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Diabetes Is My Life
  • About Tanja
    • My diabetes story
    • Contact
  • Diabetes
    • Diabetes Facts
  • Diabetes treatment
    • CGMs, Meters & Pumps
    • Insulin
    • Diabetes management
    • Diabetes tips
  • Diabetes stories from other people
  • Diabetes cookbook
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Diabetes treatment

Diabetes treatmentInsulin

World Diabetes Day: 100 Years Since The Discovery of Insulin

by tanja November 14, 2021

Before the discovery of insulin in 1921, diabetes was a fatal condition. The calorie-restricted and fasting diets (often called a “starving diet”) were the only treatments available. Nothing was really effective to maintain adequately the blood glucose levels and keep people with a severe form of diabetes (today known as type 1 diabetes) alive for more than a few months.

The discovery of insulin: A life-saving discovery turns 100 years

The life-saving discovery turns 100 years. In January 1921, at the University of Toronto by Sir Frederick G. Banting, Charles Best, and John Macleod. Leonard Thompson was a 14-year-old boy who was living with diabetes. On January 11th, he became the first person to receive an injection of insulin. but unfortunately, he developed an acute allergic reaction.

Over the next 12 days, James Bertram Collip worked hard to purify insulin, and on the 23rd of January, Thompson received a second dose. After the second injection, his blood and urinary sugars dropped and went to normal. He lived for another 13 years. But, there were no doubts, that the insulin had saved his life.

But since then, insulin has saved millions of lives. As a result, it is considered to be one of the greatest medical achievements of all time.

What’s next?

The world is moving forward with innovation

One hundred years after its discovery, the world is moving forward with innovation. However, the access to insulin and associated supplies and technologies still remain inaccessible to some countries. Many countries like Macedonia, still do not reimburse all forms of insulin and/or required glucose monitoring tools (e.g. test strips, blood glucose meters, continuous glucose monitoring, etc.).

Nothing is more important than our health, and life. And our wish and message are clear, people with diabetes in Macedonia deserve to be provided with innovative therapy and medical suppliers with proven quality, that will help have excellent control on our diabetes. If we have all of this, we will have a normal and happy life.

Happy World Diabetes Day!

November 14, 2021 0 comment
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After I Received The Second Dose Of The Astra Zeneca Vaccine
Diabetes treatment

My Experience With Type 1 Diabetes After The Second Dose Of The AstraZeneca Vaccine

by tanja September 9, 2021

Five months after I was tested positive for COVID-19, on Saturday, September 4th, I received the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. To do that, I had to travel to Nis, Serbia, because in Macedonia, the AstraZeneca vaccine is not given to people under the age of 60.

Before receiving the second dose

The process was the same as the first time. First, the doctors asked me few questions:

After I Received The Second Dose Of The Astra Zeneca Vaccine

    • “How did you react after receiving the first dose of the vaccine?”
    • “Were you positive about KOVID-19? How did it go? “
    • “How did the situation affect your diabetes?” “What were your blood sugar levels?”
    • “Are you taking any other therapy/pills?”
    • “Have you had any breast, uterine surgery?”
    • “Are you pregnant?”

    Once again, they entered my information into the system. Then another doctor vaccinated me. Finally, I had to sit for 10 minutes and wait if any side effects occur.

    Did I have a reaction after the second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine?

    Although after receiving the first dose, I had the following symptoms: tenderness, swelling at the injection site, headache, chills and fever (the temperature was 38.6 °C). The blood sugar levels were in the range of 8-12 mmol/L. I was told by the doctors to take paracetamol if the temperature is above 38.0 °C, this time I was very lucky. I only had swelling, redness and pain at the injection site. My blood sugar levels were in the range of normal, between 5-7.8 mmol/L.

    When it comes to blood clots, I am aware that they are related to the AstraZeneca vaccine. Fortunately, I didn´t have any.

