Let’s Talk About Insulin Pt. 2: Supplemental Insulin

An overview of the five types of supplemental insulin

In the previous post, I discussed the role of insulin and glucagon, as well as the two main types of insulin, basal and bolus. In this post, I will discuss supplemental insulin, how each type works and insulin brands.

There are more than 20 brands of supplemental insulin available in the United States. There are five types of brands: rapid acting, short acting, intermediate-acting, long-acting, and ultra long-acting. In addition to these categories, you can get premixed insulin or inhaled insulin as well.

Rapid-acting Insulin & Short-acting Insulin

To replace the natural bolus insulin produced by the pancreas, rapid-acting and short-acting insulins are used. These types of insulin are administered just before a meal or snack to counteract sugar spikes that are caused by eating.

In the medical world, short acting insulin is known as regular bolus insulin. Short-acting insulin begins to work within 30 minutes, reaches its peak between 2 and 3 hours, and lasts for 3 to 6 hours.

Examples of short-acting insulin:

Humulin R
Novolin R
Velsulin R

Rapid-acting insulin, however, works the fastest of all types of supplemental insulin. In the case of rapid-acting insulin, onset occurs after 15 minutes, peak within an hour, and then lasts 2-4 hours.

Examples of rapid-acting insulin:

Apidra (glulisine)
Admelog
Humalog (lispro)
Fiasp (insulin aspart)
Novolog (insulin aspart)

Intermediate-acting Insulin

Intermittent-acting insulin replaces basal insulin. Only one type of intermediate insulin exists, Hagedorn or NPH. Within 2-4 hours, the onset occurs. Peak hours are between 4 and 12 hours and the duration varies from 12 to 18 hours. As a result, some people use short-acting or rapid-acting insulin to cover meals.

Examples of intermediate-acting insulin:

Humulin N
Novolin N
ReliOn (NPH)

Long-acting Insulin & Ultra Long-acting Insulin

The long-acting and ultra-long-acting insulins are used to replace basal insulin by maintaining glucose levels throughout the day and night. They begin around four to six hours apart, but the duration is at least 24 hours. This type of insulin doesn’t have any peak points as it is designed to remain in the system for longer.

Examples of long-acting insulin:

Toujeo (glargine u-300)
Levemir (detemir)
Basaglar
Lantus (glarine)

Example of ultra long-acting insulin:

Tresiba (degludec)

Premixed Insulin

In a premixed insulin injection, varying amounts of intermediate-acting insulin are combined with short-acting or rapid acting insulin. Depending on the mix, onset can take between 15 minutes and an hour. It peaks at varying times and lasts for up to 24 hours.

Examples of premixed insulin:

Humulin 70/30, Novolin 70/30 and Humulin 50/50 are mixtures of intermediate and short acting insulin.

Humalog Mix 75/25 and Novolog Mix 70/30 are mixtures of intermediate and rapid-acting insulin.

Inhaled Insulin

As far as we know, Afrezza is the only rapid-acting insulin that is inhaled. As soon as Afrezza is inhaled, it begins to take effect within 12 to 15 minutes, peaks in around 30 minutes, and dissipates around 3 hours after taking it.

SOUND OFF: What type of insulin are you currently using? Let’s have a conversation and comment below!

Until Next Time,

The Genetic Diabetic

References:

American Diabetes Association: Insulin Basics

https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/insulin-other-injectables/insulin-basics

Butter Chicken (Keto Edition)

A keto spin on an Indian-favorite dish

Before I was diagnosed, my husband and I used to have Indian nights at home. My husband would pick up some take out from our favorite Indian restaurant and after the kids went to bed, we would just enjoy some quality time while chowing down on some tandoori chicken, butter chicken and naan bread. It was definitely one of the highlights of the month.

However, once I was diagnosed with diabetes, those nights immediately stopped. After a couple of months without our Indian nights, I was able to find a recipe that’s easy to make a rich taste that’s so comforting that it’s hard to believe that the entire dish is less than 15 grams of carbohydrates. This recipe has revived our special nights.

Try it for yourself and share a picture of your creation in the comments below!

Until Next Time,

The Genetic Diabetic

The Deal About Rebate Reform

Will rebate reform policy save chronic illness sufferers like us from financial doom?

