial record keeper. I have even developed my own system to chart both of my kids Blood Sugar numbers, carb amounts, doses, and activity level. My husband says I’m a bit anal about it but our doctor loves it. It gives her (and me) a much clearer picture of what is going on with both kids.
Shannon, wow! You have me beat! I often wonder if I should record carb amounts and doses. I think it would help sometimes.
Keeping records is important. Ethan knowing when he is high or low is probably a big help for you too!
Kelly, Ethan’s ability to know when he’s high or low is such a help! He’s pretty good at identifying lows – not so much highs yet. Can’t imagine how hard it is for those who truly feel no difference.
With a Momma like you, he will keep on living, and living well.
Wow! I need to stop and applaud you for raising an awesome kid. Sometimes I can’t get through a day without complaining about D.