    September 9, 2021 0 comment
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    Diabetes treatment

    How Did Cece’s Mother Accept Her Life With Diabetes?

    by tanja July 11, 2021

    Vangelina Koteva is Cece’s mother. She decided to share her story about how she accepted her life with type 1 diabetes. I hope that this story will be an inspiration to many other parents whose children have diabetes. I also hope that it will help in the process of accepting their life with diabetes. Read her story below.

    The beginning

    It all started on 12.07.2013, four days before Cece’s birthday. I woke up early as usual and got ready for work. Everything was fine until my husband called and told me that Cece had diabetes. There were still 15 minutes until the end of the working day, but I decided to leave the office earlier. When I arrived at the hospital, the doctor told me about Cece’s new condition and after that, we left for Skopje. The whole situation was unacceptable to me because Cece had no symptoms at all.

    When we arrived in Skopje, doctors at the hospital told us that Cece should inject insulin every day. That day was very difficult for us. We were in shock, especially Cece.

    Before she started going to school, Cece became very persistent in learning to take insulin on her own and checking her blood sugar levels herself. She did that so she can join her friends on the school excursions. At the age of 10, Cece was able to check her blood sugar levels and take insulin on her own. In that way, she proved to us that she is a responsible girl.

    Her first excursion

    When she first went on an excursion, I was scared, but this experience helped her mature faster. Today, Cece is a beautiful, excellent and responsible girl who is in her second year of high school. She exercises every day and es everything that is best for her and her diabetes. She usually says: “With good control, a healthy diet and most importantly, by accepting my condition, I can live a great, healthy and happy life.”

    Vangelina’s message

    Her message to all parents whose children have type 1 diabetes is the following one: “Accept your child’s condition and help them accept it too. “With regular control on the blood sugar levels and insulin therapy, people with diabetes can have a normal life and can easily fight for what they want to achieve.”

    July 11, 2021 0 comment
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    Smoking and diabetes
    Diabetes tips

    Diabetes And Smoking – Why Shouldn’t We Smoke If We Have Diabetes?

    by tanja February 21, 2021

    We all know that smoking is bad for everyone, but for people with diabetes, it can be even more damaging.

    Smoking is an independent risk factor for diabetes, and amongst people with diabetes, it increases the risk of complications. We already know that complications already include circulation problems, heart disease and stroke and smoking adds to the risk of developing all of these things. There are cases when it can not only double these conditions but also doubling the chances of suffering from kidney problems and erectile dysfunction.

    Smoking and diabetes

    Does smoking increase heart disease risk as a diabetic?

    Both diabetes and smoking can increase the risk of heart disease in very similar ways. When combined, there are more chances of suffering a heart-related condition such as a stroke or heart attack.

    The walls of the arteries are damaged by both high levels of glucose in the blood and smoking in a way that fatty deposits can build up much easier. When this occurs, the blood vessels narrow and make circulating blood much harder.

    Coronary arteries are the arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood and therefore oxygen. When this happens to them, a heart attack can occur. A stroke occurs when not enough blood can get to the brain, and so anything that may limit blood flow increases the risks of a stroke.

    As we know, high blood glucose levels have this effect on the blood vessels and blood flow. This means that if you have diabetes and smoke, you are putting yourself at a much greater risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.

    Are there other diabetes complications that can occur if I smoke?

    Yes, there are. Further diabetes complications that can occur are diabetic nephropathy, albuminuria. Although less evident, there are links between smoking and retinopathy.

    The best solution?

    Stop smoking!

    February 21, 2021 0 comment
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    Does Diabetes Cause Headaches?
    Diabetes management

    Does Diabetes Cause Headaches?

    by tanja June 15, 2020

    Diabetes does not often cause headaches. The headaches are not usually dangerous in themselves. However, they may indicate problems with blood sugar control in a person with diabetes.

    Diabetes-related headaches

    Depending on whether your blood sugar is too low or too high, diabetes-related headaches can cause other symptoms too:

    • Low blood sugar headache can leave you feeling shaky, faint, nauseous, or sweaty.
    • High blood sugar headache may be accompanied by feeling super thirsty or having to pee more than usual, fatigue, or blurred vision

    Both hypo- and hyperglycemia can trigger headache and migraines. They can be super painful, with a throbbing or pulsing sensation on in your head. You might also feel weak, sensitive to light or sound and nauseous.

