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My diabetes story

How Did COVID-19 Affect Diabetes?

by tanja July 7, 2021

Although I received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine on March 27th, a week later, on April 3rd, I started having a fever. The day before, my father was tested positive for COVID-19, so I assumed that I was positive on the virus too. The same day I went to do a test. Two days later, I received a positive result. Carry on reading and find out more about how did COVID-19 affect diabetes.

Symptoms

When it comes to the symptoms, I had the following ones:

Fever (between 38 ° C and 39.5 ° C)
Cough
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Sore throat
Runny nose
Diarrhea
Tiredness

After three days, I had a loss of taste or smell. My nose started to get stuffy. The temperature was rising and then falling, and I was constantly experiencing the previously mentioned symptoms.

Find out how did COVID-19 affect diabetes.

Tips

Are you still wondering how did COVID-19 affect diabetes? In the next section, I will describe what I did in order to prevent developing serious complications. If you have any complications, consult your doctor about what to do.

Every morning was starting with a glass of lemonade. My blood sugar levels were usually higher, in the range of 12-19 mmol / L. Half an hour later, I had breakfast and after breakfast, I took the prescribed pills.

During the day, I drank between 5 and 6 litres of fluid. I was drinking tea, fresh juices, boiled water with onion. I also ate chicken soup.

Since I had a sore throat, I did inhalation 3 times a day. I put half a litre of water in a pot and added a spoonful of sea salt. After the water boiled, I removed the pot and added 2 drops of wild oregano.

I was checking my blood sugar at least 10 times a day. Since it was higher, I had to measure more often and make corrections with a bolus insulin. Fortunately, after the 5th day, I managed to bring it back to normal before bed (5-7 mmol / L.)

July 7, 2021 0 comment

My diabetes story

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

by tanja March 31, 2021

As a person with type 1 diabetes who belongs to a group of people with chronic illness, it was very important for me to protect myself from the coronavirus. After several consultations with my endocrinologist, I decided to get the vaccine. Thus, on Saturday, March 27, 2021, in Serbia, I received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Find out more about my experience with type 1 diabetes and the side effects after the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Before getting the АstraZeneca vaccine

Although there are a lot of people from the Balkan region waiting to get their first dose of the same vaccine, it was surprising that my parents and I got the vaccine and finished the process in less than an hour. When it was our turn, the doctor first asked us a few questions to determine if we could get the vaccine.

The doctor asked me the following questions:

“Do you have a chronic illness?”
“How long have you been living with type 1 diabetes and how often do you control it?”
“What was your HbA1c in the last 6 months?”
“Do you take any other therapy/pills?”
“Have you had any surgery on your breasts, uterus?
“Are you pregnant?”

After this, they entered our information into the system, then they vaccinated us and finally, we sat down for 10 minutes, take a rest, just in case if some reactions occurred.

Side effects of the АstraZeneca vaccine

It’s normal to experience side effects after the vaccine. It shows the vaccine is teaching your body’s immune system how to protect itself from the disease, however not everyone gets them. For any negative consequences you might have, it is best to consult your doctor. I will only talk about AstraZeneca and how my body reacted to it.

12 hours after I got the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, I had the following side effects: 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 took paracetamol. The doctor told me to take paracetamol if the temperature is above 38.0 °C.
The next morning, Sunday (28.03.2021), I had a temperature of 37.2 °C, while my blood sugar level was 8 mmol /L. I also had pain and swelling. In the afternoon, after 17:00, the temperature increased to 38 °C, and in the evening, at 22:00, it dropped to 37.2 °C. My sugar during the day was in the range of 8-12 mmol /L.
The day after (29.03.2021, Monday), the temperature was 37.2 °C. After 15:00, the temperature dropped above 38 °C. I still had swelling and redness at the injection site. My blood sugar levels throughout the day were in the range of 6- 10 mmol / L.
These days, Tuesday and Wednesday, I have no fever at all, but I still have swelling, redness and pain at the injection site. I also have a headache. The blood glucose levels are still in the range of 8-12 mmol /L.

These days, due to the swelling and redness at the injection site, I can’t exercise. That’s why I go for a walk. I should take the second dose of AstraZeneca for 12 weeks.

March 31, 2021 0 comment

My diabetes story

Happy 22nd DIAversary To Me

by tanja November 8, 2020

On 16.10.2020 marked my 22nd DIAiaversary. I still can’t believe that 22 years have passed. Every year, this day reminds me how strong am I.