Managing diabetes is already difficult and exhausting to maintain on a daily basis. But what if you are one of 34 million people with diabetes also struggling with increasing medicine costs?

You find yourself having unsuccessfully heated conversations with your doctor and insurance company because that $432.61 Lantus medication that your doctor prescribed is not covered by your insurer. To make matters worse, there’s no generic alternative for Lantus.

Or let’s say that your insurer does cover Lantus. You go to pick up your medication from the pharmacy only to find out that you’re paying more out of pocket, placing a financial burden on you.

In fact, this is actually how the current drug distribution and payment system is designed.

And the end result: we are footing the bill.

According to the Diabetic Leadership Council, a patient advocacy organization for diabetes:

“The substantial costs of living with a chronic illness are compounded year over year, penalizing and marginalizing high risk patients, perpetuating medical inequity. According to the CDC, chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability, driving $3.8 trillion in annual health care costs (18% of the GDP). Ultimately, people living with chronic diseases not only bear the burden of daily illness management but also predatory medical costs. Those living with diabetes perpetually pay higher costs to live, $9,600 annually, exacerbated by inflated prescription drug costs due to grossly unfair rebate practices.”

This is the foundation of rebate reform. In order to understand why this is being considered, you have to understand the key players involved; how drug rebates currently work and how this is financially burdening so many of us.

Patients Rising Now, another advocacy organization, created a great infographic showing how prescription drug distribution and payment works:

Key players in the drug distribution and payment process involves the following:

Drug Manufacturer

Wholesaler

Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBMs)

Pharmacy

Health Plan (Insurers)

Patient (Us)

We will focus on the flow of rebate. The flow of rebate is represented by the orange line.

The key players involved in this flow are:

Drug manufacturer

Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBMs)

Health plan (Insurers)

Patient (Us)

How Do Drug Rebates Work?

Rebates are discounts paid by drug manufacturers after the prescription has been dispensed to insurers, pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacies. These are cash payments that are sent to PBMs, which then shared with the plan sponsor (insurer) that they serve. The insurer generally uses the savings to lower the premium for the patients, rather than passing the discount to them at the point of sale.

This concept has been around for years. At first, drug manufacturers paid rebates for every brand name drug on the market. However, drug manufacturers started to consolidate the rebates into fewer products to maximize their share. Currently, rebates are attached to more expensive brand drugs and specialty medications. The more expensive brand drugs and specialty medications gives insurers and pharmacy benefit managers an incentive to include a drug on their formulary, which is a list of medications that may be prescribed that are covered by the insurer.

PBMs negotiate contracts with the drug manufacturers on behalf of the insurers. It determines the placement of drugs to specific tiers. These tiers determine how much a patient owes out-of-pocket for a prescription drug. Preferred drugs are typically have lower co-pays. The details of the contracts between PBMs and drug manufacturers are kept confidential.

The PBMs financially benefit from the rebates by encouraging fast-growing list prices for the drug. The insurers financially benefit by having us, patients, pay our share of the list price of the drug (the original price of the drug) instead of the net price (the total cost of the drug after rebate). This places a major financial burden on us, especially if we are relying on expensive medication.

Organizations like the Diabetes Leadership Council believe that patients should never have to pay more for medical products and services than their health plan pays. This is why advocacy programs are targeting congress to pass non-partisan rebate reform policies to help reduce patient costs. A rebate reform would require PBMs and insurers to pass savings to the patient, making it easier to afford to access to the medicine that they need.

Currently, there are talks in Congress surrounding rising prescription drug costs, including two hearings on the issue. My hope is this will be the traction that we need to be able to get some meaningful reform passed so we don’t have to suffer from anymore additional stress because of medical costs.

We should not be forced to choose between taking care of family or medicine we need that will allow us to do so.

It’s past time to change the narrative.

Until Next Time,

The Genetic Diabetic

When I Speak

I speak for you. I speak for me.

When I speak,

I speak in a language that only some can understand

An interpreter for the scared

The lonely,

The desperate,

The truth seekers

Trying to navigate this forgotten world of chronic disease.

