The Verdict is In!

I am not being sentenced to an early death.

I Finally made it to the docs and received my blood results I was so worried about as mentioned  in my previous post.

It has been way too long since I have gone to my doctor for an official diabetes checkup.  I usually go for prescription refills, or other issues. But I booked this one just for my diabetes.  I feel a bit hypocritical telling others to followup regularly with their Doctor and diabetes team when I am not doing this myself.

My A1C came back at 8.2%  down .4 from the last one over a month ago.  I'm not surprised, and I know the next one will be a lot better.

My kidneys are doing well as indicated by my Micro Albumin Creatinine Ratio being normal.  So, no dumping mini protein in my pee!  Great news!

My livers doing well, I'm not surprised, as I rarely indulge in the sauce(Alcohol)  Good to check on it though, as I take a low dose Statin(Cholesterol lowering medication) and sometimes the Liver Enzymes can spike up a bit.

Electrolytes also good, also telling me my kidneys are working well. I also take an ARB (BP lowering Medication) that also prevents Mircroalbuminuria, and it can cause your Potassium to go high, which mine didn't. My BP hovers around 115/60. So I am good in that department.

TSH, which checks my Thyroid function, was elevated, meaning I may need to increase my dose of thyroid medication. I know; I totally feel geriatric some days being on multiple medication but most are preventative and my choice.

Another note about my dysfunctional thyroid gland, is it's very common to develop hypothyroid if you have diabetes, and therefore should be routinely checked. Another common disorder us PWD need to be screened for is Celiac Disease. So far I don't have Celiac.

Now my Lipids, or Cholesterol results were fab!
My Total Cholesterol was 3.95 (<6.2)
HDL was 1.22(>0.90)
LDL was 2.5(As low as you can get em! usually a 50% reduction if high risk)
Trigs were 0.51(<1.7)
(Canadian values)

I remember the lipids this way;  Lousy LDL the bad stuff, Happy HDL, the good stuff, and Triglycerides, well they suck too, and are triggered by the sugary starchy food, and alcohol over-consumption.  The targets for PWD are a little tighter.  Normals are noted in the brackets.

Well, Dr C, seemed to think I worry too much. But I know he sees a lot of poorly controlled PWD as I work in Primary Care as well. My standards are a little higher. But I am happy I'm healthy, and remain complication free. Well I still need to see my Eye Doc. But I think it'll be okay.

I also find going to the Doc motivates me to be more accountable.  As a result I have booked to see him in 3 months.

Well, here's to good health!

Trev

Diabetes Supplies vs. Rent & Groceries?

The personal economic impact of diabetes often presents itself as the title suggests.

In Canada the economic impact is best illustrated in a report put forth by the Canadian Diabetes Association called the  The Cost of Diabetes in Canada: The Economic Tsunami 


This report outlines the economic impact from a national perspective; how much it is costing tax payers, and the burden diabetes places on our health care system.  It does not however discuss the personal struggles individuals experience financially when managing their diabetes.


It's a no brainer that, with out appropriate coverage for diabetes supplies diabetes control is worsened. 


There's been a number of instances in 28 years where I've had no coverage. Times when I'd have to limit the number of test strips I use, or the type of insulin I choose.  Recently I changed jobs, and went with-out coverage (for myself and 2 type 1 kids) for four months. 

I went off my pump for 3 months to offset the cost, and spent $1400 per month to cover test strips, insulin, supplies, infusion sets, and the usual regime of Rx medication associated with diabetes completely out of pocket. 


We are still catching up.  I am speaking from a Canadian perspective, and couldn't imagine having to pay out of pocket for basic medical care. 


It frustrates us as a family. It has been a "thorn" for many years, simply because Type 1 diabetes is a disease that you can not delay or avoid, you simply wake up one day and are told you have it.  


It's unfortunate that anyone has to pay for essential medical supplies. It's not like we can choose not to test, or take insulin.  Some PWD(people with diabetes)choose the best therapy and often have to choose between rent or groceries, and whether or not to continue insulin pump therapy.  


Fortunately some Canadian provinces are catching on and have implemented programs that provide pumps and supplies to individuals free of charge.  Notice how I say most...


Most people fear job losses, and general economic set backs, but when you have diabetes one must also fear worsening control and choosing between rent or buying essential medical supplies. 


That's just not right! 




Trev