    This is what I do to I keep it from coming back:

    Manage my blood sugar level

    I check my levels frequently, up to several times a day. I aim to keep my blood sugar between 4.4 mmol/L and 7.2 mmol/L before meals and below 110.0 mmol/L, 2 hours after meals.

    Eat right

    Food plays a major role in hyper- or hypoglycemia. Fill your plate with foods that can help control your blood sugar, like meat, vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, dairy—nonfat or low fat.

    Drink enough water

    Dehydration is a top cause of headache in general, so making sure that you’re drinking enough.

    Conclusion

    To conclude, the first step to preventing more severe health problems will be to recognize that the headache is a result of poor blood sugar control. That’s why it’s important to manage your diabetes well and keep your blood sugar levels under control. By doing all of this, you are less likely to experience headaches. But keep in mind the following. If headaches are severe but your blood sugar levels are under control, you should go to ask your doctor for further advice.


    June 15, 2020 0 comment
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    This Is How I Manage My Diabetes During Quarantine
    Diabetes tipsDiabetes treatment

    This Is How I Manage My Diabetes During Quarantine

    by tanja April 19, 2020

    Due to the spread of coronavirus, the quarantine has become a necessary part of our daily routines. Many people are looking for ways to pass the time while practising self-isolation. That’s why today I want to share what I’ve been thinking about in the times of coronavirus as a young adult with type 1 diabetes.

    First of all, I am not a person who can stay at home for an extended period. But, in this hard period, I try to keep it together and get through this quarantine the best I can.

    I’ve been working from home since 11-th of March 2020. During this period, my blood sugar levels are between 6 mmol/L and 10 mmol/L. It’s higher than I usually like. So, I’ve made some minor changes to my routine over the last few weeks to try to stabilize my blood sugar as much as possible.

    Here’s what I am doing:

    I check my blood sugar levels 5-6 times per day.

    Usually, I check it before and after my main meals and before and after the exercise.

    Also, move around every hour

    The consistent movement has not only helped manage my blood sugar level, but it’s also made my whole body feel better. Also, I do a big stretch and elongate all my muscles as much as I can.

     Every day, I exercise for 30 minutes 

    Exercise is essential, but I think we often forget that moving throughout the day is vital for general well-being. That’s why every day, I do pilates exercise for 30 minutes. Pilates is a form of exercise that aims to develop flexibility, good posture, strength, and balance all at the same time.

    Earth healthy food

    My everyday meals contain healthy food from all food groups: vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, dairy—nonfat or low fat. Also, I can eat sweets too, but I need to eat smaller portions or enjoy them less often.

    I hope that you are gentle with yourself if your blood sugars aren’t cooperating in the way they would under normal circumstances. I encourage you to try implementing one new habit that you think would be good for your physical and mental well-being. Last but not least, stay home, stay safe and up to date on the latest recommendations from the experts about COVID-19 and take care of yourself and your blood sugar level.

    April 19, 2020 0 comment
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    If people with diabetes have COVID-19, they have to check their blood sugar level regularly.
    Diabetes tipsDiabetes treatment

    What Should People With Diabetes Do If They Have COVID-19?

    by tanja March 29, 2020

    As far as we know, COVID-19 can cause more severe symptoms and complications in older people, those with long term conditions such as chronic lung disease, cancer and people with diabetes. Unfortunately, if people like me have COVID-9, we may be more vulnerable to the severe effects of the virus.

    If you have COVID-19, you should have all your diabetes medications.

    That’s why it’s important to plan what to do before we get ill. For instance, we have to have contact information about our health care provider. Also, we have to make sure we have an adequate stock of medications and supplies for monitoring our blood glucose at home. If we are infected with the virus may see their glycaemic control deteriorate during the illness. In those situations, we should contact our doctor immediately for advice on how to monitor our blood sugar level. Also, our doctors has to provide us with adequate refills for medications (especially insulin). Lastly, he or she has to tell us what adjustments we may need to do in our medication or diet.

