childrens-diabetes-v2

Because of Diabetes, I Am Who I Am Today: A Personal Journey

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:56:53 GMT

TL;DR

After 15 years of living with type 1 diabetes, Sasha shares her journey from diagnosis and denial to acceptance, advocacy, and a career in healthcare. Through challenges like fear of injections, managing diabetes as an athlete, and navigating school and college, she discovered strength, community, and purpose. Her story shows that while diabetes is difficult, it can also shape identity, open doors, and lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.

Early Signs and Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes sucks. There isn’t really an easier or better way to put it. Nearly fifteen years ago, on November 11, 2011, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Let me walk you through those fifteen years, starting with before my diagnosis.

Right before I was diagnosed, I was showing a lot of symptoms of T1D. I was losing weight, drinking lots of water, constantly fatigued, using the restroom a lot, and I had even started wetting the bed again. Thankfully, my mom quickly caught onto the fact that something was wrong, and she made me an appointment with my pediatrician. At the appointment, they tested my blood glucose and ketones. Before I knew it, I was on my way to Children’s Hospital because my doctor thought I might have T1D. On the way there, I ate pasta, which in hindsight was not the best idea. But how was I supposed to know? At the hospital, they confirmed my T1D diagnosis. I was given my first insulin shot, sent home, and was told to go to the Barbara Davis Center (BDC) in the morning for my new onset education.

Adjusting to Life with Type 1 Diabetes as a Child

I’ll be honest; I never once gave myself a shot when I was doing multiple daily injections (MDI). I wouldn’t even poke my finger or count my carbohydrates for the longest time. My parents counted down when they would poke my finger, so it wouldn’t take me by surprise. Eventually, I started using an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) . I didn’t insert my own site or CGM for several years, and I hated doing my site changes without numbing cream. Part of the reason why was because I was in denial. I wanted to be a “normal” kid like all of my friends. The other reason was because I feared that the needles would hurt me. It’s alright to be scared though, no matter the reason, and I think anyone could tell you that.

The Impact of Diabetes Camp on Confidence

Towards the end of high school, I decided to become a counselor in training (CIT) for diabetes camp. I quickly wished I had done that in the years prior because it was such an incredible experience. At the two camps where I was at CIT, I learned so much about myself and the community. One of my campers told me the one thing she wanted to accomplish while she was at camp was to do what she loved and not let diabetes hold her back. (Spoiler alert: she is now in high school, playing sports , and is thriving!) Looking back, one of my favorite parts was seeing these kids do anything and everything they wanted to without worrying about T1D. Diabetes camp is a great place for kids and teens to not only see that they have no limits but to also try new things. I loved being there for the campers and being someone who they could talk to and look up to. Being older than them, they were able to ask me questions about my experiences with T1D, even though some of them have had diabetes for longer than I have.

Living an Active Life with Type 1 Diabetes

Growing up, I was a competitive dancer. Over the years I had different opportunities to represent the diabetes community from the stage. On several occasions, I had parents and other dancers approach me because they saw my CGM and realized I have T1D. Once, I had a mom approach me at a dance competition and mention her daughter, who also has T1D. She saw my CGM and thought it was so amazing that I wore it on stage. Over time, these moments came to mean so much to me. Since then, I went on to dance for my university’s dance team. Balancing being an athlete and a college student as a type 1 diabetic was not always easy, but it is by no means impossible. Before I knew it, I had graduated from college with my bachelor's degree!

Turning Lived Experience Into a Career in Diabetes Care

Now, as a young adult, I have returned to diabetes camp as a counselor. I still take dance classes when given the opportunity. I have discovered I enjoy pickleball, and I also love to read in my down time when I’m not with friends or family. One summer during college, I safely traveled out of the country to Israel for an entire month by myself! Upon graduating college, I was presented with the opportunity to work as a medical assistant at the BDC in their pediatric clinic. Getting hired at the BDC was a full circle moment for me, having been a patient there since my diagnosis. One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to see the patients grow up. The first new onset that I checked in all by myself is so tall and grown up that I hardly recognize him from when I first met him.

Finding Gratitude and Purpose While Living with Type 1 Diabetes

Like I previously said, diabetes sucks. Now, while that is true, I promise it doesn’t always have to suck. Believe me, I’ve spent many nights wishing I never had diabetes. When I was first diagnosed, I had no idea what my life would look like anymore. However, my life has never looked different from what I previously imagined before my diagnosis. Growing up, I was always able to do everything I wanted to and anything my friends did, albeit with a little extra work to account for my diabetes.

Although I lost what I defined as “normalcy” almost fifteen years ago, I no longer wish I could go back to that. Because of diabetes, I am who I am today. I have been given some incredible opportunities, and I have met amazing people too. I met several of my closest friends because of T1D, whether it was through camp, work, or something else related to diabetes. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for T1D, and so for all the good, bad, and in-between it has caused; I am thankful. Yes, diabetes can suck. But trust me when I say it is possible to find the good in the not-so-good.

About the Author

Sasha Amiscaray has been a T1D for 15 years and is now a Medical Assistant at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes and Mental Health

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:45:58 GMT

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you need help, contact Colorado Crisis Services by texting ‘TALK’ to 38255 or calling 1-844-493-8255.

TL;DR

Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) can take a significant emotional toll on both youth and their families. Children and teens with T1D have a higher risk of mental health challenges such as depression, eating disorders, fear of low blood sugar, needle anxiety, and diabetes-related distress. Recognizing these concerns early and seeking support from diabetes care teams or mental health professionals can help individuals manage both their emotional well-being and their diabetes more effectively. If someone is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, immediate help is available by calling or texting 988.

Emotional and Mental Health Impacts of Living with Type 1 Diabetes

The constant self-management required for individuals living with type 1 diabetes and their family members can sometimes feel overwhelming and exhausting. A range of emotions– including anger, sadness, worry, and frustration– are common after diagnosis and throughout life with diabetes.

Children and teens with type 1 diabetes are also at higher risk for mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. Some mental health conditions that are seen in T1D include:

Depression

Depression is common in youth with type 1 diabetes – about double the rate seen in youth without diabetes. Depression can include feelings of sadness, increased irritability, decreased energy, low motivation, difficulty with eating and/or sleeping, and difficulty with concentration. Depression is treated similarly in those with type 1 diabetes as those without type 1 diabetes. Barbara Davis Center Pediatric clinic conducts annual screening for depression in adolescent patients, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.

Eating Disorders

Having type 1 diabetes means you have to think about food more often that you normally would. Although T1D management has advanced, giving individuals with T1D a little more control over what they eat and when they eat it, individuals with T1D still have to eat at times when they are not hungry (to treat lows) and sometimes they cannot eat when they are hungry (like when blood glucose levels are elevated and parents tell them to wait or make a different, lower carb choice). Feelings related to body weight and shape are complex too, especially during puberty.

These complex food, insulin, and body issues can lead to eating disorders. Youth with type 1 diabetes are at much higher risk for disordered eating than youth without. Eating disorders in youth with type 1 diabetes can include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and a diabetes-specific eating disorder referred to as “diabulimia.”

“Diabulimia” is when an individual decreases or omits necessary insulin, ultimately leading to unhealthy weight loss. This is a dangerous behavior that can lead to very high blood sugar levels, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and complications.

The Barbara Davis Center conducts routine screening for disordered eating, starting at age 12 years, as recommended by American Diabetes Association. If you, a family member, or a friend are concerned about an eating disorder, please do not be afraid to ask your team at the BDC for help. Early identification and treatment are important both for diabetes management and overall health.

Fear of Hypoglycemia

Some youth and caregivers worry about low blood sugars. Youth often worry about going low at school or in front of others and drawing attention to themselves or going low somewhere they cannot treat the low easily. Caregivers often worry about their kids having lows overnight or at times when no one is around who can help.

Some concern about lows is appropriate, but sometimes the concern can lead to a level of anxiety that affects normal life. In response to fear of hypoglycemia, some people may try to keep blood sugars above target/high. If this sounds familiar, the team at Barbara Davis Center can help work through fear of hypoglycemia or identify the right people to see for further evaluation and treatment.

Needle-related Anxiety

It is not uncommon for youth or caregivers to have a fear of needles. Unfortunately, diabetes requires the use of needles for blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration.

It is important to recognize fear of needles and address it with your diabetes team, as the fear can continue to increase the longer it goes unrecognized. Habits or rituals related to anxiety about injections can develop that are difficult to reverse (such as using the same sites repeatedly (causing hypertrophy) or avoiding injections completely). Effective treatments are available and range from distraction techniques to breathing exercises to cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Diabetes-Related Distress

Diabetes related distress is the emotional response to living with and managing a chronic, demanding condition like type 1 diabetes. It is different from depression or anxiety – it is the feeling of being overwhelmed, frustrated, or burned out by the constant demands of diabetes management. Diabetes distress is very common and can affect anyone, regardless of how long they have had it. Parents and caregivers can also experience diabetes distress. Some signs of diabetes distress include:

Feeling overwhelmed or burned out by diabetes self-care
Feeling angry about having diabetes
Worrying constantly about blood sugar levels, complications
Avoiding diabetes tasks like giving insulin, checking BG
Feeling hopeless about diabetes management

Suicidal Ideation

Thoughts of dying or self-harm are slightly higher in youth with type 1 diabetes compared to youth without type 1 diabetes. It is important to recognize these thoughts and seek out help immediately. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, contact the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or visit 988colorado.com . If urgent concern about suicide arises, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.

BDC Behavioral Health Services

The pediatric clinic at the Barbara Davis Center has clinical social workers who are available to discuss concerns with patients during their routine diabetes visits. Licensed clinical psychologists are available for individual and family therapy to address psychosocial aspects of living with type 1 diabetes. Do not hesitate to bring up concerns you have during your next visit or call and ask to speak directly with one of our behavioral health specialists at (303) 724-2323.

About the Author

Dr. Holly O’Donnell is an Assistant Professor, Pediatrics at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. She specializes in Pediatric Endocrinology and Psychology and her expertise is in assessing and treating psychological aspects of living with type 1 diabetes to help patients and families optimize health outcomes.

Misdiagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:30:30 GMT

Originally Published: November 30, 2017
Original Author: Shideh Majidi, MD, Assistant Professor, Pediatric Endocrinology at the BDC

TL;DR:

Type 1 diabetes is often misdiagnosed because its early symptoms—like frequent urination, extreme thirst, fatigue, and nausea—overlap with common illnesses such as the flu, UTIs, and viral infections. In Colorado, over half of newly diagnosed children present in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious and preventable complication. Recognizing the warning signs early and asking for simple testing can help ensure a timely and accurate diagnosis.

Early Warning Signs of Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Teens

Thousands of youths are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every year and in Colorado, over 50% of Colorado children with newly diagnosed diabetes present in Diabetes Ketoacidosis (DKA). Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include extreme thirst, frequent urination (including urinating at night or bedwetting) and increased appetite. Other symptoms may include weight loss, lack of energy and blurry vision.

Why Type 1 Diabetes Is Often Misdiagnosed

The symptoms of diabetes are often seen in other, more common illnesses. Therefore, a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can be easily missed or misdiagnosed. Type 1 diabetes is commonly confused with urinary tract infection, stomach flu, strep throat, or other viral infections (such as mononucleosis), as these conditions all have symptoms that overlap with diabetes..

Common Conditions Mistaken for Type 1 Diabetes

Stomach flu (gastroenteritis): The stomach flu may cause stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Healthcare providers often recommend people with the stomach flu to drink fluids to help prevent dehydration so if someone says they have been drinking well and going to the bathroom a lot, it can be seen as a “good” sign.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Frequent urination is a symptom of a UTI and people with UTIs can also have stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Mononucleosis (“mono”): Mono is viral illness (caused by Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV) that leads to chronic fatigue, sore throat, and swollen glands. Someone with new, undiagnosed type 1 diabetes can be tired and have low energy before extreme thirst and/or frequent urination are appreciated.

When Illness Masks Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms

People with undiagnosed type 1 diabetes can also have infectious illnesses at the same time, such as a common cold or strep throat, that can mask the symptoms of diabetes. When people have a cold or strep throat, they often feel fatigued, and may have stomach pain or nausea.

When to Ask Your Doctor to Test for Type 1 Diabetes

If you are worried that you or your child has diabetes and have been misdiagnosed, talk to your doctor about your concerns. Make sure to tell your doctor if you are having increased urination (including waking up overnight to go to the bathroom) and increased thirst, as these are the classic symptoms of diabetes. Ask your doctor if you should be tested for diabetes. Most doctor’s offices can test a urine sample for glucose and ketones, which can help to diagnose or rule out diabetes.

From Childhood to College: One Patient’s Story Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:36:49 GMT

TL;DR

Madeline, a type 1 warrior, shares what it has been like to live with type 1 diabetes for 11 years, from being diagnosed at age 9 to managing diabetes independently in college. Her story reflects the emotional adjustment of childhood diagnosis, the stigma and misunderstandings surrounding T1D, and the challenges of balancing classes, friendships, and daily diabetes care as a young adult. Along the way, she has found support from her mom, friends, sorority sisters, and her growing interest in the medical field.

What It Feels Like to Be Diagnosed with T1D as a Child

When I was first diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic at the age of nine, I was scared. Scared of being treated differently. Scared of not knowing how this would change my future. It was a tough adjustment: knowing what life was like before and knowing how different it was now. At nine, your only worry should be making friends and listening to your parents and teachers. Now, I had additional concerns about things that I barely understood. I was even hard on myself because I just wanted to be normal. I used to be the one to get scared every time we went in for flu shots, now I had to get at least three shots a day.

The Emotional Impact and Family Support

As if that wasn’t enough, there was a stigma around being type 1 diabetic because no one knew it is an autoimmune disease, unlike type 2 diabetes. Most of all, I dreaded birthdays. Whenever birthday donuts were passed around the class, I was never allowed to have one. That was when the teasing would start, reminding me of how different I was. The late-night talks with my mom started and from then on, she became my therapist. One of the biggest positives I’ve gotten from diabetes is my stronger bond with my mom. I also enjoyed getting a phone at a young age in order to text my mom my blood sugars from school. Even with her help, I still felt alone , because I was the only one in my school with type one diabetes.

Where I Am Today

I’m in college now, living on my own and figuring out how to balance classes, friends, and the everyday reality of managing diabetes without the structure I had growing up. Some days I’m on top of everything, and other days I’m reminded pretty quickly that I am definitely not the perfect diabetic. College makes it easy to forget to restock pump supplies , to ignore alarms during lectures, or to go low at the most inconvenient times. It doesn’t stop me from doing anything, but it does make things a little complicated at times, and I’ve learned to work around that.

Finding Community and Support

Outside of school, a lot of my life revolves around my friends and my sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma. Between chapter events, late‑night study sessions, and just hanging out, I’ve found a group of people who make campus feel like home. Diabetes is still there in the background, usually in the form of a pump alarm going off at the worst moment, but my friends barely bat an eye at it anymore. Alongside all that, I’ve spent the past few years in research labs , in hospitals, and even abroad, getting a closer look at the medical world I’ve always been curious about.

Taking Life with Type 1 Diabetes One Step at a Time

Right now, I’m taking things one semester at a time, figuring out what comes next, and learning how to manage all of it - college, life, and diabetes - at the same time.

About the Author

I’m Madeline VanOrman, a patient of the Barbara Davis Center and former CDF Advocate. I’ve had type 1 diabetes for 11 years, and it’s still part of my everyday life, just in a different way than when I first was diagnosed.

Your Identity when Type 1 Diabetes is in the Mix

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:37:35 GMT

TL;DR

Living with type 1 diabetes can take a toll on a child’s identity and mental health, as daily management often feels all-consuming. One family found a powerful coping strategy: naming diabetes “Frank” to separate the disease from the child. This approach helped reduce conflict, improve communication, and shift the mindset from fighting each other to fighting the condition together. Their story highlights how families can support children with T1D by protecting their sense of identity beyond the diagnosis.

The Emotional Impact of Type 1 Diabetes on Kids

Just so you know, Frank is a jerk.

Dealing with type 1 diabetes is hard. Really hard. Counting carbs, monitoring blood sugars, giving insulin and being prepared for every curveball that is thrown can be exhausting. Being a parent of a child who has had type 1 for 13 years has been quite a ride. A ride that can be startlingly fast, painfully slow, and sometimes make us want to pull over and get sick. But still we persevere. We are ever grateful for the “gold standard” of diabetes care and the knowledge that our kids with type 1 can and do live a long life with the latest medical advances.

A Unique Coping Strategy: Separating Diabetes from the Child

My son Jordon and I were blessed to enter into the FL3X study when he was 14. The FL3X study was counseling for children with type 1 and their parents. In each session, Jordon was asked to identify a struggle he was having with his diabetes and we would help find solutions together. After working through the usual struggles, i.e. testing during school, remembering to bolus and generally keeping him alive – Jordon sat back and just sighed. He said, “I get tired of always talking about my diabetes. Sometimes I just want to talk about me. My life. Who I am apart from diabetes.”

Naming Diabetes: How “Frank” Became the Enemy

At that moment, Frank was born. Frank is the name Jordon gave the “monster” that is his diabetes. And, believe me, Frank is a jerk.

Frank is unpredictable. He can act up at the worst time. He can cause problems with planning and logistics. He can raise a ruckus on sleepovers, P.E. class and in the middle of the night.

But together, WE ARE STRONGER THAN FRANK. The best part? We can talk about Frank, what he did today, the havoc he raised, how we can defeat him, then WE CAN BE DONE TALKING ABOUT FRANK and focus on Jordon. How Jordon’s day was – his ups and downs and his personal achievements and struggles apart from Frank. Sometimes Frank is pretty quiet that day and lets us focus on the other aspects of life. Sometimes Frank is pretty big and demands a lot of attention. There are lots of days we can get pretty mad at Frank. But we get over it, because we know we are stronger than Frank.

How Externalizing Type 1 Diabetes Improves Family Dynamics

Being able to separate Jordon’s diabetes from Jordon has taken so much pressure off our relationship. It has allowed us to get mad at type 1 diabetes, and not at Jordon. It has allowed us to work together to fight the battle against diabetes, instead of battling against each other. It has also given us a target for our anger that is separate from Jordon. Being able to name the beast allowed us to be on the same side of the battle against the daily struggles of type 1 diabetes instead of the opposite sides.

Until the day when medical advances allow us to permanently get Frank out of our household, we can work together to keep him from throwing his “tantrums”. We can make sure we deal with Frank’s curveballs – then we can make sure to make time for the person behind the Frank.

Parenting Multiple Children with Type 1 Diabetes

It’s been almost 8 years since Frank came (unwillingly) into our family – and since then we have added another version of Frank when a second son was diagnosed in 2019 with type 1 diabetes. In some ways this second diagnosis was easier because we knew what to expect , but also way harder… because we knew what to expect. I feel like this time we are a little better at trying to separate the person from the diagnosis - but reading this article again was a good reminder to acknowledge Frank’s existence and then put him where he belongs.

About the Author

Cheryl Lebsock is the Mom of two type 1 children and former President of The Guild of Children’s Diabetes Foundation , the volunteer arm of the organization.

Donate Your Tax Refund to CDF

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:37:32 GMT

YOUR TAX REFUND CAN HELP T1D PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Did you know that the State of Colorado has a tax program which allows you to donate a portion (or all!) of your state tax refund to support the Children’s Diabetes Foundation? CDF is very excited to be one of the registered nonprofits participating in the Voluntary Contribution Program from the Department of Revenue. It’s easy to donate using your state income tax refund.

HOW TO MAKE A DONATION USING YOUR STATE INCOME TAX REFUND:

Enter CDF’s 11-digit Registration Number: #20023003786 on the Voluntary Contributions Schedule ( DR 0104CH ). If using a printed form, enter the 11-digit Registration Number and the charity's name as it appears in the Charity Lookup Tool on line 17 . That’s it!

Thank you so much for choosing to support our important work with a portion of your state income tax refund. Your generosity makes a real difference for thousands of patients at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.

For other ways to give to CDF, click here .

The 3 Stages of Type 1 Diabetes: Why Early Screening and Detection Matter

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:30:55 GMT

TL;DR

Type 1 diabetes develops in three stages, beginning long before symptoms appear. Research led by TrialNet and scientists at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes shows that screening for diabetes-related autoantibodies can identify the disease years before diagnosis. Early detection can help reduce the risk of dangerous complications like Diabetic Ketoacidosis and allows patients to participate in prevention trials. In 2022, the FDA approved Tzield, the first therapy shown to delay the onset of clinical Type 1 diabetes, highlighting the importance of early screening for people with a family history of the disease.

Why Type 1 Diabetes Often Appears Suddenly

For most people, the onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D) seems to occur suddenly, often resulting in a trip to the emergency room with life-threatening complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The Barbara Davis Center at The University of Colorado, Anschutz is a Clinical Site of TrialNet , a worldwide leader in T1D prevention research and one of the prominent organizations working to change that scenario.

Understanding the 3 Stages of Type 1 Diabetes

In 2015, Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), the American Diabetes Association (ADA) , and the Endocrine Society recommended adoption of a new T1D staging classification (Diabetes Care 2015). This recommendation is largely based on two decades of TrialNet research involving more than 150,000 relatives of people with T1D. T1D is now most accurately understood as a disease that progresses in three distinct stages (Figure 1).

Breaking Down the Three Stages of Type 1 Diabetes

Stage 1 is the start of T1D. Individuals test positive for two or more diabetes-related autoantibodies but have no symptoms and blood sugar remains normal.
Stage 2 includes autoantibody positive individuals who have now abnormal blood sugar levels with no diabetes symptoms. For early-stage T1D (stages 1 and 2), lifetime risk of developing clinical T1D approaches 100 percent.
Stage 3 is the clinical diagnosis of T1D . Individuals generally show symptoms of T1D, including frequent urination, excessive thirst and weight loss.

Why Early Detection of Type 1 Diabetes Is Important

Clinical research supports the usefulness of diagnosing T1D early—before beta cell loss advances to stage 3. The earlier a diagnosis is made in the disease process (early-stage T1D), the sooner prevention therapies can take place, and the more beta cells are likely to remain. More beta cell preservation has been associated with better outcomes regarding blood sugar control and reduction of long-term complications. In November 2022, teplizumab (Tzield) was approved by the FDA as the first drug delaying onset of Stage 3 T1D in adults and pediatric patients aged 8 years and older with Stage 2 T1D. It was a TrialNet prevention trial (TN10) that led to this first FDA approved drug to delay the onset of Stage 3 T1D. The study was published in 2019 and showed a 2-year delay of clinical (stage 3) T1D in those at Stage 2 T1D (New England Journal of Medicine, 2019, Figure 2).

How TrialNet Screening Helps Identify Risk for Type 1 Diabetes

Led by Dr. Andrea Steck, the TrialNet team at the Barbara Davis Center is dedicated to preventing T1D and stopping disease progression by preserving beta cells before and after new onset diagnosis. Our Center has multiple ongoing clinical trials in both early-stage T1D (prevention trials) and new onset diabetes (intervention trials).

For people who participate in T1D screening and monitoring research like TrialNet, the risk of DKA at diagnosis decreases from 50 percent to less than 5 percent in our Colorado population (< 18 years at diagnosis).

Who Should Be Screened for Type 1 Diabetes

Both the ADA and Breakthrough T1D recommend screening for people who have relatives with T1D. Family members have a 15 times greater risk of being diagnosed than a person with no family history. Screening is available at no charge for:

Anyone between the ages of 2 and 45 with a sibling, child or parent with T1D
Anyone between the ages of 2 and 20 with a sibling, child, parent, cousin, uncle, aunt,

niece, nephew, grandparent, or half-sibling with T1D

Anyone between the ages of 2 and 45 years who has tested positive for at least one

T1D related autoantibody outside of TrialNet

It is recommended that children who do not test positive for diabetes-related autoantibodies continue to get rescreened every other year until age 18.

Type 1 Diabetes Research at the Barbara Davis Center

The Barbara Davis Center at The University of Colorado, Anschutz offers TrialNet screening and intervention studies. For further information, contact the Prevention Team at 720-346-1034 or hali.broncucia@cuanschutz.edu for any questions or if you would like additional information. Learn more at DiabetesTrialNet.org .

About the Author

Hali Broncucia is a type 1 diabetes Research Scientist in Pediatrics at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Broncucia has contributed to several medical publications and currently leads a clinical research team conducting sponsored type 1 diabetes clinical trials.

From Generosity to Legacy: Honoring My Father’s Impact on Type 1 Diabetes this Father’s Day

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 19:36:43 GMT

With Father’s Day just around the corner, I am thinking about my dad even more than I usually do. He was a special man who lived a remarkable, impactful life right up until the day he passed away at the age of 98, a little over a year and a half ago. He was a decorated World War II veteran, a bookie in Vegas during the Rat Pack era who married the love of his life between rounds of a prize fight, and who later went on to become a successful entrepreneur. Most importantly though, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

As an only child, I was particularly close to my parents, my father especially. We were buddies, partners in crime when my mom slept in late on weekends. Some of my fondest memories were of our weekly Saturday morning excursions to Pinks hot dogs in West Hollywood for chili dogs for breakfast, followed by chocolate malts at Foster’s Freeze. For a little kid, this was pretty much the coolest. Though Dad was a lifelong Giants fan, we had season tickets to the Dodgers, and we loved keeping score together and tracking the stats of my favorite players. When I was in high school, he enjoyed brainstorming themes with me for papers I had procrastinated writing. He was always very present and supported my interests and pursuits, and made me feel that, with hard work, I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. He was also quite strict, and everyone knew this about my dad. And yet…ours was the house where the kids hung out after school, on weekends, for study sessions, and sleepovers. He had a unique way of connecting with people — he was interested in their lives and cared about them, and everyone always felt welcome. This extended to my college and adult friends, and later to my own children’s friends. My father was widely adored and respected because he was an encourager who had a beautiful way of putting life in perspective and setting people’s minds at ease. He was also a humble, unpretentious man who valued people and experiences over things, moderation over excess. I learned so much by the example he set: the importance of family, of honor, integrity, appreciating what we have, and making a difference where we can. And I believe he made a tremendous difference.

Dad was quietly generous to many individuals and organizations over the years – which gave him immense pleasure. When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 25, he and my mother supported our local Los Angeles JDRF, and then when I moved to Denver in the 90s and became active with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF), they became steadfast supporters of the Davis’ mission to fund cutting-edge research and the finest clinical care at the Barbara Davis Center. From fundraising events to annual giving, my dad never missed an opportunity to help the T1D community through the CDF. When my mother passed away, he and I worked with the Foundation to establish a research fund at the Barbara Davis Center (BDC) in her name, as a way to honor her. And now, my husband Jeff and I are grateful to be able to honor my dad and his beautiful legacy by establishing The Les Mendelson Mental Health Fund to help fund mental healthcare for patients at the BDC. My father was not one to bring attention to himself, but I can’t think of a better way to thank him for all he did than to pay his generosity forward. Because he wasn’t just of the Greatest Generation, he was the greatest.

Wishing all the devoted type 1 Dads out there a very happy Father’s Day!

Cheers to The World’s Greatest T1Dad!

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 19:35:10 GMT

Author: Lindsay Klatt

Being the dad of two daughters already has its highs and lows; having one of them (who admittedly was already a little feisty) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes makes him a saint. My wonderful dad navigated these challenges with such love and grace. As we approach Father’s Day and as I recently celebrated my 27th Diaversary, I reflect on the things he deserves to be thanked for. There are too many to count and no way to properly express gratitude for the additional struggles type 1 fathers face, but here’s a toast to a few of the things etched on my heart:

Cheers to my dad who, when I was diagnosed, had the best balance of acknowledging the sadness of the event and being encouraging for the future. It made me feel seen to see him upset, and to see him determined. He has always maintained that balance I am so grateful for.

Cheers to my dad who set an alarm every night to check my blood sugar and give me chocolate milk if I needed it. That poor man hasn’t had a great night’s sleep in 27 years.

Cheers to my dad who poked his own fingers with a lancing device and stabbed syringes into his leg to make sure he knew what it felt like.

Cheers to my dad who made appointments at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes an important and fun family event, with lunch included!

Cheers to my single father, who paid for all my RX supplies well into college. In high school, he kept a checkbook where I could grab it to take any time I needed to go to the pharmacy.

Cheers to my dad who helped me navigate all of life’s events with diabetes – sports, sleepovers, driving, travel, college, drinking, living on my own, and more!

Cheers to my dad who STILL has a collection of sharps containers full of needles in his garage that I have yet to handle.

Cheers to my dad who asks how my blood sugars are and how I’m feeling all the time as a woman in my 30s; and who lets me still ask him how many carbs he thinks are in some types of food!

Cheers to my dad who has made sure I never feel alone in managing my diabetes – still to this day.

Cheers to the most wonderful dad in the world; and to all the dads of those living with type 1 diabetes. Your extra worries and effort are compounded with the normal challenges of fatherhood, but we see you and we are so grateful for you! Happy Father’s Day!

Racing Against the Odds: Dylan Archer’s Triumph Over Type 1 Diabetes

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 19:33:56 GMT

TL;DR:

Dylan Archer was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at age 8, just a few years after discovering his love for go-kart racing. Despite the challenges of learning to manage blood sugar, technology, and a new daily routine, Dylan refused to give up his dream of racing. With support from his family and care team at the Barbara Davis Center, he continued competing, eventually winning his first championship in 2022 and earning a national podium finish in 2024. Dylan’s story shows that type 1 diabetes doesn’t have to stop kids from pursuing their passions.

Discovering a Love for Racing at a Young Age

Hi, my name is Dylan Archer and I have type 1 diabetes , and I LOVE to race! Type 1 is NOT stopping me!

When I was 5 years old, way back in 2013, Dad picked me up from school, and (as usual) we started talking about racing. Dad started racing when he was 16, and we often talked about how much fun it was. Well, this conversation ended a bit differently because Dad asked if I was ready! I got my first go-kart that summer, and in no time, I was hooked! It was a little scary at first, but once I started to go fast I sure had fun! For the first couple of years of racing, I was reaching for the stars. That first trophy made me feel so good, and I knew that I had to get more!

A Life-Changing Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis

But then in 2016, I wasn’t feeling so good, so Mom took me to the doctor. Turns out I had type 1 diabetes. Wow, I wasn’t ready for that news (and neither was my family). It turned my whole world upside down. We had to figure out a way to manage this unexpected, scary thing that was happening to me.

Lucky for me, the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes was the place to be. So many amazing people helped me! They knew exactly how to tell me that my life was forever going to be changed, and they promised me that they were going to teach me how to manage type 1 while still being able to get out on the track and get more trophies!

That first year was sure rough on me and my family. Trying to deal with the scary highs and lows was awful, and a typical 8-year-old doesn’t give two thoughts to how many carbs are in that candy bar they want to eat. It was just overwhelming, but the great folks at the Barbara Davis Center were there every step of the way.

Learning to Manage Type 1 Diabetes as a Young Athlete

Racing was tough, too, that year. We were still trying to wrap our heads around managing my numbers and using the Dexcom. But I didn’t let that stand in my way. It was hard on my parents – I was the first in my entire family to ever have type 1. They were scared too, but they still supported me being out on the track, chasing my dreams.

As the days turned into weeks, months, and years, things got easier, and I got faster! Defeat is not a word in MY world, and I was not going to let type 1 defeat me either! I worked hard at both racing and managing type 1 and kept my goals in sight. The trophies started coming easier, and I found myself on the top of the podium more often. Finally in 2022 – six years after I was diagnosed – I achieved one of my earliest goals. I won my first championship! And my friends at Barbara Davis Center were there helping me every step of the way!

The amazing folks at the Barbara Davis Center have taught us how to control my type 1. My family and I work around type 1 by using my Dexcom and Omnipod to monitor me while I am on the track. Our tools help us to make sure that I am in a good, healthy range to perform safely and strongly.

Now, in 2024, I am starting a new chapter in my racing career. I am so grateful that the Children’s Diabetes Foundation has chosen to partner with us as a sponsor, and in February this year, I brought home my first podium as a national competitor with a third place finish at the Challenge of the Americas race in Tucson! Type 1 is NOT gonna stop me!!!

Eagle Scout Project on Type 1 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:37:07 GMT

By: Sarah Hathaway

On October 10th, 2022 I earned my Life rank in Scouts BSA and began focusing on what was once a faraway goal: Eagle Scout. I had some ideas for my project and I knew I wanted to do something that means a lot to me and benefits as many people as possible; this led me to think about the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. I am an advocate for the organization and I know CDF has made an impact on others just like me so I was hoping I could come up with a plan to help families affected by T1D.

I reached out to the Community Engagement Manager, Sydney. I believe that she was really confused and might not have heard about Eagle Projects before so she asked all about what I was looking to do and we talked about different options for projects. I asked her about the newly diagnosed onset bags for people with T1D that I remembered receiving from CDF when I was diagnosed in 2021. This was last June and we were both volunteering at the T1D Strong soccer camp. As camp went on we talked a lot and I offered some more ideas and the plan started coming together.

I started to talk to diabetes-related companies to get additional informational materials to put in the bags. I got in contact with Dino from Omnipod and he was very helpful. He sent me a lot of informational packets, games, and even fake Omnipods for new patients to try before spending a lot of money on new technology. Unfortunately, other companies and organizations were not as responsive but there was already a lot of helpful stuff from CDF to go into the bags.

I also did a fundraiser before my Eagle Project workday. I set a goal to raise money to put a restaurant gift card in each new onset bag because I remember going to lunch together as a family when I was discharged from the hospital. I knew that families could use that gift card and not have to worry about where to go. As I was fundraising, I found out that the Scouts BSA district person that I was working with, Pat, was associated with KFC. Pat put me in contact with the Regional Manager of KFC and through this contact, KFC donated 100 gift cards for the bags.

Finally, on November 11th, 2023, I was able to carry out my project. I had been planning this for months and I was both nervous and excited. Sydney was kind enough to be at the CDF office on a day that she does not normally work and was so supportive. We set up the office to pack the bags and then people started to show up to help. We were able to do the project and even though we were only going to make 100 bags, the group ended up filling about 150 bags in less than an hour! Sydney and I then did a community information talk to over 30 people about our experiences with T1D and answered a lot of questions. It was awesome to look out in the audience at my Scout friends, neighbors, teachers, and family.

Thanks to all of the generous donations I received I was able to make a $1,750 donation straight to CDF. Sydney keeps saying that she is really grateful for all that I have done but I think that I am more grateful for her helping me and encouraging me. I would also like to thank KFC for the gift cards and everyone that I have worked with at KFC. Thank you to Dino for working with me through Omnipod because I reached out to all the companies but he is the only one that followed through. Thank you to CDF for letting me do my Eagle Scout Project there and thank you to everyone who was at my project and helped in any way.

On the Field: Competitive Soccer with T1D

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:26:54 GMT

TL;DR:

Gracie Lambrecht has lived with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for most of her life while pursuing her passion for competitive soccer. As a high school athlete, she balances school, travel, and intense training while independently managing her diabetes. By preparing for games with the right nutrition, using diabetes technology like her Dexcom CGM and Tandem insulin pump exercise mode, and monitoring her blood sugar before and after play, Gracie is able to compete at a high level. Her experience shows that with preparation and the right tools, people with T1D can successfully participate in competitive sports.

Growing Up with Type 1 Diabetes

My name is Gracie Lambrecht and I have been living with type 1 diabetes for 12 of the 16 years of my life. Even though I lived for a few years T1D-less, I can’t remember a life without it and while I wish I could say it’s been a walk in the park to deal with, it most definitely has not. As a kid, the burden of pricking fingers, changing pump sites, and treating low blood sugars at midnight was not something that I was really tasked with handling. My parents took the responsibility of my diabetes care so I could be as “normal” of a kid as I could be. As I got older, I began taking more responsibility for my care and now, as a junior in high school, I completely manage my diabetes on my own.

Playing Competitive Club Soccer with T1D

As an extremely active high school student, finding time to do anything outside of class, mock trials, and competitive soccer is pretty difficult. Starting off, I want to say that no matter the final exam you have or the big game you might have coming up, your health ALWAYS comes first. Never procrastinate or ignore the needs of your T1D health for any reason and always prioritize taking care of yourself over everything else. While balancing school, sports, and T1D can be stressful at times, taking the right precautions and handling your diabetes care in the moment can make it easily manageable. I want to share, specifically how I manage playing soccer with type 1 diabetes .

I have been playing soccer since I was 4 years old. I actually started playing soccer just before I was diagnosed with T1D . I don’t remember much of that time in my life, but my mom knew something was wrong when I would only play for 5 minutes before begging to come off the field for water. After being diagnosed, I stopped playing soccer for a few years in order to better understand how to manage my T1D. After those years, I joined a club soccer team and haven’t stopped playing since. I currently play for the Colorado Rapids North ECNL- Regional League team. On this team, I have the opportunity to play against some of the toughest competition in the nation and the opportunity to be scouted by college soccer coaches. Most games that I play with this team involve at least an hour of travel when we play in Colorado, but we also travel out of the state to Utah, North Carolina, Florida, and other places. A usual week of training consists of:

(3) 1.5 hour outdoor trainings
(2+) 90 minute games
Occasional strength training

Managing Blood Sugar Before, During, and After a Game

In order to keep my blood sugars in a target range for playing (I feel most comfortable with my BG between 100-150), I not only make sure that I am eating the right foods in the right amounts, but I also utilize the exercise mode function on my Tandem (T-Slim) insulin pump. “Exercise mode” is a function on my pump that keeps my BG around 150 mg/dl by suspending insulin delivery when my sugars start to drop below 150. To go into further detail, for me, a typical game day looks like this (depending on the time of the game):

3 hours before: I eat a large meal (with a good amount of protein and carbs). My favorite pregame lunch is a Turkey and Cheese sandwich with a small bag of chips and a cup of chocolate milk.
1.5 hours before (30 minutes before warmups): I check my BG via my Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitor and if:
Under 100: treat with 15 grams of sugar (I usually drink a 15g Apple Juice box) and go on Exercise mode for 3 hours.
100-150: Have a 15-20 gram snack (I would usually eat a granola bar) and go on exercise mode for 3 hours.
Over 150: Go on exercise mode for 3 hours.
10-20 minutes after the game: I check BG and have a snack/meal with protein to replenish nutrients (I like to drink a Nesquik Chocolate milk right after the game to hold me over until I can get a meal).