During these 22 years of living with type 1 diabetes, I have been facing a lot of challenges: regular controls, highs, and lows, sadness, tears, happiness. Also, a couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, which helped me realize about the consequences that may occur if I don’t control it regularly.

But, having diabetes has positive sites as well. Here the thing that I consider beneficial:

Diabetes made me more compassionate

One of the biggest positives of living with this disease is becoming a more compassionate person. Diabetes has helped me understand that you just don’t know what people are going through – and how a simple act of kindness can make someone’s day even better, Diabetes helps me understand what’s important, what matters and what doesn’t. I try not to get stressed about everything because my health will suffer. Because of that, I learnt to set boundaries and cherish the simpler things in life. Diabetes helped me understand that it means a lot to help people. Although, there might be a vulnerability in sharing your story. But, in the end, there is also so much power in it.

It helped me understand what it really means to be healthy and happy

It might sound crazy, but I’m happier and healthier today with diabetes. It’s about feeling good in your skin, having energy, being fit, having a healthy diet, sleeping well, etc. Also, I’ve discovered which food groups affect my blood sugar levels. Lastly, I’ve discovered ways to improve my insulin sensitivity and ultimately reduce my overall insulin requirements.

The most important, it doesn’t hold me back

I have never let diabetes to hold me back. In spite of my diabetes, I’ve done so much throughout my life. And I’m grateful to my parents for that. Whether it’s festivals, travelling or getting through stress or trauma – having diabetes gives me a lust for life and the motivation to go out and experience as much as possible.

Happy 22nd Diaversary to me! Cheers to many more!

November 8, 2020 0 comment

My diabetes story

This Is The Reason Why I Chose To Stay At Home

by tanja April 23, 2020

Hello. My name is Tanja, I am 27 years old. I have been living with type 1 diabetes for 21 years. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar level. Hyperglycemia, or increased blood sugar levels, is a common complication of uncontrolled diabetes. Unfortunately, if left untreated for a long period of time, causes serious damage to the organs, especially on the nervous system and blood vessels, and in the worst case, causes death. With other words, as long as I regularly control my blood sugar, I will live a normal and happy life like the other people.

Why did I choose to stay at home?

The COVID-19 outbreak has been declared an international public health emergency. People with diabetes, especially people above 65 and those that don’t manage their diabetes well and experience fluctuating blood sugar levels, may be more vulnerable to the severe effects of the virus. In those situations, our body is not able to fight off an infection. That’s why I would like to ask you to think twice before going out these days. Please stay home and spend more time with your loved ones, read books, watch series, listen to music, learn something new, do something you’ve always wanted to do… Protect yourself and other people around you, especially your family and friends. Demonstrate social responsibility and empathy for others. Stay home to stop COVID-19 spreading

Yes, I have been facing many difficult situations. But, I have learned that there is only ONE LIFE. Yes, just ONE! And I really want to LIVE IT!

April 23, 2020 0 comment

My diabetes story

Happy 21st DIAversary To Me!

by tanja October 15, 2019

Do you know what day is it today? It is the 16-th of October, the day when 21 years ago, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. And yes, today marks my 21st diaversary. 🙂 I feel that each year that passes while managing Type 1 diabetes is an accomplishment Moreover, it reminds me of how strong am I.

During my first 12 diaversaries, this day the 16th of October was simply too hard, especially for my parents and sister. I can’t imagine how hard it was for them to try and accept that I had to live with a life-changing condition. They felt angry that they couldn’t take it away. They also felt sad because, in the beginning, our life revolved around learning about carb counting, fasting, insulin adjustments, and hospital appointments. But, I know that my family has always been amazing and so supportive. And I will always be thankful for that.

For my 21st diaversary, I deserve a cupcake.

Each year, this day reminds me of the strength that I have. Moreover, how far I’ve come and that I take diabetes in my stride. I consider my diaversary as the birthday of my journey which has defined me and my determination. I like being the Queen and having two birthdays (especially in the same month)! 🙂

Inspirational thoughts for my 21st diaversary

For my diaversay, I would like to share some thoughts with all of you. No matter how hard it may seem:

Always look on the bright side of life.
Love your broken pancreas.
You were given this life because you’re strong enough to live it.
I believe that we’re about to accomplish something amazing.
Life is not over because you have diabetes. Make the most of what you have, be grateful.
Don’t forget how strong you are.

I am wondering what the following year will bring in my life. We will see. Until then..

