The title might throw some off, but this post isn’t about me having diabetes. I’d planned to share a bit about our life with Type 1 Diabetes here on the blog before, but wanted to get my husband’s input when we both had the time to sit and write a post together.
My husband was diagnosed with Type 1, better known as Juvenile Diabetes, when he was 26 after being in a traumatic car accident with multiple injuries. His life then, took a huge turn, and he had a tough time coming to the realization that things wouldn’t be the same again. After being able to understand how to get his blood-work done regularly, test himself throughout the day, inject insulin into his body, and adjust his diet, he was able to live his life as a T1 Diabetic a bit easier.
At first, hubs hid his T1 from me. We met in 2010 – the only link I had to Diabetes was that Type 2 (or diet-driven diabetes) ran in my family which was why I decided to get healthier and avoid that destiny. I never knew about it until I started noticing him either have a really hard day and be super irritable (high sugar levels) or be lucid and not himself (low sugar levels.) He opened up to me about about his T1 and I decided that I wanted to learn more about how to live with this in our lives.
The pump. After some issues with highs and lows being frequent in his day-to-day experience, we decided to try to see if an insulin pump would work better for him. We used one without tubing – or one that acted as an attached pancreas – and it worked well at first. Eventually there were too many times when it’d beep loudly due to an error and insulin was wasted, that we decided to stick with the Humalog pen and hubs testing himself every 2 hours or so throughout the day.
This method has been working for us for almost a year now. YAY!
Life with Diabetes isn’t easy but doesn’t have to be negative by any means.
G’s thoughts?
“In some ways this has been a blessing. Although Type 1 Diabetes is very serious and something that I will live the rest of my life with it has forced me to make many changes to my lifestyle. First and foremost I had to change my diet. Many people only see the link to sugar with diabetes but, carbs from any source need to be monitored. I began to cut out the garbage that I was putting into my body. I have always been blessed to look fit even if I wasn’t and this disease forced me to begin to make better choices. It has also helped me rededicate myself to my fitness. One way to control or manage blood sugars is to be active and exercise regularly. I make sure I snack accordingly and try to use fitness to help control my diabetes. I do have a few tips to provide anyone who lives with diabetes or has someone close to them that does. First, you need a team. You need people to be aware so that they can be there to help especially when dealing with low blood sugars. This was very difficult for me but, I learned I needed to swallow my pride. I blessed to have a great wife and great friends who are always there to support me. Secondly, test your blood regularly. Most problems occur because, you are unaware that your blood is low or high. Test every couple hours. Next, exercise often and make good choices with diet. This refers to eating quality foods and being sure that you don’t skip meals. Finally, follow the doctors orders and make good healthy decisions.”
“In some ways this has been a blessing. Although Type 1 Diabetes is very serious and something that I will live the rest of my life with it has forced me to make many changes to my lifestyle. First and foremost I had to change my diet. Many people only see the link to sugar with diabetes but, carbs from any source need to be monitored. I began to cut out the garbage that I was putting into my body. I have always been blessed to look fit even if I wasn’t and this disease forced me to begin to make better choices. It has also helped me rededicate myself to my fitness. One way to control or manage blood sugars is to be active and exercise regularly. I make sure I snack accordingly and try to use fitness to help control my diabetes. I do have a few tips to provide anyone who lives with diabetes or has someone close to them that does. First, you need a team. You need people to be aware so that they can be there to help especially when dealing with low blood sugars. This was very difficult for me but, I learned I needed to swallow my pride. I blessed to have a great wife and great friends who are always there to support me. Secondly, test your blood regularly. Most problems occur because, you are unaware that your blood is low or high. Test every couple hours. Next, exercise often and make good choices with diet. This refers to eating quality foods and being sure that you don’t skip meals. Finally, follow the doctors orders and make good healthy decisions.”
Yes, Diabetes does play a role in exercise and G’s drive to stay happy and healthy as well!