This plan is also very similar to how I prepare for a normal weeknight training session (minus eating a large meal 3 hours before).

Encouragement for Athletes Living with Type 1 Diabetes

Playing soccer is one of the most exciting and fun parts of my life and it has made me the person that I am today, just as my T1D has done the same. While it took some trial and error to find an effective way to manage my diabetes while playing soccer, recently keeping my blood sugars in a good range during soccer has been easier than ever. I understand that many people with T1D and their families may be worried about exercising with diabetes for the fear of having extremely low blood sugar. I am here to tell you that while low BG’s are always possible, with the right preparation, the chance of a low (or even high) BG can be minimized significantly.

On my team, I play the center defensive midfield position which involves constant movement from box to box on the field. Even in this work-heavy position, I often play close to or the entire 90-minute game (with little breaks). Preparing for high and low blood sugars before the game allows me to play for this long without having to stop all the time to treat lows. I hope that by sharing my journey of playing competitive soccer with type one diabetes and sharing my care regimen for games/practices will help show anyone with T1D that with just a little preparation, you can do anything you dream of doing!

Insulin More Cost Effective for T1Ds

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 08:29:45 GMT

Eli Lilly has a ripple effect on making insulin more cost effective for T1Ds. Every day patients make critical decisions in rationing their insulin and we are hopeful this will help stop families from having to make such sacrifices. Thank you to Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi!

Watch the interview with Dr. Satish Garg:

Diabetes doctor says it’s “high time” insulin prices are lowered

Dr. Satish Garg to Win TTD Lilly 2023 Insulin Centennial Award

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 08:27:19 GMT

Congratulations Dr. Satish Garg for being named the winner of the ATTD Lilly 2023 Insulin Centennial Award. This prestigious award is given to doctors who have made significant contributions to diabetes treatment. Dr. Garg has been an international leader for insulin therapy in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with expertise in clinical trials and methods of insulin delivery. Dr. Garg joined the BDC in 1988 and founded the adult clinic as senior faculty in 1992. He has also served as the director of the ATDC Keystone Diabetes conference since 2005

Type 1 Diabetes and College: What Parents Need to Know Before Letting Go

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 19:25:01 GMT

TL;DR

Sending a child with type 1 diabetes to college can be both exciting and overwhelming for parents. In addition to typical college concerns, families must prepare for independent diabetes management, emergency planning, and new routines. With open communication, proper preparation, and support resources like the College Diabetes Network and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, students can successfully transition to college while staying safe and building independence.

Why Sending a Child with Type 1 Diabetes to College Feels Different

As parents, the only thing we can be sure of is change. This is especially true as you send your child off to college. However, when you send your type 1 child off to college, these changes could have serious consequences. All parents worry about the usual college issues like academic stress, roommate issues, sleep patterns, eating habits, and alcohol and drug use . Type 1 parents also have the added worries of blood glucose levels, insulin management, and DKA just to name a few.

So, what is a type 1 parent to do? Up until now, our type 1 children have lived at home where we can see them daily, but what happens when we don’t have eyes on them every day? We want to navigate the college process without passing on our own anxiety, but how do we do that?

Essential Safety Planning for Type 1 Diabetes in College

First, parents must have a straightforward conversation with their type 1 child to prepare them for what to expect if their diabetes management gets off track. Parents need to ask questions like: Where is the Health Center located? Where is the nearest hospital? Will your roommate, RA, or RD know what to do in case of an emergency? Who will you call in case of an emergency?

Second, type 1 parents and students need to know that they are not alone . There are several online resources such as ADA’s College Diabetes Network which provides suggestions on what to look for as you begin searching for colleges, how to prepare for leaving home, and what to do once you’re on campus.

Programs That Help Ease the Transition to College with T1D

Our family is fortunate enough to live in Colorado where we have the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC). The BDC offers a Beyond High School workshop that is a fun and interactive program that prepares young adults with type 1 diabetes for several life changes during their transition from high school to college, to work, and living away from their parents. They also offer a session for parents with a question-and-answer portion.

How to Talk to Your College Student About Diabetes Management

Realistically, your type 1 student may say their only concern is getting up for their 8am class; however, know that they likely have many, many concerns regarding their diabetes management and may resist having conversations about it. Give them some time and space and then approach the topic again. Your relationship with them will continue to evolve during their college years and beyond.

Letting Go While Staying Connected as a Type 1 Parent

Your role will be on an ever-changing spectrum from manager to consultant. This change does not mean that they are leaving you behind, but it does mean that they are taking meaningful steps towards adulthood. It represents an emotional separation for both parents and their type 1 children, which is perhaps the most difficult change of all, but know that your love, support, and counsel will continue to be necessary as your parental role continually shifts .

Also remember that the passage to adulthood takes time especially if there is the added challenge of type 1 diabetes. As parents of college students, we want our children to get good grades, to be kind and compassionate to others and themselves, and to find meaningful relationships. But as type 1 parents, our greatest hope is that we’ve given them all the necessary tools and resources to take care of their type 1 diabetes so that they can have the most normal college experience possible.

About the Author:

Lori Finch is the mother of four adult children, including her daughter Christina, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 21 years. Since the original publication of the article, Christina has earned her law degree from Creighton University School of Law in Nebraska and is now practicing business law in Colorado. Lori is also a grandmother of four and resides with her husband in Foxfield, Colorado.

Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes-How They Are Completely Different Diseases

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 19:18:25 GMT

It’s important to know that Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are extremely different diseases . While they both deal with insulin and the body, their causes and treatments are very different.nn Type 1 diabetics CANNOT make their own insulin. Type 1 is a genetic, auto-immune disease. It is thought that type 1 is present in the body’s genetic code and then it presents at various times. Basically meaning, it’s lying there in wait and decides to show itself at various ages. The majority of type 1 patients get diagnosed in their childhood and when they are adolescents, however it can happen later in life as an adult. The body begins attacking its own pancreatic cells, specifically the islet cells that make insulin in our bodies. It attacks these cells so aggressively that the patient stops being able to make any insulin whatsoever. Insulin processes the carbohydrates we eat and feeds our cells. If we don’t feed our cells, we have too much sugar in our system which wreaks havoc on everything from your kidneys to your eyes to the mood you are in. You cannot live (for long) without insulin. Only 100 years ago, a person diagnosed with type 1 diabetes would be lucky to stay alive for two more years and that life would be oneof misery and starvation. This auto-immune attack on the pancreas cannot be prevented. If it’s in the genetic cards for you, you can’t stop it. Type 1 cannot be caused by an unhealthy diet, eating too much sugar, obesity or lifestyle issues. It cannot be cured (yet!) and patients will live with the disease for the rest of their lives. Thankfully, we now have treatments and technology to manage type 1 diabetes but that is what it is-a lifelong management. Patients take synthetic insulin via injections or by using an insulin pump and do all of the work and insulin calculations a normal pancreas does naturally in the body. They also constantly monitor their blood sugar numbers, trying to stay within a normal range. But when we say we manage it, we mean it is at the top of our minds every minute of every day. Tons of different things affect blood sugar. Food is the biggest one, but blood sugar is also affected by exercise, illness, sleep, co-occurring conditions, menstruation, stress, medication, altitude, weather… and the list goes on. Managing all of these things and injecting insulin for the various situations is a full time, exhausting job. And even the type 1 patients who have a lifetime of good control will feel the affects of the disease on their body and through various complications. Only 5% of the total diabetes population has type 1 diabetes, although the number of newly diagnosed type 1 patients is increasing each year.

Type 2 diabetics CAN make their own insulin- BUT- they either aren’t making a sufficient amount or the insulin is not working properly in the body. Type 2 can be caused by an unhealthy diet and obesity however, there is a correlation between type 2 diabetes and hereditary genetics. It is similar to something like cholesterol- if your grandpa has high cholesterol and your dad has high cholesterol, you are likely headed for the same outcome. Same with type 2 diabetes. They are seeing that heredity genetic component of it. Type 2 diabetes CAN be prevented, even in someone with a family history of it. Type 2 diabetes is also managed but it can sometimes be reversed. The big management tools are diet, activity/exercise, and monitoring the blood sugar levels allowing the body to process insulin efficiently and make enough insulin. Some type 2 patients take oral medication to assist their body with the insulin they are making. These medications help by delaying the breakdown of carbohydrates and reducing glucose absorption. Type 2 diabetics can also manage their diabetes by taking synthetic insulin via injections. Type 2 diabetics deal with the same exhausting management of their blood sugars and what affects them, the only help is that they still produce at least some insulin to assist them. They, too are affected by stress, illness, sleep, and many of the things that affect type 1’s blood sugar. And they also can experience complications and even death from uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. 95% of diabetics have type 2 diabetes.

And finally, there is one more type of diabetes which is Gestational diabetes meaning the diabetes comes on an affects the person during their pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is very similar to type 2 diabetes and occurs when your body can’t make enough insulin during your pregnancy. During pregnancy, your body makes more hormones and goes through other changes, such as weight gain. These changes cause your body’s cells to use insulin less affectively.nnGestational diabetes typically does not have symptoms and the patient would need to be tested for it. Treatment includes monitoring blood sugar levels, engaging in physical activity and eating the right foods at the right times. For most patients, gestational diabetes goes away soon after the delivery, but it can be a pre-curser to type 2 diabetes later in life. Every year in the United States, 2-10% of pregnancies will be affected by gestational diabetes.

Star-Studded Gala Raised Over $1.7 Million for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 08:26:02 GMT

Diane Keaton Honored at the 36th Carousel of Hope Ball

Event Featured Emcee Howie Mandel and Performers John Legend, Andy Grammer, and Deborah Cox

(Los Angeles, CA, October 9, 2022) – Event chair Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis hosted the 36th Carousel of Hope Ball on Saturday, October 8 at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC). The event, a Hollywood institution since 1978, honored Diane Keaton with the “Brass Ring Award,” while patrons of the evening were treated to show-stopping performances by music icons John Legend, Andy Grammer and Deborah Cox . The Ball raised an incredible over $1.7 million this year alone in addition to the more than $110 million that The Carousel Balls have raised to date.

This year’s Ball brought together leaders from the film, television, music and business industries to support increasing awareness for diabetes and raise funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. The event celebrated all the remarkable things the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes has accomplished and brought to the forefront of diabetes care, as well as the exciting research and influential moments the Barbara Davis Center has been a part of since its inception in 1978. Diabetes, which afflicts over 463 million people, is rapidly on the rise. Each year, approximately 64,000 Americans are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Of those, approximately 30,000 are children.

Emcee Howie Mandel kicked things off, welcoming guests to the ball before he introduced a video message from Barbara Davis. In closing out her remarks, Davis said, “Type 1 diabetes, you’re gone. It won’t be long before everybody’s healed,” which was met with cheers from guests.

Emmy award-winner Loretta Devine took to the stage to present the “Brass Ring Award” to legendary actor Diane Keaton for her philanthropic commitments to the community and continued support of the cause. The award was named after the elusive brass ring that carousel riders would try to catch when the ride first became popular. Now universally recognized as a symbol of achievement, the brass ring represents the ultimate goal of finding a cure for diabetes. Recipients of the award exemplify the dedication and strength that brings the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center one step closer to finding a cure. In accepting the award, Keaton said, “I’m surprised and humbled to be the recipient of this important award, which represents a very urgent and universal cause in the world today and the pioneering work of Barbara Davis.”

Multi-platinum artist Andy Grammer kicked off the evening’s musical performances with his hit songs “Keep Your Head Up” and “Honey, I’m Good.” Award-winning recording artist Deborah Cox took to the stage next to sing “Happy Birthday” to Barbara Davis for her 92nd birthday and to perform “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here,” among other hits. EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, and multi-platinum singer-songwriter John Legend closed out the night with inspiring performances of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “All of Me,” “Ordinary People,” and “Dancing In the Dark.”

The Ball featured a live auction led by auctioneer Halie Behr including a three-night stay at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, a four-night stay at The Little Nell in Aspen, a five-night stay at Grace Bay Club in Turks & Caicos, and a diamond necklace from XIV Karats LTD.

Additional special guests at this year’s event included Ed Begley Jr., Amanda Booth, Jamie Brewer, Shannon Dang, Janice Dickinson, Julie Ann Emery, Josh Flagg, Berry Gordy, Kathy & Rick Hilton, Dr. Robert Huizenga, Jimmy Jam, Charlie Kimball, Nigel Lythgoe, Krys Marshall, AnnaLynne McCord, Lyndon Smith, Daniel Sunjata, Linda Thompson, Ann Turkel, Richard Weitz, and many more!

The 2022 Carousel of Hope Ball was presented by Dexcom , with additional sponsorship support generously provided by American Airlines , the Official Airline of The Carousel of Hope, The Beverly Hilton , Marlyn & Robert Day , and Variety . The event’s veteran production team also included Clive Davis, George Schlatter , and Quincy Jones .

Funds from the evening were raised through sponsorships, dinner tickets, a live and silent auction, and contributions.

Howie Mandel to Emcee 36th Carousel of Hope Ball, Andy Grammer and Deborah Cox to Perform

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 08:25:21 GMT

Taking Place on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel

(Los Angeles, CA, October 3, 2022) – Event chair and host Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis announced today that Howie Mandel, Andy Grammer and Deborah Cox will take the stage at the 36th Carousel of Hope Ball. Television host, actor, and executive producer Mandel will emcee the highly-anticipated event, while Grammer and Cox are slated to perform. They join a star-studded lineup that includes Brass Ring Award recipient Diane Keaton, and musical performer John Legend. The 36th Carousel of Hope Ball is presented by Dexcom and will take place on Saturday, October 8 at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles.

Barbara Davis, who turns 92 the day after The Carousel of Hope gala, commented, “Marvin and I started this event in 1978, and here we are forty-four years later still reaching for the brass ring. That ring represents hope, progress, and an eventual cure for type 1 diabetes. We’ve never wavered, never given up on this pursuit and the October 8 gala will show our determination to succeed as never before with a wonderful honoree and fantastic young talent to support us.”

In his career, Howie Mandel has remained a constant force in show business for more than 30 years and has been involved in virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, including television, film, and stage. He can currently be seen on NBC’s flagship series America’s Got Talent where he has served as a judge for 11 seasons. Recently, he finished production on his new documentary Howie Mandel: But Enough About Me, served as a judge on NBC’s America’s Got Talent: The Champions, hosted and executive produced CNBC’s Deal or No Deal, and co-hosted Nat Geo Wild’s Animals Doing Things alongside his son Alex. Mandel has also worked on Take It All and Howie Do It for NBC, Deal With It for TBS, Mobbed for FOX and hosted his own syndicated talk show, The Howie Mandel Show. Mandel received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program for Deal or No Deal and a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Game Show Host for the syndicated version of the show.

Multi-platinum artist Andy Grammer continues to engage, energize, and empower audiences with inspiring pop anthems. His catalog consists of numerous hits, including the quadruple-platinum “Honey, I’m Good,” platinum singles “Keep Your Head Up,” “Fine By Me,” “Don’t Give Up On Me,” “Fresh Eyes,” “Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah),” gold single “I Found You.” When “Don’t Give Up On Me” soundtracked ESPN’s 13th Annual V Week for Cancer Research, he garnered a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Music Direction and a Clio Award. Beyond selling out shows on multiple continents, he has electrified dozens of television shows, including The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, Good Morning America, American Idol, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Late Show with James Corden in addition to appearing as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. Over the years, he has generated billions of streams and has also lent his music to films such as Five Feet Apart. Most recently, he released his hit single “Saved My Life” which is approaching Top 15 on Adult Pop radio with nearly 20 million streams.

As an award-winning recording artist and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee, Deborah Cox has debuted six critically-acclaimed studio albums, Deborah Cox (1995); One Wish (1998); The Morning After (2002); Remixed (2003); Destination Moon (2007); and The Promise (2008). An established songstress, Cox has scaled the R&B and Pop charts with six Top 20 Billboard R&B singles and an impressive thirteen No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play Chart. In addition to her illustrious musical catalog and career spanning across Broadway, television, film, and fashion, Cox has been recognized for her commitment to various social justice initiatives, including advocacy for LGBTQ2S+ rights and support for those living with HIV/AIDS. She has received numerous honors including the NGLCC-NBIC Icon Award, the Luminary Award from the University of The West Indies, the Liberty Bell from Philadelphia Mayor James Kenney, and a Proclamation by the Borough President of the Bronx, among others. In 2020, the Canadian-born star was also honored with Black Music Honors’ Entertainer Icon Award in recognition of her 25 ground-breaking years in the music industry.

The 36 ^th Carousel of Hope Ball brings together leaders from the film, television, music and business industries to support increasing awareness for diabetes and raise funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. The event celebrates all the remarkable things the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes has accomplished and brought to the forefront of diabetes care, as well as the exciting research and influential moments the Barbara Davis Center has been a part of since its inception in 1978. Diabetes, which afflicts over 463 million people, is rapidly on the rise. Each year, approximately 64,000 Americans are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Of those, approximately 30,000 are children. The Carousel Balls have raised more than $110 million to date, with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC). Funds are raised through sponsorships, dinner tickets, a live and silent auction, and contributions.

The 2022 Carousel of Hope Ball is presented by Dexcom , with additional sponsorship support generously provided by American Airlines , the Official Airline of The Carousel of Hope, The Beverly Hilton , Marlyn & Robert Day , and Variety . The event’s veteran production team also includes Clive Davis, George Schlatter, and Quincy Jones.

For the latest news and information regarding the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, be sure to follow on social media and join the conversation using #CarouselOfHope.

Tumbling with Type 1

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:16:53 GMT

by Ellie Hampton

Like my mother and my grandmother before me, I started tumbling when I was 3. Throughout pre-diagnosis, I was just like any other kid without a care in the world. I was making new friends and learning a new hobby that I have grown to love. Tumbling for me has become a part of my life that makes me very happy and excited but has also had its challenges throughout my diagnosis. Diabetes is a struggle with normal daily activities but even more so with any type of physical activity. My experience with it is that if my blood sugar is low I feel shaky, my vision changes and I have a lack of energy and if I am too high I have a hard time focusing and feel exhausted. This makes it more of a challenge when I am tumbling or playing any sport. Due to my current skill level at tumbling which involves back flips and no handed tricks, I really have to listen to my body and my Dexcom to not put myself at risk for injury. My supplies are always with me and are a constant in my life. These are necessary, especially with these types of activities. I am fortunate to have teachers and coaches who support and educate themselves to help me be successful in a sport that I love. Tumbling has taught me that I can do anything that I put my mind to regardless of my diagnosis. No matter how my blood sugar has affected me that day, I continue to participate and give it my all. Tumbling for me is an escape that allows me to fly through the air and be free of challenges if only for a short time.

Coach Reshea: Having Ellie in the gym has been an absolute joy. She does not let the fact that she is diabetic stop her from achieving her goals. If anything, it pushes her even more. She is open and honest with her Flipside peers when they ask questions about her devices and now when Dexcom beeps everyone tells Ellie to “chug a juice and get back to work.” Even during competitions, I have seen her step out of her shell and explain to kids, and coaches, who she’s never met what her devices are or why she is drinking a juice box before doing backflips down the mat! Her confidence and energy is contagious! I know I speak for all of us at Flipside when I say that this young lady is going places, and we are beyond proud of her and humbled to be part of her journey!

John Legend To Perform at 36th Carousel of Hope Ball

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 08:24:28 GMT

The Star-Studded Charity Ball to Be Held On Saturday, October 8, 2022 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel

(Los Angeles, CA, September 14, 2022) – Event chair and host Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis announced today that EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, and multi-platinum singer-songwriter John Legend will perform at the 36th Carousel of Hope Ball, presented by Dexcom on Saturday, October 8 at The Beverly Hilton hotel.

“I am thrilled John Legend will be joining our celebration on October 8,” said event chair and host Barbara Davis. “John Legend’s musical talent has gone around the world and has brought joy to so many people. This year that excitement and joy will come to us at the 36th annual Carousel of Hope Ball.”

In his career, John Legend has garnered 11 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award. He was the first African-American man to earn an EGOT and is one of only fifteen people in the prestigious EGOT club. Over almost two decades, Legend has released seven celebrated albums, including Get Lifted (2004), Once Again (2006), Evolver (2008), Love in the Future (2013), Darkness and Light (2016), A Legendary Christmas Deluxe (2019), and Bigger Love (2020). Currently, Legend’s “All of Me” ties with Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber’s ”Despacito” as the highest certified track in Recording Industry Association of America’s history. In 2018, Legend was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie and won an Emmy as a producer in the category of Outstanding Variety Special (Live) from his starring role in NBC’s “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” as Jesus. Shortly after, Legend joined “The Voice” for Season 16 in 2019 and is currently a coach on Season 19.

Beyond his music career, Legend, along with partners Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius, is a principal in the Get Lifted Film Co. Most recently, Get Lifted produced David E. Talbert’s acclaimed holiday film “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” for Netflix, the HBO docu-series “Atlanta’s Missing And Murdered: The Lost Children,” the IFC and AMC comedy series ”Sherman’s Showcase” and “Sherman’s Showcase: Black History Month Spectacular,” and “Rhythm + Flow” for Netflix. Their forthcoming projects include the documentary “40 Years A Prisoner,” launching on HBO Max on December 8, 2020, the documentary “Giving Voice,” which premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and will be available for streaming on Netflix on December 11, 2020, the film “Monster,” which was recently acquired by Netflix, the sports drama “Signing Day” in partnership with Steph Curry’s Unanimous Media for Sony Pictures, a female-fronted film written by Adam Hoff about a modern-day Jerry Maguire, the film adaptation of S.A. Cosby’s novel “Blacktop Wasteland,” and “Paper Gods” with Sony Pictures Television for ABC.

As a philanthropist, Legend initiated the #FREEAMERICA campaign in 2015 to change the national conversation surrounding our country’s misguided criminal justice policies and to end mass incarceration. In addition to Legend’s signature initiatives, he serves on the Board of Directors of Harlem Village Academies and Management Leadership for Tomorrow, and on the Advisory Board for The Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and Teach for All.

For the Ball, Carousel of Hope will bring together film, television, music and business industries to support increasing awareness for diabetes and raise funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. The event will also celebrate all the remarkable things the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes has accomplished and brought to the forefront of diabetes care, as well as the exciting research and influential moments the Barbara Davis Center has been a part of since its inception in 1978.

This year marks the 36 ^th Carousel of Hope Ball, where guests will enjoy cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner, exciting entertainment, and musical performances. The iconic event has long been a Hollywood favorite, uniting entertainment, sports, and business industry leaders from all areas for a night dedicated to raising awareness and, ultimately, finding a cure for diabetes. Diabetes, which afflicts over 463 million people, is rapidly on the rise. Each year, approximately 64,000 Americans are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Of those, approximately 30,000 are children. The Carousel Balls have raised more than $110 million to date, with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC). Funds are raised through sponsorships, dinner tickets, a live and silent auction, and contributions.

For the latest news and information regarding the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, be sure to follow on social media and join the conversation using #CarouselOfHope.

Facebook: Childrens Diabetes Foundation

Twitter: CDFdiabetes

Instagram: CDFdiabetes

For more information please visit: www.carouselofhope.org or www.barbaradaviscenter.org .

Diane Keaton To Be Honored With “Brass Ring Award” at 36th Carousel of Hope Ball

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 08:23:26 GMT

The Star-Studded Charity Ball to Be Held On Saturday, October 8, 2022 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel

(Los Angeles, CA, July 13, 2022) – Event chair and host Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis announced today thatlegendary actor Diane Keaton will be honored with the “Brass Ring Award” at the 36th Carousel of Hope Ball on Saturday, October 8 at The Beverly Hilton hotel. Presented by Dexcom , the biennial event will return in-person this year and bring together film, television, music and business industries to support increasing awareness for diabetes, and raise funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.

“We are looking forward to hosting another sensational event, in person, and bringing together our Carousel of Hope family to raise awareness and funds to fight this life-altering disease,” said event chair and host Barbara Davis. “We could not be more proud to commemorate more than 40 years of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, and the revolutionary work that has been done and continues to be done in research and clinical care. By working together, we will reach the Brass Ring: a cure for diabetes.”

This year, Carousel of Hope is celebrating all the remarkable things the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes has accomplished and brought to the forefront of diabetes care, as well as the exciting research and influential moments the Barbara Davis Center has been a part of since its inception in 1978.

BAFTA and Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton will be honored with this year’s “Brass Ring Award . A longtime supporter of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, Keaton will receive the award at this year’s ball for her philanthropic commitments to the community and continued support of the cause. “We are so thrilled to honor the multi-talented Diane Keaton with the Brass Ring Award this year. Diane has been a dear friend for many years and her giving spirit radiates to everyone around her,” said Barbara Davis. “Her film roles have made her one of our most beloved actresses, directors, and authors of our time.” Keaton has supported the Carousel of Hope and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation by serving on the Entertainment Committee previously and has attended the event for many years.

In her six decade-long acting career, Keaton has starred in some of Hollywood’s most memorable films including “The Godfather” trilogy, “Annie Hall,” “Manhattan,” “Reds,” “Baby Boom,” “The First Wives Club,” “Father of the Bride,”“Something’s Gotta Give,” “Book Club,” and is currently in production filming “Book Club 2: The Next Chapter in Europe.” Throughout her career, Keaton has received numerous awards for her exemplary work including the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award in 2017 and both a BAFTA and an Oscar for her leading role in the 1977 film, “Annie Hall.” Outside of her acting roles, Keaton has made a name for herself as a real-estate developer, a best-selling author, and a winemaker. In addition to her work with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and Stand Up To Cancer, Keaton has also supported causes including Alliance For Children’s Rights, Helen Woodward Animal Center and NCCRA.

The “Brass Ring Award” was named after the elusive brass ring that carousel riders would try to catch when the ride first became popular. Now universally recognized as a symbol of achievement, the brass ring represents the ultimate goal of finding a cure for diabetes. “Brass Ring Award” recipients exemplify the dedication and strength that brings the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center one step closer to finding a cure. Past “Brass Ring Award” recipients include George Clooney, Robert De Niro, Sir Sidney Poitier, Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington, Frank Sinatra, Jane Fonda, Stevie Wonder, Sherry Lansing, Halle Berry, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Hillary Clinton and President Gerald R. Ford, among many others .

This year marks the 36 ^th Carousel of Hope Ball, where guests will enjoy cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner,exciting entertainment, and musical performances. Since its inception in 1978, the iconic event has been a Hollywood favorite, uniting entertainment, sports, and business industry leaders from all areas for a night dedicated to raising awareness and, ultimately, finding a cure for diabetes. Diabetes, which afflicts over 463 million people, is rapidly on the rise. Each year, approximately 64,000 Americans are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Of those, approximately 30,000 are children. The Carousel Balls have raised more than $110 million to date, with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC). Funds are raised through sponsorships, dinner tickets, a live and silent auction, and contributions.

The 2022 Carousel of Hope Ball is presented by Dexcom , with additional sponsorship support generously provided by American Airlines , the Official Airline of The Carousel of Hope; The Beverly Hilton ; and Marlyn & Robert Day . The event’s veteran production team also includes Clive Davis, Jay Leno, George Schlatter, and Quincy Jones.

For the latest news and information regarding the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, be sure to follow on social media and join the conversation using #CarouselOfHope.

Facebook: Childrens Diabetes Foundation

Twitter: CDFdiabetes

Instagram: CDFdiabetes

Join CDF for the 8th Annual Run for the Ring 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run on Saturday, August 13.

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 08:20:24 GMT

The 8 ^th Annual Run for the Ring 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run is taking place on Saturday, August 13 ^th , 2022

(DENVER — June 14, 2022) Early bird race entry for both adults and the Kids Zone/Fun Run is valid now through June 30 ^th . This year’s run, presented by Empower , is shaping up to break last year’s records, with over 400 serious runners looking to qualify for the legendary BolderBoulder, walking enthusiasts burning calories for a cause, and kids ready to have the time of their lives.

Join Barbara Davis Center patients, loyal supporters, and running fanatics to run for the brass ring – the cure for type 1 diabetes. All event proceeds support the efforts and programs of The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation whose mission is to fund research, promote diabetes awareness and education, assist families in need, provide continuing education scholarships, sponsor social activities for children and their families and more!

“It’s been such a great honor to be involved with the important mission of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and their annual ‘Run for the Ring Run’,” said Joseph Smolen, Empower senior vice president Core and Institutional Markets. “This year we’re very excited about the possibility of hosting a record number of runners for this event, which serves to highlight the exceptional work the foundation is doing to focus on patient support, diabetes research, and public awareness. It’s also a great opportunity to come together as a community in a fun and healthy way to support diabetes research.”

Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes on the Anschutz Medical Campus located at 1775 Aurora Court, Aurora, Colorado, 80045. The 5K Run/Walk starts at 8:00 a.m., and the Kids Fun Run begins after the 5K Awards Ceremony. Run for the Ring is a certified 5K course and qualifying race for the BoulderBOULDER.

5K Run/Walk and Fun Run registration includes breakfast bites, timing chip (5K only, race bib, awards ceremony, and aRun for the Ring performance t-shirt.) Sleep-In Registration includes Run for the Ring performance t-shirt, which will be mailed to registrant. Please note that participants must register by July 21, 2022 to guarantee a t-shirt.

The official media sponsor of Run for the Ring is KBCO.

For more information and to register visit: https://runsignup.com/runforthering

Website:

Facebook: Children’s Diabetes Foundation

Twitter: @CDFdiabetes

Facebook: @cdfdiabetes

About Empower:

Headquartered in metro Denver, Empower administers approximately $1.4 trillion in assets ¹ for more than 17 million retirement plan participants ² and is the nation’s second-largest retirement plan recordkeeper by total participants. ⁴ Empower serves all segments of the employer-sponsored retirement plan market: government 457 plans; small, mid-size and large corporate 401(k) clients; nonprofit 403 (b) entities; private-label recordkeeping clients; and IRA customers. Personal Capital, a subsidiary of Empower, is an industry-leading hybrid wealth manager. For more information please visit empower.com and connect with us on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn and Instagram.

1 Pension & Investments 2020 Defined Contribution Survey Ranking as of April 2021.

2 As of April 1, 2022. Information refers to all retirement business of Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company (GWLA) and its subsidiaries, including Empower Retirement, LLC; Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company of New York (GWLANY); and Prudential Retirement Insurance & Annuity Company (PRIAC), marketed under the Empower brand. Assets represents the estimated consolidated pro forma assets under administration (AUA) of Empower and the full-service retirement business of Prudential Financial, Inc., as of December 31, 2021. AUA is a non-GAAP measure and does not reflect the financial stability or strength of a company. As of December 31, 2021, GWLA’s statutory assets total $75.9B and liabilities total $73.0B, GWLANY’s statutory assets total $4.1B and liabilities total $3.9B, and PRIAC’s statutory assets total $100.329B and liabilities total $98.793B.

Thanks for Joining the 5th Annual EPIC Diabetes Conference

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 08:19:39 GMT

With so many facets for diabetes care, it’s impossible to learn everything you need to know in quarterly appointments, even after many years of living with the disease. The Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center partnered together to bring back the virtual EPIC Diabetes Conference to give patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare providers an in-depth look on Diabetes in the Future.

The Fifth Annual EPIC Diabetes Conference focused on connectivity and offered two different tracks for

attendees to tailor their experience: pediatric and adult. Sessions covered a variety of topics including Adult & Pediatric Diabetes Technologies, The Future of Non-Insulin Therapeutics for Pediatrics,

Anticipating Needs in a Changing Environment, and Weight Management. The event provided attendees the opportunity to improve their individual care, embrace the diabetes community, and reinforce the fact that they are not alone with this disease. This year’s conference, virtual for the second consecutive year brought together hundreds of people from 19 states and 5 different conuntries.

Workshops included a 15-minute presentation by each speaker, followed by 45 minutes for questions from attendees. The format allowed attendees the opportunity to connect directly with Colorado’s top endocrinologists and diabetes specialists in real time, even though they weren’t in the same room. Keynote speaker Lori Sussel, PhD, provided an in-depth presentation, Working Towards a Cure, discussing the recent progress and challenges in developing new treatments for type 1 diabetes, including the generation of alternative sources of insulin-producing cells and novel transplantation approaches. She also presented is the Research Director of the Barbara Davis Diabetes Center (BDC) and Director of the NIDDK-funded University of Colorado Diabetes Research Center. She received her graduate degree from Columbia University Medical School and pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco.

Other presenters and moderators were Halis Akturk, MD, David Saxon, MD, Greg Forlenza, MD, Brigitte Frohnert, MD, PhD, Elizabeth Buschur, MD, Holly O’Donnell, PhD, Dan Bessesen, MD, Jennifer Tilden, LCSW, Kalie Tommerdahl, MD, and Sarit Polsky, MD, MPH.

Did you miss the conference? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Visit http://www.epicconferences.org/2022-presentations/ to view slides from the virtual event.

The Children’s Diabetes Foundation And The Barbara Davis Center For Diabetes Present The Annual Epic Diabetes Conference

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 08:18:46 GMT

(DENVER — April 26, 2022) – The 2022 EPIC, or Empowering Patients for Individualized Care, Diabetes Conference is being held virtually from Denver, Colorado on Saturday, May 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. MDT. This annual event educates people about caring for type 1 and type 2 diabetes in a comfortable, understanding, and positive environment. This is a great way to continue your diabetes education outside of appointments and learn from the nation’s top diabetes specialists through presentations and Q&A sessions. Individual tickets for viewing on a single device are $10, and for families of three or more who will be viewing on multiple devices, a family ticket is $25.

The online conference offers three different content tracks: pediatric, adult, and a brand-new sponsor-hosted track. For the sponsor-hosted track, attendees are able to ask questions and interact with sponsors on a more personal level. Workshops include a 15-minute presentation by the speaker or speakers, followed-by 45 minutes for questions from attendees. Session topics include Adult & Pediatric Diabetes Technologies, Non-Insulin Therapeutics for Pediatrics, Mental and Behavioral Health, The Future of Weight Management, Drugs and Therapies, and Anticipating Needs in a Changing Adult & Pediatric Environment.

Barbara Davis Center Research Director and EPIC Keynote speaker, Lori Sussel, Ph.D. will discuss the recent progress and challenges in developing new treatments for type 1 diabetes (T1D), including the generation of alternative sources of insulin-producing cells and novel transplantation approaches. She will also speak about the cutting-edge diabetes research that is currently ongoing at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.

Dr. Sussel says, “I am excited to be the keynote speaker for this year’s EPIC Diabetes Conference. 2022 has already been an exciting year for clinical trials to test the safety of stem cell therapies for T1D. My talk will describe the pros and cons of the current stem cell therapies and how research at the BDC is moving the technology forward.”

To learn more about Dr. Sussel and the BDC visit https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/barbara-davis-center-for-diabetes/research/basic-and-translational-research-division .

For more information about the conference visit https://www.epicconferences.org/ .

Website: ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org

Facebook: @epicconference

Twitter: @CDFdiabetes

Instagram: @epicconference

44th Annual Spring Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show Raises Over $409,000 For People with Type 1 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 08:18:14 GMT

(DENVER — April 14, 2022) – The Spring Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show benefiting The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC), took place on Tuesday, April 12 ^th at the Hilton Denver City Center. The event welcomed over 600 attendees and raised more than $409,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships, live and silent auctions, and special appeal. Master of ceremonies, Dominic Garcia from CBS4 , led the event with presentations from Guild President, Lori Finch ; Event Chairperson, Gina Abou-Jaoude ; and featured designer, Lourdes Chavez, who showcased over 50 looks during the fashion show. BDC type 1 heroes were celebrated with a standing ovation, including Keller Sears, who opened the event with a prayer, and Annie Williams, who was featured with her family in a video highlight.

Before entering the ballroom, attendees placed bids on a variety of items in the silent auction including hotel stays, event tickets, spa packages, art pieces, shopping sprees, and signature Spring Brass Ring baskets. A Wine Pull and Dine N’ Dash restaurant gift cards were also available for purchase, as well as pre-loved pieces from Jewels for Hope and Handbags for Hope. Inside the ballroom attendees enjoyed lunch while auctioneer, Halie Behr, presented the live auction items: an extravagant Denver date night; a week-long stay for 12 in Watercolor, Florida; diamond and white gold earrings from Trice Jewelers; and lunch and wine for 12 from celebrity chef, Troy Guard and Napa’s VGS Château Potelle. These four live auction items raised over $35,000 alone.

During the special appeal, attendees raised their paddles to make donations ranging from $500 to $50,000. At each donation tier, Halie highlighted what that dollar amount could do for a person with type 1. There was an extremely generous donation of $50,000, which will be used in beta cell research to find a cure for type 1. A $10,000 donation provides a closed loop pancreas system for a single person. A single $5,000 donation pays for depression screenings for a quarter of BDC patients, which is critical for mental wellbeing because people with type 1 are two times more likely to experience depression. A $2,500 donation covers a continuous glucose monitor and supplies for one pregnancy. $1,000 pays for one month of insulin, and $500 covers average travel costs to BDC for one year. In total, special appeal donations exceeded $200,000.

Featured fashion designer, Lourdes Chavez , closed the event with over 50 different looks from her New York Fashion Week 2021 Fall Collection which included suits, sets, separates, dresses, and gowns for women. Lourdes has her own line of semi-custom garments produced in L.A. and available locally at Dan Sharp Luxury in Cherry Creek. She designs some of her own fabrics and uses unique and luxury fabrics from around Europe. Nancy Sevo kicked off the show, followed by Judy McNeil and Lisa Corley. These three special models have all played critical roles at The Guild and in the type 1 community for years. In addition, Annabel Bowlen and Maria Suehnholz joined the previous set of special local models on the runway. Additional models came from Wilhelmina Denver , and hair and makeup were provided by Gina Comminello and team from THE LOOK Cherry Creek . The fashion show was produced by Charlie Price .

The ‘brass ring’ in Spring Brass Ring symbolizes the overarching goal of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the BDC to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. The Guild is the auxiliary volunteer group of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the BDC. The Guild’s mission is to raise funds for research, promote diabetes awareness and education, assist families in need, provide continuing education scholarships, and sponsor social activities for children and their families. The Guild includes more than 300 members who are dedicated to fundraising in the tireless fight against diabetes.