When I speak I speak about the difficulties that I face with this illness

The roller coaster of emotions

The deep frustrations of not being fully heard

By doctors,

By insurance companies,

By family,

And friends.

When I speak,

I speak about the disparities of health care

How one person has to pay so much

Another pays none

Treatment should be an equilibrium

Quality service,

Affordable cost

For all:

Rich,

Poor,

And in-between,

No middleman

Constantly hijacking our wallets.

When I speak,

I speak about the frustrations of those who are conflicted on how to treat this illness using the proper diet

Gurus of Mediterranean, Low Carb, Paleo, Keto and Vegan

Promoting confusion

Forcing many to choose sides-

Just agree to do away with the ultra processed

Artificial,

Pesticide-laced GMO,

Ingredients we can’t pronounce

And choose the foods that specifically work for us

Without condemnation,

Deprivation,

And starvation.

When I speak,

I speak against the companies and organizations

Promoting the very thing

That put millions in hospitals,

Millions more in their graves

Through their fatal contributions

Using human sacrifices

Paid with blood

Paid in full.

When I speak,

I speak for the unspeakable

Those who cannot speak for themselves;

I speak for you;

I speak for me

Until the day we will be heard.

But for now,

My voice will assemble a continuous forte

An ear-splitting,

Thunderous noise

When I speak.

Until Next Time,

The Genetic Diabetic

Feeding Your Soul

My one vital tip that constantly keeps me sane on this health journey

There are days that can be so overwhelming and draining, especially when it comes to diabetes. This is a typical day for me:

Waking up between 4:00-5:30 AM so I can walk for 35-40 minutes before the kids wake up for school because I know I will not have time during my kids’ school day to do it.
Making sure that I am eating the correct amount of the right foods at the right time so I can take my medication and prevent my blood sugar from dropping too low.
Making sure that my family’s needs are met.
Helping the kids with homework and projects.
Finally, making sure that I am completing my tasks in a timely manner for my business, my kids’ school PTA and monthly diabetic support group meetings.

When I have a few moments or an hour to relax and unwind, I choose to feed my soul with activities that encourage and edify me. I make time in my day to study God’s word, listen to sermons and podcasts and connect with some amazing ladies to talk about the bible and pray for one another with just one click on my smartphone.

An amazing friend and sister in Christ, Dominique Young recently created a free, life-changing social app called The Faith Mamas Tribe. It’s a safe space for women to connect and grow in Christ. The app has daily bible studies and nightly devotionals. My favorite is our weekday Mornings With Jesus where we read the bible for an hour everyday from 6:00-7:00am. Mornings With Jesus not only edifies me, but it also motivates me while I exercise.

There’s space to submit prayer requests and pray for one another. There’s also space to connect with other women through groups. No matter where you are in life, there is a group for you. There’s even a chronic illness group and a health and wellness group, which I’ve joined and post about my journey regularly. The moderators who run both groups are authentic, encouraging, helpful and inspiring!

Whether it’s Friday night prayer, a weekend Faith Talk or a daily uplifting post, my soul is filled up every time I am on the Faith Mamas Tribe App. If you’re looking to grow authentically in Christ and this community sounds like something that you want to be a part of, then take a few moments download the app here: https://faithmamas.org/

It’s equally vital to focus on your spiritual health as much as your physical and mental health.

Until Next Time,

The Genetic Diabetic

What are you doing to feed your soul each day? Comment below and let’s chat!

To the Mom-to-Be Diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes

A heart to heart from a mom diagnosed with gestational diabetes

I see that you’ve just left your doctor’s appointment with the news that you’ve failed your glucose test and you’re now diagnosed with gestational diabetes and you’re understandably emotional.

Until this point, your pregnancy has been perfect- the classic textbook pregnancy. The baby has grown well. You haven’t experienced any unusual symptoms. You and your family are over the moon, excited about this new life forming inside you. Suddenly, you’re hit with this unexpected news.

