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diabetes

Today marks my 21st diaversary!
My diabetes story

Happy 21st DIAversary To Me!

by tanja

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! 🙂


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It can affect our blood sugar levels, as well as our blood glucose control, can t affect our sleep.
DiabetesDiabetes Facts

What is the link between sleep and diabetes?

by tanja

People who have diabetes always wonder what is the connection between diabetes and sleep. Yes, there is a connection between them. It can affect our blood sugar levels, as well as our blood glucose control, can t affect our sleep. Difficulty getting a good night’s rest could be a result of a number of reasons, from hypos at night, to high blood sugars or maybe signs of neuropathy.

Trouble sleeping from high sugar levels

On one hand, high blood sugar levels, hyperglycemia can have a negative impact on your sleep. The high levels make it less comfortable for you during the night. Sometimes you may feel too warm or irritable and unsettled.

Another factor when your blood sugar levels are high, you need to go to the toilet during the night. People who face with regularly high blood sugar levels at night feel frustrated because they can’t rest and feel tired the next day.

Trouble sleeping from low sugar levels

On the other hand, low blood glucose levels, hypoglycemia, can have a negative impact on your sleep as well. If you are taking insulin or other blood sugar medication, you may be at risk of low blood glucose levels during the night.

Low blood sugar levels overnight can disrupt your sleep pattern. Moreover, it can lead to difficulty waking in the morning and tiredness through the day.

Nighttime hypoglycemia can be noticeable. For example, when I face with hypoglycemia, I always wake up sweating. If you are experiencing night time hypos, it is important to talk with your doctor.

Getting a good night’s sleep

If you want to have a good night’s sleep, it is very important to do the following things:

  • Keep your blood glucose under control
  • Ensure your room is cool (around 18 degrees Celcius) and well ventilated
  • Incorporating a period of exercise into each day
  • Stick to a regular bedtime.

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I test my blood sugar level more often in order to manage my diabetes during the summer.
Diabetes tipsDiabetes treatment

How do I manage my diabetes during the summer?

by tanja

During my 20 years of experience with diabetes, I have learned that I need to be extra careful when temperatures increase dramatically. I know that I have to manage my diabetes more often because It can affect my blood sugar control.

How the heat affects my levels depends on what I’ve eaten, whether I am well-hydrated and my activity level. If the heat and my activity make me sweat profusely, I may become dehydrated. As a result, that will lead to a rise in glucose levels. If I become dehydrated, my blood glucose levels will rise. Not only it will lead to frequent urination, but also it will lead to further dehydration and even higher blood sugar levels

How do I manage my diabetes during the summer?

What do I do to manage my diabetes properly?

Enjoying the sun is one of the things I look forward to in the summer and on holiday. In order to enjoy the outdoor activities without affecting my blood sugar level, I do the following things:

Drink plenty of water

 Wherever I go, I usually carry a small bottle with me.

Test my blood sugars levels frequently

I test my blood glucose levels more frequently than usual. On that way, I take appropriate and immediate action to keep my levels more stable.

Keep my blood glucose meter and test strips away from the sun

Extremes of temperature can also affect your blood glucose meter and test strips. As a result, I keep my meter and test strips as close to normal room temperature as possible and out of direct sunlight.

Store my insulin properly

During the hot weather, I keep my insulin in the fridge or a cool bag. Of course, I take care that it does not freeze.

I always take some snack with me

Some snacks can serve as a meal replacement. Others can serve as ways to prevent low blood sugars. I always have glucose tabs or glucose gel (Jubin) in my bag. 

I try to avoid sunburn

I apply sunscreen to exposed areas of your body 15–30 minutes before going out in the sun.

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How does living with diabetes look like?
My diabetes story

How does living with diabetes look like?

by tanja

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 look like this.

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. 🙂

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Sweets and desserts, like chocolate cake is one of my favorite desserts.
Diabetes cookbook

Can people with diabetes eat sweets and desserts?

by tanja

There is a popular misconception that people with diabetes must avoid all sweets and desserts. This is completely untrue! To be honest, many people have asked me the same question. The answer is: “YES, of course, we can”. People with diabetes can still enjoy sweets, but they may need to plan to help avoid unnecessary spikes in blood sugar.