The premier sponsors of the 44 ^th Annual Spring Brass Ring are Cigna and The Crazy Merchant, Inc ., with supporting sponsorship by The Corley Legacy Foundation ; Greer Law, LLC ; Steve, Shelley, Lynnie & Kenny Lucas ; Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management ; NexGen Resources ; Sterling Ranch; and Acrobat by Foley Family Wines . The Spring Brass Ring’s official media sponsor is Colorado Expression .

For more information about the event visit https://www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org/event/spring-brass-ring-2022/

For general questions, please contact 303-863-1200 or cdfcares@childrensdiabetesfoundation.org .

Event Hashtag: #SpringBrassRing and #SBR2022

Website: ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org

Facebook: Children’s Diabetes Foundation

Twitter: @CDFdiabetes

Instagram: @cdfdiabetes

Lourdes Chavez Returns as the Featured Designer at the Children’s Diabetes Foundation Spring Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 08:17:20 GMT

(DENVER — January 27, 2021) – Lourdes Chavez is the featured fashion designer for the 44 ^th Annual Spring Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show benefiting The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Lourdes is a multi-talented designer born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles. Her exquisite designs have been worn by stars and celebrities at inaugural balls, red carpets, high-profile business venues, and weddings. Lourdes designed for TV, worked with the famous fashion house Travilla, and launched her own line of semi-custom garments in 2000.

The fundraising event honoring type 1 heroes takes place at the Hilton Denver City Center at 1701 California Street, Denver, Colorado on Tuesday, April 12 ^th at 10 a.m . The silent auction opens for preview on Monday, March 28 ^th and bidding for the online silent auction stars Monday, April 4 ^th . The silent auction includes signature Spring Brass Ring baskets, a wine pull, Dine N’ Dash restaurant gift cards, and a special Jewels for Hope and Bags for Hope sale.

Lourdes attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) where she was chosen as one of only ten students who got to work directly with special designers and instructors. She competed in Switzerland and France, winning first prize using Abraham fabrics – the same revered, high-fashion textile maker used by YSL. Lourdes won the Nolan Miller competition to design for the TV show Dallas, and in the last scene of the last original television episode, Linda Evans is wearing Lourdes’ yellow and black dress design. In 2009 Lourdes won Fashion Group International’s Crystal Award in Palm Desert for fashion design.

Today, Lourdes has her own line of semi-custom garments produced in L.A. She designs some of her own fabrics, and uses unique and luxury fabrics from around Europe. Lourdes Chavez collections are produced twice a year with approximately 90 pieces in each. Clients can choose from up to 60 different fabric swatches and additions like glass blown buttons and crystals. These elegant combinations produce daytime dresses, suits, and separates for cocktail and formal events. A few fun pieces are also available for resort or casual wear. Her designs are sought after throughout the U.S. and Canada, with some “Grand Clients” relying exclusively on Lourdes for their entire wardrobe.

This year’s Spring Brass Ring emcee is CBS4 anchor, Dominic Garcia. Dominic is a third generation Colorado native who

grew up in Southwest Denver. He got his start in TV young, delivering the morning video announcements at Thomas Jefferson High School. He followed a career in journalism to Colorado State University where he majored in Communications and worked at the student-run TV station, CTV. Dominic’s broadcasting career began at KOAT, the ABC affiliate in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he spent three years covering news across the state. He returned to Colorado and started his first stint at CBS4 as a reporter before moving to San Diego in 2013 and working for the local BCS affiliate. Before returning again to Colorado and CBS4 in 2018, Dominic won an Emmy for his work on a documentary about the 75 ^th

anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Today, Dominic anchors weekdays from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m., and contributes stories and special projects to other CBS4 shows.

The premier sponsors of the 44 ^th Annual Spring Brass Ring are Cigna and The Crazy Merchant, Inc ., and the official media sponsor is Colorado Expression . Angel sponsors include The Corley Legacy Foundation , Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management , and Nexgen Resources . Corporate sponsor includes Syntrinsic Investment Council .

Proceeds from the Spring Brass Ring will benefit the Children’s Diabetes Foundation to fund research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, promote diabetes awareness and education, assist families in need, provide scholarships, and sponsor activities for children and their families affected by diabetes.

Over 40% of Barbara Davis Center patients are uninsured or underinsured.
On average, the first year of care for a newly diagnosed type 1 is $20,000.
Type 1 diabetes is the only disease where patients and caregivers are making life and death insulin dosing decisions, and they are doing it every hour of every day.
The Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes provides state-of-the-art care to more than 7,500 active patients: 4,600 children and 2,900 adults with diabetes from the Rocky Mountain Region.

The event’s honorary chair is Mrs. Barbara Davis, with chairperson Gina Abou-Jaoude.

Gina Abou-Jaoude, Chairperson

Gina is a third generation native and grew up in Colorado. She is a graduate of the University of Colorado, was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, and proud to be a “Forever Buff” alumn. She has been a member of the Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation for the past 23 years. Gina has held every office of Executive board for the Guild including being president for two years. Gina also served on the Advisory Board for quality assurance at the Barbara Davis Center with Dr. Robert Stover.

Gina is involved with a number of various charity organizations such as Little Hearts, A Precious Child and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She is an active member in her Catholic faith and served as president of the Advisory Council for her parish for many years.

Gina loves to travel, ski and loves nature & animals. She is also a certified diver. Gina is a member of the Denver Center for Performing Arts, Denver Art Museum, Colorado Ballet, and Denver Botanical Gardens. She loves theater and photography. Gina is very excited to chair the Spring Brass Ring Luncheon for a second time as her passion for the BDC and CDF is endless from the moment her son’s diagnosis in 1998. She has taken an active role in the Guilds efforts to fulfill their mission statement of bringing awareness to type1 diabetes. She loves spending time with her family and friends and her favorite role is being a mother, aunt and she can’t wait to be a grandmother in March.

For general questions, please contact 303-863-1200 or cdfcares@childrensdiabetesfoundation.org .

Event Hashtag: #SpringBrassRing

Website: ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org

Facebook: Children’s Diabetes Foundation

Twitter: @CDFdiabetes

Instagram: @cdfdiabetes

Diabetes and Depression: My Real-Life Struggle

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 19:13:31 GMT

TL;DR

People with type 1 diabetes are at higher risk for depression, yet it often goes unrecognized. In this personal story, Kerry McCawley shares how grief, isolation, and burnout impacted her mental health and diabetes management—and how seeking help, therapy, and support made recovery possible.

Updated: April 14, 2026

The Overlooked Link Between Type 1 Diabetes and Depression

I have been a type one diabetic since I was 21 months old, and I’ve dealt with many ups and downs with my disease. Everyone, from family to doctors, has told me about the possible complications of diabetes, such as retinopathy and loss of limb. Still, no one really discussed the possibility of depression with me.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “People with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have depression than people without diabetes. Only 25% to 50% of people with diabetes who have depression get diagnosed and treated.” With statistics this significant, you’d think someone would have talked to me about depression. Maybe it was just because I was a kid at the time, or because I didn’t admit to how I was feeling on questionnaires before my doctors’ visits. Regardless of the reason, I started to struggle with depression starting around middle school, with nobody noticing.

How Grief and Life Events Can Worsen Diabetes-Related Depression

When I first noticed my depression , I attributed it to being a teenager and having some extra stressors in my life, such as being T1D, having celiac, and having a chronically ill father. It wasn’t too bad in the beginning, so I didn’t pay much attention. However, when my father passed away at the beginning of my senior year of high school, my depression worsened quite a bit. To combat this, I decided to pile my plate with as many things as I could and returned to school four days after he passed. I kept myself busy to distract from the sadness and sense of loss I was feeling, which seemed to be the only way I could get through my senior year. Although my depression often bubbled up, it felt like a normal part of grieving, so I never reached out for help.

As time went on, I still felt depressed, but it also still felt manageable enough. It hadn’t really affected my diabetes management, so I thought that I could handle it independently. This was until 2020, which I had decided would be my year, as I believe many of us so wrongly thought. I began the year working on my health; I started working out, ate more gluten-free than I ever had before and had my lowest a1c so far. I was really proud of myself, and my depression felt as though it had subsided.

The Impact of Isolation and Burnout on Mental Health

Then at the end of February, my grandfather passed away, and the week of his funeral in March, the Coronavirus Pandemic began. I felt like my life had been upended, my grandpa was gone, my classes were online, I lost my job, and I was terrified to even leave the house. Depression crept back in, and it was there with a vengeance. After the spring semester ended, I started to isolate myself from everyone. I stopped messaging my friends and busied myself with trivial things. This set the tone for the rest of 2020. I was at a very low point, I slept and cried most of the day and stopped caring about my diabetes and celiac.

Asking for Help: Talking to Your Diabetes Care Team

This was when I had a telemedicine appointment with the Barbara Davis Center that I was dreading because I knew I was doing a terrible job of managing my diseases. Still, I couldn’t bring myself to correct it. I knew I needed to talk to someone, but I was so scared of what might happen.

During this appointment, I finally broke down and admitted what was going on, and I am so glad I did. The BDC gave me so much support and resources that I didn’t even know were out there. In January 2021, I was able to get an evaluation done for depression and anxiety and get onto an antidepressant coupled with counseling. My depression has become more manageable, and now I know how to reach out when struggling.

Why You Shouldn’t Face Depression Alone

Some days are still hard, but I am working every day to manage my depression, diabetes and celiac. I know it’s not perfect, but I am getting there, and I know there are people and resources to support me. I know it’s hard to do, but if you are struggling with depression, you must make your best effort to reach out to someone. It’s too hard to go it alone.

The information on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Jewelry Inspired by T1D

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 19:37:09 GMT

My name is Mattison Leva (Matti) and I am 11 years old. I live in Colorado Springs, CO. Shortly after I turned 11 and just a couple of weeks into the fifth grade, I was diagnosed with T1D. After my family and I noticed some of the symptoms at home (thirst, fatigue, hunger, weight loss) my pediatrician took our concerns seriously, and shortly thereafter I was admitted to Children’s Hospital with DKA. Upon returning home, I have taken a hands-on approach to my new life with T1D. I actively participate in the day-to-day management of my diabetes and with the help of my family have been able to learn about T1D so I can explain to my classmates at school and friends at dance what T1D is, what my medical devices are, how they work, etc.

Prior to my diagnosis, I was a loving big sister, straight A student, competitive dancer and small business owner. Post diagnosis, I am still all of the above but now do those things proudly rocking an Omnipod and Dexcom.

I have been a student at Revolution Dance Academy for 4 years and dance at my studio several days a week. My favorite classes are Acro and Hip Hop. This year will be my third season dancing competitively with RDA and I am looking forward to what this season has in store. One of my biggest fears upon being diagnosed with T1D was that I wouldn’t be able to dance anymore. The staff at Children’s Hospital of Colorado and at the Barbara Davis Center taught me that I would still be able to dance. They have also helped my family and I learn what works best for managing my levels on days when I am dancing a lot! Those days can look very different from days when I do not go to dance.

When I am not dancing, I enjoy playing with my little sister, Maci. I also like hanging out with my friends, playing with my dog (S’mores), collecting/listening to vinyl records, watching movies, watching The Babysitter’s Club and volunteering with Julie Bee Honey Caramel’s (I have gotten to help inside a commercial kitchen and also learn about teamwork, responsibility, showing up on time and other tasks that will help me when I get a job someday). Last but not least, I enjoy almost anything related to arts and crafts. In January of 2021, I turned my hobby of making jewelry into my own small business, Made by Matti. I design and make hypoallergenic earrings and necklaces that I then started selling at local craft fairs and the Fountain Community Metcalf Park Market. I was even able to start selling my jewelry in local shops such as Matchbox Candle Co., FestiviTea and my dance studio!

Since my diagnosis, my visions for Made by Matti have changed. Starting out, I wanted a way to be creative while learning how to run a small business like my mom. Now, I hope that Made by Matti will be a way for me to advocate for others with T1D and to help spread awareness for the disease. My new collection, It’s Cool To Be Kind, was inspired by my T1D journey. I hope that when people wear the jewelry in this collection that it will remind them to not only be kind to others but also to be kind to themselves. I also hope that Made by Matti will show other kids who have T1D that they can still do anything they set their minds to, including running a business.

Someday, I hope to start making medical alert jewelry for people who have T1D and also hope to someday host a craft fair of my own to benefit diabetes research efforts. I hope my story inspires you to be brave, to be silly, to be kind and to not give up on your dreams. T1D is tough but we are tougher!

TYPE 1 DIABETES: SEARCHING FOR THE HOWS AND THE WHYS

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 08:16:03 GMT

CDF’s Paige Lindbloom Interviewed by Karim Bukhadurov on Great.com Podcast!

Karim Bukhadurov from Great.com interviewed Children’s Diabetes Foundation’s Paige Lindbloom as part of their ‘Great.com Talks With…’ podcast. This series is an antidote to negative news stories that aims to shed light on organizations and experts whose work is making a positive impact on the world.

Many think of diabetes as a result of poor dietary choices and lack of exercise. Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder often manifesting in children and teens, differs starkly from this description more characteristic of type 2 diabetes. Despite the high number of people living with type 1 diabetes (over 1.6 million in the U.S.), we still have much to learn about the onset and implications for those living with the disease. In this podcast, CDF’s Paige Lindbloom describes their work in funding diabetes research, raising public awareness and supporting patients with specialized programs.

So How Can Type 1 Diabetes Be Recognized and Managed?

Type 1 diabetes is not caused by lifestyle choices, age, race or place. Prominent symptoms include frequent urination, bedwetting, fatigue, blurred vision and uncontrolled weight loss. These symptoms can often come about very suddenly, especially with children. For those with type 1 diabetes, their pancreas— an organ that secretes insulin—stops functioning and can cause catastrophically high blood glucose levels. Individuals with type 1 diabetes are required to self-administer insulin in order to utilize the sugar they ingest and turn it into energy. They cannot utilize the sugars in their body and turn it into energy, and therefore people with type 1 have to manage it by self-administering insulin. Research surrounding a potential cure for type 1 diabetes is fraught with difficulties as we still don’t know what the common trigger is. Paige explains how this limits the preventative research and how the medical care is still focusing on ways to more effectively manage the administration of insulin. As someone living with type 1 diabetes herself, she found her own ways to live a wholesome and stimulating life. She encourages individuals and parents alike to empower themselves and their children to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

HOW TO LISTEN

Visit great.com/great-talks-with/type-1-diabetes-searching-for-the-hows-and-the-whys to listen to the whole interview and find out more on the current type 1 research and findings, as well as the Children’s Diabetes Foundation’s holistic programs.

T1D and Exreme Sports

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 27 May 2021 19:10:18 GMT

by Brittany Volden

Children with type 1 diabetes can play sports, just like everyone else. My son Gavin, who lives with type 1 diabetes, began riding dirt bikes 4 years ago. I asked Gavin why he likes riding dirt bike and he said, “I love riding dirt bikes because it is just so fun! Nothing else matters. I just ride.” When Gavin is on his bike, he isn’t thinking about diabetes. He isn’t thinking about carb counting or site changes. Dirt bike riding is an extreme sport that gives him some sort of control over his life. I think the reason he enjoys that is because there is so much that he is not able to control when it comes to diabetes. So, how do we do it? Just like any other sport and type 1 diabetes, having a plan is essential!

First, we prepare. We prepare with a good meal prior to riding. We like Gavin to have a good amount of protein and a moderate amount of carbohydrates to ensure he has enough nutrients to keep his blood sugar steady throughout his ride.

Second, we pack ALL the snacks. Dirt bike riding gets warm and Gavin’s blood sugar tends to drop when his body temperature increases. We bring easy, quick, and healthy snacks like applesauce, fruit, and yogurt.

Third, we watch the Dexcom to continuously monitor his blood sugar. Extreme sports typically cause adrenaline spikes which in turn can increase blood sugar. That has not been the case with Gavin. Gavin tends to go low when his adrenaline spikes, so we always have juice on hand just in case.

Fourth, sit back and enjoy the ride!

One thing I have learned about type 1 diabetes and extreme sports is that it takes a team, parents AND child, to work together to help your child manage their blood sugar. If you set goals and intentions, then it can have a huge impact on your diabetic child’s life. The experience of type 1 diabetes and extreme sports should empower your child and give them the strength to know that despite their diabetes. They can still accomplish anything they set their mind to.

CDF PRESENTS THE VIRTUAL 4TH ANNUAL EPIC DIABETES CONFERENCE

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 08:15:06 GMT

The Children’s Diabetes Foundation and Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes are proud to present the fourth annual Empowering Patients for Individualized Care (EPIC) Diabetes Conference on Saturday, May 22, 2021 in a virtual setting. Sponsored by the Beatson Foundation, this patient-centered virtual conference will be hosted online from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. MST. Anyone impacted by type 1 or type 2 diabetes whether you are a patient, family member, caregiver, nurse, or a healthcare provider are encouraged to attend. Virtual tickets are available for $5 per person, or $20 per family of four or more.

This year’s EPIC Diabetes Conference schedule offers three different tracks for attendees to tailor their experience: pediatric, adult, and advanced. Sessions cover a variety of topics including mental and emotional health, remote monitoring, online decision making, COVID-19, and more. This event is an opportunity for patients to improve their individual care, embrace the diabetes community, and reinforce the fact that they are not alone with this disease.

The conference brings people together in a supportive environment to take care of diabetes emotionally and physically. Workshops include a 15-minute presentation by each speaker, followed by 45 minutes for questions from attendees. This format allows attendees the opportunity to connect directly with Colorado’s top endocrinologists and diabetes specialists in real time. Keynote speaker Kellee Miller, Ph.D., MPH, will provide an in-depth presentation, Connecting Scientific Advancements to Patient Care, highlighting her diabetes research and how data is used to identify trends in the diabetes community. Kellee is the Senior Epidemiologist at the Jaeb Center for Health Research in Tampa, Florida. She has a Ph.D. in Epidemiology and her research focus is type 1 diabetes.

For more information about the conference, visit https://www.epicconferences.org/

Event Hashtag: #EPICconf21

Website: ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org

Facebook: @epicconference

Twitter: @CDFdiabetes

Instagram: @cdfdiabetes

About the Children’s Diabetes Foundation: The Children’s Diabetes Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, focusing on patient support, diabetes research, and public awareness. The Children’s Diabetes Foundation, located in Aurora, was established by Barbara and Marvin Davis in 1977 after their daughter, Dana, developed diabetes at the age of seven. The non-profit organization is dedicated solely to the support of research in diabetes and to provide the best possible clinical and educational programs for people with the disease. The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes and its world-renowned research programs where thousands of patients with type 1 diabetes, children and adults alike, receive the finest diabetes care available. Thanks to the generous funding provided to the Center, all patients are welcome, regardless of their financial status.

43RD ANNUAL SPRING BRASS RING RAISES NEARLY $115,000 FOR PEOPLE WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 08:14:12 GMT

(DENVER — April 14, 2021) – Emcee Brit Moreno, from the CBS4 morning show, and featured fashion designs by Lourdes Chavez lent their talent and style to the Spring Brass Ring Virtual Fundraiser & Silent Auction on Thursday, April 8, 2021. The event raised nearly $115,000 in donations and silent auction bids to benefit The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC). People with type 1 diabetes from the BDC and their families were featured, along with their physicians, who highlighted the comprehensive services and support provided by the center. The event closed with a virtual advocate fashion show featuring children with type 1 diabetes in their fanciest outfits.

Brit kicked off the annual Spring Brass Ring with some staggering statistics about type 1 diabetes and the impact of the BDC. Over 75,000 children and adults, including 85% of children with type 1 diabetes, are currently being seen at the BDC. Over the last three years the number of people living with type 1 diabetes has grown nearly 30%, to 1.6 million. Of those, more than 180,000 are children younger than 20 years old. Increasing diagnoses emphasize the importance of the Spring Brass Ring – which is the largest fundraising event of the year hosted by the Guild.

Event proceeds benefit the Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation to fund research, promote diabetes awareness and education, assist families in need, provide scholarships, and sponsor activities for children and their families. The Guild is a volunteer membership group of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes with nearly 300 members dedicated to the tireless fight to conquer diabetes.

After recognizing event sponsors and giving a heartfelt thank you to the teams who made this virtual event possible, Brit introduced Type 1 Hero Everly Gouker, age 6, to give an opening prayer. Guild President Lisa Corley wore an exquisite pink Lourdes Chavez design while introducing event co-chairs Dave Barnes and Scottie Taylor Iverson. More Lourdes Chavez one-of-a-kind designs and sketches were showcased, and Lisa announced that Lourdes Chavez will be the featured designer at next year’s in-person Spring Brass Ring. Dr. Todd Alonzo, Associate Professor and Assistant Medical Director at the BDC, provided an overview of patient care, the multi-disciplinary team, and the emotional and educational process families go through during and after diagnosis.

Casey and Charity Hadford understand this process all too well. Three out of their four children were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes within just a year and a half – and the BDC was there for all of them. Casey and Charity shared their experiences with the nurses, educators, and social workers at the BDC, who were hands-on with their support during each traumatic diagnosis. Charity says she got the greatest relief from a social worker who validated and assured her that grieving is a normal and acceptable part of this journey.

Xiomara Hernandez, who was diagnosed at age 14 in December 2020, was also featured alongside her Spanish-speaking mother and father, Juanita and Sergio Hernandez. The family expressed how thankful they are to the BDC for taking them in like family during such a shocking time. The Hernandez’s said they felt confident asking questions and gaining the education necessary for Xiomara to manage her diagnosis and treatment without fear. Sergio says, “My family is stronger and more united because of the BDC.”

Using these emotional and inspiring stories as the backdrop, the 2020 Colorado State Champion Auctioneer, Halie Behr, kicked-off the fundraising. Donned in another gorgeous Lourdes Chavez dress, and with the help of Dr. Alonzo, Halie described the impact of donations at every level. From $25,000 to $25, all donations support the insulin, supplies, and medical care necessary. Life sustaining costs for type 1 diabetes is more than $20,000 a year without medical insurance. Even though more than 40% of BDC patients are not insured or under insured, and more than 35% of families are living at or below the poverty level, no child is turned away from the BDC. These critical donations go toward everything from meal assistance, travel accommodations, and emergency support, to life changing insulin pumps, artificial pancreas technology, and glucose meters. Donations at all levels provide necessary resources to manage this life-threatening diagnosis and make living with diabetes more manageable.

With donations flooding in, Dr. Shideh Majidi, Assistant Professor, Pediatric Endocrinology, announced a new program coming to the BDC to support diabetes care from childhood to adulthood. The program addresses a common spike in both AIC levels, and family conflict, during adolescence. As children grow and become more independent, new activities – like school, sports, sleep overs, parties, and college – present new demands to diabetes maintenance. Overall, the program will support increasing autonomy and normal adolescent behavior as it relates to diabetes care.

The event closed with an advocate fashion show, including accessories provided by Dan Sharp Luxury. Type 1 models showed off their fancy looks and beautiful smiles as they walked the runway to the delight of event participants. Models included Emerson Weis, Corinne Watne, Keaton Isakson, Everly Gouker, Frankie Hodgson, Keller Sears, Margot Rea, Miles Scott, Alice Hanson, Carson Wedding, Ryder Terry, McKenna Deathridge, and Hailey Kiker.

During the event, $61,058 was raised between donations and the silent auction, which opened April 1. With just an hour left to donate and bid, the Guild raised a grand total of nearly $115,000 towards their goal of $130,000. Donations are still coming in to benefit the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.

Premier sponsors for the 43 ^rd Annual Spring Brass Ring include The Crazy Merchant, Inc., iCIMS Talent Cloud, and Steve & Shelley Lucas. Official media sponsors: Colorado Expression Magazine, and Colorado Homes & Lifestyles Magazine. Angel sponsors: Cigna, Nexgen, and Judy & Charlie McNeil. Corporate sponsors: The Corley Legacy Foundation, G5 Financial Group, Morgan Stanley, Dan Sharp Luxury, Sterling Ranch Colorado, and Syntrinsic Investment Council. Media partners: CBS4, KBCO, and The Villager Newspaper.

For more information about the event visit https://www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org/event/2021-spring-brass-ring/

Event Hashtag: #SpringBrassRing

Website: ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org

Facebook: Children’s Diabetes Foundation

Twitter: @CDFdiabetes

Instagram: @cdfdiabetes

About the Children’s Diabetes FoundationThe Children’s Diabetes Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, focusing on patient support, diabetes research, and public awareness. The Children’s Diabetes Foundation, located in Denver, was established by Barbara and Marvin Davis in 1977 after their daughter, Dana, developed diabetes at the age of seven. The non-profit organization is dedicated solely to the support of research in diabetes and to provide the best possible clinical and educational programs for people with the disease. The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes and its world-renowned research programs, where thousands of patients with type 1 diabetes, children and adults alike, receive the finest diabetes care available. Thanks to the generous funding provided to the Center, all patients are welcome, regardless of their financial status.

MY FIRST COVID-19 VACCINATION DOSE

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 19:07:31 GMT

By Paige Lindbloom

When Governor Polis announced those with two or more high-risk conditions (including type 1 diabetes) would be in the next COVID-19 vaccination phase, I did not expect it to affect me. To my knowledge, I only have type 1 diabetes and I have been lucky enough to avoid other chronic diseases. So it came as a surprise when on Tuesday, March 8, 2021 I received a message on the Barbara Davis Center tool “MyChart” that I was being permitted to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Thanks to type 1 diabetes as well as my- in my opinion widely inaccurate- high BMI that indicates obesity, I was approved for the newest phase of vaccines. As the potential for being vaccinated has been on my mind for weeks, I knew I wanted to get the shot when presented the opportunity. I did not hesitate to look for an open timeslot to get my vaccine.

I was lucky enough to find a time at 9:10 a.m. the next day for my vaccine at Children’s Hospital on the Anschutz Campus in Aurora, Colorado. That morning I was nervous and honestly wondering if I was making a mistake. For me, my type 1 diabetes isn’t a big enough reason to get put ahead of others with more potentially catastrophic diseases than mine. Yes, there is the science that says COVID-19 can cause more serious consequences for those with T1D than others, but I still hesitated to get into my car that morning to drive to get my shot. It took me a second to breathe, remember that there is order and due process to vaccine eligibility, and that I needed to take the opportunity presented to me before it was gone.

When I arrived at Children’s, all I knew was that I needed to find the vaccine clinic. I had only been to the hospital one time prior to this visit, so I really had no idea where to go. I ended up parking in a garage and walked towards the front entrance. There, a gentleman was clearly directing people on where to go: to the left for general hospital visits and to the right for the vaccine clinic (Easy enough!). Once in the doors I joined a short and masked line with a variety of different individuals all waiting for their COVID-19 screening. After being asked the typical symptom questions, they gave me a “COVID screening” sticker, and directed me upstairs to receive my vaccine.

Again, I had no idea where I was going. I opted for the stairs as I only needed to go up one floor. By the time I arrived at the next level, I felt lost. Luckily for me bright posters indicated where to go for the vaccine, and I followed these signs to a table outside of a ballroom. At this table they verified I was there for the vaccine and handed me paperwork to fill out as well as informational sheets. I then hopped in another line with clearly marked places to stand and filled out my forms. I was asked if I had any questions and then directed to intake personnel who would verify my name and birthdate on the forms. Not once was I asked to pullout my official identification which, looking back, was probably because I had a set appointment and verified my information three separate times. I then waited to be called forward and, a minute later, I was directed to one of many vaccination round tables set up in the ballroom.

At the vaccine table was a smiling woman surrounded by papers, a laptop, and medical supplies. This is also when I noticed the videos playing a loop of bulldog puppies on big screens throughout the room – such a cute and smart touch which made my experience a little more enjoyable. She again verified my name and asked if I have had any allergic reactions to a couple of different things I couldn’t even pronounce. She then asked which arm I would prefer for the vaccine. Because I had my CGM in my left bicep, I elected for my right and dominant arm. Turns out the dominant arm is preferred as it helps you disperse the vaccine more efficiently due to extra movement that your non-dominant arm wouldn’t do – so go me! The nurse then cleaned my upper arm muscle with an alcohol swab, uncapped the shot, and gave me the impossibly painless vaccine. Even as a diabetic, the only time I have ever had a shot feel that way is when I find the perfect fatty-tissue, use emela cream, and don’t look. I was then directed to head to the theater outside of the ballroom as they needed to make sure I was okay for at least 15 minutes post vaccine. I of course stopped at the free snack table on the way out and headed to the supervision area to wait for my 15 minutes to be over. Again, the bulldog video was playing, but otherwise it was pretty boring! I hung out for a while, said thank you to the attending nurse, and walked back out of the hospital to head home.

Post-vaccine, which was my first Pfizer dose, the only symptoms I had were immediately after when I had a metallic taste in my mouth – which is very common – and some pain in my right arm. I had muscle aches in both the injection site and my elbow, which was interesting, that went away roughly 24 hours later. My blood sugars remained incredibly level, with no hyper or hypoglycemic events, and I over all felt good!

The biggest hurdle I had to get over with the vaccination process was the feeling that I shouldn’t have been vaccinated yet. In my eyes, I am not disabled and I have never felt at risk of dying from COVID-19. When I stood in line with others at Children’s Hospital I saw families and kids with breathing tubes, Down Syndrome, mobility complications, and so much more. Even now, the guilt of getting the vaccine before others in that line digs at me. Granted, there is a steady flow of vaccines in Colorado and there have been many more high-risk patients before me who have been able to get their vaccination. I don’t know if I will ever get over the guilt of getting my vaccine before others, but I do consider myself lucky for the opportunity to be considered for defense against COVID-19.

Friendships and Living with T1D

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 19:04:11 GMT

by Lia Pirazzi

Living with diabetes can be tough for many reasons: having to be more responsible, having many doctor’s appointments, always having to stay vigilant over BGs, and so much more. The complications don’t end there. It comes with hidden challenges, things that take time to realize are even happening and follow you throughout your life. Friendships are one such challenge, especially for those in their pre/early teens. Because type one diabetes is no easy task to not only live with but to be around as well, friendships can struggle. Much of the time there will be people not willing or able to deal with the challenges of this disease. I think younger kids especially struggle because new friendships are often not strong enough to have a friend who is living with type 1 diabetes. The disease may ruin the connection that kids have with one another, just because som

eone is different. This is rarely done on purpose, even with kids, and a lot of the time it’s completely subconscious. There is a positive to all of this though: living with type one diabetes shows people what a good relationship can look like. It allows a stronger friendship to be formed and grow because when you find the people that will stick by your side no matter what, you know it’s real and authentic. Finding people in life that can be friends with someone impacted by t1d can be hard, but when you have type 1 diabetes I think a truer friendship can form. When you find friends that are by your side no matter what you are going through, you become more than your type 1 diabetes. With the right support around you, t1d won’t define you as a person but rather it will become another small fact about you – like nothing more than a birthmark.

Type 1 Diabetes: 5 Years of Chronic Illness

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 19:02:43 GMT

TL;DR:

After her young son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age four , Brittany and her family faced an overwhelming new reality of constant blood sugar checks, insulin dosing, and sleepless nights. The early years were filled with fear, guilt, and exhaustion as they learned how to manage a chronic illness that never turns off. Five years later, while diabetes remains challenging and caregiver burnout is real, their family has developed resilience, strength, and routines that allow their son to thrive. Their journey reflects the emotional and physical realities many families experience while raising a child with type 1 diabetes.

Life Before Type 1 Diabetes

Life before type 1 diabetes seems like a dream. A dream where my son ran freely without devices on his body. A dream where I could sleep soundly without the fear of losing him. A dream where his body is not scarred from needles. A dream without high and low alarms . A dream where my son lived a normal life. Sometimes I wonder, did we ever actually live that life? A life without type 1 diabetes? When I think about life before type 1 diabetes, it fills me with sadness and a deep longing for the past. I feel a sense of nostalgia that burns so deep it feels like my heart is leaping out of my chest and reaching for the past. I am reaching for that sweet boy who was able to eat whatever he wanted whenever he wanted, without the worry of counting carbs or blood sugar numbers. I wish we could go back in time and enjoy life one more time without type 1 diabetes. It has been five years since my son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and yet, it feels like an entire lifetime.

The Day Our Lives Changed Forever

November 12, 2015 was the day our lives changed forever. Our lives would never feel normal again. There was no transition period. We went from living our lives with so much freedom, to living a life where we had to poke our son 8-10 times a day just to survive. He used to hide from us when it was time to eat. I even caught him hiding behind the couch one day with a bag of marshmallows. I could see the fear in his eyes. The confusion. He was only 4 years old. He did not understand that we were not trying to hurt him. No matter how many times we tried to explain it to him, he was still scared of us. He cried. He called us mean.

Those days were hard, really hard. I had so much guilt . I was riddled with fear and anger. My son’s quality of life was changed forever. I blamed myself. It MUST be my fault. I thought, how did this happen? Was it vaccines? Did I start solid foods too early? Should I have eaten more vegetables while I was pregnant? I understand now that I cannot blame myself, but those early days were dark and full of hopelessness and mourning for our old life. I found myself experiencing deep jealousy towards everyone whose life was not impacted by type 1 diabetes. Everyone’s lives seemed so much easier than ours. I felt isolated and forever exhausted .

Learning to Manage Diabetes as a Family

We learned about carb counting and insulin to carb ratios. We learned about high blood sugars and low blood sugars. We learned sick day protocols. We learned about ALL the things that can affect blood sugar numbers like exercise , diet, and hormones. We were prepared for how difficult this disease would be on our child but there was no formal education or training on how hard it would be on us. As a type 1 parent, we are forever consumed. Diabetes is on ALL the time. You can never turn it off. Type 1 diabetes leaves caregivers physically and emotionally drained.

We are forever changed since our son’s diagnosis. Type 1 diabetes has forced me to find a strength within me that I did not know existed. I can survive on very little sleep. I can change an insulin pump with my eyes closed. I can tell you the exact grams of carbohydrates in almost every food. I can smile and be strong for my son even though on the inside I am quite literally screaming and cursing diabetes. Chronic illness drains you and makes you feel as if you might collapse at any moment but it also gives you a strength that you never knew was possible.

Celebrating 5 Years: Thriving Despite Type 1 Diabetes

We have come a long way with this disease. Diabetes is still hard. Some days are downright defeating. Caregiver burnout is real. We survived 5 years and I would say we not only survived, but my son is thriving. Every year on November 12th , we celebrate my son’s strength and how far we have come with this disease. I was curious as to what a 5-year anniversary symbolizes. Turns out that wood is the traditional “gift” for a 5-year anniversary, symbolizing the durability of one’s relationship. This quite literally describes our “relationship” with type 1 diabetes. We have stayed persistent, we never give up, we fight every single day. Wood is long lasting and durable, just like our continual fight and sheer resilience to never stop battling this disease every day.

Don’t Let Type 1 Diabetes Stop You From Pursuing Your Dreams

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 19:20:53 GMT

TL;DR

After a life-changing type 1 diabetes diagnosis, Joleigh faced fear, burnout, and uncertainty—but refused to let the disease define her future. With support from her family and experiences like working at diabetes camps, she found confidence, purpose, and direction. Her journey shows that while T1D is challenging, it can also build resilience and inspire you to pursue your dreams without limits.

Updated: April 2, 2026

Life After a Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis: Facing Fear and Uncertainty

My name is Joleigh and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on September 14, 2015. Being diagnosed with this disease was without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever gone through. I never knew I could handle something as serious as type 1 diabetes.

When I was in the hospital, my doctors told me my life would never be the same, they told me that I would have to get over my fear of needles and take multiple shots a day. The doctors also told me if I had been minutes, even seconds later to the hospital I would have been in a coma.

The Emotional Impact of Living with Type 1 Diabetes

One of the hardest parts about being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes was I had to let go of a life that I knew for 17 years and say hello to a new one that I never asked for. It was definitely one I did not want. Diabetes has a mind of its own and it is so unpredictable no matter how hard I try. I am constantly fighting myself, whether to eat and take a shot, or not eat and not have to worry about how my body is going to react. Being stressed out as a diabetic has brought a whole new level to stress because my blood sugar reacts in such a negative way. When I wake up in the middle of the night from a low blood sugar I can’t fall back asleep due to the fear of never waking back up.

How Family Support Helps Manage Type 1 Diabetes

Although my family may say I have owned this disease from the beginning, it took me a long time to be comfortable in my own body again. I was embarrassed and scared that someone was going to ask me about my pump or CGM . I thought it was embarrassing to have something to live that most other people didn’t have to have. I felt like I had to wear a mask and pretend that I was okay when on the inside I felt so alone and scared. My family has been my biggest support system from the beginning. They helped me realize that I didn’t have to face type 1 diabetes alone. They have always reminded me how strong I am when all I want to do is give up. They remind me that I am so much more than type 1 diabetes because yes, type 1 diabetes is part of me, but it is such a small part.

Turning Challenges into Strength with Type 1 Diabetes

This disease has made me fight every day, and has challenged me in every way possible, but I know for a fact that I would not be the person I am today without it. Because of type 1 diabetes, I learned the value of life and the beauty of having a second chance at it. Type 1 diabetes has taught me to appreciate the blessings that are so often taken for granted.

I can also proudly say that type 1 diabetes has never held me back from pursuing my dreams. If anything, it has pushed me to do more. Four years ago I would have never pictured spending my summers working at diabetes camps , but it has been the biggest reward to inspire kids to never let diabetes hold them back. I get the privilege of watching these kids overcome their fears and encourage each other to try something new. I would not change it for anything. These camps have introduced me to some of my best friends that I would not have ever met without this disease.

Pursuing Career Goals While Living With Type 1 Diabetes

I am going to school to one day be a pediatric nurse and work with kids that have type 1 diabetes. While pursuing my dream I am working as a 911 Dispatcher. Having type 1 diabetes has never gotten in the way of who and what I want to be. Being diagnosed with this disease has pushed me to prove to people that you can do anything and everything with type 1 diabetes.

About the author:

Joleigh is a former T1D advocate for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, a nurse, and a newlywed.

