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Searchin' for a Cure
Living with Diabetes
(Editor's Note:  I would like to dedicate this site to my friend Carrie, who inspired me to create it. I want to thank my parents, relatives, and friends for all of their support over these past years. I'm so fortunate to have you in my life. I love you all :)
About Me

   My name is Sara and I'm 23 years old.  I've had type 1 diabetes for  almost 5 years.  Some hobbies that I enjoy are: listening to music, hanging out with my friends, reading, writing, hiking,  and making a difference.
    The purpose of this site is to let other people who have type 1 diabetes know that they are NOT alone.  There are other people who are going through the same thing you are and who have the same concerns.  I encourage you to volunteer at your local JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) office or attend the annual "Walk to Cure Diabetes.".  By doing these things, you meet others who have diabetes just like you.  And you realize that nobody is alone.  We are all in this together.
     E-mail me anytime at: searchin4cure@hotmail.com.  I'm here for you 24/7.  I'll try to answer any questions or just be here to listen to you.        
      
      HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU...


New Year, New Life

    The year 2000 started off like every other year and ended in a way that I never had imagined.  On Sunday, December 31, 2000 I felt like I had a terrible case of the flu.  I had no energy at all, constant thirst, and always had to go to the bathroom!  Well, my parents brought me into the ER around 1:00pm.  and within 30 minutes I was diagnosed with something that never crossed my mind- DIABETES.  Of course, I was in shock for a while and just couldn't believe it- they must be wrong, but they weren't.  My blood sugar was dangerously high- almost  1,000 (which is about 10 times the normal blood sugar)!!!  The dr.'s  said that if I hadn't come into the ER, that in 3 days I would've gone into a coma!!  That fact still scares the heck out of me !!!  I was in the hospital for 4 days- soaking up as much information as I could.  Taking insulin, pricking my fingers, counting carbohydrates, restricting sweets, and much more had to become part of my daily routine.  Then when I was out of the hospital and back home, I tried to find yummy stuff that was sugar-free and/or diet drinks (see my "yummy yum yum" list below).
    

PUMPING IT UP !!

   On March 18, 2003, I started using the Paradigm insulin pump!!  Overall, it's definitely much better than taking at least 4 shots a day.  It's more convenient and makes life easier. When you're out somewhere, you don't have to  worry about locating the closest bathroom  to take your shot.  Instead, you just push 3 buttons on your pump and you're all set to go.
   It's hard to believe that it's been two years since I've been on the pump.  I've definitely seen a difference in my blood sugar numbers- they have become more stabilized and I don't have high blood sugars as much anymore.  It does take time and effort, especially in the beginning, to make the needed adjustments.  Gradually, you will learn how to use the pump and you can control your diabetes.


HOW IT WORKS:
The pump continually gives your body a small amount of insulin throughout the day, like a normal pancreas does.  This insulin gets into your body through a very thin tubing that is connected to you.  And then whenever you eat, you give yourself extra insulin: using the pump, instead of taking a shot.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ??
You can click here and read an 'overview' about this insulin pump.  I hope this helps you understand more about how it actually works.
My "favorites" List

These are my personal favorites, regarding: books, magazines, & food/drinks. Hopefully you'll learn something new or try something yummy for you!

Magazines:                                         Books:
1). Diabetes Health                               1). Living with Diabetes- Miss America's story
2). Diabetes Forecast                            2). Diabetes Burnout
3). Diabetes Positive- (inspirational)        
4). Prevention

Yummy Yum Yum

CANDY:  Russell Stover's (caramel cups, Pecan Delights), Jolly Ranchers (assorted flavors), CremeSavers (chocolate/caramel or strawberry)- available at most Walgreen's

DRINKS:
-Iced Tea: Diet Nestea, Lipton, or Arizona (lemon flavored)
-Sodas:  Diet Dr. Pepper, diet A&W (or IBC) root beer


Summer Sensation

-Make a cup of hot tea
-Let it cool
-Add Splenda
-Put in refrigerator until it's cold
-Add ice
-ENJOY!!


Links to awesome sites:


 

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