People who have diabetes will agree that sweets and desserts can be tricky. I like most of my desserts to be sweet. However, I know that a low-carb diabetic dessert is a better option because it doesn’t mess up with my blood sugar level.

People with diabetes can eat sweets and desserts. For example, I ate one piece of chocolate cake, I injected dose of insulin and later, my blood sugar level was in the range of normal.

Savory desserts can be awesome as well, but, it’s hard to beat sweets and dessert to end a great meal. At least, it is hard for me.

Sugar and sugar substitutes (honey, agave nectar, etc.) will obviously affect your blood sugar and artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols can have unwanted side effects (typically digestive issues).

Moreover, I know that there are plenty of delicious low-carb dessert recipes to choose from. I prefer to make my own desserts at home. On that way, I can control exactly what goes into the desert.

Furthermore, the recipes that I make I usually use either Stevia or get their sweetness from other ingredients like fruit and berries.

What is Stevia?

Stevia a completely natural sweetener since it’s simply an extract from the leaves of the plant species Stevia rebaudiana. Most grocery stores carry it and you can purchase it as a powder, extract, or as flavored drops.

Stevia is great for people with diabetes and does not raise my blood sugars levels. It’s actually my sweetener of choice. I use Stevia to sweeten up your morning coffee or oatmeal, or your favorite dessert.

There are many ways to create delicious desserts that are (relatively) low-carb and sugar-free. In my next blog post, I will write some of the recipes that make and, at the same time have great blood sugar.

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Diabetes tipsDiabetes treatment

How did I prepare for Wizz Air Marathon 2019?

by tanja

Yesterday, on the 4th of May, I participated in the Wizz Air Skopje Marathon 2019 for a second time. I was running 5 km. It was a challenging experience for me. First, it was a fight with myself while I was running. Although I was feeling a pain in my legs, I was trying to stay calm and motivate myself to go on. Second, I wanted to prove that my diabetes won’t stop me to achieve the goal – to run 5 km without having a negative effect on my blood sugar level.

Every person with diabetes should be well prepared before the marathon. For this Wizz Air Skopje Marathon 2019, I did the following things: when I woke up in the morning, first I checked my blood sugar level. It was above the normal range – 8,5 mmol/L. I ate one banana and I drunk two glasses of water. One hour later, a couple of minutes before the marathon started, I checked my blood sugar level once again. I was 9.00 mmol/L, but I didn’t inject insulin. After I finished the marathon, almost 40 minutes later, I checked my blood sugar once again. It was 11,00 mmol/L. This time, I injected insulin in order to decrease it and I ate my breakfast. One hour and a half later, I checked it once again, it was 7 mmol/L.

My motto for Skopje Wizz Air Marathon 2019
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Healthy lunch - chicken salad
Diabetes cookbook

My suggestion for a healthy lunch – Chicken salad

by tanja

People with diabetes have to eat healthy food. A salad that contains vitamins in combination with meat and pastry is a perfect combination for a healthy beginning of the day.

  • mde

Ingredients:

  • 400 grams of chicken white meat
  • 4 tomatoes
  • 250 grams of cheese
  • 6 pieces of Chrono bread
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 green salads
  • 100 grams of young spinach
  • 1 lemon
  • oil
  • salt
  • 1 onion

Preparation:

First, beat the white meat with a pestle and grilled on a grill-pan while roasted. Then cut it into smaller cubes.

Second, cut the cheese and tomatoes into cubes, onion into wheels, and cut the green salad into larger cubes.

Third, Bake the pieces of bread on a toaster, then rub with garlic and cut into cubes.

Last, but not least, add the spinach, and onions to the green salad, then pour them in oil, lemon juice, and flavor to taste.

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This is how an artificial pancreas looks like.
CGMs, Meters & PumpsDiabetes treatment

Artificial pancreas – A safe and effective treatment for type 1 diabetes

by tanja

The harm that diabetes can inflict on the human body is due to the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin Because insulin is essential for survival, people with diabetes must inject it artificially. But this is often risky. Too much insulin can cause serious complications, and too little can lead to coma and death. For years, scientists have been working on creating a computerized, artificial pancreas that will continually measure the blood sugar level.

