As most of you know I am type I diabetic. Much different than type two, which is the one you almost always hear about in the news. I can not cure myself. I will have this for the rest of my life. For those of you who are new here I was diagnosed at seven years old and I am now 27. You can read about my diagnosis story here. I was very blessed to be able to have 2 healthy boys and I continue on a daily basis to try and maintain the best control possible, because it is so important for me to be healthy for my family. I want to live a long healthy life and I do not want diabetes to hold me back or hinder any of my goals or aspirations ever. I am very strict with what I eat and I exercise daily, not because I am vain (well I am a little vain haha) but because it is so important for my blood sugar control.
I receive such a wonderful outpouring of e-mails on a daily basis from other type 1 diabetics wanting to know what I do, where I wear I pump and wanting words of encouragement because they may be struggling with this disease, which can sometimes leave you feeling like you are all alone. Being a mom of two crazy little boys sometimes makes it impossible to respond to everyone and I am SO sorry if I have not gotten back to you but it does not mean I did not read your e-mail and was not thinking about you.
So today I wanted to reach out to everyone, type 1 diabetic or not and let you ask me whatever questions you may have, right here in the comment section. I will respond to every question in a follow up post.
45 comments:
Thanks so much for opening up!! How have you found Paleo to affect your diabetes? I'm type 1 as well and just finished a whole 30 - and I love how in control my bloodsugars are, but I'm worried about sustainability.
Hi Lindsay,
I just found your blog a couple of days ago and I'm loving it! I have four children ages 5 - 10, and my 7-year old daughter was diagnosed three months ago. I can't wait to find some time to read some of your archives. I have so many questions! (but I'll only ask one for now). Do you keep a food diary and BG log? And how do you do it? I'm still writing EVERYTHING down in a big bulky binder and I'm happy to do so but would like other recommendations. My daughter is still on injections.
~Amy
You are an inspiration, not only as a type 1 diabetic but also as a mom! Keep it up! XO.
I am anxious to read the questions people post and answers. My hubby is hypoglycemic which is a pre cursor to type 2 (his WHOLE family has type 2) so although very different, he has to watch carefully what he puts in his body, how he exercises, etc
Thanks for posting this! I was diagnosed a little over a year ago with type 1.5 and had all three autoimmune factors they tested for. I was 41 years old, but have a sister who has had type 1 since she was 19 and a dad who was type 2. In the past year I have been type 2, out of control type 2, type 2 on injections and finally, in December, was declared officially type 1. I've done the low carb/no carb diet, carb counting, tried a bit of Paleo and now am just a combination. I'm now pumping - for 1.5 weeks! Still adjusting it, but I do like it. If I could ask you just one question... do you snack? I'm still eating strictly three meals a day, even on my pump, because my diabetes is super brittle. I'm almost scared to snack...
Thanks for keeping a wonderful blog - I've enjoyed it immensely and have referred many of my friends to it on FB. I'm addicted to the zucchini brownies you have on here!=)
I am Type 1, as well - was diagnosed at a weird age - 21. I'm 30 now and still learning so much.
My biggest questions pertain to your insulin pump and pregnancy. I was on a pump for the first years, but then went back to injections because of TWO "malfunctioned" pumps that hospitalized me. Now, I'm thinking of going back as we're wanting to start a family and my dr. is really encouraging me to go back to the pump to help sustain sugars while I'm pregnant (if I get pregnant).
Do you have any specific recommendations for a pump?
Do you wear it ALL the time - or are there moments you take it off and use injections (ex. exercising, swimming, etc...)
Were you able to breast feed - I've heard that diabetics produce milk differently (if this is too personal, feel free to skip this question. :))
What other suggestions/recommendations do you have for someone wanting children and has Type 1 Diabetes (other than keeping my A1C under 7%, which I have been for a few years now). Anything you wished someone had told you?
PS - I know some of your answers will be to consult my doctor and follow his plan, but just asking out of curiosity to see what's ahead and to hear from someone that has "been there, done that."
Thanks again - I love your blog. It's been so encouraging and challenging when I needed it.
I remember when we talked about trying to respond to all the emails that come in when we had lunch together. This is a good way to reach everyone. You're amazing Lindsay, I love how you approach your life with diabetes, I know it's been a challenging road, but you've retained your lovely sense of humor throughout and that in itself is such a wonderful gift!
