My doctor is specifically worried about my GFR. I found the calculator online. It appears to be a statistic. It is based on certain probablistic figures based on your gender, race, and age. The only thing you plug in is your creatinine score, and I got the same score that is on my doctor's report. Now, I'm an active 53 year old in reasonably good physical shape, and if I plug in Black for my race instead of white, my GFR doubles. White women must be a pretty useless group of people, because even when I changed my age to 40, my GFR didn't greatly change. They're saying that even at fairly young ages we have no muscle and do no activity, relative to any other group of people.
That score isn't reliable at all, because you have to be close to the statistical norm for your age group for it to mean anything, in terms of muscle mass, activity and diet.
Black women do have GFR's that run differently than other people, possibly because they're more muscular and less useless. My doctor thinks it's a genetic metabolic difference, adn as she and I both realized when we discussed it, I have some Black ancestry! I mean, racial groups aren't all that distinct and never have been. I have considerable North African ancestry that fed into my Germantown founder lines in late 17th century southeastern PEnnsylvania, and a Mulatto ancestor from 18th century New England, who pretended to be from "Dos Azores". If you have ancestry from Flanders or Holland, some of it is likely to be Black, and it was very common in New England for mulattos who could pass to pretend to be Caribbean and start over.
Yours,Dora SmithAustin, TX
Monday, November 23, 2009
reusing syringes
What about the pen needles? Do you just alcohol them?If you see the photo of the needle magnified 2000 times after one use it's scary.Anything to save money tho if it's safe.Sometimes my skin seems so tough, must be hitting a stretch mark or other scar.
The pen needles are different-- once recovered, you can't then get the pen cover on, so it's not practical to use the needles more than once. Regular syringes can be easily recapped (carefully, of course), making sure the needle itself touches nothing it doesn't have to. No, don't use alcohol on them, at any time.
Those super-magnified pics of used needles are propaganda generated by the syringe manufacturers, IMO. Doesn't that look dramatic? But in my experience, a syringe has to be used at least 3 times before I can tell a difference.
Experiment with it. If your skin is tough and reusing needles is uncomfortable, then it's not worth saving a few pennies. My point in posting was just to share what works for me (has for more years than I'd care to admit) and that we don't always have to follow the traditional recommendations of the manufacturers and medical powers that be. Reusing syringes and lancets makes a lot of financial sense, as long as you're not sacrificing too much comfort.
BY BK
The pen needles are different-- once recovered, you can't then get the pen cover on, so it's not practical to use the needles more than once. Regular syringes can be easily recapped (carefully, of course), making sure the needle itself touches nothing it doesn't have to. No, don't use alcohol on them, at any time.
Those super-magnified pics of used needles are propaganda generated by the syringe manufacturers, IMO. Doesn't that look dramatic? But in my experience, a syringe has to be used at least 3 times before I can tell a difference.
Experiment with it. If your skin is tough and reusing needles is uncomfortable, then it's not worth saving a few pennies. My point in posting was just to share what works for me (has for more years than I'd care to admit) and that we don't always have to follow the traditional recommendations of the manufacturers and medical powers that be. Reusing syringes and lancets makes a lot of financial sense, as long as you're not sacrificing too much comfort.
BY BK
My opinion about minimed vs. dexcom
I ditto Arlene about the Dexcom experience being great. Before I got Dex, I knew that I couldn't go with Minimed (even though I have the Paradigm Pump) as I ignore the alarms all the time and needed another form of receiver that I knew I wouldn't ignore. There have been times that I turned off the alarms and it was a big mistake - I actually got up into the 300's by disabling my high alert alarm.
Even though Dexcom's length of signal is not as far as Abbott's, I am amazed at how far Dex picks me up (for example I set Dex on bathroom counter outside of shower in a master bathroom and while taking shower Dex still catches my numbers - but then again I guess the distance is about as tall as a man not a giant).
Another reason I did not go with Minimed is that I am a bleeder, I have had blood go pretty far up into the tubing of my insulin pump just after insertion and after seeing Kerri Sparling's pictures on her website (www.sixuntilme.com) with how she had problems with blood in her sensors, I knew Iwasn't a good candidate for that product.
I have not had problems with bleeding with the sensors with Dexcom and the needle is the width of 3 hair strands I believe the website says? Dexcom has a really good and helpful website; whereas, Abbott's Navigator website did not help me when I originally looked into a CGMS (neither did Abbott's customer service help when I inquired over the phone about how to get a Navigator) whenever Abbott called and asked me about why I didn't get their product, I reminded them about my complaint of customer service - so I don't know if they ever improved but I received more than one call from various people, as it seemed one hand didn't know what the other hand was doing at Abbott.
I have to say that the customer service at Dexcom has been very helpful to me, as I had a problem with a sensor and I was new to CGMS during the first month in May, I called at 2 am with a problem and the Dexcom rep was more alert than meand very helpful over phone.