As a result, major changes are about to occur. You’re now considered a high-risk pregnancy. Therefore, there’s a chance that you’ll lose your doctor because he/she doesn’t specialize in high-risk pregnancies. In addition, you will have to meet with a dietician because you will have to change your current diet to a diabetes-based diet. You might have to take medication like Metformin, Glyburide or Insulin in addition to diet. You now have to go to two appointments a week—a normal appointment and a weekly non-stress test (NST) and an ultrasound appointment up until delivery. In an instant, your pregnancy journey turned from peaceful to stressful and chaotic. You’re overwhelmed and scared for the baby.

You’re wondering, “How could this be? I’ve never had issues with diabetes.”

“I’ve been eating healthy and taking my prenatal vitamins. I’ve been following the doctor’s orders.”

You’re confused, angry and disappointed.

Take a deep breath.

Take another one.

I understand what you’re going through, because long ago this was me. I’ve been exactly where you are and how you’re feeling.

Know that this is not your fault. You did nothing to cause gestational diabetes. Our pregnancy causes our bodies to make more hormones, making our cells to use insulin less effectively, which is also known as insulin resistance. Some women might have insulin resistance before conceiving and with the extra hormones we make, this is a possible cause of gestational diabetes.

I know that this is hard to digest, but let me assure you that you’re going to be able to overcome this. In my experience, these tips helped me keep my blood sugar numbers normal while still making sure that my baby was still growing and healthy:

– Take prescribed medicine when directed

It’s vital to take any prescribed medicine as directed unless your doctor says otherwise. The medicine prescribed to you is usually temporary until delivery.

– Avoid ultra-processed and refined foods

Ultra-processed foods contain ingredients that cause inflammation and other issues, such as heart issues and high blood sugar numbers. Eat whole foods and limit the amount the starchy foods (white flour, rice, potatoes and corn) at each meal. Avoid sugary foods, drinks to prevent insulin resistance and high blood sugar numbers.

– Exercise

Try to incorporate a simple exercise routine like walking, swimming or water aerobics for healthy blood sugar and overall health.

– Get plenty of sleep

Make sure you get adequate sleep. Poor sleep is correlated to higher blood sugars. Snoring and sleep apnea are also possible signs of poor blood sugar control.

– Stay stress free

Protect your peace and mental health. Gestational diabetes can be a challenge to handle. Any additional stress will cause an increase in blood sugar. Therefore, only do what you can. Stay away from people and situations that cause you stress.

There’s one more thing that you must know and it’s probably the most important…

When your beautiful baby enters into the world, I know that a lot of your focus will be on your baby- and rightfully so. However, Mama, you have to prioritize your health, especially after delivery. It’s going to take awhile for your body to properly heal. It’s especially true when you have a high-risk condition like gestational diabetes.

Please follow up with your doctor after delivery.

I wish I could tell you that all cases of gestational diabetes would go away after delivery. For many, it does happen. However, there’s a small number of women who end up with diabetes postpartum. Sometimes it’s immediate, but for others it could take months or years. It’s very important to schedule your 6-12 week follow-up appointment to get screened for diabetes. If you’re tested negative, then continue to schedule a yearly A1c check every one to three years for the rest of your life. These tips will help build a solid foundation, turning them into a new lifestyle for yourself and your family.

Speaking of your family, you will also have to protect your growing child/children to make sure that they are taught healthy habits and nutrition so that their chances of being diagnosed with diabetes later in life are lowered.

I know that this is not something that you want to hear right now, but I would never forgive myself if I didn’t mention everything about my experience, because I am one of those women who’s now a full-blown diabetic five years postpartum. This is why I’m reaching out to you, even though I don’t know you. I want to see you and your family thrive. I want to see you and your family healthy. I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through during my pregnancies.

Unfortunately, gestational diabetes is not a one-and-done deal. It’s more like an alarm clock, a reminder from this day forward to take care of your health and the health of your family. I’ve learned this concept the hard way, but you have a chance to change the narrative, shift your thinking and battle this hurdle with grace, knowing that you have the tools you need.

Mama,

You are stronger than you realize.

You’ve made it this far.

Don’t lose faith now.

You can still have a healthy pregnancy.

You and your baby will make it.

You will get through this.

Until Next Time,

The Genetic Diabetic

Sound Off: Most U.S. Adults With Diabetes Are Not Getting ADA Recommended Care

Are you following the American Diabetes Association’s recommended care?