An example of artificial pancreas

Scientists at the University of Virginia, Faculty of Medicine and Harvard, John A. Paulson, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, have been working on developing a computerized, artificial pancreas device system for years. The Artificial Pancreas Device System is a system of devices that closely mimics the glucose-regulating function of a healthy pancreas. The goal of the artificial pancreas is to automatically monitor and regulate blood sugar levels. As a result, it will eliminate the need for people with type 1 diabetes to stick their fingers to check their blood sugar frequently and manually inject insulin.

It consists of three types of devices. A continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM), an insulin infusion pump and a blood glucose device. The blood glucose device is a glucose meter. Thus, we use it to calibrate the CGM.

How does the artificial pancreas work?

The artificial pancreas measures blood sugar levels using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Then the CGM transmits this information to an insulin pump. This device calculates and releases the required amount of insulin into the body. This is the same just as the pancreas does in people without diabetes.

The Do-It-Yourself Pancreas System (#DIYPS)

Dana Lewis and Scott Leibrand, the creators of The Do-It-Yourself Pancreas System (#DIYPS).

The Do-It-Yourself Pancreas System (#DIYPS) was created by Dana Lewis and Scott Leibrand in the fall of 2013. The main goal of #DIYPS is to solve the problem with an existing FDA-approved medical device. The figured out a way to augment continuous glucose monitor (CGM) alerts, which aren’t loud enough to wake heavy sleepers and to alert a loved one if the patient is not responding. #DIYPS can be utilized by those with CGM and insulin pump, CGM and multiple daily injections of insulin as well as for those with no CGM and daily injections.

In my opinion, technology has the potential to change lives. As a result, the artificial pancreas will be a milestone in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. It can make life with diabetes easier. Moreover, it can help people achieve more stable blood glucose levels too. Imagine waking up every day with blood glucose levels in the target range? That is something that we are waiting for.

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Diabetes food
Diabetes tipsDiabetes treatment

What kind of food can I eat if I have diabetes?

by tanja

If you are facing with diabetes for the first time, for sure, you are constantly asking yourself, “What kind of food can I eat?” Firstly, it’s time to stop worrying! Secondly, living with diabetes doesn’t have to mean feeling deprived. However, you just have to learn to balance your meals and make the healthiest food choices too.

The food groups people with diabetes can eat.

Moreover, you may worry that having diabetes means going without the foods you enjoy. The good news is that you can still eat your favorite foods, but you might need to eat smaller portions or enjoy them less often.

The food groups

The key to eating with diabetes is to eat a variety of healthy foods from all food groups, in the amounts your meal plan outlines.

The food groups are:

  • vegetables
    • nonstarchy: includes broccoli, carrots, greens, peppers, and tomatoes
    • starchy: includes potatoes, corn, and green peas
  • fruits—includes oranges, melon, berries, apples, bananas, and grapes
  • grains—at least half of your grains for the day should be whole grains
    • includes wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, and quinoa
    • examples: bread, pasta, cereal, and tortillas
  • protein
    • lean meat
    • chicken or turkey without the skin
    • fish
    • eggs
    • nuts and peanuts
    • dried beans and certain peas, such as chickpeas and split peas
    • meat substitutes, such as tofu
  • dairy—nonfat or low fat

Eat foods with heart-healthy fats, which mainly come from these foods:

  • oils that are liquid at room temperature, such as canola and olive oil
  • nuts and seeds
  • heart-healthy fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel
  • avocado
Photo of salmon avocado grains and olive oil.

Furthermore, use oils when cooking food instead of butter, or stick margarine.


How much can I eat if I have diabetes?

Eating the right amount of food will not only help you manage your blood glucose level but also it will help you manage your weight. In fact, your doctor can help you figure out how much food and how many calories you should eat each day.

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Six things diabetes has taught me during these years.
My diabetes story

Six things diabetes has taught me

by tanja

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, difficult, 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.

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