When there was a problem with the sensor, Dexcom replaced the sensor for free and mailed out a new one immediately (no backorders, etc.). Dex has been pretty on track with my numbers. I've also been able to calibrate even when I'm plummetting or skyrocketing with my blood sugar levels - the first month I wanted to overcalibrate and it didn't hurt Dexcom.
The transmitter is the height of 2 nickels (put one on top of each other), once inside a sensor it is 4 nickels heigh, the length is 1 1/2 nickels (sorry I didn't have my ruler to measure, my rulers disappear with kids/Hubby in house). There is no charging of transmitter or putting new batteries in transmitter (I would love to one day crack open a Dex transmitter just to look inside but at $200 a pop I think I'll wait till the transmitter dies in 2 years).
One thing to know if you are a Dexcom Seven Plus user is that the mode *vibe then beep* means that Dex will first vibrate, if you don't react to Dex then he will beep at you as though he is an alarm clock and on snooze alarm - he will beep at you every few minutes until you clear out the alarm... for this reason, I called Dexcom within the first month as I thought Dex should be yodeling (beeping) at me at the first alert, not after snooze... so I called Dexcom and I received a new receiver (Dexcom replaced receiver for free).
If there is a problem with Dexcom (and you live in USA), Dexcom Reps have been very good about replacing for free or helping try to solve problems. I was amazed at how fast the Dex Trainer got in touch with me (before FedEx showed up at my door with good ol' Dex) and set up a time to train. She also called on me many months later just to make sure I was still happy with my yodeling Dex 7 Plus. I thought I would be able tostump her with all the questions I had and somehow she had the correct answer for every question.
Good luck with your decision on the right CGMS for you.
From: webwiz_tn
Even though Dexcom's length of signal is not as far as Abbott's, I am amazed at how far Dex picks me up (for example I set Dex on bathroom counter outside of shower in a master bathroom and while taking shower Dex still catches my numbers - but then again I guess the distance is about as tall as a man not a giant).
Another reason I did not go with Minimed is that I am a bleeder, I have had blood go pretty far up into the tubing of my insulin pump just after insertion and after seeing Kerri Sparling's pictures on her website (www.sixuntilme.com) with how she had problems with blood in her sensors, I knew Iwasn't a good candidate for that product.
I have not had problems with bleeding with the sensors with Dexcom and the needle is the width of 3 hair strands I believe the website says? Dexcom has a really good and helpful website; whereas, Abbott's Navigator website did not help me when I originally looked into a CGMS (neither did Abbott's customer service help when I inquired over the phone about how to get a Navigator) whenever Abbott called and asked me about why I didn't get their product, I reminded them about my complaint of customer service - so I don't know if they ever improved but I received more than one call from various people, as it seemed one hand didn't know what the other hand was doing at Abbott.
I have to say that the customer service at Dexcom has been very helpful to me, as I had a problem with a sensor and I was new to CGMS during the first month in May, I called at 2 am with a problem and the Dexcom rep was more alert than meand very helpful over phone.
When there was a problem with the sensor, Dexcom replaced the sensor for free and mailed out a new one immediately (no backorders, etc.). Dex has been pretty on track with my numbers. I've also been able to calibrate even when I'm plummetting or skyrocketing with my blood sugar levels - the first month I wanted to overcalibrate and it didn't hurt Dexcom.
The transmitter is the height of 2 nickels (put one on top of each other), once inside a sensor it is 4 nickels heigh, the length is 1 1/2 nickels (sorry I didn't have my ruler to measure, my rulers disappear with kids/Hubby in house). There is no charging of transmitter or putting new batteries in transmitter (I would love to one day crack open a Dex transmitter just to look inside but at $200 a pop I think I'll wait till the transmitter dies in 2 years).
One thing to know if you are a Dexcom Seven Plus user is that the mode *vibe then beep* means that Dex will first vibrate, if you don't react to Dex then he will beep at you as though he is an alarm clock and on snooze alarm - he will beep at you every few minutes until you clear out the alarm... for this reason, I called Dexcom within the first month as I thought Dex should be yodeling (beeping) at me at the first alert, not after snooze... so I called Dexcom and I received a new receiver (Dexcom replaced receiver for free).
If there is a problem with Dexcom (and you live in USA), Dexcom Reps have been very good about replacing for free or helping try to solve problems. I was amazed at how fast the Dex Trainer got in touch with me (before FedEx showed up at my door with good ol' Dex) and set up a time to train. She also called on me many months later just to make sure I was still happy with my yodeling Dex 7 Plus. I thought I would be able tostump her with all the questions I had and somehow she had the correct answer for every question.
Good luck with your decision on the right CGMS for you.