A new analyst published by the journal, Diabetes Care stated that most adults are not receiving the care recommended by the American Diabetes Association. 4,069 Adults participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2005 and 2018. The participants were asked if they had met each of the five main ADA recommendations for diabetes care in the last year — having one or more visits with a primary doctor for diabetes, testing for A1C, an eye and foot examination and cholesterol testing.

In 2015, only 25.0% of participants reported meeting all five of the ADA’s recommendations. However, 34.1% in the 2017-2018 survey reported now meeting all 5 of the ADA’s recommendations. The results showed that older participants (ages 65+) were more likely to report receiving the recommended care for diabetes. There was a slight increase of reports from participants in the 40-64 age group receiving recommended care. However, there were not enough responses in the 20-39 age group to explain an increase in receiving recommended care. All three age groups reported high on receiving A1C testing (From 64.4% to 85.3%).

The study concluded that people who reported not receiving ADA-recommended care were more likely to be younger, have a lower income and wealth, lack health insurance, recently diagnosed with diabetes, not take any diabetes medication, and not have high cholesterol.

Of the people who received ADA-recommended care:

52% more likely to have an A1C level below 7.5%,
47% more than likely to have blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg
47% more to have LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or “bad”) cholesterol below 100 mg/dl
79% more likely to take a cholesterol-lowering medication

Are you currently following the American Diabetes Association’s recommended care for diabetes? If you’re currently not following these guidelines, are you considering setting up appointments to get your A1C, eyes, feet and cholesterol checked? Let’s have a conversation and learn from each other.

To read the analyst in it’s entirety, click here: https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2021/04/16/dc20-2541

Until Next Time,

The Genetic Diabetic

Zapples!

A keto and allergy-friendly alternative to apples

Before I went on my keto journey, I used to eat apples on a regular basis. I loved them as is, fried or baked. I loved apple pie so much that I once requested an apple pie instead of an actual cake for my birthday. I also loved to eat natural applesauce. I used it as a sugar alternative and added it into pancakes and other baked goods because it was lower in sugar than traditional sugar.

One of my favorite family traditions was our annual trip to the mountains to go apple picking. We would go early in the day, pick apples and end our trip eating delicious apple cider doughnuts, drinking apple cider and purchasing the orchard’s famous apple butter. We looked forward to that every year! However, when I got diagnosed and decided to do a keto plan, I had to give up apples. That meant no more apple pies, apple cider doughnuts, apple fritters, apple cider or fried apples. Eliminating apples from my diet was very difficult for me. In fact, I had constant cravings for fried apples, but at the time I couldn’t find anything that could fulfill my cravings.

However, one day, while looking for new keto recipes to try, I stumbled on an interesting recipe for a keto-apple alternative with an unusual key ingredient….

Zucchini!

Yep, you’ve read it correctly. Did you know that zucchini squash is one of a few veggies that can be made into the perfect apple substitute? A cup of zucchini only has 3.5 grams of carbohydrates, while a cup of apples have 15 grams of carbohydrates. In addition, zucchini provides a good source of riboflavin, manganese and vitamins B6 and C.

One of my favorite ways to eat zucchini is to make mock fried apples by cooking them with apple pie spices. This beautiful creation is what I call zapples! Zapples are amazing for breakfast or as a keto-friendly dessert. If you have an allergy to apples, then this would be a perfect allergy-friendly alternative. Check out the recipe below, give it a try and let me know how your creation turned out in the comments. Happy cooking!

Until Next Time,

The Genetic Diabetic

When Life Stands Still

Taking care of your mental health after a diabetes diagnosis by implementing a mental health management plan.

The day my doctor informed me that my blood sugar was very high and that additional testing was needed was a total blur. I can only remember going to the lab, holding my husband’s hand, sobbing as the phlebotomist drew blood from my arm. I remember crying all throughout the day in my room and my youngest son coming in giving me some wild violet weed flowers because he knew that I wasn’t feeling well.

When I received the official diagnosis from the doctor over the phone, it was just as if life stood still. Similar to someone telling you of a death of someone you know.

I was shocked.

Saddened.

Scared.

Confused.

All I can remember is setting up a follow-up appointment to plan my next steps, which would eventually become the start of my diabetes journey.