Love this post. First of all, thank you for opening up about this to your readers. It's so encouraging as a fellow Type 1 to read stories like yours! :)
I was diagnosed with Type 1 eleven years ago and it has definitely been a roller coaster ride at times. I am on the pump as well. And I just got the CGM. I suppose I was wondering if you would be willin to share your pregnancy journey with type 1? What changes did you notice in your blood sugar control?
I am in the process of trying to get to that point where I can try to conceive. And according to my doctors I am about there. But, I would just love some advice on what to expect and some things you found that really helped you throughout your pregnancy.
Hopefully that wasn't too vague! Thank you! :)
I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!
I was diagnosed when I was 8 (24 years ago).
Emily above, had a lot of pregnancy questions.
I echo all of her questions as well!
What would be your best advice to a T1 woman, hoping to have a baby down the road.
...I know getting my a1c under better control is #1...but any specifics on how to prepare well???
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WRITING AND FOR OPENING UP TO QUESTIONS!!!
YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION!!!
What a sweet way for you to help reach out to others dealing with Type 1 diabetes! I don't have Type 1, but I have been a huge supporter in the effort to find a cure. My father-in-law runs our local chapter of JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), and in fact our annual Gala event is in two days, where we have already raised over $1.3 million to go towards finding a cure. It's an unimagineabley rough life to deal with this since a child, my heart goes out to you and everyone else with Type 1 diabetes, and I sure hope that with the research going on in our city (and around the country) that a cure will be found soon. There have been some great breakthroughs already!
I am also 27 and a type 1 diabetic for 13 years! I have no questions per say but a huge thank you because I love getting to read your posts about diabetes it always is EXACTLY how I feel!
Maybe not "questions" but more "requests", as stated above, pregnancy for type 1 tips are always welcome. My husband and I are trying to pre-plan. (I just switched back to my mini-med pump from an 8 month "vacation" on insulin shots).
In response to some of the above type 1s, I started reading this book and it's been such an amazing and helpful resource! It is written by and geared for type 1s!
"Balancing Pregnancy and Pre Existing Diabetes Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby"
http://www.amazon.com/Balancing-Pregnancy-Pre-Existing-Diabetes-Healthy/dp/1932603328
Oh and I live off of some of your recipes! Thanks for all the diabetic and paleo friendly foods.
I would love to know what/when you eat and what your exercise routine is. :) Thank you so much. It is really hard to find a good lifestyle blog written by a diabetic. :)
Hi Lindsay!
I'm so happy you've put out the call for questions! I'm also a Type 1 diabetic, diagnosed at age 29 (I'm nearly 32 now), and I'm inspired by your ability to be a fit and healthy Mom. A number of people have already asked about Type 1 and pregnancy, so I will ask something different!
I'm wondering if you could share how you manage your weight, specifically how you have lost weight) while on insulin therapy. I'm also a pumper and have excellent blood sugar control. I eat Paleo/Primal and low carb (30-50g/day, most days. I exercise consistently, but struggle with lows if I do too much. Since starting on insulin I've had a weight increase, which has leveled out now that I changed my diet and carb intake a year ago, but I'm still holding on to 20lbs more than my pre-diabetic frame (I'm currently at 155lbs, small bone structure and 5'5"). I want to be in the best shape possible when my husband and I start trying for a baby later this year.
I'm hoping you can share your routine for what has worked for you, especially since you look so fabulous and recently had your second baby! Any advice on amount of carbs and calories you eat, insulin dosing regimine for exercise, exercise plan or strategy, etc, would be so appreciated! As I'm sure you, and all the other ladies on here know, it's a difficult balancing act to workout, eat, and dose insulin! None of us are the same, but I'm interested in what has worked well for you!
Thanks so much for doing this! I'm excited to see all the responses!
Kori
I have no questions, but I just wanted to say how much I love that diabetes isn't the main focus of your blog. You have so much of a life outside of diabetes. It's so refreshing. I'm the daughter of someone with type 1, so I've truly never known life apart from it. In March I'll have had type 1 myself for 24 years (since the age of 8). It's a part of my life, but it's not my whole life. I feel like you feel the same way, and that's what draws me here over and over.
You will help SO many with these posts my friend. SUCH an inspiration!
I am curious how you came to follow the paleo diet and if it has made dealing with diabetes easier. Also, thanks for being such an open and lovely person. You're inspiring.