From: webwiz_tn
compare minimed with dexcom
I purchased a Dexcom 7 and had nothing but trouble with it. At night I could not shut the alarm off and it did not work with an electric blanket. The Dexcompeople were very helpful but I finally gave up. I have no experience with their Dexcom 7+. I got a MM 522 and after using it for about a year I have to say that if I were repurchasing a CGM I would again get the MM. In using theCGM's I believe that there is a lot to learn in order to get the best results from them and it takes time to do so.
From what I read about all of them, none are perfect. The MM has a lag time when climbing or diving BS occurs but what I value is having available in the one pump/CGMis the running 24 hr chart indicating whether I am stable or my BS is climbing or diving rapidly thus preventinglow's and hi's.
As for accuracy, it is very accurate when my BS is stable but not so accurate if high or low because of the lag time. Some of the newer CGM's might be moreaccurate but I don't like carrying the extra receiver plus MM will surely be coming out with improved models. I also like having the chart available so that I can fine tunemy basal rate and not have to worry about night time lows. Currently I test 4 times/ day plus If I am going to be walking my dog or shopping.. Also I get 12 days persensor with no problems.
BY Richard.
From what I read about all of them, none are perfect. The MM has a lag time when climbing or diving BS occurs but what I value is having available in the one pump/CGMis the running 24 hr chart indicating whether I am stable or my BS is climbing or diving rapidly thus preventinglow's and hi's.
As for accuracy, it is very accurate when my BS is stable but not so accurate if high or low because of the lag time. Some of the newer CGM's might be moreaccurate but I don't like carrying the extra receiver plus MM will surely be coming out with improved models. I also like having the chart available so that I can fine tunemy basal rate and not have to worry about night time lows. Currently I test 4 times/ day plus If I am going to be walking my dog or shopping.. Also I get 12 days persensor with no problems.
BY Richard.
Talk About why would my glucose levels
why would my glucose levels be good one time and not the next when I eat the same thing. an ex. is I had a tuna sandwich two different times, same bread, tuna, and 1 tsp. mayo. My levels were low(118) one time and high.
118 and 145 are all in the same glucose ballpark. If you were bouncing between 118 and 218, then maybe you'd have to wonder. But this isn't a big diff.
The body is not a machine, and so it doesn't run like one. The difference in 118 and 145 could be... you climbed an extra flight of stairs (or didn't). You ate dinner a little later last night (or earlier). You had eggs and toast one morning for breakfast but eggs and bacon and a tiny slice of a bagel today. You're coming down with a cold, you have a big pimple somewhere, it's cold today, it's hot today, it's lukewarm today (and yesterday it wasn't), it's that time of month. Your boss yelled at you this AM, but not yesterday, or vice versa. If your mom calls you one more time and complains AGAIN about how her neighbor lady has parked on her lawn for the 18th time this week, you really will lose it. Or not.
Human digestion and metabolism is complicated; it ebbs and flows within certain necessary ranges, and you will never be able to hold up a metabolism technical manual, turn to the pages marked "settings for best pancreatic function" and then try to make your cylinders and spark plugs and catalytic converter line up with the tech manual's ideal running recommendations.
My advice would be to r-e-l-a-x. Just do the best you can, and resolve to concentrate on your meter's average readings, week to week and month to month.
BY BK
118 and 145 are all in the same glucose ballpark. If you were bouncing between 118 and 218, then maybe you'd have to wonder. But this isn't a big diff.
The body is not a machine, and so it doesn't run like one. The difference in 118 and 145 could be... you climbed an extra flight of stairs (or didn't). You ate dinner a little later last night (or earlier). You had eggs and toast one morning for breakfast but eggs and bacon and a tiny slice of a bagel today. You're coming down with a cold, you have a big pimple somewhere, it's cold today, it's hot today, it's lukewarm today (and yesterday it wasn't), it's that time of month. Your boss yelled at you this AM, but not yesterday, or vice versa. If your mom calls you one more time and complains AGAIN about how her neighbor lady has parked on her lawn for the 18th time this week, you really will lose it. Or not.
Human digestion and metabolism is complicated; it ebbs and flows within certain necessary ranges, and you will never be able to hold up a metabolism technical manual, turn to the pages marked "settings for best pancreatic function" and then try to make your cylinders and spark plugs and catalytic converter line up with the tech manual's ideal running recommendations.
My advice would be to r-e-l-a-x.
BY BK
Why do the vials have to be so big?
I'm not sure that I'm reading this correctly -- not because I don't believe that you're using or could be using this amount, but simply because I wanted to determine if I was reading it correctly -- are you using 140 units TOTAL, or 140 units TWICE per day, for a total of 280 units per day? Remember, too, that we are both Type 1 and Type 2 here, and the vast difference in insulin requirements between the two can be very significant. For instance, I'm a T1, and right now, I'm currently *off* pump and using Lantus and Novolog via injection (I've been off pump for either two or three weeks now; I believe it's at least that long, since I remember that I was off pump for my birthday, and that was November 9, and I'd already been off for a week at that point). For me, my basal rate on the pump is just over eight units in 24 hours. With Lantus, I use ten units per 24 hours.