College and Type 1 Diabetes: Do’s and Don’ts for Students and Parents

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 19:00:44 GMT

TL;DR

Starting college with type 1 diabetes adds extra layers of responsibility—from managing supplies and blood sugar to communicating with roommates and campus staff. This guide shares practical do’s and don’ts for both students and parents to help ensure safety, independence, and a successful college experience.

Updated: April 14, 2026

What Makes College Different for Students with Type 1 Diabetes

Going to college can be one of the highlights of a person’s life. College is a time to reinvent yourself, explore independence, and learn lessons that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. There are so many thoughts going through your brain on that day of move in: how you are going to arrange your dorm room, what your roommate is going to be like, if that cute guy (or girl) across the hall is single, how you have SO MANY CLOTHES even though you swore you brought only half of your closet, and a million other things.

But for those going to school with type 1 diabetes, there are things to deal with that would never cross the mind of another student. Those of us with type 1 have to think about all of the normal college things as well as where to put our supplies so we can access them easily, where to put our juice boxes so we can reach it in the middle of the night, how to talk with our roommate about how to save our life if need be, and so much more. What is supposed to be this fun and exciting time for move-in, is now way more complicated, and even scary, for those trying to manage type 1 one their own.

In college, I was an athlete, a Resident Assistant, a Student Senator, and an Admissions Assistant. From these experiences, I have learned what to do and what not to do as both a student and someone with type 1 diabetes. Keep reading to find my personal tips for students and parents too.

Do’s and Don’ts for College Students with Type 1 Diabetes

DO

Explain what type 1 diabetes is and what you need to be safe to roommates, coaches, friends, your RA, etc. Set clear boundaries and explain that no matter how drunk someone is or how thirsty they are, if they drink your juice it could kill you. (Sorry to be so dramatic but hey, it’s true!)

DON’T

Take over the whole fridge “because you’re type 1.” Be courteous, be respectful, and don’t overstep. Remember, your roommate is going through a big change too and they are figuring out their new experience right along side you!

DO

Have a cheat sheet somewhere nearby with your doctor’s information (for prescriptions), a copy of your insurance information (in case you lose the original card), and whatever other emergency contact information you might need.

DON’T

Write down your social security number, your first pet’s name, the street you grew up on, etc. in any place that can be easily accessed. You never know who can come across that information!

DO

Communicate with your Resident Assistant (RA) about your type 1 diabetes. Make sure they know what to do in case of a low/high blood sugar and what assistance you may need if there is an emergency.

DON’T

Try to make the RA into an extra parent or ask them to follow you on your CGM app. You are an adult now and as helpful as your RA can be, they are students too! They are going through a ton and as much as they are willingly to help you and make sure you are safe, there can be hundreds of other students they are having to help too.

How Parents Can Support Without Overstepping:

DO

Communicate with your student about their type 1 care. Whether they were diagnosed as a child or recently before college, run through your plan of action and make sure they know what to do and who to call. It will make you both sleep easier.

DON’T

Make it all about type 1! Talk to your child about classes, stress, and relationships but remember, diabetes isn’t the only thing that can present a challenge in their life. If you constantly ask, they might stop communicating with you altogether.

DO

Make sure your t1d student has the resources and help on campus to succeed. This can be the ADA accommodations, doctor’s numbers, supply re-order information, etc.

DON’T

Stop the RA on move-in day to discuss your type 1 student, ask them to follow your child’s blood sugars on an app, or demand special attention. You need to trust that you have raised your child to succeed on their own and that have shown them what they need to do to be safe. No one on campus has time on move-in day for super in-depth questions and inquiries regarding one student. There is enough going on! Make sure your student understands how important it is to have these conversations and then trust them to have those chats on their own time.

Thriving in College with Type 1 Diabetes

Despite all of the challenges those with type 1 diabetes face, college is an exciting and fun time that helps prepare you for the future. It doesn’t matter if you change your major seven times or if you make a ton of mistakes; all that matters is that you learn from your experiences and prepare yourself for a life of adventure.

The Carousel of Hope Goes Virtual!

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 08:12:26 GMT

TONY BENNETT, ANDREA BOCELLI, GEORGE CLOONEY, ROBERT DE NIRO, CYNTHIA ERIVO, JANE FONDA, JOSH GROBAN, SAMUEL L. JACKSON,ADAM LAMBERT, BARRY MANILOW, OPRAH WINFREY AND MORE JOIN 2020 CAROUSEL OF HOPE BALL AS LEGENDARY EVENT GOES VIRTUAL

The Star-Studded Charity Ball Will Celebrate Barbara Davis’ 90 ^th Birthday,and 40 ^th Anniversary of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes on Saturday, October 10th!

Carousel of Hope will stream exclusively on PEOPLE.com, PeopleTV, PEOPLE social platforms and PEOPLE YouTube

(Los Angeles, CA – September 9, 2020) – Event chair and host Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis announced today that the 2020 Carousel of Hope Ball will go virtual on Saturday, October 10, 2020. In partnership with PEOPLE, the legendary biennial event, which is dedicated to raising funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, will stream exclusively on PEOPLE.com, PeopleTV, PEOPLE social platforms ( Facebook and Twitter ) and PEOPLE YouTube. This year’s event will celebrate two very significant occasions – Davis’ 90 ^th birthday, and the 40 ^th Anniversary of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. The evening will be filled with once-in-a-lifetime performances and special appearances from icons including Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, Tony Bennett, Andrea Bocelli, George Clooney, Dame Joan Collins, Clive Davis, Robert De Niro, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Cynthia Erivo, Jane Fonda, David Foster, David Geffen, Josh Groban, Samuel L. Jackson, Quincy Jones, Gladys Knight, Adam Lambert, Jay Leno, Rob Lowe, Nigel Lythgoe, Barry Manilow, Judge Judy Sheindlin, Diane Warren, Dionne Warwick, Oprah Winfrey, Henry Winkler, and many more!

Speaking on the event, Barbara Davis, said, “We are looking forward to hosting another sensational event, and bringing together our Carousel of Hope family to raise awareness and funds to fight his life-altering disease. We could not be more proud to commemorate 40 years of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, and the revolutionary work being done to care for those in need!”

Added Dana Davis, “While the event will certainly look different this year, and we are saddened that we can’t all be together, we know it will still be the kind of extraordinary and memorable evening that Carousel of Hope has delivered for many years! We are so proud to be working with our longtime friends and collaborators, and some inspired new talent, in order to bring this historic event into the virtual world.”

As previously announced, this year’s event will feature Jay Leno as master of ceremonies, David Foster as music director, George Schlatter as honorary producer, and Clive Davis and Quincy Jones as music chairmen. The event will be produced and directed by Erich Bergen and Marc Johnston. 2020 marks the 34 ^th Carousel Ball, where guests will enjoy a silent auction, exciting entertainment, and musical performances. Rated #1 Benefit in Southern California by BizBash for multiple years, this star-studded evening is not to be missed. The most recent Carousel of Hope Ball, hosted in 2018, honored Robert De Niro with the “Brass Ring Award” and featured show-stopping performances by legends Gladys Knight, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, and David Foster. The gala alone raised over $1.9 Million. Previous “Brass Ring Award” honorees include Frank Sinatra, Hillary Clinton, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, George Clooney, Jane Fonda, Sir Sidney Poitier, David Foster, Halle Berry, Sherry Lansing and many more.

Since its inception in 1978, the iconic event has been a Hollywood favorite, uniting entertainment, sports, and business industry leaders from all areas for a night dedicated to raising awareness and, ultimately, finding a cure for diabetes. Diabetes, which afflicts over 30 million people in the United States alone, is rapidly on the rise. It is estimated that each year, approximately 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Of those, 25,000 are children. The Carousel Balls have raised more than $105 million to date, with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes . Funds are raised through sponsorships, silent auction, and contributions.

The 2020 Carousel of Hope Ball is generously sponsored by Dexcom, Marlyn and Robert Day, and The Beverly Hilton.

For the latest news and information regarding the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, be sure to follow on social media and join the conversation using #CarouselOfHope.

Facebook: Childrens Diabetes Foundation
Twitter: CDFdiabetes
Instagram: CDFdiabetes

ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S DIABETES FOUNDATION

The Children’s Diabetes Foundation, located in Denver, CO, was established more than 40 years ago by Barbara and Marvin Davis after their daughter, Dana, developed diabetes at the age of seven. The non-profit organization is dedicated to the support of research in diabetes, providing the best possible clinical and educational programs for people with the disease, and advocacy on their behalf. The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes and its world-renowned research programs, where thousands of patients with type 1 diabetes, children and adults alike, receive the finest diabetes care available. Thanks to the generous funding provided to the Center, all patients are welcome, regardless of their financial status.

For more information please visit:

www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org or www.barbaradaviscenter.org .

ABOUT PEOPLE
Meredith Corporation’s PEOPLE revolutionized personality journalism when it launched as a weekly in 1974 with a mission to celebrate extraordinary people doing ordinary things and ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Ubiquitous and still at the center of pop culture more than 45 years later, the PEOPLE brand is accessible across all media and platforms (print, digital, video, OTT, mobile, social) bringing more than 100 million consumers a unique mix of breaking entertainment news, exclusive photos, video, unparalleled access to the red carpet, celebrities, and in-depth reporting on the most compelling newsmakers of our time. An essential component of PEOPLE’s editorial vision remains human interest stories, which touch and often mirror the lives of our passionate audience. ComScore ranks the PEOPLE/Entertainment Weekly Digital Network No. 1 in the entertainment news category. PeopleTV, the advertiser-supported OTT streaming service from PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly that launched in 2016, features original series and specials focusing on celebrity, red carpet, pop culture, lifestyle and human-interest stories. PEOPLE is an award-winning 24/7 news organization headquartered in NYC with reporters worldwide. For more information visit PEOPLE.com and follow @people on Twitter and Instagram, @peoplemag on Facebook, and the PEOPLE channel on YouTube and on Snapchat’s Discover.

CONTACTS

Andy Gelb / Elyse Weissman
SLATE PR
310-461-0111
Andy@slate-pr.com / Elyse@slate-pr.com

Jerry Digney
Digney & Company PR
323-785-2401
jerry@digneypr.com

COVID-19 and Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 18:55:53 GMT

Information provided by The Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. For more information, visit BarbaraDavisCenter.org and click the “Important Information” alert at the top of the page.

With the rising number of coronavirus/COVID-19 cases in Colorado and Wyoming, we understand that patients with diabetes and their families will have special concerns about how this may impact their health. For older adults with diabetes, it has been widely published that diabetes represents a major risk factor for complications of COVID-19. The virus typically has a milder course in children, and the evidence we have so far suggests that most children and young people with diabetes are not at a significantly higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease than other children and young people of the same age. However, as with other viral illnesses, there is an increased risk for ketones and even DKA if diabetes is not carefully managed. Please keep in mind that we are learning new information about this novel virus on a daily basis.

How can I prevent my child from getting COVID-19? Should I do anything differently?
We advise children with diabetes and their families to be vigilant to well-known preventative measures to help prevent infection including:

Hand washing
Maintaining social distancing
Using a mask when out of the home
Avoid being around anyone who is sick
Following all local regulations regarding public activity

What if my child has symptoms of COVID-19?
If your child has concerning symptoms, please contact your primary care doctor or pediatrician to arrange for testing and seek medical advice. Please follow your blood glucose and ketones closely and follow your diabetes sick day plan.

My child has tested positive for COVID-19, what do we do?
It is important to monitor your blood glucose and ketones closely and follow your sick day plan. If your child is having high fever, trouble breathing or other concerning symptoms, you should call their primary care provider or seek urgent medical care.

Should I keep my child out of school in the fall if it is in-person?
This will be a decision that each family has to make based on their situation. The decision to have school in-person will be based on the community transmission in your area. The benefits of learning, socializing with peers and being involved in school activities must be considered with the risk of the virus. COVID-19 typically has a milder course in children, and the evidence we have so far suggests that most children and young people with diabetes are not at a significantly higher risk compared to other children and young people of the same age. However, as with other viral illnesses, there is an increased risk for ketones and even DKA if diabetes is not carefully managed.

Whether schools meet in-person or with distance learning, your child has rights. ADA has helpful resources on this topic: https://www.diabetes.org/coronavirus-covid-19/know-your-rights-covid-19

Closing:
Thank you for your dedication to your child’s diabetes management. As always, should you have specific concerns that come up, do not hesitate to contact our clinic.

COVID-19 y Diabetes

Con el creciente número de casos de coronavirus / COVID-19 en Colorado y Wyoming, entendemos que los pacientes con diabetes y sus familias tendrán preocupaciones especiales sobre cómo esto puede afectar su salud. Para los adultos mayores con diabetes, se ha publicado ampliamente que la diabetes representa un factor de riesgo importante para las complicaciones de COVID-19. El virus generalmente tiene un curso más leve en los niños, y la evidencia que tenemos hasta ahora sugiere que la mayoría de los niños y jóvenes con diabetes no tienen un riesgo significativamente mayor de enfermedad grave por COVID-19 que otros niños y jóvenes de la misma edad. Sin embargo, al igual que con otras enfermedades virales, existe un mayor riesgo de cetonas e incluso cetoacidosis diabética si la diabetes no se maneja con cuidado. Tenga en cuenta que estamos aprendiendo nueva información sobre este nuevo virus a diario.

¿Cómo puedo evitar que mi hijo se contagie con COVID-19? ¿Debo hacer algo diferente?
Aconsejamos a los niños con diabetes y a sus familias que estén atentos a las medidas preventivas bien conocidas para ayudar a prevenir infecciones, que incluyen:

Lavado de manos
Mantener el distanciamiento social
Usar una máscara cuando esté fuera de casa
Evite estar cerca de alguien que esté enfermo
Seguir todas las regulaciones locales sobre la actividad pública

¿Qué pasa si mi hijo tiene síntomas de COVID-19?
Si su hijo tiene síntomas preocupantes, comuníquese con su médico de atención primaria o pediatra para coordinar las pruebas y buscar asistencia médica. Siga de cerca su nivel de glucosa y cetonas en la sangre y siga su plan de día para enfermos de diabetes.

Mi hijo ha dado positivo por COVID-19, ¿Qué hacemos?
Es importante controlar su glucosa en sangre y cetonas de cerca y seguir su plan de días de enfermedad. Si su hijo tiene fiebre alta, dificultad para respirar u otros síntomas preocupantes, debe llamar a su proveedor de atención primaria o buscar atención médica urgente.

¿Debo mantener a mi hijo fuera de la escuela en el otoño si es en persona?
Esta será una decisión que cada familia debe tomar en función de su situación. La decisión de tener la escuela en persona se basará en la transmisión comunitaria en su área. Los beneficios de aprender, socializar con sus compañeros y participar en actividades escolares deben considerarse con el riesgo del virus. COVID-19 generalmente tiene un curso más leve en niños, y la evidencia que tenemos hasta ahora sugiere que la mayoría de los niños y jóvenes con diabetes no tienen un riesgo significativamente mayor en comparación con otros niños y jóvenes de la misma edad. Sin embargo, al igual que con otras enfermedades virales, existe un mayor riesgo de cetonas e incluso cetoacidosis diabética (DKA) si la diabetes no se maneja con cuidado.

Ya sea que las escuelas se reúnan en persona o con educación a distancia, su hijo tiene derechos. ADA tiene recursos útiles sobre este tema: https://www.diabetes.org/coronavirus-covid-19/know-your-rights-covid-19 . La traducción en español aún no está a su disposición.

Concluimos:
Gracias por su dedicación al manejo de la diabetes de su hijo. Como siempre, si tiene inquietudes específicas que surjan, no dude en comunicarse con nuestra clínica.

Four new automated insulin delivery systems for type 1 diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 08:33:01 GMT

In 2023, Dr. Paul Wadwa has authored the first paper in NEJM on Control-IQ in young children and Dr. Greg Forlenza has authored the first paper in JAMA on use of Verapamil to prolong islet survival in new onset diabetes. The BDC team conducted the FDA approval studies for the Medtronic 780G, Tandem Control-IQ, Insulet OP5, and Beta Bionics iLet. We anticipate that by the end of the year there will be four excellent automated insulin delivery systems on the market in the United States and all were developed and studied as part of the work of our team at BDC.

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker medication originally FDA approved in 1981 to treat heart arrhythmias which is also used to treat high blood pressure. Basic science studies showed that it also inhibits a protein necessary for cell death in islets due to high blood sugar. Our on year randomized controlled trial funded by JDRF showed that it helped significantly improve islet survival. It is a once daily oral medication for which the generic costs $8-12 per month even without insurance.

The Medtroinc 780G with Guardian 4 CGM is the first Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop device from Medtronic. The system achieves >70% time in target range for the average user without the need for finger-stick testing. It also has an advanced algorithm to detect if a meal has been eaten without the user blousing and then minimize hyperglycemia after the meal. The Adult Diabetes Clinic under Dr. Satish Garg and the Pediatric Diabetes Clinic under Dr. Robert Slover conducted the FDA approval testing on the system resulting in FDA approval of the ACHL algorithm and the updated sensor.

My Socially Distanced BDC Appointment

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 19:37:12 GMT

by Kerry McCawley

I have been going to the Barbara Davis Center since I was diagnosed with type one diabetes at 21 months old. I can remember going to the BDC when it was still in Denver . I know exactly what a visit is supposed to be like, so much so, that I pull out my meter and disconnect my pump before heading through the door.

However, in my nearly 18 years of attending appointments at the BDC, I have never attended an appointment during a pandemic, until this year. 2020, the year to change everything. When COVID-19 started back in March, one thought immediately popped into my head: how will I have my Barbara Davis appointment?

As April approached, I received a call from the BDC and was asked if my appointment could be rescheduled for June 2020. I obliged as I wasn’t eager to go out during a pandemic. I still however wasn’t sure if my appointment was going to be done via the internet or in-person. As June drew nearer and nearer, and the BDC began to accept a small number of patients a day I was told that my appointment would be in-person.

Finally, the day came, and I felt a mixed emotion of nerves and wonder as my mom and I began the familiar drive to Aurora. When we arrived at the Barbara Davis Center, the parking lot was alarmingly empty, aside from a few stray cars. As my mom and I pulled on our masks and walked to the front doors, a new sense of nerves poured over me. And not the kind when you’ve forgotten to drink enough water and your doctor wants to do labs. Upon being admitted into the building, I was prompted to pull out my phone and scan a QR code which took me to a COVID questionnaire. After filling out the questionnaire, my mom and I’s temperatures were taken, and we were given our bill of health to move on.

After checking in, we waited in the reception area to be called to test my a1c. It felt odd as my mom and I locked eyes with the only other patient, across the room, over the top of the chairs draped with signs asking for you to not sit on them. Once my a1c was done, we were swiftly taken to a room I’d never seen before. I asked the nurse about it, and she told me it was so they could clean the other rooms.

While waiting for my doctor I rigorously examined the wall displaying a painting of elephants wading through water. I’ve always loved getting lost in the different paintings when I’m put into a new room. Even with the warm orange glow of the painted sunset, the BDC felt chillingly empty in the strangely deafening quiet. It was odd to not hear the multitude of voices streaming through the hallways, that I had become so accustomed to. Finally, my doctor came in, breaking the silence and scrubbing her hands profusely in the sink.

In all my years as a patient of the BDC, I have never seen my doctors come in in scrubs. It was peculiar to see her with her long hair pulled back, a mask strapped over her mouth and a face shield on. A strange sense poured over me, as I wondered if this will be the new normal for appointments from here on out. My doubts and worries faded away as my appointment went on. I even found a calming sense of normalcy as the phlebotomist and I chatted about the pictures of different employees’ pets on the walls as she drew my blood.

After my appointment and blood draws, my mom and I were thrilled to be able to take off our face masks after getting in the car. We pumped out big blobs of hand sanitizer, which had gotten hot from the sun, before leaving for home and talking about how odd it felt with such a small amount of people at the BDC, but how grateful we were to be able to have a safe appointment. As a type one diabetic, safety has been my top concern since the COIVD outbreak, and the BDC did a wonderful job of ensuring both patient and employee safety under the circumstances. Even with all these new oddities, it was nice to see some friendly faces and be at the BDC with my doctor. Through all my years of going to the BDC, I’ve always looked forward to seeing all the wonderful people who work there, and nothing can change that. Nothing beats being face to face, and I know that even if all appointments do end up being socially distanced, that everything will be okay.

Type 1 Diabetes in Lockdown

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 18:52:05 GMT

by Jennifer G.

July 1st is day 110 since our family decided we would have to stay home. We have a daughter with type 1 diabetes and a son with a compromised pulmonary system from asthma and childhood cancer. We decided that even if the virus didn’t hit kids as hard as adults, it would hit our kids harder and so we’ve been home.

March 13th was our last day of school here in Murrieta, California. I was working at the high school that day, subbing for a teacher who called in sick at the last minute just days after one of the other high schools was closed for a week because of a coronavirus scare. Thanks to all the kids’ cell phones alerting, we all knew at lunchtime that there would be no school until at least April 6th. Needless to say, there wasn’t much learning going on after lunch.

At first, it was just going to be a few weeks. We would be okay, since I am one of those people who prepares for emergencies. We had food and diabetes supplies, extra inhalers for my son, and we hunted up 8 years’ worth of school and scout prize bandanas for face coverings, just in case. We limited screen time and went on daily family walks. When the school closure extended to the end of April, maybe May, and then the end of the school year, we needed to make some changes.

We bought better masks for when my husband went out and we didn’t go out together anymore. We changed from the Costco pharmacy with its crowds and long lines to the mail order pharmacy, so the meds and supplies came right to the door. We learned how to work the curbside delivery systems and once even took advantage of the at-risk patient shopping hour. I began wiping down our groceries and changing our clothes after shopping. California was on a strict lockdown for a substantial time and we stayed home.

The kids understood. They are teenagers, so we didn’t sugar coat it. They have both faced serious illness and even death, so they knew what it is to be hospitalized. As time wore on though, other families began lightening up, letting kids go and hang out together in parks or at friends’ houses. We have not. Our county is number 2 in our state for cases – far below LA county but higher than San Diego, San Francisco, Orange County, and many other larger metro areas. For the first time ever though, our teen daughter WANTS to go back to school. My son is desperate to ride bikes with his local buddy and his 13th birthday party was done over Zoom. Soon, decisions will have to be made about school. Do we let them go? How do we handle coming home? Can we trust the school to protect them? Knowing that people are divided and so many are going out without masks – some even claiming untrue medical conditions so they can avoid it – how can we trust that parents won’t medicate their kids’ fevers and send them off to school? It happens every year with the flu.

Sometimes the stress and fear are overwhelming. But then I remember the days we received our diagnoses. In 2006, when Dr. Walravens came into Natalie’s hospital room and introduced himself as our new pediatric endocrinologist. When we went to the Barbara Davis Center – the building still smelled like construction – and in 8 hours learned everything we could to keep her alive through the weekend. Holding our 2-year-old down to give her a shot while she screamed “HELP ME! You’re hurting me!” That was 14 years ago but feels like yesterday. Or the day in 2014 when we were sent straight to the PICU, bypassing check-in, where the pediatric cardiologist met us at the elevator and explained we would meet the oncologist in a few hours when the tests were back. We almost lost him that weekend and we would have if the appointment had been on Monday instead of Friday.

As parents of these amazing kids, we have all felt that feeling of helplessness. That feeling of what could I have done better, different? What should I have seen or done? Knowing in the end that you did your best with the information on hand and that is all any of us can do.

So, on day 110, with no end to our personal family lockdown in sight, I am watching my kids. I am checking in on them every day with hugs, a listening ear, and an open mind to what they can and can’t try. We are using information from trusted sources to make the best decisions possible, remembering that we have seen worse, and it’s only one year out of the decades they have left. My great grandmother lived through the 1918 pandemic, and then the depression on the plains of Colorado. She saw WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Civil Rights movement, the Women’s Rights movement, and lived to be 102 years old. Our kids will make it. They will see the other side of this and tell their children about it when they come home with questions on some school project.

Type 1 diabetes makes families resourceful (ever go looking for sugar on a cruise ship at 3am? I have), persistent (ever call 8 pharmacies in a strange city on a Sunday night because you forgot the insulin in the fridge at home? I have), and so much more appreciative of life (our family motto is Choose Adventure!). So, hug your kiddos close, even if they’re almost 17, taller than you are, and making a funny face. Watch Star Wars or Marvel or a ridiculous Minecraft video. Make popcorn if they’re high and s’mores if they’re low. This too shall pass, and then we can get back to only worrying about where that 48 BG came from.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Helps Young People with Type 1 Diabetes Achieve Better Glycemic Control

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 08:11:19 GMT

Study Highlights:

Six-month clinical trial shows that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) helps adolescents and young adults manage their type 1 diabetes more effectively, compared with daily use of blood glucose finger-stick test strips.
CGM users saw significant reductions in their hemoglobin A1C levels and less time spent with severe high and low blood glucose levels.

BOSTON – (June 16, 2020) – Fewer than one in five adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes are successful in achieving the recommended 2019 A1C goal of below 7.5%, and the overwhelming majority fail to achieve the 2020 target of less than 7%. But young people who use continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices can significantly improve their overall blood glucose control, without increasing severe low or high glucose levels , according to findings from a 6-month, multi-center clinical trial. And both severe hypoglycemia (low glucose) and hyperglycemia (high glucose) can lead to emergency care and hospitalization. The study is published online June 16, 2020, by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) .

“We performed the study in a very high-risk population of young people with type 1 diabetes, the age group that has the greatest challenge attending to diabetes self-care while navigating the usual life challenges of adolescence and young adulthood. Across the entire lifespan, persons in this age group reach the highest average A1C of over 9% at age 19,” says lead study author Lori Laffel, M.D., M.P.H., Chief of the Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Section at Joslin Diabetes Center.

The objective of the study was to determine if use of CGM can improve overall glucose control among adolescents and young adults. A CGM is a device that continuously measures glucose levels, showing a reading to the user every 5 minutes along with a graph and arrows depicting the direction that glucose is changing on a display device or smartphone application. A CGM also includes alarms to alert the user of high and low blood glucose levels or rapidly changing levels.

The study was a randomized, controlled trial involving 153 males and females between ages 14 and 25 at 14 sites, including the Joslin Diabetes Center. Participants had A1C levels between 7.5% and 11% at the start of the trial. Half were assigned to a group using CGM devices and the other half were assigned to a control group using the standard finger-stick method with test strips for blood glucose monitoring for six months.

The study found that the average A1C in the CGM group fell 0.4%, from 8.9% at the time the trial began to 8.5% at six months; whereas for people in the control group, their average A1C remained unchanged at 8.9% over the six-month study period. This substantial and significant improvement in glycemic control is one of very few interventions that have demonstrated a positive impact in this challenging age group. Researchers also found:

Nearly twice as many people in the CGM group, as those in the standard test strip group, had a reduction in A1C of 0.5% or more at six months (44% versus 25%).
CGM users were four times more likely than non-users to lower their A1C by one point or more (25% versus 6%).
Very high or very low blood glucose episodes can be dangerous, especially overnight when people are generally not monitoring their glucose levels. Regular CGM use increased the amount of time in target range (glucose levels of 70 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL) by almost two hours throughout the day.

These improvements are important because lowering A1C significantly reduces the risk of future debilitating long-term complications like eye and kidney damage.

“At the beginning of the study, patients were spending less than nine hours per day in target range. That means the overwhelming majority of the day and night these young people were experiencing hyperglycemia,” says Dr. Laffel. “And the increased time in range was not with an increase in severe low glucose levels. Overall, CGM use cut down the frequency of hypoglycemia, which is time below 70 and 54 mg/dL (severe), as well as limiting hyperglycemia, with a reduction in time above 180 mg/dL by nearly 1 ½ hours each day.”

Another striking discovery was that two thirds of study participants were still using the CGM devices almost every day at six months, which may be attributed to the improved performance of this advanced technology. In contrast, prior studies indicated that only about 30% of similarly aged young patients continued to use the devices regularly at six months.

“CGM is a valuable tool to offer to people of all ages with type 1 diabetes, and it can be especially helpful for young people who may be struggling with self-care and are seeking to improve their diabetes control,” says Dr. Laffel. “The CGM used in the study helped reduce some of the burden of self-care as the CGM glucose values could be used for diabetes management without a confirmatory finger-stick. Today, CGM technology is even easier to use than the device used in our clinical trial. More recent CGM devices have an automatic inserter, a sensor that lasts for 10 days, and require no finger-stick blood glucose values for calibration.”

In addition, the study showed that there was no difference in adverse events between the two groups. Plus, the treatment impact for A1C at six months remained after adjusting for duration of diabetes, sex, and insulin delivery method.

“I believe that the young people in this study especially valued the reduced burden of self-care with use of CGM over traditional finger-stick blood glucose monitoring. This study highlights the opportunity to target patients who may be struggling with diabetes self-care and in need of improvement by harnessing the advanced therapeutic tools available today,” says Dr. Laffel. “Then, we can see better outcomes now and in the future.”

Co-authors are Lauren G. Kanapka, M.S.c.; Roy W. Beck, M.D., Ph.D; Katherine Bergamo, B.S.N., R.N., M.S., F.N.P-C; Mark A. Clements, M.D., Ph.D.; Amy Criego, M.D.; Daniel J. DeSalvo, M.D.; Robin S. Goland, M.D.; Korey Hood, Ph.D.; David Liljenquist, M.D., Laurel H. Messer, Ph.D., R.N., M.P.H., C.D.E. ; Roshanak Monzavi, M.D.; Thomas J. Mouse, B.S.; Priya Prahalad, M.D.; Jennifer Sherr, M.D., Ph.D.; Jill H. Simmons, M.D.; R. Paul Wadwa, M.D. ; Ruth S. Weinstock, M.D., Ph.D., Steven M. Willi, M.D.; and Kellee M. Miller, Ph.D., M.P.H.

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust funded the study. CGM devices were provided by Dexcom, Inc. at no cost.

Needles, Nerves, and New Tricks: Insulin Injection Tips

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 18:48:20 GMT

TL;DR

Giving your first insulin injection can feel overwhelming—even if you’ve lived with type 1 diabetes your whole life. In this personal story, T1D author Kerry McCawley shares how a pump failure forced her to face her fear, and how practicing on a clementine helped her gain the confidence to do it herself.

Updated: April 2, 2026

Living With Type 1 Diabetes Since Childhood

I was diagnosed with type one diabetes when I was 21 months old. I can’t remember my life without diabetes, it’s a part of me and it always will be. Finger pricks, calculating carbs and bolusing are as much a part of my daily routine as brushing my teeth. With that said, I’ve been on an insulin pump from the time I was three years old, so I never had to give myself insulin injections. On the rare occasion that I did need an injection growing up, my mom was always there to give it to me. But for the first time this year, I had to give myself an injection and I was absolutely terrified.

It’s not that I’m afraid of needles, I’ve been dealing with them my whole life. I’ve been checking my sugar for longer than I can remember and started putting in my own insulin pump in the fourth grade. I could probably count how many injections I’ve needed, since I started wearing my pump, on both hands. I was so little when I was diagnosed that I couldn’t take care of my own diabetes and my mother was always the one to give me injections. So, having to give myself an injection seemed impossible.

When My Insulin Pump Failed—and I Had No Choice

It was about the second day of wearing my pump set , and after hopping out of the shower, I had a hard time getting the site to line up properly. I did eventually get it on and assumed that everything was fine. I didn’t even think anything of it when my next blood sugar check was high and simply gave myself a correction. The next time I checked, my blood sugar was above six hundred and I felt sick to my stomach. This is when I realized that my set had been disconnected and despite my efforts to reconnect it, nothing was working. I called the Barbara Davis Center and we made a plan to get my blood sugar back down.

When I got off the phone, I called my mom—who was out of town—crying and told her what was going on. I was sobbing at the thought of having to give myself an injection . I felt extremely embarrassed that I was 20 and hadn’t given myself one yet. At that point, I didn’t have the clarity that I have now, which is that I was diagnosed at such a young age, that injections weren’t a big part of my diabetes journey and that it was okay for me to be nervous to give myself one for the first time. Luckily, my mom did have that clarity. She reminded me that it was okay to feel nervous. She even told me that she had been terrified the first time she had to give an insulin injection when I was just a baby.

The Clementine Trick: How I Practiced My First Injection

After my mom calmed me down, she FaceTimed me and told me to grab an alcohol swab, syringe, clementine, and a glass of water. I collected the items and she guided me through how to give an injection by having me practice on the clementine. I would have never thought to do this, but my brilliant mother did. I filled my syringe with water and acted as if I was giving myself the injection on the clementine. This helped me to get the feel for what it would be like to give myself the injection. I would recommend to anyone who needs to give themselves their first injection to try this first.

After practicing on the clementine, it was time to give myself the injection. My mom stayed on the phone with me the whole time. My hands were shaking as I drew up the insulin, but I managed to steady them to give myself the shot. After I gave myself the insulin, my nervousness subsided, and I realized how easy it had been to give myself an injection.

What I Learned About Confidence and Diabetes Independence

Hopefully, I won’t need an injection anytime soon, but the next time that I do need one, I can say with confidence that I’ll be able to do it. Maybe giving an injection isn’t a big deal to everyone, but it was a big deal to me, and now I feel immensely proud of myself for doing it. So even if you’re terrified, there’s nothing that you can’t conque r , just take a deep breath and remember that it’s not the end of the world, even if it feels like it in the moment.

About the Author:

Kerry McCawley is a type 1 patient of the Barbara Davis Center and former recipient of CDF’s Charlotte Tucker Scholarship, which she used to attend Metro State University of Denver.

Contraceptive Options for Women with Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sat, 16 May 2020 18:44:10 GMT

As part of Women’s Health Week, we take a look at the challenges and circumstances women face when living with type 1 diabetes.

by Sarit Polsky, MD, MPH
Originally published to DiabetesSisters.org March 2019

here are many choices/options for contraceptive therapy for women with diabetes. Women can use certain forms of contraception to prevent pregnancy, to reduce painful periods or heavy menstrual bleeding, or to improve symptoms of other medical conditions. Contraceptive methods fall into two main categories: hormonal and non-hormonal.

Non-hormonal methods of contraception include the use of barrier contraceptives (like condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps), spermicides, natural family planning (intercourse planning to avoid timing around ovulation), abstinence, and the copper intrauterine device (IUD). Barrier methods, spermicides, and natural family planning all rely on careful planning and on having necessary contraception/tools on-hand at the time of intercourse. The copper IUD requires insertion by a health care provider.

Sarit Polsky, MD, MPH

The above-mentioned methods can be stopped at any time if a woman wants to conceive a child. There is also a non-hormonal option for definitive contraception with sterilization techniques (tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men). These methods tend to be less effective (with the exception of abstinence, the copper IUD, and sterilization), but some also provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as condoms, when used appropriately.

Hormonal methods of contraception include birth control pills (combined oral-contraceptive pills and progestin-only pills), skin patches, vaginal rings, Depo Medroxyprogesterone acetate injections (“Depo shots”), an implant in the arm, medicated IUD, and emergency contraception. Most of these methods are “generally used methods” by the World Health Organization in women with diabetes. However, some should be used with caution and only with the approval of a health care provider in women with diabetes for more than 20 years and/or with a history of advanced vascular diseases (such as in the eyes, kidneys, or nerves to the feet), and these include the combined oral contraceptive pills and Depo shots. In addition, some of these methods should not be used in women who smoke as they can increase the risk for dangerous blood clots.

Some hormonal methods require that the user follow instructions carefully in order to provide protection against an unplanned pregnancy (such as the pills, patches, vaginal rings, and Depo shots). For example, skipping pills or taking them later on the same day can result in a pregnancy. Other methods are less reliant on the user as they are inserted in a health care provider’s office into the skin (arm implant) or uterus (IUDs) and thus provide protection against pregnancy for 3-10 years, depending on the device, without having to do something daily or monthly.

None of the hormonal contraceptive methods protect against STDs, so one should consider that in some cases two methods of contraception would be required (for example, IUD and condom use).

The decision to use contraception is a personal one. It is important to consider the health benefits and risks of each method as they relate to a woman’s individual needs. One may also need to consider cost, medical contraindications (reasons why one cannot use a particular method[s]), cultural beliefs, side effects, access to obtaining the preferred method, and future desire to conceive. About 45% of pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. Unplanned pregnancies in women with diabetes are generally associated with worse health outcomes for mothers and their babies.

Depending on the contraceptive methods used, contraception can help reduce the rates of unplanned pregnancies, STDs, and symptoms of certain medical conditions. Thus, there are many reasons why a woman of reproductive age (sexually active or not) should consider whether contraceptive therapy is right for her.

Menopause in Women with Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 13 May 2020 18:41:40 GMT

As part of Women’s Health Week, we take a look at the challenges and circumstances women face when living with type 1 diabetes.

by Sarit Polsky, MD, MPH
Originally published to DiabetesSisters.org October 2019

The menopausal transition can be a confusing time for a woman. She may experience uncomfortable symptoms that she does not realize are associated with this transition in life. Many women also don’t realize that they may have symptoms for years before they actually have their last menstrual periods. It also usually coincides with a stage of life that in and of itself is associated with many personal and sometimes professional obligations. At such a busy time, women sometimes think their symptoms are from something else, like stress. If you add diabetes into the mix, this confusion can increase because some of the symptoms are common to both menopause and diabetes. So, let’s try to answer some common questions.

Sarit Polsky, MD, MPH

What is natural menopause?
Natural menopause is when menstrual periods stop permanently and there are no obvious pathologic or physiologic causes, but this permanence is determined after at least consecutive 12 months without a period. The reason the menstrual periods stop is because all (or nearly all) of the ovarian follicles (eggs) are gone and estrogen levels decrease. It usually occurs around age 51. Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, sweating, sleep disturbance, depression, vaginal dryness, sexual dysfunction, changing in thinking (memory, concentration), and joint pain.

How are women with diabetes affected by menopause?
The studies are inconsistent, but sometimes women with diabetes undergo menopause at an earlier age. Women with diabetes may have a difficult time deciphering if symptoms are from menopause or from hypoglycemia, such as with hot flashes and sweating. They may also find it hard to tell if symptoms are from menopause or from diabetes complications, like vaginal dryness and decreased libido.