You are so incredibly inspiring. You live a life that's amazingly inspirational WITHOUT the whole, 'Oh and I have to live with diabetes' extra bit. You are such a beautiful human being.
I was diagnosed as prediabetic (type 2) 18 months ago, but it's now looking more like LADA and I might end up as an official Type 1 at some point. I'm a mom to 3 kiddos (7, 5, and 2) and my biggest worry so far has been about the parenting piece - how diabetes might affect my life expectancy/quality of life, as well as managing diabetes and day to day parenting. It can obviously be done well, as you and many others demonstrate! Just new to it all and it's overwhelming to imagine. I'd love to hear about your fears and how you manage them. Also, how you handle your diabetes care around your children. Lastly - could you please share your favorite resources related to diabetes and health? Blogs, books, etc. Thank you for offering yourself to us! :)
Oh - one more question. Are there any alternative therapies you believe are supportive of your diabetes management? I know you've written about the value of apple cider vinegar (I've seen a positive impact on my blood sugar as well). Any other things you find helpful - supplements, foods, body work, etc. thanks!!
Wow, you and I have a few things in common! I was also diagnosed at the age of 7 with Type 1 Diabetes, and am also an esthetician. My husband and I live in Seattle, Washington. It has always been a challenge for me to find the motivation to work out. Do you have any tips in that area?
Thanks for sharing this, Linds! I personally don't have type-1, but my grandmother and uncle do. I praise your struggle, ESPECIALLY being diagnosed at such a young age and knowing your stuck with it forever... wow. I'm 13 now, but my childhood was all about candy... lol
Fight the Type! :)
I have no specific questions, but am very excited to read your follow-up post. You are such a great example for the T1 Diabetic community, thank you for being so open! P.S. I love your blog, diabetic or not!
Just wanted to say that you are looking great post baby, great work! Do you attribute this to the Paleo diet you have started more recently? What type of exercise do you? I'd also love more low carb/Paleo recipes to try, next on my list is the chocolate cake you posted on valentines :)
Great Blog!
I would like to echo Kori's questions above about weight loss. I was diagnosed about a little over a year ago and am still struggling to lose the twenty pounds I gained upon beginning insulin therapy. I'm 22, 5'5 and 155 pounds. I eat Paleo when I can, but am not super strict about it. I'm currently on a gluten free diet (about two weeks in) and have already seen improvements in my bs (although a few more lows than I would like). Any tips you have on how to best shed these pounds would be greatly appreciated.
I have been reading your blog since a few months after my diagnosis. Thanks for all your honest and helpful posts. I have tried quite a few of your yummy recipes! Its comforting to have an online community of T1Ds.
I've always wanted to know how you did your hair and make-up... what products you use on a daily basis and how you curl your hair in most of your pictures! :) You are so beautiful!
I appreciate you sharing your story.
Thank you so much for opening your blog for questions. I am a t1 for 34 yrs (age 5). I'm so thankful for your blog and encouragement. I've learned a lot about paleo, low carb, nutritarian, etc. this year. I went years without input from a dietitian and had no idea of the changes I needed to make. Do you have suggestions for low carb snacks and easy lunch ideas(paleo)? Also have you ever juiced and had success? How do you calculate carbs for your delicious recipes?
My family and I have enjoyed several of your recipes. I look forward to trying more. Thanks so much for posting carb counts! That is a tremendous help! Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much for your blog and encouragement! I am T1 for 34 years(age 5). I have been doing a lot of research on changing my eating habits. It had been so long since talking to a dietitian until I didn't know what I was doing anymore. I am currently in the low carb/paleo stage. My dietitian urges me to increase protein but I am not a huge meat eater. I have started using more flax, chia, and hemp seeds, and eggs instead.
Now any suggestions on water intake. I don't enjoy the taste but don't like what years of artificial sweeteners have done to my brain either. I have switched completely to stevia but would like to add in more water and even start juicing to get lots more nutrients in. Any experience with juicing and how to adjust for carb counts? I love that you put that on your recipes now! It is so helpful in trying out new foods!
Thanks for being so open and your fantastic recipes!
you're awesome - keep up the hard work. even though i'm not diabetic, your discipline and commitment to your lifestyle is an inspiration. thank you for sharing your experience.
I appreciate you writing this inspiring post. I think you are a great influence for others who are also suffering from diabetes. Could you please share your diet and exercise routines that have been working for you? My aunt has also been diagnosed and she is using alternative treatments to control the disease.