Before working out he makes sure to fuel up on carbohydrates for energy and to level off his blood sugar before engaging in activity that will utilize and lower blood sugar levels. While exercising is great for Diabetics as it requires less of a need for insulin, it also makes it that much more important to have fuel in the system to avoid crashing. After working out, he makes sure to test his blood sugars and compensate as needed. Staying fit has helped G avoid the negative effects of Diabetes T1 that can come naturally with it (circulation issues, increased blood sugar levels, etc.)
Ironically enough, we’ve both learned that my favorite sources of fuel would work just as well for him during his time training for the RNRLV half as well as be great sources for quick sugars before he engages in physical activity!
Two sources of fuel that we love: Honey Stinger + Pocket fuel naturals !
Disclaimer: We’ve been using Honey Stingers for about a year now through training. They offered to let us try new flavors of their product in exchange for a review. We were offered samples of Pocket Fuel Naturals to try and review. All opinions in this post are our own. Also, we aren’t advertising Honey Stinger nor Pocket Fuel Naturals as Diabetic supplements, and only base the review in that regard from our own experience using them. Please consult your physician should you be T1 or T2 diabetic looking for proper fuel sources yourself depending on your personal needs.
For #5 of my Tis the Season for Giveaways series, G & I are giving away samples of Honey Stinger & Pocket Fuel products!
Has T1 or T2 (type 2) Diabetes affected your life?
Do you have any other questions about our experience with T1?
Do you have any other questions about our experience with T1?
I couldn’t be more proud of my husband for sharing his story with others. We hope to put more info on our experience here on the blog now as well! We’re hoping for a cure, but until then we’ll continue to LIVE LIFE!
these things can totally be a blessing in disguise and i love that you saw it this way! we love honey stinger too and of course healthy bites! hehe
I NEED to make more of those for sure!
(((sharing)))
Thanks Carla!
You take any adversity and turn it into a positive which is amazing! My mother’s best friend had Type 1 Diabetes and was very thin. Most people associate Diabetes with being overweight which is not the case. Several of my inlaws have suffered from type 2, but that was due to unhealthy lifestyles and being obese. Great post giving awareness to those who are unfamiliar with type 1. PS I love Honey Stinger waffles!
The waffles are a FAVORITE of his too!
Wow how traumatic to go through an accident like that then learn about diabetes! There is a child in our neighborhood with T1. Other than that, like you, there is T2 in my family that keeps me active for sure. Love the Honey Stingers!
We always try to not look back, but I agree it’s totally unfair
I was diagnosed with type 1 when I was 10 years old. It too consider it a curse and a blessing. If it hadn’t been for my diabetes I probably wouldn’t have gotten a handle on my health and fitness in my 20s. It is my motivation to stay fit and healthy. One day they will find a cure and I’ll be ready!
Amen Pamela! Prouf of you as well!
I know this is terrible, but I normally don’t fuel… Lately I have been trying ENERGYbits though 🙂
FUEL is KEY!
I don’t know anyone personally with diabetes, but then again, maybe I do and don’t know it- it is everywhere! Favorite fuel- honey stingers chews!
Type 1 here as well, diagnosed myself at age 30 as diabetic. Took doctors by surprise but that confirmed diagnosis with Type 1 designation explained a lot of weird things that happened to me growing up. Great give away! I always try to keep gels & bars on hand and Honey Stingers are a fave. I used to raise bees, sell honey. I especially car them when I run. I’ve completed 6 full marathon races and multiple marathon or longer training runs. Even on short runs, I always carry something, don’t leave home without some emergency fuel. Thanks for the give away opportunity. Peace!
WOW What an awesome story! I’d love to feature you if you can email me at katrinaellep@gmail.com – go YOU!
I don’t have diabetes, but have heard great things about the honey stingers. I’ve been using Clif shot bloks for my fuel on long runs
One of my friends from college has diabetes, and she actually did an Honors writing project about it. Her final product really opened my eyes to what having diabetes is truly like. I am obsessed with Honey Stingers, and even though I haven’t tried Pocket Fuel personally yet, I’ve heard some good things!