What are the treatment options for menopause?
Some treatments are over-the-counter, which means that a provider does not need to write a prescription. Though many herbal and complementary therapies have been studied, there has not been a consistent benefit seen with them. Some treatments include non-hormonal based prescription drugs, like certain antidepressants which can help with hot flashes. Finally, there are hormone-based prescription treatments. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) includes estrogen and sometimes progestin (to protect the uterine lining in women who have a uterus). HRT use is limited in duration and can increase the risk for some serious medical conditions. HRT can be delivered in pills, patches, gels/lotions, suppositories, and vaginal rings. There aren’t enough studies in women with diabetes. It is very important for women to consult medical providers about the options available to them and to make sure they do not start therapies contraindicated for their particular circumstances.

What else should one consider?
When menopause occurs in women with diabetes, they are especially vulnerable to other conditions like brittle bones (osteopenia/osteoporosis), cardiovascular disease, and dementia.

Menopause can present some physical and emotional discomfort in women with diabetes. While some symptoms are well-known, others may not be common knowledge. Women with diabetes may have trouble determining what is causing some symptoms because the symptoms themselves may occur from diabetes and/or from menopause. Fortunately, there are licensed professionals who can help women navigate these discomforts.

Pregnancy and Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sun, 10 May 2020 19:37:14 GMT

As part of Women’s Health Week, we take a look at the challenges and circumstances women face when living with type 1 diabetes.

by Sarit Polsky, MD, MPH
Originally published to DiabetesSisters.org October 2019

Pregnancy can be an exciting time for a woman and her family, but it can add extra layers of emotions and stress for women with diabetes. As pregnancies in women with pre-existing or new diabetes can be more complicated than pregnancies in women without diabetes, here are a few key messages:

1) In women who have diabetes already (pre-existing diabetes) or who are at high risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes), it is important to plan ahead. Women who do not want to become pregnant and who are sexually active should use accepted forms of contraception. Women should get pre-conception counseling from the right specialists: a diabetes provider (one who cares for women in pregnancy) and an obstetrician. If a woman has an advanced complication of diabetes already (like eye, kidney, or heart disease), then she should also get pre-conception counseling from the specialist who cares for the complication.

Sarit Polsky, MD, MPH

Pre-conception counseling visits include testing for certain diseases (like rubella, syphilis, etc.), discussion about medications that may need to be changed prior to conceiving, and information in this article. Optimally, women with diabetes should have a hemoglobin A1C level of 6.5% or less prior to conception, if they can achieve it without significant hypoglycemia (low blood sugars).

2) After conception, it is critical to obtain and maintain near-normal to normal blood glucose levels. For women with pre-existing diabetes, we recommend having an A1C of less than 6% as the pregnancy progresses. Women should establish care with providers quickly after a confirmed positive pregnancy test. For women with pre-existing diabetes, a high-risk obstetrician is recommended.

For women who were already using insulin or who will need to start insulin during pregnancy, there are shifts in insulin requirements over the course of the pregnancy. Women tend to be sensitive to insulin in the 1st trimester, increasingly resistant to insulin in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, then sensitive again right after delivery. For women with gestational diabetes, glucose-lowering therapy includes diet therapy, oral medications, and/or insulin.

Women with diabetes generally have more obstetric visits than women who do not have diabetes. They have frequent ultrasound examinations and fetal non-stress testing. Some women may also be started on aspirin therapy to lower the risk of developing preeclampsia (a disorder with high blood pressure in pregnancy and damage to another organ, like the kidneys or liver). It’s important to work with the obstetric and diabetes teams to ensure that all the proper screening and monitoring is performed.

3) The risks to the mother and baby can be higher in pregnant women with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. These risks include fetal loss (miscarriage, stillbirth), abnormal fetal growth (babies born too small or too large for their gestational age), birth defects, high blood pressure conditions for the mother (e.g., preeclampsia), pre-term delivery (delivery before 37 weeks), cesarean delivery, and for the baby to be born with low blood sugars, low oxygen, and trouble breathing. There are many more possible risks as well. Tighter glucose targets are recommended in order to reduce these risks.

4) Women should be monitoring for new development of and progression of diabetes complications. Pregnancy can put a strain on a woman’s eyes, kidneys, and heart. Therefore, these and other organ systems should be monitored throughout the pregnancy.

Pregnancies associated with diabetes require more monitoring and are at higher risk than those without diabetes. It’s important to plan ahead, work with experienced providers, and pay closer attention to managing glucose levels and watching out for possible complications.

My First Telemedicine Visit

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 18:33:50 GMT

by Paige L.

I have had type 1 diabetes for 15 years and throughout my time with diabetes, I have never had a digital doctor’s appointment or “telemedicine” experience. My family even moved to Colorado in 2007 for the amazing care the Barbara Davis Center offers, and I have been going to appointments in person every 3-4 months since. My visits have always been in person with an A1C, device download, and one-on-one doctor attention. With the new Coronavirus pandemic, I was slightly worried about how my care plan and upcoming visit would be impacted and if I would even be able to have a beneficial appointment at all.

My original appointment with Dr. Polsky was scheduled for March 30 ^th , but I received a call from the BDC on March 24 ^th asking if I would like to reschedule for a telemedicine visit. At first, I was a little nervous about a new appointment! My visits are usually such an event in my daily life where I have to travel, pay for parking, check in all of my diabetes-related devices, etc. etc. etc.

It seemed difficult in my mind to have a successful appointment where my doctor can’t have the face to face interaction with me that I am used to and that they may not be able to successfully evaluate my current care plan to make changes. Knowing that I couldn’t put off my appointment any longer (I hadn’t had a visit in 6 months, sorry mom!) I scheduled my first telemedicine visit for March 27 ^th .

With directions received via email from the BDC staff, I uploaded my pump and CGM data to Carelink for my doctor to view. Once I completed that step, I joined a video call with my endocrinologist. The biggest difference of this digital visit was seeing Dr. Polsky in her home! It made the call feel more like a chat with a friend than a doctor’s appointment. Granted, we discussed my current time in range (instead of A1C as a better indication of BG control), my ratios, and any problems or questions I may have. Dr. Polsky and I had conversations about the data, how to adjust doses for high/low BG trends, and more. It was the exact same as an actual visit to the BDC, but it felt a lot less formal!

Thinking back to before my visit, I wish I wasn’t as worried. The appointment was effortless, and I was able to see my data, get feedback, and ask questions the same as any appointment I have had in the past. I have already rescheduled my next visit for July and whether it’s in-person or over a webcam, I know I will be receiving the same amazing care I have been getting for the past 13 years.

A Father’s Story

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 17:11:36 GMT

By Wade Prichard

April 4, 2005 was a difficult, emotional, and painful day for our family. Our youngest son, Michael, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 8.

My hope is that this testimony will be an encouragement, especially to those who “missed” all the classic signs of the onset of type 1 diabetes.

As a family of ten, we had been fortunate with relatively good health. We wouldn’t run to the doctor for every sniffle or cough. As the “classic” signs began to show themselves we simply missed them.

Michael was playing youth soccer at a high level for an eight-year-old. So hydration and carbohydrate intake was important. Frequent urination was somewhat normal especially when you are drinking so much as a soccer player. Craving carbs was normal…what eight-year-old doesn’t like ice cream and cake? As Michael’s body was burning fat and he was looking slimmer, I thought he was simply losing his “baby” fat. When I could smell the sweet chemical smell on his breath as he sat in the back of the car and was expelling ketones, I didn’t get it.

At church on the morning of April 4th, I put my arm around Michael’s shoulders and could feel the sharp outline of his shoulder blade. I remember thinking that didn’t seem right. Later that afternoon I get a call from the team manager of Michael’s oldest brother who was in Las Vegas at a soccer tournament to let me know that Charles was at the ER because he broke his wrist. After hanging up the phone I asked Michael to come to my office and to remove his sweat shirt. That was when I saw his emaciated torso and thought “that doesn’t look right.” My wife Mindy and I decided to take Michael to the doctor in the morning.

Later that evening, Mindy was reading a medical diagnosis book that asked yes or no questions. The “book’s” diagnosis was diabetes. I thought, “we don’t have any family history of diabetes.” The book must be wrong. Meanwhile Mindy, with that “mommy” intuition, decides to call a family friend who is an adult diabetic who had his onset at age 10. Mindy said, “Michael has been doing this and this….” Pat answered and asked all the right questions… how did he know? Well they were all the classic signs of the onset of type 1 diabetes. So, we told Pat that we were planning on taking Michael to the doctor in the morning.

Thirty minutes later, Pat called back and graciously insisted that we take Michael to Children’s Hospital now. At Children’s, the doctors spent the rest of the night trying to keep Michael from going into a diabetic coma. My guess looking back, Michael would have slipped into a coma that night if we had not gone to the hospital.

That night was the scary part. The next day came the realization that, yes Michael will live; however, his life just changed forever. The doctors could not fix his pancreas, get rid of the antibodies that destroyed his islet cells, or just simply fix the problem. This was a sobering realization.

Now fourteen years later Michael will be finishing up his last semester in college. Having to manage his disease has led Michael to pursue a career in the medical field. Along the way, various doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and organizations like the Children’s Diabetes Foundation have been such a good source of encouragement – not only for Michael, but for his entire family.

Sensor-Phobia

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 18:31:19 GMT

by Renee Choksey

I was always so terrified of adding a sensor to my everyday diabetes life. I didn’t realize what I didn’t know. It seemed scary to me.

The thought of a sensor put the worst thoughts in my head. I worried every time I thought about it. I would have to learn how to use it. I knew already that putting in sets for the pump hurt. I didn’t look forward to that process. Then, add a sensor to that, and I was afraid that it would be more painful than the pain I had experienced with the pump. If I dreaded the pain of the set, what would it feel like to have to put in a sensor? What if it hurt worse than putting in a set?

I also worried about how I would find room to put it since it was so large. I’d look up pictures online of people with sensors and be scared because I saw that the sensor virtually took up their whole arm! I am just a tiny person. Where am I going to fit a sensor on top of finding room for my pump set? What if I have to put it in my stomach? That sounds like the worst thing ever! I was afraid that it would be easy to knock it loose as I am an athletic person. What if I was playing basketball and someone swatted it off my arm? Would that hurt? Would that be embarrassing? Would that hinder my ability to play? All of these thoughts would run wild in my head, and I would ultimately decide that trying a sensor was way too much of a burden to my life.

Then, I was forced with a decision. I had a Medtronic Paradigm Revel 723 pump for 6 years. That pump just required that I check my blood sugar, input the number, and enter my carb amount. That was it. Well, I went on vacation one year, and that pump took its last breath. Medtronic was great about sending me a loaner pump, but that was only good for 90 days before I would have to buy a new one. My parents and I decided that since I was getting ready to go to college, it would be best to just get the newest pump. Sticking with Medtronic, I chose the 670G insulin pump –with the required Guardian CGM (continuous glucose monitoring) system. A sensor. I would have no other option but to use this sensor now. Again, the worst-case-scenario thoughts ran through my head and I was terrified. Absolutely terrified. But, as I had done with learning that I had type 1 diabetes, I began to accept that I would have to live with this sensor. What I discovered was it opened up a new way for me to further my diabetes management.

I got my new pump and loved everything about it. I loved the new display, the new features–everything. Then came the day that I had to learn how to use the sensor. I went to training and quickly realized that I would have to put it on that very day. In this training session there was only another girl who seemed younger than me, and myself. No one else, just the two of us! It dawned on me that I was going to have to act like I wasn’t ready to run out of that room and get back in the car before having to put on this sensor. I decided that if I could use this other girl as motivation to be brave, I could act like putting on the sensor wasn’t such a big deal. I prepped the sensor, got it ready for putting it on, and put the device up to my stomach. Those thoughts came rushing back a me, but I had to push them away so that I could show the other girl that there was nothing to be afraid of. I hit the button.

The device hit me at once and I paused, a pinch, but no pain. I sat there anxiously waiting for the pain to hit me, but it never did. All of those worries, for nothing! Yes, it did have to go in my stomach that day, but it really wasn’t that bad! My sets hurt much worse than the sensor did. I clipped the CGM in, taped everything to secure it, and I was on my way like nothing had happened. It does take a little bit of time to get used to the feeling of the sticker that holds it in place, but you have to remember that it is just the sticker you are feeling. Let me tell you, having a sensor is ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT.

I wish I would have gotten the sensor much earlier. As my life with diabetes progressed, so did my control over my numbers. The first year I was diagnosed, I had to have shots. Then a year later, I decided to try the insulin pump, and everything changed. I had better control over my numbers and I felt better. I lived on a pump for the next six years and then the sensor-pump combo was introduced into my life. I have now been on this system for two years and the control I have over my numbers is incredible. I am able to see exactly what is happening with my numbers with a push of a button. It gives me peace at night so that I don’t worry that I will have a low blood sugar in the middle of the night and have to wake up. It tells me when I forget to bolus for the food I eat, saving me from the sick feeling of a high number. It isn’t as painful as my mind had made it up to be. I remember a nurse telling me that sets hurt worse, and she was right!

As for the size of the device, I have found that it really doesn’t take up as much space as I thought. I rotate it between my arms and my stomach and that seems to work really well for me. Having something in my stomach isn’t a bother to me at all. In fact, now I don’t even feel it after about five minutes of insertion. I remember being scared that it would fall off or get knocked off, and I laugh about that now. The tape is plenty secure enough to hold it in place. Being the clumsy person that I am, I often run into doors, lamps, chairs, etc. and it stays with me loyally. It takes quite a bit of effort to take it off.

My encouragement to you as a person considering trying a sensor is to go for it! Don’t listen to all of those worries in your head. Fear is a liar. You have been brave enough to battle this disease, this is simply an extra step that does nothing but better your life. I hate not having a sensor on now. I worry about what my number is when it is gone. The sensor just brings such a peace of mind to you, that the worries have no place in your mind. You will not regret trying the sensor. I haven’t met a single person who thought their life was better without the sensor. Take that leap and try it. You can do this, and I promise that it will change your life for the better.

2020 Carousel of Hope Ball to Take Place Saturday, October 10

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 08:10:17 GMT

The Star-Studded Charity Ball Will Celebrate Barbara Davis’ 90 ^th Birthday, and 40 ^th Anniversary of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes

(Los Angeles, CA, April 2, 2020) – Event chair and host Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis announced today that the 2020 Carousel of Hope Ball will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2020. The biennial event is dedicated to increasing awareness for diabetes and raising funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. This year’s event will celebrate two very significant occasions – Davis’ 90 ^th birthday, and the 40 ^th Anniversary of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Additional event participants, including honorees and performers, will be announced in the coming months.

The most recent Carousel of Hope Ball, hosted in 2018, honored Robert De Niro with the “Brass Ring Award” and featured show-stopping performances by legends Gladys Knight, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, and David Foster. The gala alone raised over $1.9 Million.

(Photo: Dustin Walker/ABImages)

This year’s event will feature Jay Leno as master of ceremonies, David Foster as music director, George Schlatter as producer, and Quincy Jones and Clive Davis as music chairmen. 2020 marks the 34 ^th Carousel Ball, where guests will enjoy cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner, exciting entertainment, and musical performances. Rated #1 Benefit in Southern California by BizBash for multiple years, this star-studded evening is not to be missed. Previous “Brass Ring Award” honorees include Frank Sinatra, Hillary Clinton, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, George Clooney, Jane Fonda, Sir Sidney Poitier, David Foster, Halle Berry, Sherry Lansing and many more.

Since its inception in 1978, the iconic event has been a Hollywood favorite, uniting entertainment, sports, and business industry leaders from all areas for a night dedicated to raising awareness and, ultimately, finding a cure for diabetes. Diabetes, which afflicts over 30 million people in the United States alone, is rapidly on the rise. It is estimated that each year, approximately 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Of those, 25,000 are children. The Carousel Balls have raised more than $105 million to date, with proceeds benefitting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes . Funds are raised through sponsorships, dinner tickets, a live and silent auction, and contributions.

The 2020 Carousel of Hope Ball is generously sponsored by Dexcom.

For the latest news and information regarding the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, be sure to follow on social media and join the conversation using #CarouselOfHope.

Facebook: Childrens Diabetes Foundation
Twitter: CDFdiabetes
Instagram: CDFdiabetes

ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S DIABETES FOUNDATION

For more information please visit:
www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org or www.barbaradaviscenter.org .

CONTACTS:

Andy Gelb / Elyse Weissman
SLATE PR
310-461-0111
Andy@slate-pr.com / Elyse@slate-pr.com

Jerry Digney
Digney & Company PR
323-785-2404
jerry@digneypr.com

Small Town, Homegrown Girl

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 18:28:53 GMT

This is part 4 of a 4-part blog series by Trystan H., a recipient of the Charlotte Tucker Scholarship.

I grew up in a small town in Colorado. When I was diagnosed in 2012, the best option for treatment was to travel to Denver, Colorado. In my hometown, type 1 diabetes is uncommon. For a few years, I was the only person I knew that had it. The local resources were very knowledgeable of type 2 diabetes, but, as a type 1 diabetic, the wisest option was to go to Denver and speak with medical professionals who specialized in type 1 diabetes.

After the first trip to Denver, we had to make the journey to Denver every three months for a check-up and adjustment. As a kid, I did not fully understand the stress and pressure this put on my parents, and I am so grateful that they made sure I got the best treatment possible despite the fact that it was extremely time consuming and costly to travel there so often. Every visit was at least a three-day trip. That means three days had to be taken off of work. Three days of expensive travels, hotels, and meals had to be arranged. Now, as I am older, looking back on the many sacrifices my parents had to make for my health is mind blowing to me.

As a new diabetic, I did not know anyone else who was in the same boat as me. Honestly, this was really hard. There wasn’t anyone my age that I could talk to that understood what it was like to live with type 1 diabetes. The first time that I met other people my age with it was at a summer camp that I attended a couple years after I was diagnosed. I traveled over eight hours to get to this camp because my parents and doctors both thought that it would be an important experience. Once I arrived, I was shocked at how many kids were there, all with diabetes. I went from being surrounded by zero type 1 diabetics to hundreds of them in just a few hours. Attending the camp made me feel better because my lifestyle blended into all of the others there. The counselors did not judge us and the other kids there understood everything that I had gone through the past couple of years because they had gone through it too. That week of camp is a week that I will remember for a very long time.

Since knowledge of type 1 diabetes is minimal in the town that I grew up in, I have gained a passion for speaking and teaching others about it. I used every chance I got in high school to do a presentation or project to talk about diabetes. I wanted to reach as many people as possible. I remember doing a science project in biology class on my blood glucose levels and sharing my results with the class. I also wrote papers about diabetes and research in my English classes.

The biggest way I impacted my community was during my senior year. I had to do a huge project on a topic of my choice that involved making the world a better place. I decided that I would present on diabetes education in elementary schools. This project gave me the opportunity to teach elementary school kids about both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and I am so thankful that I can use my experiences with the disease, both good and bad, to educate others.

Luckily, since my diagnosis, more resources have become available that are closer to home. I am so thankful for that, especially now that I have the responsibility of my diabetes now. Unfortunately, as time goes on, type 1 diabetes becomes more common, so medical recourses in rural communities are become more available. I hope to continue this expansion of resources for type 1 diabetes with my career. I am currently hoping to become a Certified Diabetic Educator after I graduate with my Bachelor’s degree. My ultimate goal is to work in a rural community and help people that are in the same situation that I was in when I was diagnosed. Sharing information about diabetes has been a passion of mine since early high school, and my future goals are still oriented around my diabetes. This condition has provided me with a passion for educating others, and my experience of living with it in a small town has really shaped this passion, as well. The lack of resources and people who also had it, I was driven to spread the information as much as I could, and this passion still exists within me today.

Sugars in the School Yard

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 18:26:41 GMT

This is part 3 of a 4-part blog series by Trystan H., a recipient of the Charlotte Tucker Scholarship.

Managing type 1 diabetes is no easy task. Each day poses new challenges and tasks that must be met in order to stay healthy. Learning how to complete these tasks is difficult in any situation, and it is especially tough in school. Since I was diagnosed at eleven years old, I did not have to navigate preschool, kindergarten, or elementary school with the additional stress of diabetes. I was diagnosed in sixth grade, the beginning of my middle school years. Middle school is already a stressful time for young people (and their parents), but this diagnosis made middle school a lot more challenging for me than I thought it would be.

Making friends and fitting in was easy for some… not so easy for others. One of my first fears of going back to school after I was diagnosed was the fear of rejection. I was so terrified that everyone was going to think of me differently. I hated telling people that I had diabetes, and I avoided it at all costs for pretty much the rest of middle school. I began to become more open about it in high school, but back to middle school for now. Luckily, my best friend did not think of me any differently, and she went with me to the nurse’s office every day to prick my finger and take my insulin. The teachers believed that I should be able to go to the nurse by myself, so they instructed my friend not to go with me again, but that did not stop her. She would find a way to sneak down the hallway almost every day at lunch. I do not think my friend will ever know how impactful her daily support for me was. I truly believe that a silly story like this can show the power of friendship. I encourage you to surround yourself with people who will support you through any struggles that you have with diabetes. This friendship made all of my dreaded nurse’s visits much less painful and helped me get through the years when I wasn’t quite able to manage my diabetes on my own. I encourage you to reach out to others like my friend did to me. It could be life changing for someone.

Now let’s get to high school. At long last, no more daily visits to the nurse! It took me a while to be able to become truly independent with my diabetes. When I got to high school, I knew that it was well past the time for me to start doing things on my own, and let me tell you, the independence felt so good. I ate what I wanted to, which was not always a good thing, I avoided the nurse at all costs, and I let my diabetes influence me in minimal ways. At this point in my life, the independence was so nice, that my glucose levels started to go down the drain. I was focused on hanging out with my friends and, more specifically, my boyfriend, all of the time. Whatever they ate, I ate. I did not count my carbs as accurately as I should have, and I put my academic and social lives ahead while my health was on the back burner.

I look back and think of this stage as my rebellious stage in life since I was basically rebelling against my health. Another huge factor in my BG levels going downhill is a huge fear that I have: going low. I have always been terribly afraid of going low, especially while I sleep. In order to account for this, I would often make my blood sugars go high so I would not have to worry about a low. I do not recommend anybody do this. My A1C’s gradually rose until I realized what I was doing and how horrible it was for my body. Doctors could tell me over and over that I needed to take more insulin, but I did not listen until I understood for myself what I was doing. I choose to hear their advice, but not listen to it. Once it clicked in my brain how silly my little rebellion was, I felt foolish and unhappy with my choices. Since then, I have definitely become better about trusting my pump and allowing my levels to lower into normal amounts. High school opened up a lot of doors for me to gain independence and be responsible for my health, and, unfortunately, I abused my freedoms for a while. I am not proud of it, but it did happen and still does happen. I don’t ever have a perfect day where my blood sugars are 100% where I want them to be, but this is just a fact of living with diabetes, and it certainly does not stop me from trying to do my best.

At long last, I have arrived at college, woo hoo! I thought what I had in high school was independence! College has ten times more independence. There are fast food options within a five-minute walk in every direction around my dorm. I can eat anything and everything that I want. I can choose when to go out, when to go to class, when to relax, when to study, and on and on. Luckily, I have become wiser since high school, and I do not abuse my freedoms as much as I did a few years ago. College comes with a lot of opportunities to make bad choices, and not just for diabetics. You can choose to skip class and focus only on your social life and start failing. You can choose to throw away the hard work that you put in and party your life away. College also comes with many opportunities to make amazing, life-changing decisions. You can pass your classes and get a degree that will open up so many doors in the future. You can choose to go to the gym for free as a student any day of the week. You can be active in your social life and still thrive in academics. I am very thankful that I am focusing on eating better, studying hard, and trying to live a healthier lifestyle. I try not to abuse the freedoms that I have, but sometimes I still make mistakes. There is always room for improvement, and the farther along in my education that I go, the more I realize how important my choices are. I now use my independence to grow and tackle the challenges of diabetes every day.

COVID-19 Updates from the Children’s Diabetes Foundation

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 18:24:57 GMT

Dearest Friends,

Like the rest of the world, we are closely monitoring the situation with COVID-19. Clearly, we are all gearing up for a new normal and adjusting to its short and long term effects. The Children’s Diabetes Foundation team is now working remotely to maintain our operations and we know that people with T1D and their families have additional concerns, so we are here to support you. With this in mind, we are setting up virtual support groups through GoToMeeting for T1D families. These chats will be geared toward discussing challenges, concerns, and just a safe place to share experiences related to life with T1D.

Looking forward, we will have to cancel some events, conferences, and gatherings which many of you have so generously supported in our 40 year history. This support has been tremendously meaningful to the T1D community and the ongoing efforts of the Barbara Davis Center. These efforts are even more evident in our current world environment and we are committed to continuing to support the care and research our world-class center provides.

Please look after yourselves, your families, and your neighbors during this challenging time and know that the Children’s Diabetes Foundation family cares about you. We are here for the long term, to support the care and well being of T1D families while continuing to bring life-changing research to those who are impacted by type 1 diabetes.

-Barbara and Dana Davis

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 08:07:04 GMT

A letter from Barbara and Dana Davis (click here)

A note on donations: Thank you for your support during this difficult time. Our staff is working remotely, so please be patient with us as we work through gift acknowledgements.

To make a donation to support on-going needs during this time of recovery, click here .

Barbara Davis Center Updates

Updated 7/22/2020
For more information, visit www.barbaradaviscenter.org and click the “Important Information” banner at the top of the page.

COVID-19 and Diabetes:

Hand washing
Maintaining social distancing
Using a mask when out of the home
Avoid being around anyone who is sick
Following all local regulations regarding public activity

Whether schools meet in-person or with distance learning, your child has rights. ADA has helpful resources on this topic: https://www.diabetes.org/coronavirus-covid-19/know-your-rights-covid-19

Closing:
Thank you for your dedication to your child’s diabetes management. As always, should you have specific concerns that come up, do not hesitate to contact our clinic.

Pediatric Clinic and Adult Clinic
All regularly scheduled in-person visits are cancelled through April 30.

Clinics will be able to see newly diagnosed patients with type 1 diabetes on a limited and scheduled basis. However, we will not be able to see newly diagnosed patients at the BDC if, within the past 14 days, the patient or any member of the household or close contact has had:

Fever, cough, respiratory symptoms or shortness of breath
Been in close contact (in same room or within 6 feet) with a person diagnosed with or who is under investigation for Coronavirus

Please call 303-724-2323 (Pediatric Clinic) or 303-724-6755 (Adult Clinic) and we will help you to receive diabetes care and education at a safe location.

For established patients, we have expanded our ability to help you without the risk of travel and exposure to Coronavirus. Our providers are available to schedule visits as telephone or telemedicine visits. To review glucose downloads, make dosing changes, or address non-urgent problems, please contact your provider by MyChart or email between 8 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

Urgent calls: 303-724-2323 then 1 (English), 2 (Peds clinic) and 9
To re-schedule visit call: 303-724-2323 then 1 (English), 2 (Peds clinic) and 2
For prescriptions call: 303-724-2323 then 1 (English), 2 (Peds clinic) and 3 (refill)
Adult Clinic (all calls): 303-724-6755

Eye Clinic
All regularly scheduled in-person visits are cancelled through April 30.

Urgent calls: 303-724-2323
Non-urgent or prescription calls: 720-724-6735 (leave a message)

Clinical Research Studies
All scheduled in-person visits are cancelled through April 30.

If you have a question, please contact your study coordinator/research assistant. Email might be the best way to contact your study coordinator at this time.

We apologize for any inconvenience during this national emergency. Stay safe – we hope to see you again, soon. For more information on Coronavirus, please visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov

Clinica de Pediatria Y Clinica de Adultos
Todas las citas de seguimiento en persona han sido canceladas hasta el dia 30 de Abril.

Las clinicas podran ver pacientes con diagnostico reciente de diabetes tipo uno de manera limitada y con cita.Sin embargo: NO SE PODRAN VER PACIENTES DE DIAGNOSTICO RECIENTE EN EL BDC SI: En los ultimos 14 dias: El paciente o cualquier familiar que este en contacto cercano al paciente haya tenido:

Fiebre, tos, dificultad para respirar, sudores, bochornos, escalofrios o dolor de cuerpo.
Ha estado en contacto cercano (en el mismo cuarto o a 6 pies de distancia) con una persona que tenga o que esta en investigacion de tener Coronavirus.

Por favor llame al numero 303-724-2323 (Clinica de pediatria) o al 303-724-6755 (Clinica de Adultos) y le ayudaremos a recibir atencion medica y educacion para el cuidado de su diabetes en un lugar seguro.

Para pacientes ya establecidos , hemos expandido nuestra capacidad de ayudarles sin el riesgo de viajar o exponerse al coronavirus. Nuestros provedores de salud tienen ya la capacidad de darles citas a traves de via Telefonica o de visitas de telemedicina (video).

Para revizar sus numeros de azucar , ajustar dosis de insulina, o recibir consejos o ayuda no urgente, por favor contacte a sus provedores a traves de MyChart o email de 8am a 4 pm de Lunes a Viernes.

Llamadas Urgentes Clinica Pediatrica 303-724-2323 > 2 (Espanol), 2 (Clinica pediatrica) and 9
Para cambiar su cita pediatrica: 303-724-2323 > 2 (Espanol), 2 (Clinica pediatrica) and 2
Recetas de pediatria: 303-724-2323 > 2 (Espanol), 2 (Clinica pediatrica) and 3
Llamadas Clinica de Adultos (todas las llamadas): 303-724-6755

Clinica de los Ojos
Todas las citas regulares en persona estan canceladas hasta el dia 30 de Abril

Llamadas Urgentes: 303-724-2323
Llamadas no urgentes para recetas: 303-724-6735 (Deje mensaje)

Estudios de Investigacion Clinica
Todas las citas regulares en persona estan canceladas hasta el dia 30 de Abril

Si tiene preguntas, contacte a su coordinador del studio o asistente de investigacion. Email debe ser la mejor manera de contactar a su coordinador en estos momentos.

Una disculpa por las molestias durante esta emergencia nacional. Por Favor mantenganse a salvo. Esperamos poder verlos nuevamente pronto.

Additional Diabetes & Coronavirus Resources

Prescription Assistance Discount Programs and Databases (pdf)

COVID-19 Updates and Sick Day Planning | American Diabetes Association

Coronavirus and Diabetes: What You Need to Know | Diabetes Daily

Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

California Department of Public Health

Colorado COVID-19 Resources

Colorado Stay At Home Guide

ColoradoMaskProject.com

Denver Department of Public Health & Environment

Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment

Colorado Financial Hardship Resources (below)

Telephone Assistance Program: 303-866-5700
This is a program that is run in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services and it will pay a portion of your monthly phone bill. While some companies may provide a free cell phone, it is more likely to receive a discount on basic phone or cellular service.

Colorado Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+): 800-359-1991
A low-cost health insurance plan that is offered for Colorado’s uninsured children and pregnant women. It is a health insurance program available for children from low income families and pregnant women who cannot afford private health insurance.

Food Stamps Program: 303-866-3122
Assists lower income families and individuals who need assistance purchasing food. Helps ensure the nutritional needs of families are met.

Colorado Employment First: (719) 486-2497
Increases employment opportunities for food stamp participants through referrals, support, accountability, and community work, and credit repair. Also provides advice on how to eliminate debt.

Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
This program helps parents afford childcare while they are actively working, receiving job training or looking for work. This program may also be called the Low Income Child Care Assistance. Dial 303.866.5700, or read more on child care assistance in Colorado.

Colorado Works/TANF: (303) 866-6210
This will help strengthen families by providing cash grants, promoting opportunities for comprehensive job training, and fiscal support to state residents.

Sunday Service at Trattoria Stella | April 5, 2020

Black Project Gives | April 15, 2020

Following guidelines from the Governor of Colorado and the Centers for Disease Control in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, these events will be postponed . CDF will share the latest information and updated dates for these fundraisers as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and we hope to see you soon!

EPIC Diabetes Conference | April 25, 2020

The EPIC Diabetes Conference on April 25, 2020 has been canceled in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our first priority is the safety of attendees. On Friday, the Governor of Colorado prohibited gatherings of more than 250 people in order to limit the potential spread of infection. Enthusiastic participation is a large part of the success of this conference and we want to ensure a welcoming and safe environment for our many attendees. On behalf of the staff of the Barbara Davis Center and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, we hope you will all join us next year at the 2021 EPIC Diabetes Conference.

If you have already purchased tickets for the 2020 EPIC Diabetes Conference, a full refund will be issued via your form of payment directly from EventBrite. This process will begin immediately. Please look for an email from EventBrite within 24-48 hours.

Please visit ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org to learn more, donate to support our T1D community through diabetes care and research, or join our mailing list for the latest news and special events.

ATDC Keystone Conference | July 16-19, 2020

The ATDC Keystone Conference July 16-29, 2020 has been canceled in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our first priority is the safety of attendees and we look forward to hosting this event in 2021.

Spring Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show | September 9, 2020

The Spring Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show has been rescheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at the Hilton Denver City Center.

The event, originally scheduled for May 6 ^th , was postponed in accordance with the March 15 ^th directive issued by the CDC and the State of Colorado restricting gatherings over 50 people. The safety, health and well-being of our guests is our top priority.

On behalf of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC) and our event chairs, Dave Barnes and Scottie Taylor Iverson, we sincerely hope you will be able to join us on the new date to celebrate and recognize our work for those living with type 1 diabetes.

The Spring Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show has been rescheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at the Hilton Denver City Center.

Friday the 13th

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 18:24:00 GMT

by Mary Walsh, former CDF volunteer and Guild member

It was a Friday, March 13 ^th and a typical day in our household. The three girls were dressed and fed and sent off to school. I knew I would see Katie later as her class was going on a field trip and I would be one of the drivers. Not long into the school day Katie’s teacher called to say Katie had wet her pants. So, I took her a change of clothing and reminded her I would see her later.

When I returned to the school the teacher was having the children get ready to go to the Planetarium at City Park in Denver. She told all of them to make a trip to the bathroom. Once organized, I was off with a carload of kids. Katie’s teacher rode with us. At the Planetarium, once again the teacher told the kids to go to the bathroom and reminded everyone that if they needed to go to the bathroom during the show they could not return.

We settled into our seats and the show began. Halfway thru the show I got a tap and it was Katie saying she needed to go to the bathroom. I whispered a reminder that we could not return, and she understood. Once in the hall I watched as she stopped at the drinking fountain for a drink and then went to the bathroom. A light went on in my head and I said to myself, “I know what you have, you have diabetes.” On the way back to the school I repeated the same to her teacher.

At home I called the pediatrician’s office and requested she be seen that day. My husband worked at home, and my Mom was visiting so I left them with the two other daughters. At the pediatrician’s office they wanted a clean catch urine specimen from Katie. I knew they thought they were dealing with an infection only. I reminded them to check the sugar in her urine. All of this occurred prior to blood testing. Soon after the doctor came in and said,” Well, she has what you think she has.” We had discussed in the past my concern about the history of diabetes in my own family. My Dad had type 2 diabetes and his mother had type 1 and died at age 53. The doctor’s recommendation was to take Katie to the Children’s Hospital and see Dr. Klingensmith. This was before Dr. Klingensmith had joined the Barbara Davis Center.

Dr. Klingensmith told me that diabetes was known to have occurred in the cavemen, and the only thing that helped was with-holding food— not very practical. Not until the discovery of insulin in about 1924 was there any treatment. Then nothing much occurred until the 1950’s with the discovery of oral medication for type 2. She said now that discoveries in diabetes treatment were bounding ahead with so much new on the horizon. I knew much of what she said because my college education was in nursing. I also knew our life would be changing very quickly. Katie was in the hospital for several days, and I insisted she would learn how to give herself a shot even though she was one month short of being a 9-year-old! Yes, I was a tough Mom but a realist knowing she had to accept her new way of living and so did our other children.

For the next 4 years she did a great job with her diabetes. She loved going to camp, and her sisters got to go also to Camp Shady Brook (then the host of “diabetes camp”). They all got to take part in the ski trips, Halloween parties, and Katie went to a Carousel Ball. Every year Katie made sure we went out to dinner on March 13 ^th to celebrate the date of her diagnosis. I know, who would do such a thing?

Katie (center) at the Carousel Ball with President Gerald Ford, Altovise Davis, Marvin Davis, Barbara Davis, and Gary Coleman.

Shortly after Katie was diagnosed, I stopped by the Barbara Davis Center and met Dr. Chase. While I was a stay at home mom, I did miss nursing and so I asked about volunteering at the center. He welcomed me with open arms, and for the next 9 years I volunteered there once a week in the clinic. Eventually I also started doing school education, going to classes that had a newly diagnosed child with diabetes to help allay their fears. So many children were told many untruths about diabetes, so I would try to help them understand this disease.

Several months before Katie’s 4 ^th anniversary, the clinic started testing siblings to see if any had antibodies. I said I would take the necessary supplies home and drawn blood from my husband and our other two daughters. Believe me, I had a lot of convincing to do for all three, especially the youngest who was coming up on birthday 10. Finally, they all agreed, and I took all the specimens back to the clinic. At that time, they had to be sent elsewhere for testing and testing was not done frequently. Six weeks must have gone by when the phone rang on March 13 ^th . It was Dr. Klingensmith and she wanted us to know that Elizabeth, the ten-year-old, had the antibodies, and if she did not already have diabetes, she probably would within six months. My reply was I wanted her started on insulin immediately because I could not give her the false hope that she would never have diabetes. Although she never said it, I was sure Dr. K. did not want to do that.

Accepting diabetes was particularly tough for her but she did it. Both girls did. They competed in sports and were active in academics, theater, church, and generally life. Both were outstanding students in their high school days. Their father maintains that is because of the regimented life they had to lead, testing for blood sugars, watching their food intake, and taking care of their general health.

After Katie graduated high school, she attended Regis University on a four-year academic scholarship. She graduated with degrees in Biology, Chemistry and Spanish. Elizabeth graduated three years later with the same scholarship, with degrees in Biology and English. Katie has at least 2 masters and Elizabeth one. Katie has been a long tenured teacher in the Aurora Public Schools, and Elizabeth works in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz campus. She is a Senior Instructor in the School of Medicine, teaching doctors how to write. Her main focus has always been on grant writing. Both of them have wonderful husbands and each have 2 children.