For the next several weeks, I’ve battled anger and depression. Anger because I knew that diabetes ran on both sides of my family, including my dad and older sister. Why me? I’m 99 lbs, ate what I believed was liberal low-carb. I stayed active despite anemia, kicking my behind. I became depressed because I knew that this was a lifelong condition and I’ve witnessed so many of my family members suffer from complications. Now this would be my life.

After a month of changing my diet and exercise routine, I felt like I was mentally able to accept my reality and began taking control of my new lifestyle. I’ve started relying on online diabetes support groups on Facebook and started this blog, “The Genetic Diabetic”. Even though I was (and still) doing well, I periodically experienced depressive thoughts about my diagnosis. However, I have been able to combat those thoughts by cooking new dishes and/or blogging.

A diabetes diagnosis permanently changes your life in so many ways physically and mentally. It’s normal to feel scared, isolated and even angry. I want to share with you a few tips I’ve discovered and currently use in my own journey. Consider this as mental health management plan for managing diabetes.

Take Time Off

If you’ve read my previous post, “Don’t Press Snooze on Your Health,” I’ve mentioned what happened immediately after I received the diagnosis. Proceeding to go along with my day after receiving life altering news was a very poor choice on my part. I was more concerned about not wanting to cancel at the last minute and establish a poor rapport with my client.

This is when you have to put your mental health first. Take time off to process what is happening. Do whatever you can to make that happen. Once you’ve had time to process and think, then you’ll be able to think clearly and will be able to mentally function

Gather Your Support System

I probably would not be able to get this far mentally on my journey without a strong support system. A strong support system can take form of just one person or a group. It can be a spouse, parent, trusted friend or an online support group that you can reach out for encouragement, advice and accountability.

Find Your Outlet

Whenever I become overwhelmed with diabetes and all of the issues that come with it, I take some time out of my day to do something that takes my mind off of diabetes. I enjoy cooking new foods, reading the bible, watching a good comedy or romcom or just spending time with my family. What types of things do you enjoy? Use those hobbies regularly as your outlet whenever you need to take your mind off of diabetes.

Seek Counseling When Needed

There will be times when even the previous tips that I’ve mentioned might not work. You might feel that you’re in a really dark place and you’re beginning to experience extreme emotional distress or suicidal thoughts. If this is currently where you are, then I strongly advise that you immediately seek professional help. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or chat on their website at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Battling a chronic illness like diabetes is definitely not for the weak. There will be many great strides, but there will also be many challenges and disappointments. However, with a solid mental health plan, you will be able to overcome these challenges with grace, endurance and tenacity.

When life stands still, you stand tall.

Friend, you’ve got this!

Until Next Time,

The Genetic Diabetic

Don’t Press Snooze on Your Health

Prolonging check ups could cost you. This is my diabetes story.

Each day, I read stories on my online support group page about their experiences with being diagnosed with diabetes. Many of them were diagnosed years prior, but it’s not until now that they choose to do anything about it.

And I can actually relate.

I had my three kids within a six-year span. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes with my first and third pregnancies. After my daughter was born and I returned for a six-week check-up, the doctor told me that my blood sugar was still very high and wrote on my chart that I was diabetic. I completely denied and rebuked that disease and continued on living life, eating a low-carb diet. That low-carb diet was everything in moderation: no high-fructose corn syrup, using only applesauce as a sweetener in cooking small portions of grains and pastas. I’ve actually continued to eat that way up until my diagnosis.

When I was pregnant unexpectedly with my second son, I went to the same hospital where I had my daughter. The different doctor told me that I was diabetic based on my chart and I argued with her that I was not. So to prove that I wasn’t, I checked my blood sugar for the first couple of months. Once they saw that my blood sugar levels were in range, they left me alone and that was that.

With my third pregnancy, I went to a different hospital and was diagnosed with gestational diabetes once again. This time I was not able to keep my fasting blood sugar down and had to go on meds for the first time. I remember being so depressed that I ended up having to talk with a psychologist who diagnosed me with generalized anxiety disorder. I ended up having to go to the ER 5 times before the doctor eventually took me off my meds because my blood sugar was too low and I was not eating enough and experiencing severe dehydration.

