diabetes and being sick

i have pneumonia again.  so very ill and yet i cannot take a day off from work.  i work hourly so if i take a day off, i do not get paid.  there has been so much stress at work and it has taken its toll on me physically.  even now, i do not know why i am sitting here typing this when i should be getting ready for work.  a cold heavy soaking rain is falling outside and my chest feels like a brick is strapped to it. 

rain outside.  rain inside.  when i try to breathe i feel like i'm drowning.

and i am not hungry but with diabetes, i need to eat to keep my levels in a certain area.

i wish i had a friend, but mostly i wish i had him here to help me while i am this sick.  the fever is draining.  hot tea and toast do not a meal make to head off into the rain for a very busy and stressful day at work.

just saying.

finally a meter

i finally have health insurance.  i finally have what i need.  i finally have a meter to test my blood sugar.

i've lost close to 30 pounds.  my blood pressure is good.  but i never knew from day to day how i was doing.  now i know.

i hour after eating i had my first reading at the pharmacy.  143.  he said that was wonderful.  2 hours after eating they want me to be below 180.

this morning, before breakfast, i took a reading.  111.  they want me to be below 130.

i'm doing it.  i think i might be doing okay.  but it takes a meter to be sure.

and now i finally have one.  a year into this hot mess, i finally can test.

A fresh start

Finally, I've decided that I will get a grip with this disease.


I've done all the research ... educated myself.


Now it's time to "walk the talk".


I popped in to see my lovely diabetes nurse, Alison ... and we've made an appointment for August 1st to test for:


cholesterol
blood pressure
cervical smear
foot exam
blood test
urine test


I think that was it ... I am aware that I also need a mammogram and an eye test ... so I'll ask her about those while I'm there.


I've not cared for too long.  Because I was depressed and had no motivation.


That's all well and good ... and understandable, however ... I'm emigrating to Spain this year, and need to get this under control, so that I feel happier and healthier.


Alison has intimated that they will give me enough meds for 3 - 6 months to tide me over while I'm settling in to life in Almeria.  A great help!


and, I've got my DASH Diet Shopping Lists etc photocopied, ready to take with me, which will help me remember what's good to eat, until it becomes second nature.


Now then, where IS my blood glucose monitor?  I've located everything but ... and it's key to my success ...

When monitoring blood sugar levels

read this advice - I had no idea about these simple points that help to ensure more accurate readings