Sensor on the Fritz

I've now been using my Dexcom G4 Platinum for 95 days.  I cannot begin to express how much easier it has made managing my diabetes.  Being able to see my daily trends is amazing.  I no longer feel like I am aimlessly shooting in the dark when it comes to my numbers because I can see them on the little screen I hold in my hand and fit in my pocket. 

I don't feel like I am "connected" to my Dexcom the way I felt I was connected to a pump.  The wireless transmitter rarely feels like it's there (although I do have to remind my hubby which side it's on so that he doesn't bump it).  I have noticed that my readings are picked up better on my left side for some reason.  And I still input my readings even when my sensor is on the fritz...like it is right now. 



It really stinks that this is the last sensor I have on hand and I have to wait until our next paycheck to order more.  I'm not looking forward to being without my Dexcom. 

I've been trying to stick to a low carb, high fat diet as much as possible, and I've noticed great success with my numbers when I do.  However, the holiday season has made sticking to it a little bit more difficult. 

My body reacts so strongly to sugar.  I have realized that even though lows scare me, I have to have self-control when treating them.  The rule of treatment for lows is take 15 grams, wait 15 minutes, and retest.  If still low, take another 15 grams.  Repeat until number responds/rises. 

My body sometimes takes longer than 15 minutes to react to the initial 15 grams of sugar I give myself, so rather than give another 15 grams every 15 minutes, I need to only give 15 grams once and wait for it to rise...otherwise I skyrocket (and then I have to correct with insulin, ugh!).  Trying to prevent the roller coaster highs is especially hard when you're busy or on the go. 

My average blood glucose has still managed to hover around the 200mg/dl range, translating to an A1C of 8.6%. 

If I can get my average number to stay around the 180mg/dl mark (20 points lower), I will reach my goal of an A1C in the 7% range by year's end.  I only have a month until that time, and my next checkup, fasting labs, and A1C check is on January 8.  Will I be able to reach my goal?  Is my A1C even in the 8% range?  Last time it was checked officially it was in the 10% range (end of August).  I am continually asking God to help me manage my numbers.   

Looking Forward to the Eternal Cure

Ever since I was little and diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I've been told by some people that they wish they could take my Diabetes away. 

I know they meant well, they were trying to comfort me, but you know what?  I don't ever want to be "comforted" by this phrase again. 

Don't tell me you wish you could take away the very thing that saved my life.

Yup, Diabetes saved my life.  I didn't realize it until I turned 18, after I'd thrown myself into a fit of anger and depression.  I turned my back on God because I couldn't understand why He would allow me to have such an awful disease. 

Of course I didn't understand.  I was a naive little girl.  I've grown up now and I've done a lot of learning and growing.  I can see now that Diabetes is the very tool that God used to show me my need for a Savior.  And I don't want it taken away for anything.  I'm glad I have Diabetes.  I'm glad I have Celiac.  I'm glad I have hypothyroidism. 

Having a broken body keeps me humble and meek.  It helps me focus on God as my source of strength.  It reminds me that I am nothing without Him.  I am NOT self-sufficient.  I am NOT self-reliant.  I am NOT the center of the Universe. 

My trials, pains, and frustrations are for my good and His glory.  It's taken me years...YEARS, to learn this.  But I am grateful that these lessons were part of His plan for me.  He made me this way and He did it for my good, for my salvation. 

Every trial has a purpose. Every setback has a reason. Every health issue keeps us humbly reliant on the One who created us. Our lives are about more than overcoming these obstacles; our lives are about glorifying God through them.

 It has taken me 18 years to come to this point...to be able to say that I want to glorify God with every step I take as I work to manage my invisible illnesses. Diabetes, Celiac, and hypothyroidism do not define or identify me; they are merely a part of me. And yet, only for a fleeting moment, for they too shall pass and I will have the eternal cure for all 3 of them.

What will remain will be my True Identity, which is found in nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.