When I finally had my last son, I went for my six-week check-up and my a1c was a 5.3. No diabetes. I was free..

So I thought.

In 2018, I’ve started getting hives for no reason. I would go to sleep each night and wake up with horrendous hives on my arms and legs. As I went through the day, it would go away but return the next morning. At this time I was fully focused on my businesses—I ate very little and very late, along with my husband. Many times eating late because he got off from work very late. We ended up eating take-out or cooking something very quick before midnight. When it seemed that my hives were not going away, I went to urgent care for help, as I had not been to my regular doctor in years. I avoided the doctor because I did not want to deal with needles of any kind and I did not want to be diagnosed with any horrible disease.

The urgent care doctor diagnosed me with idiopathic chronic hives. I was given a prescription for a 5-day supply of prednisone and was on my way. During the time that I took the prednisone, I was finally getting relief. The hives actually disappeared. I did not gain any weight because I was intentional on not putting foods in my body that would encourage weight gain.

However, six days after I had completed the medicine, the hives returned. I ended up seeing a dermatologist that recommended stronger allergy meds. It did not work. I had a small victory after doing an elimination diet, which concluded that soy and gluten were making the hives worse, so I eliminated them. Unfortunately, I still had some issues, so after counseling from my mom, I decided to go to a new primary care doctor. After taking my initial examination, my heart rate was high and needed to do an EKG and further tests showed that my iron and ferritin levels were very low, inflammation was over 60%, my blood sugar at the time was 144. I was given iron pills and was recommended that I would be seen in six months.

So each day I woke up and before I went to sleep I took my iron pills with an orange or orange juice. Still ate very late and eating little during the day. I started feeling a little better each day. In addition, I wake up with less hives in the morning.

Six months later, a week after a major business event I’ve hosted, I went to get blood work done and returned to see my doctor. Good news, my iron and ferritin levels were in range! But before he closed my folder he noticed that my blood sugar was high…..

At 300.

What?!

The everything became a blur for me….My husband was in the exam room with me and he was just as in shock as I was. My doctor told me that I needed to do another test and if it remains high, that it means that I was diabetic. I told him that we can get this done right away. After I went to get the additional lab work, I cried the entire day. I barely ate. I just cried.

The following day, as I was preparing for a business meeting, the doctor called.

Friends, it’s never good news when the doctor calls you.

Ten minutes before my business meeting, he told me that my blood sugar was 298, my a1c was 10.8 and that I am diabetic.

I died that day.

I still went to my business meeting on time. Not a good idea to conduct any business after news like that. While standing at the receptionist’s desk, janitor asked how I was doing. At that moment, I burst out crying. The receptionist and the janitor was trying to ask questions, but I never told them why I was crying, Instead, I asked where the restrooms were. I went to the nearest restroom and cried uncontrollably for 15 minutes before regaining my composure. Thank God that the lady I was meeting with gave me grace. I went through with the meeting and shortly after, I went to see the doctor to get my medicine prescription and started my new normal.

When I think about how everything transpired, I now wonder if I really did have diabetes the entire time but was just controlling it. When I proved to the doctors the first time that my numbers were in range. I left it at that. In fact, I avoided that hospital altogether. I put my health on snooze for years of not getting my normal check-ups because of fear. Fear of pain and needles. This was a dangerous decision on my part and I deeply regret it. I don’t want the same thing to happen to anyone else.

DO NOT PUT YOUR HEALTH ON SNOOZE!

The longer we put off that doctor appointment, the worse your health can get. It’s best to catch chronic and/or autoimmune illness when it first hits so you can get treated right away. When you put off that appointment or follow up, check up for your ailment, you are in denial. Fear and denial can be deadly. For some, it took a heart attack or another illness as a result from diabetes. Unfortunately for some people, they’ve put their health on snooze for too long, until it was too late and they are not able to tell their story.

WAKE UP, FRIENDS!

Make that appointment to the doctor. Get that health screening. If you’re afraid, take a loved one or a friend with you. God has given us only one body and we are to be good stewards of the body that we are blessed with. Diet and exercise are extremely vital, but so are annual checkups.

Until Next Time,

The Genetic Diabetic