It’s a different life that’s for sure!
I love Huma Gel! I’ve always wanted to try Honey Stingers. I love that your husband opened up about his diabetes. What an inspiration you both are to so many!
I have never tried either before!
Way a sad way to be diagnosed with diabetes. I’ve heard so many stories about people receiving a diagnosis as a result of being treated from injuries sustained from a car accident. Its ironic how sometimes these accidents are a blessing in disguise.
My favorite fuel is Gu Energy Gels. So many great flavors to choose from!
Thanks for sharing G’s story–it’s a great one to tell. So fascinating to me that you can get Type 1 after trauma, too. We have friends with a son w/ Type 1 and I know it’s not an easy road. Kudos to G for managing it through healthy habits.
Oh–I don’t fuel on most long runs, but after 20 miles, I do use gels!
Oh how I wish I didn’t have to fuel on longer runs or even shorter runs! Constant fueling makes it harder to lose weight, at least for me. 20 miles sans fuel would be a dream. Between water and fuel, I strap on at least 5 pounds to cover 20 miles.Maybe if I didn’t take my insulin for the day, prior to the run. Ha! Not a good idea for any T1. I’m not doing it. I’ll carry my fuel. 🙂
I’m a Hammer girl!
honey Stingers and Nuun are the ONLY fuel I can use the doesn’t make me sick!
Water, obviously, but I also use Honey Stingers! Pink lemonade is the best 🙂
Still trying to find the perfect fuel for my sensitive tummy!
Neither have affected me
We have not been directly affected but my best friend in elementary school had T1. Would love to check out the Honey Stingers and Pocket fuel to see if I could have them with all my allergies.
Thank’s to Hubby for sharing as I am sure this has helped others out there dealing with diabetes.
D1 & D2 have not affected my life, however, my friend’s father, at 51 was diagnosed with D1, which is so interesting to me because it’s an autoimmune disorder typically diagnosed at a young age – which is why your husband’s case is quite interesting to me too!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING!!! I feel like Type 1 Diabetes is so misunderstood!
I used Gu’s to stay fueled.
I love Gu and HONEY stingers!!! Also lots of Nuun and water!
I have lived with Type 1 for close to 32 years now, but just started getting into running within the past year. After reading about yours and hubby’s experiences, I know this is a doable activity for me 🙂
My dady-o has type 2 diabetes and I’m hypoglycemic. I have to watch my blood sugar pretty closely because I tend to burn carbs very quickly and bonk. Honey stingers have been my go to since I started running but I recently switched to Huma and love it. Although, you will never find me w/o a stash of the Honey Stinger organic chews – YUM!
Honey Stingers are fuel during my long runs and waffles or bars beforehand.
Diabetes is such a tough disease. It’s even tougher to figure out how your blood sugar will react to exercise. I’ve had many patients drop significantly when starting an exercise program. It takes time to figure out what fuel works for you but it is manageable. Thanks for sharing your story! Oh and I’ve used honey stingers and waffles in the past.
I switch between different fuels. I haven’t found one I’m completely happy with yet.
I used Pocketfuel for my last marathon!
I would love to try a new fuel for next year’s training!
I typically use a variety of gels or Honeystingers chews.
I’m a fan of peanut butter stuffed pretzels but I have to have a drink with them or I’ll choke on them. I recently discovered the honey stinger vanilla waffles and I loved them. I’ve wanted to try the pocket fuel but haven’t had the chance yet.
Tweeted for you – leaving this for the real runners! 😉
I really like the FRS energy chews!
I like to try a lot of different foods on long runs, but when I race, I use gels because they’re easy to eat.
Ryno Power Supplements, Braaap Nutrition bars, Huma Energy gell, and I refuel with Pocket Fuel (totally addicted).
I’ve been having a banana or a piece of toast with peanut butter a couple of hours before workouts.
Great job in helping and supporting your husband!! My dad got T2 diabetes after his heart attack and tries to make it work. But he is just not consistent enough with his diet.