Mar 25, 2011 Posted by Kev

Joslin Center Endocrinologist Appointment – Time for a New Endo?

Originally, this post was going to focus predominately on my disappointment with having to switch back to seeing my endocrinologist at our local Joslin Diabetes Center.  After leaving the Joslin Center roughly two years ago due to problems with Joslin not being able to respond to refill requests in a timely manner (it once took over two weeks), I started seeing my endo at her private practice in a... read more

Mar 8, 2011 Posted by Kev

Continuous Glucose Monitor Sensor Insertion FAIL

Obviously it’s not a good thing when you are inserting your continuous glucose monitor sensor and the inserter needle only goes halfway into your abdomen, while at the same time across the expanse of sensor wrappers, alcohol swabs and CGM supplies currently littering your kitchen table, your wife’s eyes open wide as if she just witnessed a circus acrobat only get one hand onto the trapeze.  The... read more

Mar 3, 2011 Posted by Kev

Bret Michaels Diabetes Interview – Life as a Type 1 Diabetic

Ever since I was a kid back in the 80s, I’ve always liked the band Poison.  I can remember lying on my bed next to my small stereo cassette player, my hand on the record button as I waited for Poison to rock the airwaves.  I’d sing along to ballads like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” and “Fallen Angel”.  I didn’t know what a diabetic was and I didn’t know that the lead singer of my then... read more

Feb 28, 2011 Posted by Kev

Revel Continuous Glucose Monitor Alert Volume – Can it be Adjusted?

A few days ago I received my first “Low Predicted” alert from my new Medtronic Revel Paradigm 523 Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitor.  My wife and I had been eagerly awaiting this moment so that we could hear what the Medtronic rep had described as a “siren”.  After 10 minutes of not-so-loud alerts had passed, the device was supposed to begin alarming.  Instead of canceling the... read more

Feb 22, 2011 Posted by Kev

Decided to Buy Ketone Testing Strips Today and I Used One Already

When we hear someone talking about peeing on a strip and watching it change color, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is a home pregnancy test.  That is of course, unless the person is a diabetic and they’re talking about ketone test strips.  During our once a month trip to Costco today, when I stopped by the pharmacy for sugar tabs and lancets, my wife reminded me that I should... read more

Feb 21, 2011 Posted by Kev

Continuous Glucose Monitor Training Class & My First 3 Days with a CGM

I had originally planned on writing about Friday’s one-on-one continuous glucose monitor training class, but since 3 days have passed since the class, I’m going to also focus on the slightly unsteady relationship that I’ve had thus far with the CGM component of my MiniMed Paradigm Revel Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (it’s a mouthful, I know). To sum up Friday... read more

Feb 18, 2011 Posted by Kev

Sleeping with an Insulin Pump – Our First Night Together

Falling asleep has always been a bit of an exact science for me.  For example, if my pillow isn’t on the softer side or my sheets are tucked in wrong near my feet, it’s likely going to keep me awake.  I also notice if the air in the house is even 1 degree too cold or too hot.  And if the thermostat is several degrees too low, my ears will start to ache slightly, which will surely keep me awake. ... read more

Feb 17, 2011 Posted by Kev

Medtronic Insulin Pump Class – I’m Now Officially an Insulin Pump User

Meeting at Panera Bread for an Insulin pump class is a little like a heart patient having cardiac rehab at a Dunkin’ Donuts.  Only in my case, the decadent treats behind the counter might actually save me.  My wife Trisha and I entered the local Panera at around 8:45 AM for a 9 AM one-on-one class with Ellen, the local Medtronic insulin pump instructor.  She had already reserved the private meeting... read more