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life with diabetes

COVID-19 and Diabetes: Protect yourself!

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

Stress can have a negative impact on our blood sugar levels.

Diabetes management Diabetes treatment

How Does Stress Affect Diabetes?

by tanja October 24, 2019

Stress is the reaction of our body to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. When we become stressed, the body quickly responds by releasing hormones that give cells access to stored energy – fat and glucose – to help the body get away from danger.

Diabetes and stress

As we know, diabetes management is a lifelong process. As a result, this adds stress to your daily life. Stress can be a major barrier to effective glucose control. Stress hormones in your body may directly affect glucose levels. When you’re feeling stressed, the body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones should give you an energy boost for a ‘fight or flight’ response. But the hormones actually make it harder for insulin to work properly, known as insulin resistance. As energy can’t get into your cells, your blood sugar levels rise.

If your blood sugar levels go too high, you face high blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia. If it doesn’t go away, it can keep your blood sugar levels high and put you at a higher risk of diabetes complications. It can also affect your mood and how you look after yourself, which can start to affect your emotional health.

What do I do when I feel stressed?

Everyone copes with stressful situations in different ways. For example, sometimes I feel stressed when I try to do things perfectly. As a result, in the end, I don’t manage to finish the things as I was expecting. Because stress increases my blood sugar level, in these situations, the first thing that I try to do is to look after myself. This means that I try to stay calm and take a deep breath. Also, I check my blood sugar level more often in the following two or three hours.

Moreover, I learned not to put too much pressure on myself to do everything perfectly. This can add or lead to stress. But it’s good to be aware of how easy it can be to give in to the habit of letting diabetes self-care slip in times of stress.

Trying to get enough sleep and building exercise, rest and relaxation time into my routine also help me cope better with stress.

Last, but not least, talking with other people about what’s making me stressed helps me a lot. Talking with my family and sister about things that make me worry is the best therapy for me. Their words and advice help me put something into perspective or just make me feel relieved about getting it off your chest.

October 24, 2019 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

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

Diabetes Diabetes Facts

What Is The Link Between Sleep And Diabetes?

by tanja September 22, 2019

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.

Last, but not least, I would recommend it to check the website of SleepHere.Org. They have created a list of additional resources about diabetes and sleep that you might find useful.

September 22, 2019 0 comment

Diabetes cookbook

My Suggestion For A Healthy Lunch – Chicken Salad

by tanja May 1, 2019

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. Today, I decided to recommend you heatly lunch – a chicken salad. Below you can find the recipe.

Ingredients for a healthy chicken salad:

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.

May 1, 2019 0 comment

Diabetes tips Diabetes treatment

What Kind Of Food Can I Eat If I Have Diabetes?

by tanja March 31, 2019

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.

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
- milk or lactose-free milk if you have lactose intolerance
- yogurt
- cheese

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.

March 31, 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

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

Diabetes tips Diabetes treatment

Mihaela’s Tips For Preventing And Treating Hypoglycemia

by tanja September 19, 2018

Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, is when blood sugar decreases to below normal levels. If you have diabetes, you try your best to keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. However, most people with diabetes will experience hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, at some point. It is very important to know the tips for preventing and treating hypoglycemia.

Although hypoglycemia is fairly common and can be treated quickly, it’s important to prepare for this medical emergency and know how to act right away. Without immediate treatment, hypoglycemia can be dangerous for people with diabetes. The good news? We can treat hypoglycemia easily with a little planning.

We, people with diabetes, face with hypoglycemia almost every day and we know that the feeling is awful. But also, it is important to know how to react in those situations.

Mihaela Anastasovska, an 18th-year-old girl, shares her tips about how to prevent hypoglycemia.

Tips for preventing and treating hypoglycemia:

Here are her keys to managing hypoglycemia:

First of all, don’t panic and stay calm. Consume 15-20 grams of glucose or simple carbohydrates. (15-20 grams glucose is equal to 1 tablespoon sugar). Recheck your blood glucose after 10-15 min. If hypoglycemia continues, repeat. Once blood glucose returns to normal, eat a small snack if your next planned meal is more than an hour or two away.

The signs of hypoglycemia are: shaking your hands and legs; quick heartbeat; no energy; when suddenly a cold sweat swings you. And yes, don’t forget always to take with you a few sugars because you don’t know when and where hypoglycemia may occur.

If you are experiencing low blood glucose and you’re not sure why, bring a record of blood glucose, insulin, exercise, and food data to a health care provider. Finally, together, you can review all your data to figure out the cause of the lows.

September 19, 2018 0 comment