At the age of 13, Katie asked for an insulin pump for Christmas. At the time she was the youngest patient to ever get one at the Barbara Davis Center. That was early 1986. Our family accepted diabetes as part of our lives. I knew someday I too would join them and was diagnosed late with type 1. They are the ones who encouraged their mom to get an insulin pump!

Diabetes is what it is, and no, it is not easy. We started our journey in March of 1981, so it has been part of us for a long time. I also have a brother with type 1 as well as a niece and nephew with type 1. No one plays the blame game as we know it is a genetic link up from both sides as well as other factors. Our 4 grandchildren have all been tested and are clear. Even in 1981 everyone was begging for a cure. Someday it will come and meanwhile acceptance is best for all. Oh yes, Katie and Elizabeth also share a birthday, 3 years apart!

Overcoming Insecurities

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 18:19:26 GMT

This is part 2 of a 4-part blog series by Trystan H., a recipient of the Charlotte Tucker Scholarship.

Does having diabetes make you insecure? I have had it for seven years and I still get insecure at times. There is no doubt in my mind that my diabetes has developed my strength and made me who I am today, but there are still times that I find myself wondering what other people think about it. I still get days where I find myself thinking: Can I just go this one day without diabetes so no one at the pool will see my infusion set, or I wonder what people think is on my arm, or Are people staring at my CGM?

The reality of the matter is that it is normal for people to feel insecure, so all of these thoughts are normal, they just aren’t healthy to feed into every day. I want to discuss some of the insecurities that I have had with diabetes and how I try to overcome them. I sincerely hope that everyone with diabetes finds peace with themselves and is someday able to live without the insecurities that come with the disease.

My first insecurity: my insulin pump. It’s big. It falls out of my pockets. It sticks out when I wear dresses. It somehow is always visible no matter what I decide to wear. I have been insecure about my pump since the first time I wore it to school. Let me just say, middle school kids are mean. My peers asked me what was in my pocket all the time, and some of the daring ones ventured to throw out their wild guesses. My pump has been called a catheter, pager, cell phone, microphone, pedometer, flashlight (yep, that’s right, a flashlight), and many other things, some of which were very inappropriate. I began to hate when my pump was visible. Even when my shirt would cover it, people would still see the giant rectangle in my pocket. I tried as hard as I could to keep it out of sight and keep the tubing tucked in for years. Even in my junior year of high school, I purposefully bought a prom dress with pockets so that I could conceal my pump. I had this horrible idea that I would not look pretty at the dance if people could see my pump. How crazy it that? By my senior prom, my mindset had completely changed. I wore my pump hooked onto the back of my dress, and I had a continuous glucose monitor on the back of my arm that everyone could see. That year, I didn’t care. I felt beautiful anyway.

The reason why I didn’t care anymore is because I learned over the course of that year that my pump was my lifeline. If I had to wear it, I needed to accept that. Of course, accepting this did not happen overnight, but I grew more comfortable with people seeing my medical devices over the course of that year. It is hard for me to pinpoint how exactly I changed my mindset, but I do know that it was up to me. I chose to be positive about my devices. If I would not have chosen to be positive, I would probably still be despising the appearance of my pump as I wrote this blog.

My second insecurity: my sensor, or continuous glucose monitor. I wear my sensor in the back of my arm, which is really nice in the winter since nobody can see it underneath my long sleeve shirts. Summertime, however, holds another story. People see my sensor everywhere I go. After I wore the sensor for a while, I got used to it and didn’t mind people being able to see it. Eventually, I started working a summer job that gave me the opportunity to work for children. Every day, without fail, at least one kid would ask me what was on my arm. To most, I simply told them it was medicine since it was the easiest answer for them to understand. At first, when they would touch it or ask me about it constantly, I got kind of annoyed. I had to tell myself to be patient with them since they were little and try to explain it to them the best that I could. Then one day, a little girl asked me what it was. The conversation went like this:

Her: What is that?
Me: Well, it’s like medicine for me.
Her: Why?
Me: I have to wear it to help me stay healthy since I have diabetes.
Her: Does it hurt?
Me: Yeah, sometimes.

Then she kissed her hand and rubbed my sensor to make it feel better. My heart melted. After that conversation, she would come up to me throughout the summer and touch my sensor to make it feel better for the day. When I think about that story, I realize that all people, like the children I worked with, are simply curious about it. If they stare, it is because they want to know more, not because they want to judge me. I overcame this insecurity by realizing that explaining what my sensor is provides an excellent conversation starter to teach others more about diabetes. Don’t let peoples’ curiosity make you insecure about your medical devices. Use your story to educate others, spread knowledge, and raise awareness about diabetes.

My third insecurity: the stigma that revolves around the word “diabetes.” Most people that do not know the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes simply assume that diabetic people had unhealthy lifestyles that caused them to get the disease. This really troubled me. I had no control over whether or not I had the disease. I did not want to tell people that I was diabetic because I did not want them to judge my lifestyle or make assumptions about how healthy I was. I always heard my peers or people in movies making jokes about getting diabetes as they ate or drank junk food like cookies and soda. I did not want people to think of jokes like that when they thought of me. Looking back, I can see now that I was embarrassed about having diabetes.

To overcome this embarrassment, I had to realize that diabetes is a part of me. I cannot run from it, ignore it, or avoid it. The only way I can live healthily is to embrace it. I now enjoy telling people that I am diabetic because it provides me yet another opportunity to spread awareness and educate other people about diabetes. If people do decide to judge me or believe that I got the disease due to my own unhealthy habits, then I let them. Other peoples’ judgements do not define who I am, but the way I react to their judgements does. If I cannot change their minds, then I simply move on.

These are the three biggest insecurities that have come into my life since my diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. It has taken me years to overcome these insecurities, and I still have days when I still struggle with them. When I sit in the large classrooms at college, I often find myself wondering how many people are looking at my sensor instead of the instructor. When I find myself doing this, I tell myself that my thoughts are irrational and that most people are not staring at my arm. I address the thought, and then focus on something else.

I want people to know that insecurities are normal, but embracing your diabetes and your lifestyle is important. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their own skin, even those with diabetes. Do not let diabetes hold you back from this! Be thankful for your body (even if part of it doesn’t work properly) and embrace the devices and medicine that allow you to live.

Growing Up with Type 1 Diabetes: A Young Athlete’s Real-Life Diabetes Diary

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 18:18:04 GMT

TL;DR

Lowen was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at age three and is approaching his 10-year “diaversary.” As an active middle school athlete who competes in swimming and lacrosse, he shares real-life experiences managing blood sugar during sports, practices, and everyday life. Through trial and error—balancing insulin, food, and activity—Lowen has learned that planning ahead, monitoring blood glucose, and always carrying supplies are key to staying safe and performing well. His story shows that kids with T1D can stay active and pursue the sports they love.

Updated: April 15, 2026

Living with Type 1 Diabetes Since Age Three

Hello, my name is Lowen. I was diagnosed with T1D when I was three. I turn 13 in a few weeks and am coming up on my 10-year diaversary. I’m pretty active in sports (swimming and lacrosse) and am hopeful that my insights will help others: either those that are newly diagnosed, those that are starting to play sports, or those interested in learning more about the ins and outs of living with type one diabetes.

Managing Blood Sugar During Sports and Daily Life

January 1, 2020: Today, I had some pretty good numbers but I did get low a couple of times. When I’m low I like to have either some milk and crackers or just some juice. Usually at night I have milk because it has more of a long-term effect. I had swim practice this morning. I find the early morning activity helps balance out my numbers throughout the day. I usually have a few juice boxes in my bag, just in case I get low during practice.

Lessons from Swim Practices and Competitions

January 25, 2020: I had a swim meet today , which was fun. On the way to the meet, we stopped at McDonald’s and got sausage McMuffins. I didn’t realize how high my numbers were, so I corrected with some insulin. This was one of those days where the timing worked against me. Not only did I have to wait about an hour to eat my breakfast, but the insulin kicked in right before warmups, so my BG crashed and I had to start late. It wasn’t too big a deal, just one of those days.

The rest of the day I had some crazy numbers. That usually isn’t good. Sometimes I just leave it until it goes back to normal. Sometimes giving too much insulin is a problem because then you have to have a big snack. Most of the time, though, that causes you to go high again because you didn’t wait for the carbs to kick in. Some days, you just chase it.

Some Days Are Unpredictable

February 1, 2020: I had swim practice in the morning, which was fun. Usually swimming helps my numbers but for some reason today I was high. Either way I still felt pretty good. I was relaxing almost all day so that contributed to the high numbers.

Trying New Diabetes Technology: The Omnipod Insulin Pump

February 15, 2020: This is my first weekend on the Omnipod Insulin Pump and it is going pretty well. I haven’t had too many severe lows or highs and the Omnipod is a lot better than I expected. The doctor said that it would take some tweaking and getting used to, but the only problem for me is the little clicks (when it starts pumping insulin). The whole system is actually pretty cool, especially how one device talks to the other.

Managing Diabetes Devices: CGMs and Insulin Pumps

February 23, 2020: Today I had to change my Dexcom. Since the Omnipod pump and the CGM have to be on the same side of my body, I have to plan ahead for where each device goes. The CGM gets changed every 10 days, but the pump gets changed every three, so that complicates things a lot. I ended up putting the CGM on my arm and the pod on my stomach, so when I change my pod in a few days, I’ll just put the pod on my leg next time.

Final Tips for Kids with Type 1 Diabetes

The number one thing that you have to remember is that you always have to have the right gear. The second – and just as important – thing, is to plan ahead. You never want to run out of supplies and you always want to have an emergency supply of juices or fast-acting sugars. I think that you need to pay attention to your numbers because you don’t want to have a big high or be really low.

If a kid that weighed 40 pounds when diagnosed can live with T1D then you can too!

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 19:05:38 GMT

My diagnosis was a lot calmer than most. No hospital visit, no extremely high blood sugar, and no attempt to get me back on this earth. I know a lot of diabetics did not have the same fortune as me. Although my diagnosis lacked an ambulance or helicopter ride to a hospital, there were things that my seven-year-old head could not understand. I was already someone who had always been skinnier than most and started to lose weight. I lacked energy. I was drinking close to a gallon of water every two hours and never seemed to satisfy my thirst. I couldn’t understand why these things were happening to me so abruptly. My parents noticed these changes and booked a doctor’s appointment on October 24, 2011, which led to a very drastic change in how I live my life. In a matter of 8 hours I was put on insulin. I did not understand how this drug worked or what it did. All I knew was once every morning I would get two shots, one for breakfast and one to get me through the rest of the day. While I could tolerate this, the change I did not like was that I could no longer eat whenever I wanted. I had to tell my mom or dad when and what I was eating so they could put this mystery drug in me. With time I have learned what that mystery drug does and the technology that goes with it. Now that I am 16 I don’t have to tell my parents what and when I eat since I can just use my insulin pump and do it myself. I know how scary it can be when people are first diagnosed with diabetes, but it gets better. If a little kid that weighed 40 pounds when diagnosed can manage and live with T1D then you can too.

Finding My Strength

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 18:16:27 GMT

This is part 1 of a 4-part blog series by Trystan H., a recipient of the Charlotte Tucker Scholarship.

When your only option is to be strong, you will become stronger than you ever thought was possible.

My name is Trystan, and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on March 26, 2012. I had been sick for a while. My mom stayed up many nights with worry, not being able to sleep. She knew something was wrong, but nobody had any idea how serious my condition actually was. I had lost so much weight and looked so sickly that even my teachers were constantly asking if I was ok. Every morning, I got incredibly sick to my stomach, but I pushed through school even though I felt worse than I had ever felt before. I was young, so I didn’t think much of it. Feeling so bad became my new normal. I went through my water bottles like I was in the Sahara Desert. I didn’t know drinking so much water was weird. For a while, my family and I thought I was just going through a growth spurt, so increased thirst must be normal, right? Wrong.

My mother decided something was really wrong. She took me to the doctor and I was diagnosed, and I am so incredibly thankful for my diagnosis. That sounds weird, right? Well, I mean it. I mean it not only because my diagnosis saved my life, but because it made me who I am today. That day changed my life forever. I used to suppress the memory of that day and all the pain that it brought. Now, I am extremely thankful for my type 1 diabetes. If you are reading this and you think I am crazy or you have diabetes and wish with all your heart and soul that you didn’t, please reconsider.

Diabetes has brought a lot of pain into my life, as it does for everyone living with it. Initially, I was so jealous of those who do not have it.

I would genuinely become infuriated at anyone who complained about their flu shots or made jokes about how they were going to get diabetes because they ate so poorly. I thought to myself, “How can they complain when I get so many shots and so many finger pricks?” and “Why does everyone assume I got sick because I ate poorly?” I hated the stigma that came with the word “diabetes.” I didn’t want people to think I was unhealthy and responsible for my disease. I hated explaining to new friends that I was diabetic because it was something that I had no control over, and I did not think they would understand.

Aside from anger and jealousy, diabetes also came with a lot of stress, not only on myself, but on my friends and family members. It has given me days where I feel sick and horrible due to bad blood sugars. It has given me fears of dying early, going blind, and losing my feet. Diabetes has taken away a lot of my time that I could’ve spent on other things. It has made me frustrated, furious, and devastated. Now, after listing all of these negative effects of my diabetes, I probably sound really crazy for sticking by my claim that I have learned to accept it and be grateful for it. Allow me to explain why.

Since March 26, 2012, every day shows me the challenges of balancing different aspects of my life and managing my disease. At first, this was really difficult. Accepting the truth was the hardest part of my diagnosis. Since there is no cure (yet!), I had to learn to be ok with the fact that the rest of my life will be filled with the requirements of diabetes. I would never have the choice to give up. I was in it for the long haul. If you are still trying to accept this, just know that it is going to be ok. Everyone has struggles, and the cards you were dealt were the ones you were meant to get. Even those who do not have diabetes have problems. The people who once infuriated me when they would complain about a single shot have problems that I did not know about. I take things for granted that others do not have, just as they take for granted the lack of needles and carb counting that I have. No one lives a life that is worry free, so be grateful of your blessings. Do not dwell on the negatives of diabetes. Having it makes you strong, just as every other difficulty in life does.

There is a cliché quote that many people find comforting. It goes along the lines “your disease does not define you.” This quote drives me crazy. Your disease does define you. It makes you who you are. It sets you apart from everyone else. It makes you stronger than you could have been without it. My diabetes does define me, and I am proud to say that. All of those negative things I listed before have given me strength, persistence, and resilience to life’s challenges. I didn’t know how strong I could be until being strong was my only choice. My diabetes has made me who I am today.

Of course, there was a time when I despised my disease and everything that was related to it. I hated people asking me about it. And don’t get me wrong, I still have bad days. I still get upset and question “Why me?” but being comfortable with what your life is composed of will help you enjoy every day. I encourage you to embrace your Diabetes. It will bring you peace. I know that sounds incredibly cheesy, but it truly has changed my perspective on life. Diabetes does define you, and that is a wonderful thing. You are you because of your diabetes. Be proud of who you are. You are stronger than before, and you are a reflection of your perspectives. Have a good perspective and continue pushing forward.

Happy Hearts and T1D

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 18:14:06 GMT

According to a Harvard-led study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation , keeping type 1 diabetes under tight control through medication and monitoring may help prevent an immune reaction that attacks the heart.

Dr. Myra Lipes, the study’s senior author and an investigator at Harvard Medical School’s Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, and other researchers looked at data from a broad clinical trial involving type 1 diabetes patients who were randomly split into two groups.

People in one group tightly controlled their blood sugar levels with intensive insulin treatment and frequent glucose monitoring, while those in the other were looser with their regulation and had higher blood sugars. At the start of the experiment, participants were free of heart disease and had regular blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The researchers found that people exposed to higher blood sugar levels were more likely to develop an autoimmune response to the heart proteins that was linked to later development of heart disease, including calcium buildup in heart arteries, heart attack, bypass surgery and death.

“It wasn’t something in the blood itself that triggered this reaction,” Lipes said. “It’s that the high glucose levels injure the heart muscle tissue, and we postulate that the immune system of people with type 1 diabetes overreacts to this heart injury.”

People with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of developing heart disease than the general population, but the reason why hasn’t been clearly understood. In fact, people with both types of diabetes are known to be at higher risk for heart disease, just for different reasons.

The study points out that the difference for patients with type 1 diabetes may stem from the creation of antibodies that attack the heart, said endocrinologist Dr. Robert H. Eckel, a professor of medicine at the University of Colorado.

“They don’t occur in everybody, but the control of the diabetes relates to the formation of these antibodies against heart proteins,” said Eckel, who was not involved in the study. “In type 2 diabetes, you just don’t see these antibodies being developed.” The study stresses the importance for patients with type 1 diabetes to keep their condition under control, he said.

Chart provided by the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes

While diabetes does increase the risk of mortality and increase the risk for heart disease, the good news is that we have seen an overall reduction in heart disease risk among American adults with diabetes over the last several decades.

“First of all, control your diabetes to prevent losing your eyesight, to prevent your kidneys from failing, and also to keep your nerves functioning normally,” Eckel said. “But now, we know that better control of your blood sugar seems to prevent this autoimmunity against the heart from occurring.”

Sparring with Type 1 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 18:11:40 GMT

by Pepper, age 8

I was diagnosed with Type 1 when I was 7 years old and I wasn’t sure how my life would change, but I knew it was going to change forever. At first, I would think about diabetes all the time. I would worry that my blood glucose number was too high or too low. I would stress about my CGM insertion and pod insertion. I would wake up thinking about diabetes and spend the whole day thinking about what I should eat and when and how much to dose.

Then I started Taekwondo and I stopped constantly thinking about diabetes. When I’m on the mat sparring, I don’t have room in my head to think about diabetes. I’m too busy punching and kicking and blocking. And even when I’m off the mat, I don’t think about diabetes all the time anymore because I think about my forms and improving my balance and competing. I still think about diabetes a lot, but not as much as before. Maybe Taekwondo isn’t for everyone, but I hope everyone with diabetes finds something they love to take their mind off diabetes.

An open letter to those impacted by type 1 diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:07:03 GMT

by Paige L., CDF Community Engagement Manager

When I was diagnosed at 8 years old, I truthfully didn’t understand much. But really, what is there to understand when you get diagnosed with an illness you couldn’t prevent, couldn’t stop, and can’t get rid of no matter how hard you try? Even though I was 8, I still had a very methodical thought process. A + B = C. That’s just how life should work. If I don’t work on my homework, I won’t get good grades, then I get grounded until my grades come up. If I practice hard at soccer, I get to start games, and I get to play more. These things made sense in my 8-year-old mind. What didn’t make sense is that diabetes wasn’t from something I ate. It wasn’t because I was a kid. It wasn’t because I didn’t exercise enough. It was because one day my body decided to attack itself and my pancreas is dead because of it. (Now, I know my pancreas isn’t “dead”, but this is my t1d narrative and that is one of the best ways to describe it to a kid who has no idea what’s going on with their body.)

As most kids do, I bounced back from my diagnosis pretty well. I gained weight, learned how to count carbs, and stopped shaking as much when I had to do injections. I jumped back on the field and didn’t let being the “diabetes girl” hold me back from anything. Granted, I did get some special consolations like boxes of food in class and time to walk to the main office to test my blood sugar (conveniently during my least favorite class) but overall, diabetes never held me back from anything.

In 2007, my family moved from Oregon to Colorado explicitly for the Barbara Davis Center. My care improved, my A1C began to get better, and I learned a lot more about diabetes than I ever thought possible. The BDC became a hospital that, for the first time, wasn’t scary and didn’t make my blood pressure skyrocket when I walked through the doors. The staff (especially Tavia) welcomed me with a hug, asked how I was doing, and made sure I didn’t feel overwhelmed at my appointments. Even though I was going for life-saving diabetes care, the wonderful people at the BDC saved my heart as well. Granted, I was only there because I was type 1, but the staff that I saw every visit made sure to see me as a person first, not just another name to cross off their check-in sheet that day.

On June 3 ^rd , 2019 I started my job with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation in Denver, Colorado. I am now the Community Engagement Manager at CDF and I work with volunteers, Advocates, sponsored fundraisers, support groups, and education and awareness. My job is one that my mom always wanted me to have and for the first time, I can understand why. Diabetes was never a bump in the road for me but merely a road sign I would pass on my journey. I’ve played college soccer, graduated with two degrees, and now have a job where I am lucky enough to make a difference in people’s lives that are just like me.

If you ever feel like you are alone with type 1, please know you’re not. Diabetes can make you feel isolated and hurt and frustrated and tired and everything else you can fathom. This disease doesn’t play fair and it definitely is not an A + B = C disease. You can do the same thing, eat the same food, drink the same amount of water, and get maddeningly different results every day. Just know that you’ve got this! There is a whole community out here waiting to help you, answer your questions, and make sure YOU are okay, not just your diabetes.

You are strong. You are courageous. And you are greater than the highs and lows.

Paige celebrates the big 1-5, 15 years of type 1 diabetes.

Fired Up Tailgate raises $1,000 for Children’s Diabetes Foundation

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 07:49:54 GMT

Fired Up Tailgate raises $1,000 for Children’s Diabetes Foundation

Fired Up Tailgate: Ken Castaneda, Catherine Highland, Rob Garner

Fired Up Tailgate has raised $1,000 for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation of Denver. The funds will go to the CDF’s Helping Hand and Helping Little Hands program which provides financial support during pregnancy for women with Type One Diabetes.

The funds can pay for prescription diabetes supplies such as insulin, needles and test strips; doctor appointments, emergency care and transportation – everything needed to support a woman during pregnancy to ensure an outcome with a healthy mother and baby.

“It’s an honor to be supporting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation,” said Fired Up Tailgate organizer Ken Castaneda. “With Type One Diabetes, it is not known what causes the disease and there is no cure at this time. Most newly diagnosed cases are in children which is why this disease is also known as juvenile diabetes.” Castaneda’s son was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes five years ago at age 11.

The Fired Up Tailgate organization has a motto of “Tailgating for the Community.” They support several local charities during football season and throughout the entire year. Fired Up Tailgate presented a check for $1,000 to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation on Jan. 21 at their offices in the Denver Tech Center.

“We are proud to run a charity tailgate during home Denver Bronco games that gives back to the community,” said organizer Catherine Highland. “We want to thank the generous fans who attend the tailgate during Bronco games. Most of our financial support goes to children’s charities like the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. We also support The Ronald McDonald House and Hope Kids Colorado.”

One of Fired Up Tailgate’s founding members, Rob Garner, has been nominated to be in the Ford Hall of Fans. He is a firefighter for the City of Fort Collins and drives a 1976, orange fire truck to all Bronco home games. People can vote for Rob daily at this link: www.fordhalloffans.com/football .

Bronco fan Clayton Spears was the winner of the Phillip Lindsay portrait

Celebrated Designer Mark Zunino to be Featured at Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 07:46:42 GMT

Celebrated Designer Mark Zunino to be Featured at Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation

(DENVER — January 15, 2020) – Mark Zunino will be the featured designer of the 42 ^nd Annual Spring Brass Ring Luncheon and Fashion Show for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Zunino has come to define “Red Carpet Style” over the last decade, designing custom gowns for Hollywood legends under his own label since 1998, and launching his ready-to-wear line on QVC in 2011. Zunino’s goal has always been to make women feel like they are walking the red carpet every day of their lives.

This year’s Spring Brass Ring Luncheon and Fashion Show will be held on Wednesday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Denver City Center at 1701 California Street, Denver, Colorado. For more than 40 years, proceeds from this annual event have benefited research and programs for people with type 1 diabetes and their families.

Los Angeles-based designer, Zunino, started as an advertising major at Pepperdine University in California before a chance interview with legendary film and television designer, Nolan Miller, led to a life-changing apprenticeship in 1985. Ultimately, that meeting spurred a full-fledged career in fashion design now spanning over 25 years.

Zunino learned the art of the couture design business from European-trained pattern makers and tailors. He was able to refine his skills and vision to eventually launch his own label in 1998. The experiences he gained from designing for such Hollywood legends as Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren allowed him to retain the values of old Hollywood glamour in his designs. Later, he reinterpreted that style for some of today’s hottest and most beautiful celebrities, including Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Demi Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow, Courtney Cox, and Brooke Burke.

With personally-drawn sketches and the finest fabrics from around the world, a Mark Zunino gown always embodies the epitome of female elegance, glamour and individuality. Each design is custom created from start to finish with no detail left unnoticed.

Zunino expanded his reach beyond Hollywood celebrities in 2011 when he launched his ready-to-wear line, “The Mark of Style,” on QVC. He has also designed his first of four bridal collections with New York’s Kleinfeld Bridal, and has plans for shapewear, handbags and fragrances on the horizon. Zunino wants his vision of glamour to be available to every woman seeking to express her inner beauty.

The luncheon and fashion show will feature Dominic Garcia , a CBS4 television anchor, as the emcee. Garcia’s a third generation Colorado native who has been covering some of Colorado’s biggest stories since graduating from Colorado State University, where he got his start in broadcasting.
Among his achievements, Garcia earned an Emmy for his work on a documentary about the 75 ^th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Today, you can catch Garcia weeknights anchoring CBS4 News at 5 p.m. and reporting for the 10 p.m. newscast.

In addition to the luncheon and fashion show, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on exclusive experiences, exciting travel packages, sports memorabilia, and more at the live and silent auctions. Event proceeds will benefit the Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation to fund research, promote diabetes awareness and education, assist families in need, provide scholarships, and sponsor activities for children and their families. The Guild is a volunteer membership group of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes with more than 300 members dedicated to the tireless fight to conquer diabetes.

The event is co-chaired by Scottie Taylor Iverson and Dave Barnes.

Event Co-Chair Scottie Taylor Iverson

Scottie Taylor Iverson is an agent, publicist, marketing consultant, speaker, and emcee who has won local, regional, national, and international creativity awards for her clients and organizations, as well as her own company, Swan Taylor Denver. She has won two National Newspaper Association awards and four Colorado Press Association awards for The Villager Newspaper where she is Community, Fashion & Lifestyle Editor. With passion, she has implemented concepts and chaired numerous fundraisers and fashion shows, served on and led dozens of boards, founded support guilds and has been blessed with several community honors and recognition from various organizations including The Villager’s Woman of the Year.

Event Co-Chair Dave Barnes

Dave Barnes owns Scenographics Denver, providing quality set design, theatrical props and custom constructed scenery for theater, TV, and special events. Dave’s charitable experience extends back over 20 years, whether leading the pack or being someone in the trenches. He set the precedent with Denver Active 20/30, chairing the Denver Polo Classic two years in a row, and taking the fundraiser for children’s charities to a new level. Dave’s philosophy is, “a volunteer is a professional without pay,” and it has motivated him in regular volunteer endeavors which include contributing time, treasure, and talent to The Cat Care Society, Blue Heron Elementary School’s Watch Dog Dad program, and Light of the World Catholic Church.

For more information about the event, visit https://www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org/event/2020-spring-brass-ring/

Event Hashtag: #SpringBrassRing
Website: www.ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org
F acebook: Children’s Diabetes Foundation
Twitter: @CDFdiabetes
Instagram: @CDFdiabetes

About the Children’s Diabetes Foundation
The Children’s Diabetes Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, focusing on patient support, diabetes research, and public awareness. The Children’s Diabetes Foundation, located in Denver, was established by Barbara and Marvin Davis in 1977 after their daughter, Dana, developed diabetes at the age of seven. The non-profit organization is dedicated solely to the support of research in diabetes and to provide the best possible clinical and educational programs for people with the disease. The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes and its world-renowned research programs, where thousands of patients with type 1 diabetes, children and adults alike, receive the finest diabetes care available. Thanks to the generous funding provided to the Center, all patients are welcome, regardless of their financial status.

Listen to Your Body: Corinne’s Diagnosis In Her Own Words

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 09:43:51 GMT

Hi! My name is Corinne, and I am 13 years old.

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Listen to Your Body: Corinne’s Diagnosis In Her Own Words

Hi! My name is Corinne, and I am 13 years old.

I was diagnosed with type one diabetes when I was 9 years old, on December 22 ^nd , 2015. My family started to notice that I was acting and looking differently. I started drinking lots of water, wetting the bed, and I was losing an unhealthy amount of weight quickly. I just wasn’t myself. My doctor misdiagnosed me and said I had a stubborn virus. So, I kept trying to do everything normally even though I felt horrible!

A few months before my diagnosis, I set a goal for myself. I wanted to donate handmade blankets to the Children’s Hospital in Colorado by December 1 ^st . I wanted to give back to my community. I was in newspapers and TV for hosting blanket parties every other weekend and rallying the nearby schools to help. Things started to get crazy! The Children for Children organization reached out to me and I was presented with a plaque for helping other children, got to be a part of a private Katie Mahan concert, meet Debbie Turner (Marta from the Sound of Music), and started to speak at different groups. These things were wonderful things to experience, but no matter how much I smiled at the camera, something felt wrong inside. I thought this was the how I was going to feel forever: sick all the time, too skinny for my own good, crying every second, and bedwetting like a baby.

I worked hard and finally finished all the blankets for the Children’s Hospital. But in the middle of all this, my mom kept calling the doctor and explaining I wasn’t acting like myself, but they kept telling her I had a virus. This went on for a couple of weeks. My mom knew something wasn’t right with me, so when my brother told my mom I had to be taken to the doctor ASAP, my mom agreed, and we went to the urgent care center that day.

On December 22 ^nd , I felt worse than I ever had before. When we got to the urgent care, the doctor made me take a urine test. Then the doctor hurried back into the room and said I had to go to the hospital right away. I don’t remember much because at the time, I wasn’t sure what was going on. The doctors were flooding my mom with information and she was calling my dad and brothers, breaking the news. I had type one diabetes.

We drove to one hospital that was a half-hour away. They couldn’t help me much, so they made me go to another hospital in an ambulance. They put all these IV’s in my arm, drew blood for tests, and said I couldn’t eat anything for the next 24 hours because I’ll throw it all up. I remember laying down with tubes all around me and doctors asking me if I could taste the IV liquid. I was so hungry! I was put in ICU and had nurses come check on me every 20 minutes. My mom stayed with me in the hospital and my family came to visit, but I just wanted to go home and feel better. When I was released from the hospital, I was sent to the Barbara Davis Center to learn everything we could. I got all sorts of information. My parents learned about giving me insulin and how to check my blood sugars.

Diabetes is different than what I thought it would be. Diabetes is a struggle. It’s the one thing I wish I could change, but I can’t, and that’s ok. We can either have pity for ourselves, or we can learn to live with diseases like type 1 diabetes. I choose to believe life is still good. I know someday, there will be a cure for type 1 diabetes and that gives me hope.

Like Father, Like Son

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 18:03:40 GMT

Jack and his mom, Adrienne, both took the opportunity to share their perspectives on Jack’s type 1 diagnosis with us.

ADRIENNE

Diabetes has been in my life in one way or another since I was a young girl. When I was 13 years old, my best friend was hospitalized for several weeks. It turned out to be type 1 diabetes. I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for a few years while in college. Most patients had type 2, but I did care for a woman with type 1. My husband, Grant, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2006, when he was 26 years old. We had just moved to a new state and he was initially misdiagnosed as type 2, so that was a turbulent time for us. Despite my previous experience with the disease, my knowledge was still fairly limited. He managed it and I was only responsible for watching for low blood sugar.

I didn’t worry about our children developing type 1. I incorrectly assumed that since it was not in our family history, my husband was a “fluke” and our kids were not at risk. But Grant was always concerned, especially regarding our oldest son, Jack, who was born in 2008. He would periodically check both boys’ blood sugars, just to be on the safe side.

The fall of 2015 was like any other. We enjoyed pumpkin patches, dressing up for Halloween and playing in the leaves. One afternoon, I was out painting ceramics with Jack and his little brother. Jack had to go to the bathroom urgently several times, which was unusual for him. He had been drinking a lot lately, though, and that was typical for him.

A few nights later, Jack came into our bedroom having to pee urgently again. I told Grant how he did that over the weekend. We put Jack on the scale, and he had lost four pounds. Quite a bit for a healthy seven-year-old. We decided we would check his fasting blood sugar when he woke up. The next morning, we explained to Jack how we needed to check his blood sugar like daddy does. He was afraid but agreed to do it. I was standing in the doorway while Grant inserted the blood into the test strip. As the meter counted down, “3, 2, 1”, I recall thinking “It’ll be fine. It’ll be 90. No big deal.” The meter said 364. Grant and I both immediately teared up, trying to hide from Jack our devastation of knowing what was to come.

November 30 ^th will be the four-year anniversary of Jack’s diagnosis. He has spent over 1/3 of his life poking his fingers, injecting himself with needles, counting carbs, and dealing with high and low blood sugar. Every day we hope for a cure.

JACK

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on November 30 ^th , 2015. I was only seven years old. I remember the days before I was diagnosed. I had to use the bathroom a lot. I also woke up a lot at night covered in sweat. One morning, my dad told me we were going to check my blood sugar, like he does. I felt really scared and I cried. But I got through it!

I remember after checking my blood sugar, my parents started to cry. They told me I wouldn’t go to school that day. I went to the doctor’s office and then the emergency room. The next day I went to the Barbara Davis Center. I learned all about how my pancreas doesn’t make insulin anymore and how I would need to check my blood sugar a lot and inject insulin. I was really scared. But the doctors at the Barbara Davis Center were really nice. They made me feel better. Most of them have diabetes like me, so they knew what I was going through! They also gave me little prizes and I got to play video games there!

My dad also has type 1 diabetes. He owns an insulation company, and before I was diagnosed, I used to say he made “insulin”, instead of “insulation!”

Hope Anchors the Soul

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 18:00:32 GMT

During the month of November, the world will turn blue. You may not know why you’ll see the capital building lit up with blue lights or a blue circle strategically placed in photos on social media, but November is World Diabetes Awareness month. November gives us the opportunity to boldly step out and help others become aware of this life-threatening diagnosis.

Since 2015, I have walked in shoes I never thought I would have to wear. I am a mom of a type one diabetic child . It’s been almost 4 years since diagnosis and my heart still sinks when I think deeply about the battle of a constant life changing autoimmune disease. However, we fight together… and together we have hope. With hope, we have opportunities to change the perspective of diabetes; with hope, we have the courage to help others gain knowledge about T1D and confidence to bring enough education to possibly save a life. Hope anchors the soul . Every year, I use November as an opportunity to walk among our community to make a difference. I challenge you to join me.

Our Story

Corinne was diagnosed with type one diabetes at the age of 9 years old. She was fighting what we thought was a never-ending virus. She became a regular at the doctor office and had been put on several different medicines to help correct what was happening to her body. However, after several months, nothing was changing, and all medication was stopped. A second opinion demanded extensive blood work. However, the diagnosis remained the same: possible virus. It wasn’t until Corinne called me into the shower to help her brush out some tangles in her long hair, when I saw her withering body hanging onto her skeletal system for dear life. My daughter was dying before my eyes, yet I felt helpless. Early the next morning, I called the pediatrician office and demanded an appointment. However, due to the flu season hitting our area, I was ridiculously scheduled for an appointment two weeks out. Before I was given the opportunity to exercise my freedom of speech, I glanced over to my daughter who was sitting on the couch with sunken dark eyes, barely able to breathe. I quickly hung up the phone and rushed her to the nearest emergency facility, which was an Urgent Care. It was within 5 minutes from entering the building, a urine glucose test was performed with immediate results! Type one diabetes was confirmed and an escort to the nearest hospital resulted in treatment within two hours! Her life was saved on December 23rd, 2015.

As with all, our family dynamics were immediately changed and almost paralyzed because of this diagnosis. We had no other choice than to cling to the fundamentals of our strength. We gathered our arrows of faith and bows of prayer and was able to gain courage as we learned to walked into the daily battle of type one diabetes. For the next few months, I watched as my hope was restored. I exhausted my days with learning all I could about this autoimmune disease and started my quest to educate others. Knowledge is power!

We returned to the Urgent Care a few months later with a message. If it wasn’t for the doctor on call that one morning, my daughter would not have had the opportunity to color the picture that now hangs on his wall. He remembered and knew what test to perform and what symptoms to ask about when we first entered his exam room. He remembered and knew how to differentiate between the flu virus and a deadly disease. Seems simple enough, but type one diabetes is often misdiagnosed. Doctors need to be reminded of this fact.

November is World Diabetes Awarenes s month. Type one diabetes plays no favorites when it comes to its attack against the body. It can be diagnosed in children and adults alike, with no current cure. No matter age, gender; vaccinated and non-vaccinated; gluten free, dairy free, vegan or wild to the world – it makes no difference. We are in this fight together! Without the right diagnoses through a simple blood/urine glucose test, many will lose their lives to a misdiagnosis.

Will you help turn the world blue by stepping into battle and engaging the community through education? This year I will be placing power within the hands of youth leaders by educating the symptomatic signs of T1D; as well as continuing to enter the urgent care offices and supermarket clinics to refresh their memory of how the T1D mimic the flu; encouraging a standard practice of a simple finger poke/urine test. We can save lives by arming ourselves for battle with knowledge, against autoimmune diseases. Together we can make a difference. Will you help me turn the world blue this November?

Diabetes Will Not Win

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 17:58:16 GMT

Thursday, November 12, 2015, is a day I will never forget. It was a particularly cold day here in Colorado. It snowed the day before so there were still patches on snow on the ground. My son, Gavin, who had just turned 4 years old on October 20, was experiencing some questionable symptoms. For about a week, Gavin was experiencing extreme thirst, excessive urination, and he was wetting the bed, all of which he had never done before. He would grab a standard 16 oz water bottle and chug it, and within minutes he was running to the bathroom. In a typical day he was going to the bathroom anywhere between 15-20 times. I remember being so frustrated with him and wondering if this was one of those weird phases that kids experience. I was washing his sheets every single night. My husband and I decided to take Gavin to the pediatrician just to rule out a potential bladder infection or UTI. My husband had taken our son in while I went to work and that’s when I got the scariest text message of my life. He said, “You need to come home right now.”