HAPPY 21ST DIAVERSARY TO ME! 🙂

October 15, 2019 0 comment

My diabetes story

How Does Living With Diabetes Look Like?

by tanja August 19, 2019

I have been living with type 1 diabetes for almost 21 years. I learned that I have to control it every day if I want to have a normal life. A lot of people have asked me: “How does living with diabetes look like?” In order to answer their question, I wrote this blog post. I hope that it will help them realize what we are going through every day.

Currently, I am treating my diabetes with insulin pens. I use two types of insulin: long-lasting insulin Lantus, which I inject it every night (at 10 pm), and short-acting insulin Apidra, which I inject before every meal. Moreover, I inject this type of insulin when my blood sugar level is high. I use a blood glucose meter, called Plus Med. With this machine, I need to prick my fingers to draw blood. I usually check my blood sugar level 5-6 times per day, usually before my meals, after the meals and in the situations when I feel that my blood sugar level increased or dropped down.

Living with diabetes is not easy at all

This is how my day with type 1 diabetes look like:

Normally, during the working week, I wake up at 7 am. The first thing what I do after waking up is checking my blood sugar level. Usually, it is in the range between 6 mmol/L -8 mmol/L. Sometimes it can be bellow and above this range. For example, my personal lowest result was 1.2mmol/L and my personal highest result was 26 mmol/L. Depends on the result and of the amount of food I am planning to eat, I inject a dose of the insulin Apidra.

While I am at work, I normally check my blood sugar level two or three times. I usually check my blood sugar level before my lunch and one hour later. Of course, I don’t forget to inject a dose of the Apidra insulin before lunch. If I have a project with a tight deadline or I feel stressed, I check my blood glucose level every one hour and a half. In these situations, when necessary, I inject small doses of Apidra as well.

After I come back from work, I usually relax for one hour. After that, I enjoy going out with my friends, ride a bike or run. But before being physically active, I don’t forget to check my blood sugar level. Being physically active for me is a more interesting way to decrease my blood glucose level.

Finally, at night, I check my blood sugar level two more times: before my dinner and two hours after the dinner, which is usually the time before I go to bed. Before my dinner, I inject once again a dose of the insulin Apidra and before going to sleep, I inject the insulin Lantus.

Conclusion

So many injections and so many pricks, right? Living with diabetes is not easy. In fact, sometimes I feel like I can’t manage at all. However, I know that I am not alone. I know that this condition is manageable and shouldn’t stop me from achieving my dreams. 🙂

August 19, 2019 0 comment

My diabetes story

Six Things Diabetes Has Taught Me

by tanja March 12, 2019

Living with type 1 diabetes is not easy at all. Especially if you are a young girl/boy. I was 6 years old when I was diagnosed with diabetes. And the only thing I remember is the doctors didn’t allow me to eat sweets. At that age, it is hard to accept that situation. I remember how scary and difficult it sounded to me.

Besides the fact that diabetes has taken me to scary, challenging, and painful places, but it also has taught me valuable lessons:

The things diabetes has thought me

I have been very lucky. Five years ago, I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, but with regular control, in the end, I overcome it.

One of the things diabetes thought me is that I don’t have to be afraid of it. I have to be afraid of the consequences that may occur if I don’t control it.

I learned that diabetes will never stop me to achieve my dreams and goals. Whether I want to travel or do work my dream job, I just make sure I’ve got all my diabetes stuff with me.

Being alone with your diabetes can be tough. But having diabetes has taught me that it is really valuable to have people to share the experience who are going through it too.

Another thing diabetes has taught me more than anything else is that I am responsible for my own health. My parents helped me become self-confident about my diabetes management as a child. They have never caused me to doubt that I could do what I wanted to do.

And last, but not least, the waiting is the hardest part when it comes to a diabetes cure. But we should stay positive and never lose the hope that one day a cure will be found.

March 12, 2019 0 comment

My diabetes story

How Did I Celebrate World Diabetes Day?

by tanja November 21, 2018

It’s been a week since World Diabetes Day. Every year, there are so many wonderful things happening around the globe to call attention to diabetes. It is a great way to generate widespread interest around World Diabetes Day. For example, engaging families and members of the public, businesses, and governments and organizing exciting events.

This year was special for me.Natasha Despotovska Dimitrievska, president of the “Association for Children with Diabetes – Balans MK” invited me on the forum that took place on November 10th at Sports Center „Boris Trajkovski“. During the event, the attendees discussed the most important information about the diabetes situation in Macedonia. At the same time, the children were playing together and having fun.

