We had a meeting with a the research specialist today at the clinic. He was going over different types of studies that have been done. Ands various types we can be involved in as well. Im sure sooner or later we will definitely be interested with being involved in them. As well for some of the research we can have family members join too. But we have alot on our plate at the moment and I know the time will come.
Emma is still "Honeymooning" so she is still producing an amount of insulin which gives both us and her a some time before we really get into this. The NPH insulin that we are giving her right now peaks at around 1.5 to 3 hours after administering. And because of this she has been having more lows than acceptable.
So we discussed today to change to Glargine. This is as well a long lasting insulin. But it is unique because it has no pronounced peak. It is released into the body steadily and continously. This seems to be the best way right now to control the risk of Emma going Hypo.
We talked briefly on diet. Just briefly because we really have got a handle on this. And the fact that our little girls eats like a bird it is really easy to monitor her. She is quickly figuring out that if she doesn't eat her supper that she still will get a desert (just to make up for lost planned CHO's for that mealtime).
Well that is it for now. I wish you all well. And really concentrate and be dilligent about your health. Talk to you later.
11 comments:
Chris,
I was on all kinds of different insulins when I was growing up, and now I am using an insulin pump. However, I used the Lantus (non-peaking insulin) for about 18 months before I started pumping and it really helped to stave off some of those lows. My only (little) issue with it was that there was a burning sensation after I injected it, so if you guys decide to use Lantus and Emma says the shots burn a little, she's definitely not making it up. Despite the sting, it was definitely a good tool in bouncing out some of those lows.
And she is a cute little thing, even from the aerial shot. :)
You guys are doing a great job. You should be so proud of the progress you have made.
Good to know. However i don't think she will be able to describe it as such. But more or less let us know with her tears. It will be nice and different when she can start verbalising along with us about this. But with saying that i think i hurt her this morning and it was by far the worst one i have given her so far. And she shook it off very quickly. Hugs from momma help alot too.
Thanks for your comment and i just cannot get enough of her aerial or otherwise:).
Hello! I clicked on the link to your blog from Kerri's site. I'm a type 1 diabetic as well. Diabetes is a tough adjustment, but it sounds like you guys are doing wonderfully. I just wanted to echo her comments about Lantus. It really allows for a more flexible schedule with fewer lows. Levemir (insulin detemir) is similar to Lantus, but it doesn't sting, so you also might want to look into that as a basal insulin.
Keep up the hard work! Things will seem to get more routine after the initial time after diagnosis. Supportive parents are wonderful.
Crazy its been 3 weeks. Keep up the posts.. I will talk to you guys this weekend... kiss Missy for me and tell her Mamy says hi..
My daughter used Lantus for a few years before going on the pump. It worked really well for her.
If Emma complains a lot about the sting, you could ask for Levemir. It's also a 24-hour, peakless insulin but it doesn't sting. My daughter used that this summer, when she went untethered during soccer camp.
Have you guys considered pumping? I know quite a few people who have their toddlers on a pump and they say it's great and very easy to manage.
Hi Chris,
Thanks for stopping by my place. I've added you to the list of blogs that I keep up on.
I try really hard to keep current on things, but sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day.
So, stopping by here to say "welcome", and that if there is anything we can do, just let us know.
Hi Chris,
What I liked most about what I studied in school was the ability it gave me to learn by applying new knowledge to old situations, or by applying old knowledge to new situations, making mistakes and shifting through different options as though they were socks for me to put on in the morning.
It's a simple little analogy, but I think it captures what you're going through and what you have introspectively documented as a "learn as you go" strategy. One that I think is the best way to go in ensuring long term success.
It has only been three weeks (you should give yourselves all so much credit for your willingness to bravely and adeptly face this incredible challenge with a good sense of humour, much optimism, and yes, even the odd moment of panic or desperation)... and I can tell you from an outsider's perspective, especially as someone who used to make it her business to study and analyze culture, that you all have been quite successful in creating a brand new culture for your little family.
My sincerest congratulations and respect go out to you and Denise and Emma. This is not an easy adjustment to make, but you are all, in your own ways as far as I can read, choosing to follow a more positive path than most would have chosen. Good going, guys!
Btw, Emma looks exquisite in this aerial shot. There is something very powerful about the fact that you can't see her face, but that her personality shines clearly through regardless. I love the pink-hooded jacket also.
Your constant (new) friend,
Sally
Thanks everyone for your comments. This was really nice to come home to today and see everyones input and kind words.
We didn't give her any insulin today and yes she was all over the board again. As low as a 5.0 and high as a 13.8.
i can hardly wait to start her on the Lantus. Eventhough it is not covered on our plan we will still be using it if it works and does not sting or have any other not so favorable effects.
I stumbled back to this blog whilst looking for my optometrist’s phone number (I’m not joking - I typed in ‘eye..’ and your addy jumped up. Stephen sent me your link during the whole Canadian/federal election thingy).
I’m so sorry to hear about the struggles you’ve been going through with Emma however, when you think about it, with you and Denise as parents there is no doubt that this kid is going to grow into a wonderful and healthy woman.
Look after one another. Please let me know if I can do anything for you guys from over here (you want a koala boxed up and shipped over - I’m your woman).
Send my love to Denise and give Emma a kiss for me (oh, what the hell - plant one on Denise for me too)!
Maroussia
Wow, when you said NPH my eyes about jumped out of my head! I didn't even realize they used that stuff anymore! Be assured that problems with lows while on NPH is not a new problem, I struggled with severe lows while on NPH (this was for a four year period after I was diagnosed at age 13) and my mum got off of NPH for the same reason, nighttime lows. I switched to Lente after I stopped NPH, but that is now discontinued. I don't have any experience with glargine or levemir or lantus so I dont really have an opinion on it other than I can imagine it will be better than the NPH! I have used a pump for 11 years now, and I can't imagine being on injections now. Good luck with your little girl. I have a 3-1/2 year old peanut, and I know how special those peanuts really are. Take care!
I know, I know...I haven't left any comments lately. I have been checking your blog regularly and reading all the comments left by everyone who has had first hand experience with diabetes. I don't have the same experiences as everyone else does, and really no advice to give. (Well, I have ALL kinds of advice, but nothing related to diabetes.) It is so awesome to see the support you three have received in the last few weeks. I'm sure it validates all the feelings you've been having, both good and bad.
You know things are going well and you know you're doing a great job when Emma becomes possessive of her testing kit when someone tries to look at it. "MY test! MY test!" And asking her where she gets her test and she tells you the different spots "kinger and toe". Totally amazing. And cute (if that applies in this situation).
Her bracelet is beautiful, and she is so proud to show it off. Too precious.
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