I began to shake, my heart began to race, tears welled in my eyes, I knew something was wrong. I immediately called my husband and he was reluctant to tell me anything over the phone, but I can be very persuasive. He finally told me that they are pretty sure Gavin has type 1 diabetes and we need to go to Children’s Hospital. I could not think straight. I began to sob and then I thought, they are wrong. This just cannot be right. Type 1 diabetes? No one in our family has type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the cells that produce insulin. As a result, the body will no longer be able to produce insulin. The cause of type 1 diabetes is a combination of genetics and unknown environmental factors. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes. I tried to convince myself that they were wrong, and he was fine. I had no idea how quickly our lives were about to change.

When we arrived at the hospital everything began happening so fast. We were all so confused. When they checked Gavin’s blood sugar it was just over 600 mg/dL. A normal blood sugar for someone with a working pancreas is between 70-80 mg/dL before meals and less than 140 mg/dL after meals. A blood sugar level of 600 mg/dL can lead to a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, if left untreated, this can lead to life-threatening dehydration, organ failure, and death. I never knew how serious this disease was until Gavin was diagnosed. Gavin was not in diabetic ketoacidosis when we brought him into Children’s Hospital. The nurses and doctors continued to come into the room and poke Gavin. He was so confused. We kept telling him that he was sick, but he felt fine, so he did not understand why we had to stay in this room and why he continued to get poked. Gavin had an IV inserted into his arm so they could pump fluids into his body. He received insulin shots in his stomach. He screamed and cried as I held him down, while the nurses administered this life saving medication. I wanted this all to go away. I wanted to go back to the day before where my son was running around and smiling.

The next several months were some of the most difficult and dark times I have ever experienced. Gavin was receiving 8-10 shots a day. Every single time he ate something with carbohydrates, he needed insulin. Some days I was administering shots within 10 minutes, one after the other. Gavin would hide from us when it was time to give him a shot. We had to hold him down. He would call us mean and he would even try to bite, hit, and kick us. How do you explain to a 4-year-old that you are not hurting him, but keeping him alive? Gavin still did not understand why he continued to need insulin shots. I cried, a lot. Gavin would ask us why he had diabetes and why we couldn’t just take it away from him. I remember waking up and thinking, wow I just had a terrible nightmare, only to realize that the nightmare was true, and I was living it. That was when I made a choice, diabetes would not win.

There will be hard days and there will be great days. I decided that diabetes would not control our life, even when it decides to rear its ugly head.

“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.” -Rikki Rogers

Gavin has lived with type 1 diabetes for 1,460 days. We have lost countless hours of sleep. Gavin has received over 6,000 finger pokes, approximately 490 pump site changes, and roughly 300 continuous glucose monitor changes. When I look at Gavin, I don’t see a type 1 diabetic. I see a strong 7-year-old boy who is thriving. Gavin continues to live life to fullest by doing things he loves. Gavin loves riding his dirt bike, having nerf gun battles with dad, horseback riding, and making us all laugh with his joyful personality. I asked Gavin what it means to have type 1 diabetes and he said, “It’s stressful. It hurts. But I can still do everything. I am tough!” Gavin is the strongest boy I know. Gavin will continue to overcome and achieve anything he puts his mind to because he is stronger than diabetes.

Frankie-stein’s Monster

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 17:56:47 GMT

by Beth H., Frankie’s mom

Halloween 2016 is the day our lives changed forever. I know it probably sounds dramatic, and looking back now, I recognize that all of that change hasn’t been bad, but life-changing is the only way to describe it.

I’m an RN, and had noticed that our 2-year-old, Frankie, had been drinking a lot of water, losing weight, and had been wetting the bed. I explained away these tell-tale symptoms, as most parents do. Of course she drinks a lot of water, it’s the only liquid she consumes, and we don’t limit it because we live at altitude — most people are chronically dehydrated here. She’s turning 3 soon, she’s starting to thin out and lose her baby chub, so of course she appears thinner. She’s becoming a child, outgrowing that toddler look. And finally, she wasn’t potty trained. She must have been exceeding what her overnight diaper could hold because she slept all through the night. The day we drove from Parker to Colorado Springs, Frankie exceeded the limits of her diaper and I knew we couldn’t ignore the signs any longer. I’ll be completely honest, I mentioned diabetes to a couple co-workers one day, approximately 1 month before diagnosis, and they assured me I was just thinking with my nurse brain. The same co-workers were the first to cry with me and hug me when we got the news.

October 31, I went to work, and I had my husband, Jason, call to get Frankie an appointment with our pediatrician. To this day, I will be forever grateful for the doctors at Pediatrics 5280 in Castle Rock for listening to my husband when he said, “We need an appointment today because we think Frankie has diabetes.” They got her in at lunch and not once tried to look for any other cause. They did a urine dip and then a finger poke. Jason called me at work. “It’s over 400. It won’t even read on the machine.” I instantly broke down in tears and told him, “I’ll head home, pack bags, and we’ll head to Children’s Hospital as a family.”

I remember walking into Children’s ER, they were expecting us. Luckily, since Frankie had visited me when I worked there, she walked in confidently. I was in full on hysterics at this point, unable to even hold my tears in for short periods. I’ll be forever thankful that Jason was able to be our rock that day. I swear he wanted to say “Aren’t you a nurse? Act like you’ve been here.”

Huge shout out at this point to the child life specialist who worked the ER that night — ROCK STAR! She kept Frankie distracted as the RN, dressed as a teenage mutant ninja turtle, started her IV and took blood. Our RN was awesome, and he got her IV in one stick. Although he kept avoiding answering my question “What is her A1C?” I later realized why he was avoiding it; it was so high it was unable to be read on the lab equipment. It was over 15… I had definitely been ignoring the signs and symptoms.

We waited in the ER for hours to get a room on the medical floor. Thankfully, Frankie was not in DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis), so she did not need to go to the ICU. We were greeted, in her hospital room, around 11pm by a resident in a ballerina costume. If your 2-year-old has to spend the night in the hospital, I highly recommend Children’s on Halloween.

We were discharged early in the morning. We needed to walk across the street to the Barbara Davis Center for an 8am check-in. Here we were greeted by our amazing care team. A whirlwind of type 1 diabetes, finger pokes, carb counting, insulin regimens, and meeting our endocrinologist — Dr. Alonso. We geeked out over all of the diabetes tech coming down the way and talked baseball (our beloved Cubbies were playing in the World Series at the time). He also told me I saved Frankie from DKA, that listening to my momma gut and RN brain, saved my kiddo. I’m not sure if I truly appreciated the sentiment at the time, but now I fully do.

When I say all the life changes haven’t been bad, Frankie’s diagnosis has led us to an amazing community:

the co-workers whose children were diagnosed 6 months before and 6 months after Frankie;

the stranger who met me for coffee and talked for 2 hours while I was in a sleep deprived state;

the other T1D moms who know that texts at all hours of the night are ok because we’ve all been there, and we all understand;

the newly diagnosed parents who I can recognize from across the room — we see you and you aren’t alone. I promise, it gets better;

Frankie’s best friend who doesn’t have T1D, but her mom does;

the amazingly strong friends Frankie has made who will ensure that she never goes through this crazy T1D life alone.

If type 1 diabetes is the hand Frankie was dealt in life, we couldn’t have chosen a better place than Colorado to call home.

Carousel Ball Supports Diabetes Care and Research

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 07:37:57 GMT

Annual Ball Raises Funds for Patient Support and Research for Type 1 Diabetes

(DENVER — Oct. 20th, 2019) – The 33rd Annual Carousel Ball was a huge success with more than 900 attendees on October 19, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Denver. Featured performer Reba McEntire and emcee Mario Lopez helped to raise funds for patient support, awareness, and research of type 1 diabetes. This year’s honorees were Lisa & Tom Corley, who were presented with the High Hopes Tribute Award, and Richard Abrams, M.D., who received the Founders Award.

Proceeds from The Carousel Ball benefit the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Diabetes, which afflicts more than 30 million people in the United States alone, is on the rise. It is estimated that one in three babies born today will have diabetes in their lifetime.

Guests were welcomed to the event by “Advocates,” children with type 1 diabetes, before enjoying cocktails and a silent auction. Items included donated products and experiences in sports, cuisine, entertainment, beauty, travel, fashion jewelry, art, home décor, and children-specific categories. Duke Beardsley, a local artist, painted one of his iconic cowboy pieces in-person, while DJ CYN provided music.

Several special opportunities and exciting vacation packages were auctioned live by Halie Behr, followed by an outpouring of support during the donation section of the program. Advocates thanked each donor individually with hugs, high fives or a rose to show their appreciation.

Mario Lopez kicked off the dinner program with Dana Davis, Children’s Diabetes Foundation Executive Director and the 2019 Carousel Ball Chairman, who thanked Barbara Davis Center employees and celebrated the huge leaps forward that have already been made. Gracie Lambrecht, a 12-year-old with type 1 diabetes, and her sister Mia, said a prayer and touching videos featuring patients of the Barbara Davis Center were shown throughout the night.

Dr. Richard Abrams was presented with the Founders Award by Dr. Marian Rewers, Executive Director of the Barbara Davis Center, in honor of his instrumental role in advancing diabetes care. Dr. Abrams has practiced internal medicine for more than 40 years at Rose Medical Center, where he founded Colorado Preventive Medicine in 2006. He played a major role in demonstrating that women with type 1 diabetes could become pregnant and safely deliver healthy babies.

Tom and Lisa Corley were presented with the High Hopes Tribute Award by Arlene Hirschfeld in honor of their 20 years of service and support of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, and for their unwavering support of the Colorado community. While on stage, Lisa shared her personal connection to type 1 diabetes, speaking about the cousin she lost due to complications.

Once dinner was finished, Mario Lopez introduced featured performer, Reba McEntire, for an exciting 75-minute show. Advocates and attendees rushed to the stage to hear hits like “Turn on the Radio,” “Whoever’s in New England,” “Going Out Like That,” and from her new gospel record, “Back to God.” Reba sparkled in black cowboy boots with her full band behind her as she told stories, waved to the crowd and closed the night by raising an additional $10,000 for the opportunity to sing with her on stage.

The annual Carousel Ball events have raised well over $110 million, with proceeds benefitting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Since its inception in 1978, this iconic event has united entertainment industry leaders for a night dedicated to raising awareness and, ultimately, finding a cure for diabetes. Previous Carousel Ball performers and honorees include Lenny Kravitz, Usher, Neil Diamond, Paige and John Elway, Gladys Knight, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sharon Magness Blake & Ernie Blake, Bob Newhart, Tony Bennett, Smokey Robinson, Katherine McPhee, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, and many more.

The Lead Sponsor of the 2019 Carousel Ball was Dexcom. The Official Media Sponsor was 5280 Magazine. Underwriting Sponsors were Tina & Rick J. Caruso – The Grove and Iris & Michael Smith. Supporting Sponsors included The Corley Legacy Foundation, The Crazy Merchant, Inc., Empower Retirement, RBC Wealth Management, Viacom & Paramount Pictures, and 7 Cellars Elway’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Media Partners included KBCO, Colorado Homes & Life-styles Magazine, and CBS4 Denver. For the latest news and information regarding the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and The Carousel Ball, be sure to follow on social media and join the conversation using #CarouselBall.

When Everything Changed…

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 17:52:32 GMT

by Jennifer Hess, Alex’s mom

This picture is from 9 years ago. We were hiking and my 4 yr old was pretending to be a bear. You may not even see it, but he is very sick in this picture. Don’t worry, John and I couldn’t see it 7 yrs ago either. As one can say, hindsight is 20/20. This perfect little boy was still “normal,” like all little boys. He never had to worry. I never had to worry. John never had to worry. We slept at night.

Today, my 11 yr old son has lived over half of his life with a disease that there is still no cure for, only a way to manage it. Seven years ago, on September 23, 2010 to be exact, my friend Monica convinced me to take Alex to the doctor (to confirm what we suspected). I will never forget that day. Alex was four years old. It was 4:00 in the afternoon and I called Alex’s pediatrician. Somehow, I got the last appointment for the day. The doctor came in and I was playing it off like there was nothing wrong, “Alex has been drinking a lot, peeing all the time. We can’t even go to the grocery store without him going to the bathroom a couple of times. I think he may have strep throat” I told her.

The doctor decided to test his urine to see if he was spilling sugar. While we were waiting for this result the doctor was playing in the hallways with Alex. They were chasing the train on the wall, giggling about things. She said he was “spilling sugar and that they should test his blood sugar.” She poked his finger, it read 364 (I had no idea what this meant at the time). As soon as she read the number, she threw the blood glucose meter down and it shattered, we both burst into tears (because she didn’t have to say a word, I knew and she knew I knew). The doctor told me you need to get to Children’s Hospital ER right away. She told me she was going to call an ambulance. I told her I wanted to drive him; the ambulance would scare him. I begged her to please let me drive him. I really just wanted to go home and get Alex’s blanket and teddy – but I didn’t tell her that. Somehow, I was able to convince her to let me drive him to the ER. She said the cops will be at my house if I am not at Children’s Hospital within the hour. John made that 45-minute drive during rush hour in less than 20 minutes.

Upon arriving at Children’s Hospital, we were whisked into a room with doctors and nurses coming in and out. The waiting. The not knowing what exactly is going on. The ER can be a very lonely place when you are scared. Me telling the doctors there that I gave him an Icee and a cookie around 3 — it’s my fault; I’m a bad mom. I fed him crap and that’s why his sugar is high five hours later. Apologizing saying I will only give him vegetables for snacks from now on. The ER docs telling me I am a good mom and that was not it. Being thankful he was not DKA. The confirmation that it is type 1 diabetes, the insulin, feeling “shell shocked,” The Barbara Davis Center the following morning.

The next morning, we met a new friend, Lori, at the BDC whose daughter (also Alex’s age) was going through the exact same thing that day. It is funny how all of a sudden you are drawn to people who are in the same situation as you are. You become instant friends. You are now in this club that you really don’t want to belong to, but you do, and you are going to make the best of it. The next days were a whirlwind of learning how to draw insulin, test blood sugars, carb count, learn what everything means.

We are constantly learning how to manage his diabetes – because it changes daily, it always will. I am so thankful for insulin and so thankful my friends who wanted to learn how to help manage Alex’s diabetes so he could be a “normal” boy and have playdates. So thankful for the doctors, nurses and all of the staff at the Barbara Davis Center which made this so much easier for us. Each and every one of them care about Alex, they care about our family. They really want us to be successful in managing this disease. Eventually, a new normal sets in, but every time you a see a newly diagnosed family with that shell shocked look in their eyes it all comes rolling back. All you can do is nod and tell them it will be okay with that same look that we got when we were diagnosed. You know they are in good hands at the BDC and it will be okay.

You know, the thing I find funny and a bit ironic is if you ask Alex if he hopes they find a cure for diabetes he’ll tell you no. He likes to tell me, “Mom, I love having diabetes. It makes me more special.” But, as all moms do, I hope that one day soon I can say to Alex, “They found a cure!”

A Mom’s Perspective: 8 Years After Her Child’s Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 17:51:16 GMT

TL;DR

A mother shares the story of her daughter Gracie’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age 4 after months of unexplained symptoms like extreme thirst, fatigue, and frequent urination. Despite initial medical dismissals, her instincts led to the correct diagnosis. Eight years later, Gracie is thriving—playing competitive soccer, advocating for children with T1D, and helping newly diagnosed kids at school. The journey has been challenging, but it has also been filled with resilience, advocacy, and hope for a cure.

Updated: March 16, 2026

Early Warning Signs of Type 1 Diabetes in a Child

Gracie was an extremely active 4-year-old little girl. She loved to run, play, nap and repeat! So, when she began complaining of “tummy aches” and feeling too tired to play, I knew something wasn’t right. My husband, Jeff and I took her to her pediatrician several times and were told each time that she “looked fine.” But she wasn’t fine!

Gracie then began drinking from the bathtub faucet during her bath-time and needing to pee all the time! Again, her pediatrician convinced us that the summer heat was causing her to be more thirsty than usual and dismissed our concerns. Over the course of six months, I was watching my little girl struggle and began to feel as if I was crazy. But I wasn’t crazy, my mother’s instincts were completely accurate.

The Day Our Child Was Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes

Then came the weekend in mid-September 2011 that changed our whole world. Gracie participated in her first soccer game, except she really didn’t play. She begged to come out of the game, complained that she was too tired, collapsed in my arms from exhaustion, and cried for something to drink because she was thirsty. That night, she wet the bed, something she had never done, ever. I returned Gracie to her pediatrician the following Monday and insisted that they test her blood sugar. It was too high to read on their glucometer. The entire office came into our room and apologized to us stating that Gracie had type 1 diabetes. I will never forget the pediatrician telling us that this is not “a life ender,” it’s a “life changer.”

Adjusting to Life With Type 1 Diabetes

I cried…a lot. I felt like life was so unfair. How could this happen to my sweet little girl? A life sentence. No cure. All of those needle pokes…why?! Why her?! But being the amazing child that Gracie is, at the age of 4 years old, Gracie consoled me. She said, “It’s ok mommy, insulin makes me feel better.” A 4-year-old, consoling me… her mom … a grown woman. That statement, however, changed my life. I no longer viewed Gracie’s diagnosis from the standpoint of a victim. Her wise statement was empowering.

From that day forward, I made a promise to Gracie that we would find a cure. Her journey over the past 8 years has been full of highs and lows… pun intended. We have seen friends come and go, battled our share of ignorance, but have never given up this fight. Gracie has continued to play soccer , progressing to a team that plays in The Colorado Champions League.

Helping T1D Patients and Families Through Diabetes Advocacy

Take THAT diabetes! She has participated in research to help improve the lives of children with Type 1 Diabetes. Gracie has been given the amazing opportunity to be an advocate for Children’s Diabetes Foundation and is a member of National Junior Honor Society at her middle school.

I am humbled by her strength and optimism. It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to be her mom. She gives me hope that one day, we will look back and be able to say Gracie HAD type 1 diabetes. One glorious day, we WILL cure this disease.

Mario Lopez Latest Star to Join the Children’s Diabetes Foundation at This Year’s Carousel Ball

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 07:37:03 GMT

Annual Ball Raises Funds for Patient Support and Research for Type 1 Diabetes

DENVER, Colo. – Two-time Emmy-winning television host Mario Lopez will be the celebrity emcee for The Carousel Ball in Denver on October 19, 2019. He joins featured performer Reba McEntire in an effort to raise funds for patient support, awareness, and research of type 1 diabetes. This year’s honorees are Lisa & Tom Corley, who will be presented with the High Hopes Tribute Award and Richard Abrams, M.D., who will receive the Founder’s Award.

Proceeds from The 33rd Annual Carousel Ball benefit the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. The evening will be dedicated to raising awareness and, ultimately, finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. Diabetes, which afflicts more than 30 million people in the United States alone, is on the rise. It is estimated that one in three babies born today will have diabetes in their lifetime.

Mario Lopez, Emmy-winning television host has just joined “Access Hollywood” and has signed an over-all development deal with NBC/Universal.He also hosts the nationwide iHeartMedia radio shows, “On with Mario Lopez” and “iHeartRadio Countdown with Mario Lopez.” Additionally, Lopez has launched a YouTube channel called “The Lopez Family” created alongside Awestruck, featuring his wife Courtney, their three children, and their two dogs.

Provided by Esterman.com

“We are thrilled for Mario Lopez to join us at this year’s Carousel Ball as our celebrity emcee. He understands that the search for a cure to type 1 diabetes is important work, and we are grateful for his support,” said Dana Davis, Executive Director of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.

In addition to being a successful actor and television host, Mario is also an accomplished author. In September 2014, he released his first autobiography, “Just Between Us,” where he shares his successes and disappointments, never before-told stories and family values. Mario became a New York Times best-selling author with his healthy eating guide, “Extra Lean.” In May 2011, he released the follow-up to “Extra Lean,” entitled “Extra Lean Family.” Additionally, Mario penned “Mario Lopez’s Knockout Fitness,” a best-selling fitness book that offers readers a look into his impressive workout regime and co-authored “Mud Tacos,” a vibrant children’s book with his sister Marissa; and “Mario & Baby Gia,” a children’s book he wrote for his daughter Gia.

Even with all his other ventures, Lopez is still in love with acting. He has recently appeared on the NBC hit drama “This is Us” and the CW series “Jane the Virgin.” Lopez has also appeared on “Brooklyn 99,” “The Rookie,” and a recurring voice on “Elena of Avalor” with his daughter Gia. He played ‘Dr. Mike Hamoui’ on eight episodes of F/X network’s popular show “Nip/Tuck,” Lopez’s run on the series bringing an instant and well-deserved cult following. Lopez previously starred in the highest-rated program in ABC Family history, “Holiday in Handcuffs” and also starred opposite Mark Consuelos in the made-for-TV movie, “Husband for Hire,” the most-watched program ever on the Oxygen Network.

The Carousel Ball’s featured performer Reba McEntire, Country Music Hall of Fame member, has won 16 ACM Awards, 15 American Music Awards, nine People’s Choice Awards, six CMA Awards, three GRAMMY® Awards, and a GMA Dove Award. The Grand Ole Opry member has also received the Andrea Bocelli Foundation Humanitarian Award, the Music Biz Chairman’s Award, and the National Artistic Achievement Award from the U.S. Congress, in addition to other philanthropic and leadership honors.

Reba McEntire

McEntire is an acclaimed actress with 11 movie credits to her name, a lead role on Broadway in Irving Berlin’s “Annie Get Your Gun,” and a starring role in the television sitcom “Reba.” In 2005, she launched her own lifestyle brand with Dillard’s and most recently launched the REBA by Justin ^TM western footwear collection. Throughout 2019, she will be in Las Vegas for “REBA, BROOKS & DUNN: Together In Vegas” at Caesars.

The Carousel Ball will present Lisa & Tom Corley with the High Hopes Tribute Award and Richard Abrams, M.D. with the Founders Award.

Richard Abrams, M.D. will be presented with the Founders Award in honor of his instrumental role in advancing diabetes care. Dr. Abrams has practiced internal medicine for more than 40 years at Rose Medical Center, where he founded Colorado Preventive Medicine in 2006. He played a major role in demonstrating that women with type 1 diabetes could become pregnant and safely deliver healthy babies.

Richard Abrams, M.D.

Tom and Lisa Corley, both Colorado natives, will be presented with the High Hopes Tribute Award in honor of their 20 years of service and support of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and for their unwavering support of the Colorado community.

Tom and Lisa Corley

The annual Carousel Ball events have raised more than $110 million to date, with proceeds benefitting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, which are fighting every day to improve patient lives by providing the best possible patient care, hosting support groups, educating the public, and doing research to prevent diabetes, reduce its complications, and eventually find a cure.

When the organizations were created more than 40 years ago, blood testing didn’t exist, synthetic insulins were unheard of, and syringes had to be boiled in water before injecting large needles. Today, artificial pancreases, continuous glucose monitors, and the choice between insulin pumps or injections are among many medications and therapies that help those with diabetes manage the disease. The Barbara Davis Center is a major contributor to these advancements, continually working on cutting-edge technology and medications.

This year marks the 33 ^rd annual Carousel Ball, where guests will enjoy cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner, exciting entertainment, and an intimate musical performance. Since its inception in 1978, the iconic event has been a Hollywood favorite, uniting entertainment industry leaders from all areas for a night dedicated to raising awareness and, ultimately, finding a cure for diabetes. Previous Carousel Ball performers and honorees include Lenny Kravitz, Usher, Neil Diamond, Paige and John Elway, Gladys Knight, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sharon Magness Blake & Ernie Blake, Bob Newhart, Tony Bennett, Smokey Robinson, Katherine McPhee, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, and many more.

The Lead Sponsor of the 2019 Carousel Ball is Dexcom . The Official Media Sponsor is 5280 Magazine . Underwriting Sponsors are Tina & Rick J. Caruso – The Grove and Iris & Michael Smith . Supporting Sponsors include The Corley Legacy Foundation , The Crazy Merchant, Inc. , Empower Retirement , RBC Wealth Management , Viacom & Paramount Pictures , and 7 Cellars Elway’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon . For the latest news and information regarding the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and The Carousel Ball, be sure to follow on social media and join the conversation using #CarouselBall . Tickets and sponsorships are available at www.ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org .

Event Hashtag: #CarouselBall
Facebook: Children’s Diabetes Foundation
T witter: @CDFdiabetes
Instagram: CDFdiabetes

About the Children’s Diabetes Foundation
The Children’s Diabetes Foundation, located in Denver, was established in 1977 by Barbara and Marvin Davis after their daughter, Dana, developed diabetes at the age of seven. The non-profit organization is dedicated to the support of research in diabetes and to providing the best possible clinical and educational programs for people with the disease. The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes and its world-renowned research programs, where thousands of patients with type 1 diabetes, children and adults alike, receive the finest diabetes care available. Thanks to the generous funding provided to the Center, all patients are welcome, regardless of their financial status. For more information please visit: www.ChildrensDiabetesFoundation.org

Fighting Every Day

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 17:49:45 GMT

My name is Joleigh, and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on September 14, 2015. Being diagnosed with this disease was without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever gone through. I never knew I was capable of handling something as serious as type 1 diabetes, but I have learned just how strong I can be.

When I was in the hospital, my doctors told me my life would never be the same. They told me that I was going to have to get over my fear of needles and take multiple shots a day. The doctors also told me if I would have been minutes, even seconds later to the hospital I would have been in a coma.

One of the hardest parts about being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes was I had to let go of a life that I knew for 17 years and say hello to a new one that I never asked for, and it was definitely one I did not I want. Diabetes has a mind of its own and it is so unpredictable no matter how hard I try. I am constantly fighting myself, whether to eat and take a shot, or not eat and not have to worry about how my body is going to react. Being stressed out as a diabetic has brought a whole new level to stress because my blood sugar reacts in such a negative way. When I wake up in the middle of the night from low blood sugar, I can’t fall back asleep due to the fear of never waking back up.

My family has been my biggest support system ever since I got diagnosed. They’ve shown me that I am strong and that I never have to face type 1 diabetes alone – no matter how much I want to give up. My family constantly reminds me that I am so much more that type 1 diabetes because yes, type 1 diabetes is part of me, but it is such a small part.

This disease has made me fight every day and has challenged me in every way possible, but I know for a fact that I would not be the person I am today without it. Because of type 1 diabetes I learned the value of life and the beauty of having a second chance at it. Type 1 diabetes has taught me to appreciate the blessings that are so often taken for granted.

I can proudly say that type 1 diabetes has never held me back from pursuing my dreams, if anything it has pushed me to do more. Four years ago, I would have never pictured spending my summers working at diabetes camps, but it has been the biggest reward to inspire kids to never let diabetes hold them back. I get the privilege of watching these kids overcome their fears and encourage each other to try something new. I would not change it for anything. These camps have brought me to some of my best friends that I would not have ever met without this disease.

I am going to school to one day be a pediatric nurse and work with kids that have type 1 diabetes. While pursuing my dream, I am working as a 911 Dispatcher. Having type 1 diabetes has never gotten in the way of who and what I want to be. Being diagnosed with this disease has pushed me to prove to people that you can do anything with type 1 diabetes.

Aunt Carla, My Hero

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 17:47:40 GMT

My name is Sequoia and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on September 1, 2018, when I was 7 years old. This is more than my diagnosis story. This is a story about how my aunt Carla saved my life before I was even born by enrolling my cousins in the TEDDY and DAISY studies.

It was Labor Day weekend 2018, and while I was excited about a 3-day weekend, what I was most excited about was that my cousins and Aunt Carla were coming to the mountains with us. We left Friday evening with all the boys in one car and all the girls in another car. I remember I was really thirsty, and we had to stop three times in two hours for me to go to the bathroom. My aunt immediately thought something was off, but my mom figured I was thirsty and peeing a lot because I had been running cross country and I was finally drinking all the water she tells me to drink. That night, my aunt slept with the kids in the loft and I went to the bathroom seven times.

At that point, my aunt knew this was something more serious. My cousins are in the TEDDY and DAISY studies, so my aunt was very educated on T1D and the symptoms, while my parents were not. (TEDDY and DAISY are both studies at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes funded by the National Institute of Health focused on the genetic and environmental causes of type 1 diabetes.)

We went on a hike and my aunt finally talked my mom into calling the on-call nurse because she was convinced I had T1D. Before I knew it, we were in the car and racing to the ER. I was scared. When I got to the ER, my blood glucose was 884 but I was not in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Nevertheless, the ER could not stabilize me, so Flight for Life transported me to a Pediatric ICU. When I say my aunt saved my life, she really did. The PICU doctors and endocrinologists said I would have gone into a coma that night with my rising BG, and we were well over an hour from an ambulance getting to us. Luckily, I only spent one night in the hospital. When I was discharged, all I wanted to do was get back to the cabin to hang out with my brothers and cousins.

In the past year, I’ve learned a lot thanks to T1D. I can read food labels better than any kid in my grade, and I’m incredibly tuned in to my body and what it’s telling me. I’ve learned to tell people how I’m really feeling and not always say “I’m okay.” I’ve learned to not be afraid of needles and stand in front of my class to tell them about diabetes. I eat healthier and exercise more than ever. I’ve learned I have the best school and friends in the whole world. I’ve learned I hate CGMs in my stomach and prefer MDIs in my butt. I’ve learned to make low carb brownies that are delicious. I know the pharmacists at Walgreens by name and can sleep through finger pokes in the night.

Mostly, I’ve learned my aunt is my hero.

My Diagnosis Story

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 17:44:45 GMT

by Cecilia Polumbus

My mom raised me as a single mother. I spent the school years with her, and summers with my dad. She knows me better than anyone else. My mom has always been my best friend; my number one.

Writing this, I realize I have never really talked about my diagnosis. I’ve never told my story. My mom has, but not I. One thing I know for sure is I would not be able to write this if it wasn’t for the support that she has given me over the years, and I can never thank her enough.

I guess my diagnosis story begins during the summer of 2013. I don’t know if it was the high blood sugars or just my mind blocking out the memories, but I don’t remember a lot when it comes to that summer. I was twelve and going into the seventh grade. Despite my exhaustion and constant thirst, I pushed through a summer of camping, canoeing, fishing, and many other active things. I grew taller, and skinnier. I lost 40 pounds that summer due to the ketones. My mom says she barely recognized me when I got off that plane that summer. I looked sick.

After I got back, I went straight into this intensive musical program, where I spent entire days learning dance routines for the musical numbers. At first, my mom and I thought it was just the activity and heat that made me so thirsty, but deep down we both knew it was something more serious. A week before it was over, I almost quit because I was so tired, but I pushed through and finished it

School started the next Monday. I couldn’t eat because everything made me nauseous. Without having eaten the day before, and nothing the next morning, we knew it was time to go to the doctor. My pediatrician had his suspicions of type one. He tested my ketones and my blood sugar, and they were so high that their systems couldn’t even process the exact numbers. We were told to go straight to Children’s Hospital Colorado. After we got to the hospital, we had to wait six hours before we actually got into a room and saw someone. After they checked everything, I was declared DKA, also known as diabetic ketoacidosis, and my blood sugar was 582. If we would have waited another day I would have been comatose. They admitted me as soon as there was a room available. I had two IVs; one for fluids and one for them to take blood. Every half hour there was an alarm and they would come in and check on me and did what they needed to do. I remember asking every time they came in if I could have anything to eat or any water to drink and every time, they would say no.

The hardest part about that night wasn’t the needles, or the even the diagnosis. It was how I saw it affect my mom. I remember, vividly, seeing my mom cry. It was the first time I’ve ever really seen her cry, or at least the first time I could remember seeing her cry. To say I was overwhelmed about everything would be an understatement. I didn’t know what type one diabetes was or even that there is more than one type of diabetes.

The next morning, we were instructed to get something, but not eat it. I was to take it across the street to the Barbara Davis Center. When we got there and told them that I hadn’t eaten anything in over 48 hours they immediately gave me my first shot of insulin (outside of the IV). Those cold scrambled eggs felt like the best food I had ever eaten.

The next three days we spent in training classes and seeing the dietitians, social workers, and nurses that the BDC offered. From the second I was diagnosed I became a member of a new community. A new family. I had to adjust to a new life, but I had time to do so. My school didn’t allow me back for two weeks because they needed to find a school nurse. I was the only type one diabetic at the time. Six years later, it feels like it has always been a part of me.

My diagnosis story is hardly the hardest part of my journey. I have experienced discrimination, bullying, and many high and lows. I continue to persevere through the rough times and I refuse to let type one define me and control me. I am a strong believer that, despite my diabetes, I can do anything.

Of Course I Can!

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 31 May 2019 17:42:45 GMT

By Brittany Volden

My son, Gavin Volden, has a larger than life personality. He can make anyone smile and turn a bad day into a great day. Gavin loves riding his dirt bike, playing baseball, horseback riding, hiking, and swimming.

Gavin is a wonderful kid, a type-one-der-ful kid to be exact! Gavin has been living with type 1 diabetes for 3.5 years. When I look at Gavin, I do not see someone with an autoimmune disease. I see a strong boy who does not let his disease control him.

On a typical day you can see Gavin with the wind in his hair as he zooms past on his dirt bike. He has no fear and enjoys scaring me when he attempts to jump his dirt bike. Gavin also loves to build things with dad. I often see him walking around the garage with a hammer, nails, and some scrap pieces of wood. If Gavin had a choice between playing video games or playing outside, he would always choose to be outside.

Our family loves to hike and camp, and those may be his most favorite things of all because when we camp, he gets to enjoy his favorite foods: hot dogs and s’mores. Gavin continues to live a normal life for a 7-year-old boy. When asked if he can play sports and do things other kids do, he said, “ Of course I can! I just have to check my blood sugar and make sure I am not too low to play.”

Gavin wears an Omnipod insulin pump and a Dexcom G5 to manage his diabetes. I asked Gavin if he likes his insulin pump and Dexcom and he said, “I like wearing a Dexcom because I can go and play outside, and my mom and dad can still see my blood sugar. I really like my Omnipod because my mom paints them and puts cool stickers on them , so it makes my insulin pump look really cool!”

Gavin gets to be more of a normal kid thanks to these devices. His insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor are just a part of him now. Sometimes kids will stare at his Omnipod and ask him what it is, and he very calmly replies, “Oh that’s just my insulin pump.” It is just a part of him now. We all have a pancreas, but he just wears his on the outside of his body.

Gavin has been raising awareness for type 1 diabetes as an advocate with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation for 2 years. Gavin loves being an advocate with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation because he gets to help educate people about type 1 diabetes. As an advocate, Gavin has the opportunity to make friends with kids who also have type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes does not define Gavin. He continues to thrive and defy the odds against him because he is stronger than this disease.

A Day in the Life of a Teen with Type 1 Diabetes

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 17:37:27 GMT

TL;DR

Living with Type 1 diabetes as a teenager requires constant monitoring, insulin management, and balancing daily activities like school, driving, and sports. Sasha shares what a typical day looks like—from morning blood sugar checks and managing highs and lows to dancing for hours and advocating for diabetes awareness at school. While diabetes can be unpredictable and mentally exhausting, technology, preparation, and self-advocacy make daily life more manageable.

Updated: March 16, 2026

Why Living With Type 1 Diabetes Is Different Every Day

A day with type 1 diabetes can differ so much from day to day. Some days are easier than others and your blood sugar is in range all day. It is like you do not even have diabetes because your numbers are that good. Other times, your Dexcom graph may look like a blueprint for the newest and most crazy rollercoaster at Elitch’s. A day with type 1 diabetes is never the same as the previous day or the next day, and it seems type 1 diabetes is a giant guessing game. Managing diabetes at school can be hard, but it is possible as long as you advocate for yourself or your child.

Morning Blood Sugar Checks and Managing the Dawn Phenomenon

A typical day for me would start out with me waking up and turning off my alarm, and then immediately checking my blood sugar. My night numbers tend to be great, so I wake up with a good blood sugar. Usually I do not eat breakfast, but because of all the hormones when I wake up, my blood sugar rises steadily throughout the morning. An hour or two after I wake up my blood sugar is already above 200 and I have to correct and give myself some insulin during school.

Around two hours after waking up I eat my first meal of the day, which is often yogurt and granola. For some reason yogurt makes my blood sugar go high so not long after my first meal of the day, my blood sugar ends up rising and going high. I correct once again to bring my blood sugar down, and by this time it is the afternoon which is when I study or take a nap.

Exercise and Type 1 Diabetes:

How Physical Activity Affects Blood Sugar

For the next however many hours my blood sugar is steady, and I either head back to school for another class or I get ready to go to dance . I try to eat a good meal before dance because I am usually there for many hours at a time. I may have some rice, chicken, pasta, or more yogurt and granola. Once I get to dance, the exercise helps to keep my blood sugar in range, so I do not have to worry as much about going high.

Every time I have a break at dance, I check my blood sugar and make sure I do not need to eat some sugar or correct and give myself more insulin. If I need to eat while at dance because my blood sugar is low, I usually have glucose tabs (raspberry, grape, and tropical are my favorites) and I have a protein bar or some dried fruit, so I am not just eating pure sugar.

After dance I go home and I eat dinner. I prefer to avoid fatty foods and high carb foods because those always cause me to go high overnight. Once I eat dinner, I do my homework, shower, and get ready for bed, and check my blood sugar once again before I fall asleep.

Safe Driving With Type 1 Diabetes

Since I have my driver’s license , I have to check my blood sugar every time I want to drive somewhere. I have glucose tabs and skittles in my car within arm’s reach in case I start to go low while driving. There have been many times when I have been unable to drive because my blood sugar was low and I have definitely been late to events because I could not drive. Some people may feel sorry, but it has become a part of my life, and it does not bother me anymore.

Managing Type 1 Diabetes at School

School has not always been the easiest for me. My blood sugar alarm has gone off in classes before (and somehow it is always during a test) and that always freaks everyone out and causes them to look around since they have no idea what the sound is. I have had teachers that do not let students eat in class, but sometimes my blood sugar would go low, and I would have to eat in class. I used to be very good about telling teachers I have type 1 diabetes and that I can drink water, go to the restroom, eat, etc., whenever I need to. However, now I am a junior in high school and because I am in all college classes, the teachers are more lenient than my previous teachers in elementary, middle, and high school. They do not mind if I have to leave class or eat in class due to diabetes, so I have not made as big of a deal of it – i.e. putting extra snacks and supplies in every class and telling every teacher I can eat and leave class whenever I want.