Furthermore, on the 13th of November, I was invited by Dimche Velev, president of the “Diabetes “Shekerche – Lollipop” Veles, MKD” to participate in a debate. The topic of the debate was “Diabetes has a family” or “Family has diabetes”. I had a chance to meet a lot of people, share my experiences with diabetes from the beginning until now, as well as hear their experiences and learn from them.

I hope that all of you celebrated this day with your loved ones. Happy World Diabetes Day! <3

November 21, 2018 0 comment

My diabetes story

The Moment When I Was Diagnosed With Diabetic Retinopathy

by tanja November 11, 2018

The past two posts encouraged me to tell you about my experience when I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. A couple of years ago, I had a very tough period. I had been stuck in a place where I felt that my diabetes management was “good enough”. I didn’t go on regular controls, I didn’t check my blood sugar regularly. Honestly, I don’t know why I was acting like that. Probably, because I thought that I had to power to control everything alone. But, I was wrong. And that resulted negatively.

Diabetic retinopathy – the diagnosis

In March 2014, after a long discussion with my parents, I decided to go on a normal dilated eye exam (which I normally do once in a year). I thought that everything will be okay. But, I was wrong. The doctors told me that I have diabetic retinopathy. Then she sat me down and asked me two questions: – “Tanja, do you want to be a mother one day?” I answered her “Yes, of course, I want to be, who doesn’t want to?” But then, she asked me: Her question was “And do you want to SEE your children growing up, achieving their dreams and goals?”

Yes, of course, I want to see my future children every day, I want to see them growing up, becoming better people, achieving their goals and dreams and be proud of them.

Those questions made me realize that I have to change something. I had to start taking care of myself. I had to start controlling my blood sugar level more often. Fortunately, the doctors discover it in the early stage and I had chances to recover. My doctor suggested a fluorescein angiography, in order to see what is happening with your retina. The doctor injected a yellow dye (called fluorescein) into my vein. Then the dye traveled through my blood vessels. A special camera took photos of the retina as the dye traveled throughout its blood vessels. This process shows if any blood vessels are blocked or leaking fluid. It also shows if any abnormal blood vessels are growing. Fortunately, in my case, everything was okay and I didn’t need to do laser surgery.

The moment when I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, my doctor suggested me to do a fluorescein angiography. — The moment when I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy in the early stage and there were chances for me to recover. My doctor suggested a fluorescein angiography

Besides the fact that everything was okay, I had to manage my diabetes, monitor my blood sugar level on a daily basis and take one pill vitamin c 1000mg per day.

Three years later I went again on the eye appointment. My eye doctor told me the news I was hoping for – I didn’t have diabetic retinopathy anymore. 🙂 I was the happiest girl in the world. But I knew that I have to continue with my diabetes control regularly in order to prevent it from developing again.

My message to all of you people is: Don’t be afraid of diabetes. Be afraid of the consequences that may occur if you don’t control it. 🙂 With a regular control of your diabetes, you can live and have a normal and happy life. 🙂

November 11, 2018 0 comment

My diabetes story

Happy 20th DIAversary To Me! :)

by tanja October 16, 2018

Today marks my 20th DIAversary! 🙂 On one level it’s frustrating and on another, I can’t imagine my life without it.

Diabetes demands constant work to stay alive and while some days are manageable, some days are just tough. Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed. Balancing the food you eat with exercise and medicine (if prescribed) will help you control your weight and can keep your blood glucose in the healthy range.

However, I have to keep advocating for awareness and better general knowledge in the public to end the stigma. Moreover, I have to help those like me remember that we are greater than the highs and lows of this illness. 🙂

During these 20 years of living with type 1 diabetes, I have been facing a lot of challenges: regular controls, highs, and lows, sadness, tears, happiness. Although I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, in the end, it made me realize how terrible and scary the consequences can be. To sum up, I realize that I don’t have to be scared of diabetes. I have to be scared of the consequences that may occur if I don´t control my blood glucose level regularly.

Diabetes gives us chances to learn from each other

But also, these rollercoaster called “DIABETES” gave me a chance to participate in the IDF Youth Leadership Camp in Prague. There, I had a chance to make new friendships, share my own experiences and learn from their experience as well. Furthermore, it made me stronger, wiser and more disciplined because of what I go through every day.

Last, but not least, it gave me the strength to start writing this blog. Also, it gave a chance to help other people with diabetes realize that diabetes doesn’t limit their ability to do anything. With a regular blood glucose control, they can have a normal and happy life.

I will continue this fight. I won’t quit. I won’t…. 🙂 Happy 20th DIAversary to me! 🙂

October 16, 2018 0 comment