    If we have COVID-19, we should:
    • Monitor our blood glucose
    • Monitor our temperature
    • If we are on insulin, also monitor our ketone bodies
    • Follow the healthcare team recommendations

    International Diabetes Federation has published a guideline on which you can find more information about how to manage your diabetes during an illness. You can download it right here.

    How we can avoid the virus?

    To avoid the virus, we should take the following simple, sensible measures:

    • Frequently wash hands with soap and water
    • Use an alcohol-based solution, especially before eating and after being in public.
    • Don’t share food, tools, glasses and towels.
    • Avoid close contact with those who are ill.
    • If you get ill with respiratory symptoms, stay at home and notify others and your doctor.
    • When sneezing or coughing, cover the nose and mouth with a tissue or with the crook of the elbow. Throw the tissue in the bin.

    If you want to get correct information about the situation with COVID-19 in Macedonia, you can do that on the following link: http://gdi-sk.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1_K921oU1bGmHfQX9XZGTWxByxDNvNkCmOxHceCFsL9r3GuTgErMS8Tiw#/2096bd4b051b42948ac3f5747e80c3a5

    Home-based exercise for people with diabetes

    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, governments in many countries have restricted the movement of their citizens, confining them to the home environment. Regular physical activity is of great benefit to the general population and even more for people living with diabetes.

    March 29, 2020 0 comment
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    COVID-19 and Diabetes: Protect yourself!
    Diabetes treatment

    Why People With Diabetes May Be At Increased Risk Of COVID-19?

    by tanja March 15, 2020

    As we all know, the news about the coronavirus or also known as COVID-19 continues to dominate around the world. Unfortunately, people with diabetes are more likely to experience severe complications when infected with it. Also, they have much higher rates of serious complications and death than people without diabetes.

    COVID-19 and Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to experience severe symptoms and complications when infected with a virus

    COVID-19 is different from seasonal flu.

    Coronavirus or COVID-19 belongs to a family of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses. Moreover, most of them cause illness in animals. One of those is SARS-CoV-2 virus that caused the COVID-19. Unfortunately, we have to be aware that COVID-19 is a more serious illness than seasonal flu.

    COVID-19 is a risk for people with diabetes

    No matter which type of diabetes people have, the complications that may occur vary from people’s age and how well they have been managing their diabetes. People who already have diabetes-related health problems are more likely to have worse outcomes if they are in contact with people who have coronavirus. While older people and those with respiratory conditions, diabetes or heart disease appear to be more vulnerable to becoming seriously ill with the virus. It’s important to be informed all the time. On that way, you can be proactive in preventing the illness.

    People with well-controlled blood glucose levels do not face an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. Unfortunately, people with poorly controlled diabetes would be at an increased risk of contracting the illness. That’s why, it’s mandatory to maintain excellent blood sugar control, limit potential exposure, eat a healthy diet, and get regular exercise if possible.

    Take everyday precautions:

    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick or who have travelled to countries that are considered as high and middle risk
    • Wash your hands often
    • After blowing your nose, sneezing and coughing wash your hands for at least 30 seconds,
    • If there are no soap and water available, always carry with you and use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
    • Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places
    • Avoid touching your face, eyes and nose.
    • Clean and disinfect your home
    • Avoid crowds.
    • Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips.

    Get correct information about COVID-19 on the link below:

    http://gdi-sk.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1_K921oU1bGmHfQX9XZGTWxByxDNvNkCmOxHceCFsL9r3GuTgErMS8Tiw#/2096bd4b051b42948ac3f5747e80c3a5


    March 15, 2020 0 comment
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    Diabetes and COVID-19 Virus
    Diabetes treatment

    Diabetes and COVID-19 virus

    by tanja March 8, 2020

    According to the CDC reports, “coronaviruses” are a large family of viruses common in animal species, and only rarely do they infect and spread among humans. That’s happened here with this officially named COVID-19 virus that started late last year with an outbreak in Wuhan, China, linked to a market selling seafood and live animals. Unfortunately, it’s gone global. The World Health Organization has declared the Coronavirus outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern.  