Love this blog! So glad I found it! As others have said, I love that you are Lindsay first and that you just happen to have type 1 diabetes. T1D is a part of who we are (19 years here!) but in no means does it define us. There is more to our lives than having T1D and you do such a great job of showcasing that here. Love what you are doing!
So happy to find your blog too! I have 4 children - our youngest diagnosed with T1 at 10 months old - she is now turning 5. Always a challenge, but so inspirational to hear your story! Thanks for sharing...
Somehow I forgot to mention that my daughter Colleen was also diagnosed with Celiac over the holidays, so now we're gluten free. Love all the recipes you have. Thanks!
LOVE your blog and all of the great recipes and skincare! Your skin is b-e-a-utiful ;)
Wondered if you could post a "typical day" of eating for you? Do you boys eat this way too? I have a 6-month old and am just struggling finding time to make healthy food for myself on top of caring for him and working full-time.
Thanks for your blog!!!
I have one more question that is really for my sister... she has been a type 1 diabetic for 20+ years and is not a carb counter - she counts exchanges. Her reason at this point for not switching to a pump is that she feels it would just be too much effort to switch to carb counting at this point. I think the benefit of a pump for her would be significant, as she regularly experience hypos in the 20's. Did you have to switch to carb counting when you started using a pump? If so, how difficult of an adjustment was it? Thanks, again! Now I'm off to make some special treat from your blog!!
Am I too late?? I wanted to ask you a question! I have a 7 yr old son who was just dx'd this year. I am thinking of doing the Paleo Diet for him and wanted to hear what you thought about a child going on it. Would you put your child on the same diet as you if he had T1D?
Thanks! I love your blog!
- Janet
My two year old son was diagnosed with type one three months ago, finding your site has been a huge blessing! I am considering integrating Paleo for our family, could you recommend a place to start to learn more- a site, a book anything would be helpful. Thanks so much! Lisa
Hi. I love your site and your recipes. When I read that you are a type 1, I had to write. I am a Type 1, Certified Personal Trainer working with Dr. Ron Rosedale. If there is any information or help I can be to you, please get in touch. My blog is www.diabetesisbs.com.
I would like to share some of your recipes with my readers, if permission is granted. Keep up the great work, Andre
Hi. I love your site and your recipes. When I read that you are a type 1, I had to write. I am a Type 1, Certified Personal Trainer working with Dr. Ron Rosedale. If there is any information or help I can be to you, please get in touch. My blog is www.diabetesisbs.com.
I would like to share some of your recipes with my readers, if permission is granted. Keep up the great work, Andre
I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes a year ago at the age of 29. Yesterday was my first day with an insulin pump. I am curious, where do you wear your pump? I have 3 young daughters and am a bit worried about it getting pulled out when I wear it on my waistband. How about when you are wearing a dress? What do you do if you are wearing something a little more form fitting? Thanks for your insight!
Great Place - Tree of Life - Great Dr. - Dr Gabriel Cousens...
www.rawfor30days.com
Thanks for sharing your story! Love your blog! Feel free to visit my blog www.BetterOffHealthy.com.
I hope you all the best. Type1 is the "worst" type of diabetes :( My cousin was recently diagnosed too.
Stay strong and keep your head up.
My 21 year old daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 this past Feb..She is doing good..sometimes I think better that her mom and dad...definitely a life changer...God Bless
I am 33years old and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last summer. For at least the year before, I noticed that I had to urinate all the time, waking me up several times a night. In the month or so prior to being diagnosed, I lost 40 pounds and was thirsty all the time. One day I got extremely sick, could not keep anything down, had blurry vision, a rapid heartbeat, and began hyperventilating. My blood glucose level in the ER was in the high 500s and my A1C was 9.7. Since then, I have developed neuropathy, which makes life pretty difficult to work in my office and it was still affecting my family till i meant up with my friend's cousin who introduce this Doctor to me Dr.Ighodalo and said that this same doctor healed her mom's friend, so i contacted him with doubting mindset but friends i could not believe it when he helped me with a positive solution and cure my diabetes with his herbal cure remedies. You can also be cured if you are suffering from DIABETES or any critical sickness that is giving you heartbreak and disturbing your family and job by contacting Dr. Ighodalo via dr.ighodalocuringhome@gmail.com Dr IGHODALO CAN AS WELL CURE THE FOLLOWING DISEASES:-
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