I know that there was a mention to someone who was only using a very small amount of Lantus per day, and getting rid of at least a half bottle per month. I'm not saying that anyone should DO this without testing the vials first to insure that the insulin is still functioning without any deterioration in strength, but I've used open, refrigerated vials of lantus for MUCH longer than the 28 days that is suggested, and I've noticed no difference. My current open vial has been open and refrigerated at LEAST two, and possibly THREE, months. I DO keep my Novolog out of the fridge only because I HAVE to in order to take it to work with me, but normally, when I'm using the pump, I keep my vials in the refrigerator for the duration of its use.
I know that there have been many people who have noticed that Lantus really DOESN'T remain "good" for as long as other insulins, but for me, it's definitely more than 28 days. I'm planning on going back on the pump tomorrow evening or Sunday evening and starting the new work week back on, but I've (a) never kept vials out of the refrigerator once they've been opened unless I'm off pump, and (b) never used a vial of Lantus for only 28 days and only noticed a deterioration in the insulin strength when I've pulled it and used it when it's been open for much longer.
Test and see where you fall in terms of the length of time.
BY Christine
I know that there was a mention to someone who was only using a very small amount of Lantus per day, and getting rid of at least a half bottle per month. I'm not saying that anyone should DO this without testing the vials first to insure that the insulin is still functioning without any deterioration in strength, but I've used open, refrigerated vials of lantus for MUCH longer than the 28 days that is suggested, and I've noticed no difference. My current open vial has been open and refrigerated at LEAST two, and possibly THREE, months. I DO keep my Novolog out of the fridge only because I HAVE to in order to take it to work with me, but normally, when I'm using the pump, I keep my vials in the refrigerator for the duration of its use.
I know that there have been many people who have noticed that Lantus really DOESN'T remain "good" for as long as other insulins, but for me, it's definitely more than 28 days. I'm planning on going back on the pump tomorrow evening or Sunday evening and starting the new work week back on, but I've (a) never kept vials out of the refrigerator once they've been opened unless I'm off pump, and (b) never used a vial of Lantus for only 28 days and only noticed a deterioration in the insulin strength when I've pulled it and used it when it's been open for much longer.
Test and see where you fall in terms of the length of time.
BY Christine
Gastric Bypass...My experience
When I was getting info about gastric bypass some of the things they said about type 2 diabetes was too good to be true. I decided in favor of the surgery and had it on September 21, 2009. I am just about two months out and my blood sugar readings are in the upper part of normal with NO meds. I am truly thankful for this. I know the surgery is not for everyone, but for me it has been a blessing.
I have lost 40 pounds and feel wonderful. My eating habits had to change, but it has not been all that difficult. If you are thinking about it at all, please get all the information and make an informed decision. I have had people tell me they thought it was a cop out and giving up, but I did not and do not see it that way. I have my first official visit with my endocrinologist on Monday and cannot wait to get the results of my a1c.
I know it has only been two months, but I thank God for my surgeon and support staff. I truly believe that without this surgery I would have been dead in five years or less. Vicky Sheets。
I have been turning over and over in my head to get the Lap Band. I don't think gastric bypass is for me BUT I do need to lose some weight. I was taking Byetta and it stopped working, PLUS, it did not do anything from by glucose readings. My A1c went up to 11 so my endocrinologist took me off of it. I lost 40 lbs, but I could still stand to lose some more. I was reading that the Lap Band helps decrease the appetitie and causes slow gastric emptying which keeps the blood glucose level in check. I go in January for an appointment with my endocrinologist and I plan to ask her about it. What do you think of this procedure?
I have lost 40 pounds and feel wonderful. My eating habits had to change, but it has not been all that difficult. If you are thinking about it at all, please get all the information and make an informed decision. I have had people tell me they thought it was a cop out and giving up, but I did not and do not see it that way. I have my first official visit with my endocrinologist on Monday and cannot wait to get the results of my a1c.
I know it has only been two months, but I thank God for my surgeon and support staff. I truly believe that without this surgery I would have been dead in five years or less. Vicky Sheets。
I have been turning over and over in my head to get the Lap Band. I don't think gastric bypass is for me BUT I do need to lose some weight. I was taking Byetta and it stopped working, PLUS, it did not do anything from by glucose readings. My A1c went up to 11 so my endocrinologist took me off of it. I lost 40 lbs, but I could still stand to lose some more. I was reading that the Lap Band helps decrease the appetitie and causes slow gastric emptying which keeps the blood glucose level in check. I go in January for an appointment with my endocrinologist and I plan to ask her about it. What do you think of this procedure?
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