    Diabetes and COVID-19

    COVID-19 virus signs

    Common signs are typical flu-like symptoms like fever, tiredness, cough, breathing difficulties, and muscle aches. They usually start within 3-7 days of exposure to the virus. However, in some cases, it has taken up to 14 days for symptoms to appear.

    Unfortunately, people of all ages can be infected. More than 80% of cases, COVID-19 virus is mild, with minimal flu-like symptoms. Some have not shown symptoms or only very mild symptoms, more like a common cold. Fortunately, most of the people who have caught the virus did not need to be hospitalised for supportive care. However, approximately 15% of cases COVID-19 has been severe and in around 5% of cases, it has led to critical illness. Around 98% of people infected to date have survived.

    We know that coronaviruses can cause more severe symptoms and complications in older people, and those with long term conditions such as cancer or chronic lung disease. Also, people with diabetes may be more vulnerable to the severe effects of the virus.

    What can people with diabetes do?

    If you have diabetes, it is important to take precautions to avoid the virus if possible. To do that:

    • Wash hands regularly.
    • Try to avoid touching your face before you have washed and dried your hands.
    • Clean and disinfect any objects and surfaces that are touched frequently.
    • When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
    • Try to avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing.
    • Don’t share food, glasses, towels, tools etc.
    • Avoid unnecessary travel
    • Stay at home If you are ill.
    • Pay extra attention to your glucose control.
    • Make sure you will be able to correct the situation if your blood glucose drops suddenly.
    • Make sure you have a good supply of the diabetes medications you need. Think about what you would need if you had to quarantine yourself for a few weeks.
    • Prepare in case you get ill.

    March 8, 2020 0 comment
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    Inject insulin in a public place
    Diabetes tipsDiabetes treatment

    Should We Inject Insulin In Public?

    by tanja February 16, 2020
    Yes, we should inject insulin in public.

    From my point of view, yes we should inject insulin in public. We should not feel ashamed to do that. However, for someone who doesn’t have diabetes, seeing someone inject is rare. Most of the people with diabetes state that injecting insulin in a public place is usually not a problem and that only occasionally will it prompt a reaction in others.

    However, we have to be aware that some people around you may have a phobia of needles so it’s best to be as discreet as you can, especially around people you don’t know well. The key is in making sure we are discreet and ensuring that we minimise any risk of danger to ourselves or others.

    Inject insulin when I am outside

    I don’t have a problem to inject in public, especially when I am with my family and friends. In some cases, I wish to request to use a private area to administer an injection. For instance, when I go out with friends, I do the injection in the toilet. I do that for health and safety reasons, to completely prevent any risk of anyone else getting accidentally jabbed.

    When I am at work

    At work, all my colleagues are aware of my condition. During my first days in the company, I was asking them if it will be okay to check my blood sugar level or inject insulin in front of them. Fortunately, they didn’t have a problem with that. Now I can say that every time when I need to check my blood sugar level or inject insulin before my meal, I do that without a problem.

    Additionally, no matter where I am, I always pay attention to the following things:

    Ensure I have plenty of space and light to inject

    Obviously I don’t inject if it could be dangerous to you or others. That’s why I make sure that there is plenty of space to inject so I don’t risk getting knocked. Also, I ensure that I am in a well-lighted area as this will make the injection easier.

    I try to dispose of needles appropriately

    Any used needles or syringes need to be disposed of appropriately. In public, I find a way to carry my used needles or syringes with me so I can dispose of them in a sharps collection box when I get home. Used needles and syringes count as biological waste and should never be disposed of in general waste bins.

    February 16, 2020 0 comment
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    About Me

    A girl who has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for 21 years, shares her personal everyday experiences and explains how she manages her diabetes world.

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