When I was younger and in elementary and middle school, my mom would always make sure the teachers were aware of my type 1 diabetes and had extra supplies and snacks for lows in the classrooms. Of course, the school nurse would always have lots of extra supplies as well.

Educating Others About the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Since diabetes is not a “big” deal to me in the sense that my life does not revolve around it, I personally choose not to tell people right away that I have diabetes. Normally I let them find out on their own and when they find out they are always so accepting of it! When they find out I always make sure to let them know if they have any questions, just ask. I am very open about having diabetes and I do not mind educating them if they have questions.

I have also heard many people at school, teachers included, get facts about diabetes wrong. I have always made sure to correct them. Unfortunately, a lot of teachers in the education system are unaware of the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes , even if they are a science teacher and are supposed to know these types of things. Never be afraid to raise your voice if you hear someone making fun of diabetes or getting type 1 and type 2 diabetes confused. You will be thankful you spoke up, trust me.

The Mental Load of Living with Type 1 Diabetes

A day with type 1 diabetes is hard to explain unless you live it. It consists of constantly checking your blood sugar, counting carbs as best as you can, giving yourself the correct amount of insulin, and hundreds of other small things people with diabetes think about on a

day-to-day basis.

Dealing with diabetes everyday can be mentally draining and upsetting , but thankfully the bad days do not last. School is hard to navigate at first, but once you figure it out, it is easier to focus on studying, doing homework, and spending time with friends. Thankfully technology has made life with diabetes much easier and I do not have to test my blood sugar several times a day. Day-to-day life is getting easier thanks to advancements in technology, but we still have a long way to go until everyone understands type 1 and type 2 diabetes and quite possibly an even longer time until we find a cure. Life gets easier, even if it does not seem like it.

When All I Should Be Thinking About Is College

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 17:34:08 GMT

By Madisyn Reiakvam

Being diagnosed with an incurable, life-threatening disease could never happen at the right time, but it felt like mine came at the worst time possible. Senior year is the bridge to the unknown. It’s the last year before everyone’s lives take a drastic leap of faith toward a future that’s intimidatingly hidden. Among the anxiety of trying to apply to college and deciding where to spend the next four years of your life, a daunting decision to decide your future at only 18 years old, but I had to overcome this newfound diagnosis as well. Spoiler alert: I made it, I grew from it, and in no way will it ever hold me back.

Flashback

March 2017 : I’ve always had 20/20 vision… I can’t believe that I had to get glasses. That’s okay, I finally got my acceptance letters, I’m so excited! It’s time to figure out where to spend the next 4 years of my life. And it’s the beginning of AP Exam season… I have 7 exams to study for. If I don’t pass these tests I won’t get the credit that I have been working for all year. How am I supposed to do this all? I’m only 18. I am incredibly stressed… maybe that’s why I am always so tired all the time ? I had never been a napping type of person, but now that’s all I want to do. I guess this is what happens. Thinking about it, I feel like I have been sleeping so much, but I never felt rested; is that just senioritis? Probably.

April 4, 2017 : Okay, something has to be wrong. How in the world can I not make it through a single class period without having to go to the bathroom? I’ve been noticing this more and more for months, I don’t understand it. And why am I always so insanely thirsty? No matter how much I drink, I still feel so dehydrated . I am drinking bottles and bottles of water throughout the day when I never used to carry around a water bottle at all. Oh, that makes sense, I have to go to the bathroom so much because I am drinking so much water. And I’m in the middle of soccer season, so drinking water is healthy. Okay, this is okay. I just wish I weren’t so thirsty all the time…

April 10, 2017 : It’s review day in microeconomics, this should be an easy day. I got 100% on that test and this class has been a breeze. It’s come naturally…. Wait, this is actually kind of hard. Maybe it’s because I haven’t done it in a while. None of my notes make sense though, how did I find these answers? Okay okay, relax you got this. Just take this step by step. Why can’t I remember what 12 multiplied by 4 is? Math has always been my best subject… My head hurts. Maybe it’s just a bad day, my head hurts, probably doesn’t help. Just get through the next 20 minutes and class will be over.

April 11, 2017 : I’ve always been good at math… I can’t even understand what used to be so easy.

April 12, 2017: I know that we’ve had practice for a few hours every day, but how could I have possibly lost 18 pounds?

April 14, 2017: This can’t be happening. The pieces are starting to fall together, but there’s no way this could be happening to me right? Especially not now, there’s no way. I’ve learned about the signs of diabetes… but it has to be something else. I don’t want this. This isn’t it… I’m so scared.

April 15, 2017 : My parents told me to drive to my friend’s house who had type 1 diabetes in order to check my blood sugar. It was supposed to simply calm my mind so I could realize that I don’t have diabetes and everything was fine. I was over thinking it. That number can’t be right… something is wrong with her meter. She said that it’s supposed to be under 170, what does 497 mean? Why do her parents look so concerned? What is going on? They’re talking to me like I have diabetes. I can’t have diabetes. I can’t have diabetes…. How did I get diabetes? No way. That is wrong.

My dad bought me a meter for myself and said to check in an hour. This meter will be right. This meter will tell me everything is okay. This meter says… 576… 576… 576… why do I have to go to the hospital? Do I have to? I don’t want to. 576… 576… 576… that can’t be right

I’m at the hospital. They will figure this out. I’ll finally get my answers. They set an IV for saline, they said it’s just procedure. I guess I am in a hospital bed after all. I have been here for what feels like forever. Dad, can you get me chips? The best way to pass the time is with some jokes. Laughing always makes everyone feel better.

No, I don’t have diabetes. No, I don’t have an endocrinologist. Please just tell me what is wrong. How can you say that you’ve never seen these blood sugars before in someone without diabetes? Here I am… oh….

Is my mom okay? Why do I feel so scared?

It’s going to be okay. It’s going to be okay. It’s going to be okay. Everything happens for a reason. My family looks so worried. How do I make sure they know it’s okay? I keep telling them it will be okay. Maybe the more I say it the more we will all believe it.

The doctor said I amaze him, why? I am terrified, how are you calling me brave? Why can’t you give me insulin to fix this? Do I have to just try to bring these numbers down with water? How am I supposed to do that? What do you mean don’t eat carbs until I can get a doctor? What do you mean the next available appointment is in two days? What is going on? You’re just going to send me home?

April 16, 2017 : Happy Easter to me…

April 17, 2017: My mom got us an emergency appointment with my general practitioner. Time for some real answers. He has diabetes, he’ll know… He said he is almost sure I have diabetes, but he can’t diagnose me. What are we supposed to do? He gave us the number for the Barbara Davis Center.

Wow, they are going to see us today. How can I be so happy and so petrified all at the same time? I have gotten my blood drawn 5 times already in the past week, do you really have to do this again?

I have Type 1 Diabetes.

—–

I have always said that everything in life happens for a reason and my first instinct was to make sure that this disease would never hold me back in my life. The day of my diagnosis, I played in my high school soccer game. A few weeks and an immense amount of studying later, I caught up in my classes, passed all of my AP Exams, spoke at my graduation, and earned my high school diploma. A few months later, I finished the hardest hike I’d ever done on the longest, steepest and most beautiful mountain. And only 4 months after my diagnosis, I drove out to Iowa to begin my college journey. Type 1 may have changed my life, but I have become stronger and wiser because of it. I am proud of what I have overcome and how much I have grown. Today I not only celebrate my story, vitality, and life; but the strength, love, and support of my family and friends as well.

The TEDDY Study – Christian’s Story

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 17:29:58 GMT

By Tara Dana

The time leading up to Christian’s diagnosis is a little different than most. Since I have a family history with type 1 diabetes (T1D), we decided to have both our boys in the TEDDY Study to test for the high-risk gene for diabetes. Christian’s results came back positive for the gene upon birth.

Because of the results, we decided it was important for Christian to be a part of the study being done. I wanted to be as proactive as possible. Every 3 months, we went to our TEDDY Study appointments and at the age of 1 1/2 Christian began to show elevated antibodies (2-3 out of 4), which indicated a 50% chance or greater for developing T1D.

Christian continued to go to hisTEDDY Study appointments, which still showed an elevated antibodies (but no increase) and a normal A1c. At this point, we knew there was an increased risk for Christian to develop T1D but we just didn’t know for sure if or when this would happen.

In March 2015, we had our usualTEDDY Study appointment. Nothing had changed from the previous appointments, but within a month, it ALL changed!

On April 26th our life was changed forever.

That Saturday morning Christian told me he wasn’t feeling well and he just wanted to “lay with mommy.” I didn’t think much of it at first and was actually relieved because I was recovering from the flu and didn’t have the energy to keep up with our usual energetic and full-of-life 6-year-old.

As the day went on, I began to realize that Christian wasn’t his normal self. He didn’t want to play. He was sleeping the day away and he had no appetite. Later in the day, Christian told me he was thirsty and wanted something to drink. Within about 10 seconds he had downed a glass of milk and then turned around to pour himself a glass of orange juice (which he drank without even taking a breath). That’s when reality began to sink in. I knew something wasn’t right.

I immediately found our glucometer that we had from being in the study and tested his blood sugar. But unfortunately, I couldn’t get a reading…all I saw was the word HIGH running across the screen (which I knew meant his blood sugar levels were over 500).

My heart immediately stopped and I began to panic. I tried to get him to drink water…waited… rechecked….and repeated multiple times. His blood sugar readings never came down under 400. I was trying to be strong for my little boy, but he could tell I was worried. I explained to him it was time to call the doctor, and that we were going to have to take a trip to the hospital for the doctors to help take care of him.

Since Christian was a part of the study, we had always openly talked with him about the chances of becoming diabetic. On the way to the hospital, I had to explain to him that the time had finally come. We spent 7 hours in the ER and were finally admitted to Children’s Hospital overnight because they were having a hard time getting his blood sugar levels stabilized. His blood sugars reached up to 700 throughout the day, but thank goodness he never went into DKA.

On that Monday we were sent to the Barbara Davis Center to start our journey and begin our education on how we could manage Christian’s diabetes at home. I felt so overwhelmed and cried A LOT that day! Yet, Christian was the one comforting me. He never batted an eye when it came to test his blood sugar and getting his insulin shots.

Christian is my HERO ! He motivates me every day and reminds me to never give up! He fights his every day battles with strength and perseverance….and despite the daily battles, he is a thriving and happy 10-year-old that is determined to live life to its fullest! We are blessed to be celebrating Christian’s 4-year diaversary with no hospitalizations and, with lots of hard work and diligence, an A1c of 6.0! Christian was excited to become an advocate this year so he could develop relationships with others that are walking the same walk of life that he is all while helping raise awareness for type 1 diabetes ��

On March 1st, Our Lives Changed Forever

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 19:37:34 GMT

Written By Nicole Pihana

Lala was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on March 1, 2018

My Lala girl has always been an uplifted high-spirited little girl. She will talk to anyone and say the darndest things to make people laugh. She is forever pranking her siblings just to get a laugh or dancing around the house, copying everything her older sister does.

But about 2 weeks prior to her diagnosis, she was sleeping a lot which was very out of the normal. Lala would consistently want to eat or complain that she was hungry . I honestly did not think anything of it until we took a little weekend getaway to Grand Junction, Colorado.

Lala needed to stop and use the restroom literally every 5 minutes . Both her dad and I thought she just wanted to just stop at every convenience store to see what she could bribe her dad into buying her.

On the last day of our vacation, Lala had wet the bed and her urine also started to have a foul odor. It did not even cross my mind that she was showing any signs of diabetes. I thought she had a UTI (urinary tract infection).

That Monday, I took Lala in for a routine doctor’s visit to see if she had a UTI. A urine screening was done, along with some lab work. I was told everything on the urine screening was normal and we would hear from someone once her lab results were back.

On Thursday March 1st, 2018 our lives changed forever.

I received a call while at work from Lala’s doctor’s office. Upon answering the call, I did not think anything of it. I received these types of calls all the time and nothing serious ever came out of it. All I can remember when I answered that call was them saying to bring Lala in to the hospital right away . I literally dropped to my knees and felt tears coming down my eyes.

The first thought that came to my head was that I failed as a parent. I already knew why I needed to take her to the hospital. I was in complete shock and denial that I honestly didn’t hear anything else after that. I remember my coworkers picking me up off the ground and asking me what was going on. I couldn’t say anything other than I had to go.

Lala’s dad is normally away Monday through Friday, however, he was heading home early and was on his way to surprise the kids and pick them up from school. I remember thinking how am I going to explain this , how am I going to tell my spouse that our worst nightmare came true. We did routine blood work every year and made sure our kids were active and healthy.

The most heartbreaking thing I had to think of was how do I explain to a 6-year-old that her world is going to be changed forever without breaking her little heart. I literally could not even think in that moment all I knew was that I needed to get to my baby and protect her and let her know it will be a tough journey, but everything would be alright. I knew how it was going to feel. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 8 years old.

We were admitted to children’s hospital for 3 days. Upon arrival, we were informed that Lala’s glucose was over 700 and they couldn’t figure out how Lala was still walking around and comprehending things. Lala took her diagnosis on like the strong girl she is and began to test her sugars and even gave her own shots before we left the hospital.

Lala is my HERO, my motivation and my reason to never give up. She has risen above all difficulties and challenges that she has faced. We are happy to be celebrating Lala’s 1st Diaversary with no hospitalizations and happy to say Lala is on a continuous glucose monitor and working her way to an insulin pump. Lala continues to live life the way she wants to and is happy to be a Children’s Diabetes Foundation Advocate. She wants all children and people who live with this disease to know that when all else fails, we have each other

Traveling and T1D

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 17:23:49 GMT

By Corinne Watne

Traveling as a type 1 diabetic is always an adventure!

Hi. My name is Corinne and I am 12 years old. I have had T1D for three years. Although I have only gone to a couple places so far, I love everything to do with traveling. I love airplanes. I love staying in hotels. I love hotel breakfasts. I love rental cars.

I was afraid once I was diagnosed with T1D, I wouldn’t be able to travel like before. But that’s not true. I can still travel and have fun just like I always have! The only thing I don’t like is when I have to deal with T1D issues while on vacation. We all know T1D does not take a break, so taking good care of myself is important.

Recently, my mom and I went out to California for a girl’s weekend away. We packed one suitcase full of clothes and another bag full of my diabetic supplies. We packed double the pump supplies, extra insulin, syringes (in case my pump fails), blood sugar testing strips, ketone tester and strips, alcohol pads, CGM supplies, and a whole bag of emergency snacks and juice!

Since we don’t ever know if our plane will be delayed, or if we might get stranded away from our baggage, we always bring the supplies on the plane with us.

Unfortunately, it makes for a big deal when going through security. TSA needs to swab everything, including my hands. I can’t go through the metal detector because of my insulin pump, so they do a “pat down” and test my hands afterwards. It’s always embarrassing, but you become used to it as a person with type 1 diabetes. It’s just how things are.

When we arrived at the hotel, I was so excited. I absolutely love hotel breakfasts! This hotel had a make-your-own waffle maker, cereal, muffins, oatmeal, eggs, sausage, yogurt, and fresh orange juice. You name it! The only thing the hotel didn’t have was sugar-free syrup and I always choose sugar-free syrup because it’s less carbs and yummy.

The next day we began our two-day mini vacation! We got to see my brother pitch in his first college baseball game and we got to visit with all our friends and family who lived nearby. I was thankful we brought extra CGM supplies too. My Dexcom alerted me that my session was up and I needed a new sensor. Although I hate it, I’ve learned to not complain. Changing my sites is just the norm as a T1D, no matter where I am.

Like I said, my diabetes doesn’t take vacations. With the change in altitude (going from 7,000 ft to sea level) my blood sugars were all wacky and it was best I had a fresh sensor anyway. The last thing I wanted to do was be exhausted or sick due to highs or lows. I actually wanted to not think much about diabetes while on my mini-vacation. I went to the beach twice and had so much fun in California! It was the best!

When it was time to go back home, we had no idea it was going to test our skills and patience! Before checking in, we refreshed our diabetes low snack bag and prepared as always for the TSA routine. However, this time things were different. The worker didn’t seem very attentive and accidentally put all my diabetes supplies through the x-ray instead of swabbing it by hand. They also patted down my mom instead of me (even though she went through the metal detector). It was strange. Our plane was late, and it was starting to storm outside. It seemed like one thing after another was happening. Little did I know the best was yet to come!

People told us later that flying out of the John Wayne airport, the plane must ascend quickly to obey the city noise rules. It was crazy fast, but fun. However, who would have guessed the ascend would also cause a major low! The takeoff was so steep, so fast, my pump tubing bubbled and cause a push of insulin! Pumps do that sometimes I hear, but since I haven’t had any issues in the past. I didn’t think to disconnect.

Anyway, soon my CGM alarm shouted with double arrows down at 70! I tested my blood as usual to confirm things. I then ate some fruit snacks (which is usually enough carbs to fix my lows), but my finger pokes still showed my blood sugar being in the 50s. For 2 hours I had no food restrictions. I drank regular soda, ate a couple packs of fruit snacks, crackers, and had all my glucose tabs! I even turned off my pump for most of the time. I could not get my blood sugar to stay above 80! My Mom figures the quick ascend from takeoff pushed close to 5 units of insulin into my body!

I was so scared! My alarms were so loud! The airline staff was polite and offered us all sorts of yummy choices after we explained a little about type 1 diabetes. Thankfully, everything worked out and I was fine (however, it took me all night to get back to normal and feel like myself). I never did go super high from all the stuff I ate, but my stomach didn’t feel well.

Traveling as a type 1 diabetic is always an adventure. You just never know how your body is going to react to things. Things can be crazy, or things might not change a bit. Whatever it may be, I encourage everyone to do it. Don’t let this disease steal your joy and keep you home. I didn’t and I won’t even after my crazy adventure. I figure it keeps things interesting and adventurous. Go out and explore the world… just don’t forget your diabetes bag ♥

‘BETES

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 17:18:46 GMT

By Michael Prichard

On March 24 ^th , at my college of 500 students, I performed quite possibly my final concert. I have been a self-proclaimed hip-hop/rap artist since I was 13, and have performed in churches, for a memorial service, a Thanksgiving event that fed thousands of homeless people, a variety of venues in multiple cities, for chapel at my school, multi-cultural events, and randomly with friends and family. The stage has been a wonderful platform for me, and the microphone has become my life image as it allows me to speak into others’ lives and influence them.

I write this to give creative ideas to those with type 1. When thinking of stage names, I took a nickname that I had been given in my tween years: ‘Betes (yes as in diabetes). It has allowed me to do quite a few things. I am able to tell people how it’s pronounced, give them my diabetes story, educate them on what type 1 is and what I am required to do to manage it, and do it all while allowing people to relax and enjoy some vibe music.

This concert finale gave me an opportunity to share my story through song. I wrote a piece called A Diabetes Song (clever, I know) that spoke into what happened leading up to my diagnoses, the early stages, and what I hope to encourage people in now as they have their own type 1 walk. Writing this, I am only days away from my 14 ^th diabetes anniversary. Thinking how much has happened in that time is heartening! A year after I started rapping, I gained a desire to enter the medical field, a journey I am continuing on to this day.

These two things, rapping and my occupational direction, stem from my chronic disease that I will most likely have my whole life. I would never wish type 1 diabetes on anyone. I would be distraught and sad if one of my siblings or close friends were diagnosed with it. But those fearful thoughts do not and cannot hinder me from using my circumstances to speak into others with a positive light. If you have type 1, this message is for you! I’ll quote the last bar in A Diabetes Song to drive home what I hope you realize: “Use your gifts with a purpose, your life is not superfluous.” Do not limit yourself. Spread your wings and fly!

My Daughter’s T1D Diagnosis: I Thought It Was The Flu

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 17:39:37 GMT

TL;DR

When Sarah Deatherage’s daughter McKenna became sick, the symptoms initially seemed like the flu—but they were actually signs of type 1 diabetes. After months of subtle warning signs like weight loss, thirst, and trouble concentrating, McKenna was diagnosed in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and rushed to the emergency room. The experience highlights how important it is to recognize early symptoms of T1D, as quick diagnosis can save lives. Today, nearly a decade later, McKenna is thriving, advocating for others with type 1 diabetes, and living an active life.

Updated: March 10, 2026

Day of Diagnosis

McKenna had missed a week of school and was not feeling well. I thought it was a severe case of the flu. At 8am that morning, I took her with me to a parent teacher conference. During the meeting, the teacher pulled me aside and said “Sarah, I think something is wrong – McKenna is so thin, white in color, and not able to concentrate in school. You should take her to the doctor.” Without hesitation and relief that someone else noticed the signs that I was making excuses for, I took McKenna to the doctor right away.

Within minutes of walking in, the doctor did an evaluation, took a blood sugar test , and said “McKenna has type 1 diabetes. You need to go to the emergency room immediately.” McKenna was in critical condition and in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition. My mind was racing with emotions. What does type 1 diabetes mean? Will she be ok? How was she in critical condition? I thought it was the flu. How did I misunderstand all the signs? I was so overwhelmed.

Leading up to Diagnosis – Know the Signs – Save a Life

9 months before diagnosis, I took McKenna to the doctor for an annual check-up. She had grown two inches but had not gained any weight. This was the first time the doctor showed concern.
6 months before diagnosis, McKenna began having a hard time concentrating. We started seeing behavioral changes at home and at school.
6 weeks before diagnosis, McKenna was starting to have acute weight loss.
2 weeks before diagnosis, she was extremely thin, excessively thirsty, having acute flu-like symptoms, and loss of appetite.

If I would have waited longer to take her to the doctor, we could have lost our child.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a pancreatic disease . The pancreas does not produce insulin. Without insulin, people with type 1 diabetes cannot survive. People with type 1 diabetes are 100% insulin dependent.

Is there a cure? No, there is not a cure for type 1 diabetes and there is no known cause. People with type 1 diabetes are dependent on insulin for the rest of their lives. We strive to raise awareness for technology advancements and, ultimately, finding a cure.

Type 1 diabetes is expensive – the average cost of medical supplies is $1,000/month

Can people with type 1 diabetes eat sweets? YES.

Insulin dosing – Every time McKenna eats or drinks , the carb count needs to be known in EVERYTHING. The amount of insulin being dosed fluctuates based on the time of day, activity levels, stress, excitement, and carb counts. Every minute of every day requires a different calculation for accurate dosing. Too much insulin is life threatening. Too little insulin is life threatening.

Type 1 diabetes is 24/7/365 to manage, that includes the middle of the night. Just like your body needs oxygen to survive, your body needs insulin to survive. If insulin is not regulated 24 hours a day, it leads to devastating consequences – blindness, liver and kidney failure, loss of limbs, loss of life.

Moving Forward

Type 1 diabetes impacts the entire family. Nine years later, there are still days filled with tears, and days of being completely overwhelmed. However, there are many days of happiness that are filled with laughter. With the love and support of our type 1 community and our family and friends, McKenna is thriving. McKenna manages Type 1 on her own, she is an advocate and role model to other children that have recently been diagnosed. McKenna is an accomplished skier, loves spending time with her friends and is actively involved in yoga and Pilates .

McKenna is now a junior in high school; she will celebrate her 10-year diaversary in May and lives with her family in Colorado.

A Day Away from a Coma – A Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis Story

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 17:08:51 GMT

By Jennifer Griffin

When we woke up the morning of March 8th, 2006, we had no idea it was going to be such a significant day. Natalie was two and a half years old and was well into the terrible two temper tantrums and potty training. Being that she never left our home without her sippy cup filled with Crystal Light, potty training seemed impossible! She was wetting her diaper every 10 minutes to the point it felt like the diaper was dipped into a swimming pool or washing machine. We did notice she was getting thin, but we figured she was growing up and the growing out would come later. I had no idea she had lost 20% of her body weight. Then she came down with what I thought was the flu. She was throwing up everything she ate or drank, so I figured it was time to see the pediatrician. Now, of course, I see that all of these things were signs of what was to come.

It was a very cold Thursday morning. The last thing I wanted to do was bundle my sick toddler into the car to take her to the doctor. It was starting to snow and a storm was on its way. I took Natalie to the Pediatrician’s office and they ordered a blood draw. The doctor called a few hours later and told us to immediately go to the emergency room. Before we even left home, the nurse called again and said, “if she doesn’t wake up, call 911.” It was a life changing moment. I remember driving down I-70 in the worsening snow, worried we wouldn’t make it at all if we crashed. We arrived at the ER and the ER doctor told us Natalie had type 1 diabetes. I asked, “Are you sure? She’s been sick and I’ve been giving her a lot of juice.” Little did I know the amount of learning I would have to do!

That first day her blood glucose level was 886 at 11am and 664 at 1pm. Numbers I will never forget. She was nearly in a coma; another day and she probably would have been. Her veins were so collapsed from dehydration that it took an ER nurse 3 attempts to get an IV in. She spent the night in the hospital and the next day we met Dr. Phillip Walravens from the Barbara Davis Center. He spent the next 3 weeks on call, day or night, as we figured out how to count carbohydrates; figure out insulin doses, and how to give our tiny little girl multiple shots every day. One of us would hold her down and the other would stick her while she screamed “Help me! That hurts!”

This year it will be 13 years since that terrible, snowy day. Some people wouldn’t want to celebrate it, but we do. We celebrate the doctors that knew what it was and knew to act quickly. We celebrate the scientists who found insulin and find new treatments every day. But mostly we celebrate every day we have with our girl. She is stronger, wiser and more compassionate because of her diabetes. We celebrate the amazing things we have done and awesome people we have met. We celebrate the hope that someday her little brother really will be the one who cures diabetes (although if someone does it before then, we’ll take that too!).

Our February Hero

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 17:07:00 GMT

By Jennifer Schulz, Noelle’s Mom

On Christmas Day 2016, Noelle was four years old and struggling with bouts of what her pediatrician thought was the “flu.” She showed all the signs of your typical bug and yet it would come and go. I was nervous because she wasn’t staying well, but I tried not to be that helicopter mom that worried over every little ailment my child came down with; After all, her doctor reinforced “she is okay, there is nothing wrong.” So, I tried to let it go. However, after a few more days of her being lethargic, overly hungry and thirsty, I made a call back to the pediatrician. I asked if they would run some blood tests and check for anything and everything. My beautiful, sweet energetic girl was not herself and I needed a better answer to her bouts of sickness.

After fasting for 12 hours we had her blood drawn. Then we waited patiently in another room for the results. While we were waiting, Noelle started to fall asleep on us. Her eyes started rolling backwards and her lips turned blue. I FREAKED OUT! I ran into the hallway screaming for help. The nurse came and tried to help my baby girl, but she had no idea what to fix. She didn’t know what was wrong! I was shocked that the medical staff had no idea what was happening. So, I began to do everything I could. Thankfully, after we began to force-feed her juice and crackers, she started to come to.

The doctor immediately revealed that her blood sugar was over 700 and she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He instructed us to go immediately to Children’s Hospital because Noelle needed to be admitted for treatment. My heart sank and my grief came in full force like a crashing wave. I knew her life was about to change forever and she would have a very hard time living a care free childhood again. I knew I would now have to be that helicopter mom that I hoped she would not grow up to hate. The thought of the future made me bawl my eyes out the entire way to the hospital.

The following day we were released from the hospital to go to the Barbara Davis Center in Aurora, CO. They educated us on what life looked like with a child with type 1 diabetes and how to care for her properly. We spent the next two days in intense learning about how to help manage this horrible disease. The most shocking part of all the education is how tedious, yet vital, the different aspects of care there is to keep my daughter alive. It was overwhelming!

Today, we acknowledge two years of diagnosis. Each day is different from the other. We have days where we struggle to manage her diabetes and we have days were it’s a complete “unicorn” day and we are in target.

My daughter is an amazing young girl, her happy outlook on life gets me through each and every day; and her strength helps me to help her fight and overcome those nasty blood sugar days.

I am proud to be a parent of my type 1 child and we hope for a cure for this life changing disease.

71 Years with Type 1 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 17:04:47 GMT

By Pat McAlister

71 YEARS AGO I WAS TOLD I HAVE TYPE 1 DIABETES. I had no idea what that meant at the time. I’m from a small town in Montana and there were no other type 1s. I always wanted to see one that was older to see what my future looked like.

I was told I could not have a child (I wanted a daughter named Beth), was told I’d never be a teacher, and was told I might live 25 years with it.

71 years later I am an example of what I thought was impossible.

SO 71 years later, I have my Beth and my Mike, taught computers at Metro State University in Denver for the Business School, and 25 years was a long time ago. My biggest problem growing up was I was not allowed to eat ice cream. I love vanilla ice cream, so I ate it and hid so no one would yell at me. At that time, there were no diabetic camps and I wasn’t allowed to go to other camps.

When I was 15, our choir was invited to Philadelphia to a National Music meet. I was ecstatic to travel beyond my small town and was so happy that diabetes couldn’t stop me from making this dream come true.

Eventually, diabetes put me in the spotlight and made me realize that I was going through something difficult, yet special. Maude Behrman, the dietitian writer for ADA Forecast, wrote a feature on me and later, I was followed by cameramen – they said “you are a human interest story. You have come all the way across the country with diabetes.” One man handed me a card and said you will be on TV tonight, but we didn’t have TV in our little town. I was also in several magazines and I was stunned. Should I have left my diabetes at home?

Yes, I’ve had complications, but I’ve survived. No, I wasn’t a perfect diabetic – we had no way to tell our blood sugars and took one shot a day. I’ve had a fantastic life and am grateful. My husband Kirby and my good friend Dr. Peter Chase (friend, never Dr. – I was too old) have helped me live a very full life.

I write a diabetic newsletter. It has Denver events, as well as a lot of diabetes news. You can see my latest one here . If you would like to be on my email list, please email me at kpmca@msn.com . I have printed copies if you would like to give them out. I also love being a mentor to those with type 1 diabetes so if you’re looking for someone to talk to about type 1 diabetes, please email me and I’d be happy to help.

Our January Hero – A Diaversary Story

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 17:02:23 GMT

Meet Miles. He is 11 years old, a CDF Advocate and a type one diabetic. January marks his 6th year diagnosis anniversary. We want to celebrate his courage, strength and life by sharing his story…

“Leading up to his diagnosis, Miles had a cold around the holidays but he didn’t seem that sick to us. When I think back to that time, I do remember that he was looking pretty thin during those few weeks. I assumed he was growing taller and losing his baby fat.

It became apparent that something was wrong when we picked him up from preschool his first day back after winter break. His teacher told us he had gone to the bathroom an unusual amount of times and drank many bottles of water (too many to count). My mind went racing because I had some knowledge that those were symptoms of diabetes, but I couldn’t fathom that was the problem. I did what any mom would do (that you’re not supposed to do) and googled his symptoms. Loss of appetite, lethargy, bed-wetting, thirsty…it pulled up “Type 1 Diabetes.” I had a lump in my throat as I called our pediatrician and she said, “Come to my office as soon as you can.” It was 6pm on Miles’s 5th Birthday.

Our doctor immediately did blood and urine testing, and she came in to tell us the devastating news. “Miles has Diabetes. I don’t have a meter that will read his number because it’s so high, so you need to go to Children’s Hospital immediately.” She saw the fear and shock on both of our faces, and even offered to drive us herself. I tried to pull myself together as a mom (hiding my tears back) and held Miles tightly to comfort him. We thanked her for meeting us so late and drove ourselves to the hospital.

Soon after being admitted Miles was being poked and prodded and given saline to rehydrate him. Lots of new words like ketoacidosis, insulin, and bolusing were being thrown around as we followed their directions. As I finally called my husband and cried in the hallway, I looked through the hospital room window at Miles who had now been given insulin, and was watching a movie, laughing. All the color had come back to his face and you could tell he felt so much better. Wow! How could I not have known that he was suffering this much?

Everyone at the hospital was wonderful to us that night, comforting us, and even bringing wrapped birthday gifts into the hospital room for Miles. At 1:30AM we were released to go home. They told us to go to the Barbara Davis Center the next day where we would learn about our “new normal” and how to care for our boy. I was relieved (and terrified) to take him home. When he fell asleep that night, I slept on the floor next to him and have dozens of times ever since. I never knew you could feel that much fear until then.”

Miles says, “I’m finding the good stuff in it…opportunities like being an advocate and meeting cool people who have diabetes too.”

Story by: Holly Scott, parent

Meet Cheryl Lebsock, 2019 Guild President

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 17:00:31 GMT

Why did you become a Guild Member?

My son, Jordon was diagnosed in April 2004 with type 1 diabetes – we first became introduced to the Guild through the Rockies game pre-party…my son was so excited because there were so many types of diet pop to choose from!! Usually there was only one type of pop to choose from.It was also good for him to see other kids checking their blood sugar and getting shots. Our diagnosis was a difficult time and we depended on the Barbara Davis Center for so much I was excited to find a community who understood what we were going through.

What is your connection to type 1 diabetes?

My father was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in his 20’s – my childhood was spent living with the disease in the household. Because of the limited knowledge about type 1 in his early life, his later life was spent navigating complications including loss of vision, amputation of many of his toes, a feeding tube, dialysis and finally a kidney transplant. He passed away in 2000. Our son Jordon was named after him and was then diagnosed in 2004. Jordon is 18 and is thriving thanks to the “village” at the Barbara Davis Center.

What Guild initiative are you most passionate about?

Wow, so many of them! I love the community – the people and the idea that although I can’t personally cure this disease, I can work together with others to make a difference in the lives of those who live with this every day. I love the Helping Hand Program – type 1 diabetes is hard enough when you have the supplies to take care of your child, but having to choose between food on the table or diabetes care is just heartbreaking. Also as someone who has navigated the school system with a child who has type 1, the people on the education committee are my heroes!!

What impact has CDF made on you and your life?

Type 1 Diabetes is an isolating condition, it requires so much energy to just maintain a normal lifestyle and many people don’t understand what goes into caring for someone with Type 1. To be able to be part of a strong vibrant community that gives back on so many levels is empowering. My family is much stronger in the ability to care for my son because of the community.

Who or what inspires you?

I find strength in my faith first and foremost, and the knowledge that God can bring good from any situation. Second I am inspired every time I meet a child who is shouldering a chronic illness and is finding the strength to move forward. I have heard so many stories of people overcoming difficult circumstances and thriving within them.

The Guild is the volunteer membership group of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Members have the unique opportunity to be involved in program and event committees that impact diabetes awareness, research, and betterment of care. Consider becoming a Guild Member to make a difference in the T1D community!

Five Tips for Parenting a Teen with Type 1 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 16:56:21 GMT

By Shideh Majidi, MD:

The teenage years are an exciting, nerve-wracking, and sometimes frustrating time for families. Teenagers spend these years trying to develop their own identity and figure out who they want to be, which often means they question everything, challenge authority, and push against the status quo.

Biologically, we also know that the frontal lobe—the area important for problem solving, judgement, planning, organization, and controlling emotions—is still developing during the teenage years and won’t be fully formed until their mid-twenties! This is why when we try to tell them about the long-term consequences of their current actions, it doesn’t change their behavior.

So why can type 1 diabetes management be more difficult in the teenage years? We know a teen’s brain isn’t completely developed yet, that they have different priorities, and they can’t assess long term consequences the way adults do. But when they have type 1 diabetes, they are expected to make diabetes a top priority, for their brains to be able to effectively and efficiently plan and problem solve daily diabetes tasks, and to understand what poor diabetes management now will mean for them in the future. This runs counter to where they are developmentally and can result in frustration, defiance, and conflict during these years.

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you and your teen manage diabetes during adolescence:

Transitioning diabetes care to your teen takes time : We don’t expect teens to suddenly know how to drive when they turn 16 and we can’t expect them to suddenly know how to manage their diabetes at a certain age either. Transitioning diabetes care to your child occurs over many years and with a lot of continued parental support. Every family will transition care differently, but a step-wise approach typically yields the best results. Start talking with your provider about the transition process early to help transition as smoothly as possible.
Focus on behaviors, not outcomes : We often focus on the blood sugar number and whether it is low or high, which can only partially be controlled by those with type 1 diabetes (biologic factors such as the effect of stress, exercise, and puberty often play a role as well). This often leads to tension and conflict between parent and child. Instead, focus on controllable behaviors that will ultimately lead to the results you want. For example, focus on checking blood sugars, giving insulin, counting carbs, changing insulin pump sets, etc. Work together to make goals focusing on controllable changes and allow them to help make and decide the goal.
Avoid using “good” and “bad” to describe diabetes : Think of blood sugars simply as what they are, a number that may need to be acted on. When describing blood sugars as “good” or “bad,” it can implant the idea that when someone has a high blood sugar, they themselves are “bad”. This can lead to teens lying about their blood sugars in order to avoid conflict. Instead, set up a time weekly to review pump downloads (or blood sugar logs) together and discuss patterns and problem-solve changes together and in an objective manner.
Puberty affects blood sugars : When teens tell you they don’t know why their blood sugar is high, they may be telling you the truth! Puberty is a time of significant insulin resistance, requiring increasing doses of insulin. This is another reason to review downloads or logs together because insulin dose changes are needed up to every two weeks during puberty to keep blood sugars in range.
You are a doing a good job! It is easy to get frustrated with our teens when they don’t do something we know is good for them. You may feel guilty or feel like giving up sometimes. Know that you are doing a good job and you are not alone. You have a team at the BDC to help guide your family through the teenage years and into adulthood.

Dear Stranger: A T1D Parent’s Story of Hope

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 16:52:28 GMT

TL;DR

When a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, parents often face overwhelming fear, isolation, and emotional exhaustion. This heartfelt piece reassures caregivers that while the early days are incredibly hard, support, community, and unexpected moments of love and strength will emerge—and they don’t have to face it alone.

Updated: April 2, 2026

The Emotional Impact of a T1D Diagnosis in Children

I feel as though I know you even though I don’t. Like you, my life was turned upside down when my youngest son, at the age of 5, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). I still feel, viscerally, every moment from the evening I found out, and all the crazy things I thought and felt after. What one cannot understand until they experience it – the total desperation, depression, anger, and fear a parent goes through after a child is diagnosed with T1D.

Why Type 1 Diabetes Can Feel So Isolating for Families

As most people know nothing about this disease, or their only reference is a family member with type 2, the isolation can be debilitating. People saying things such as “at least he doesn’t have cancer,” “everything will be ok,” “you’ll be fine,” “he’ll be fine,” and “just eat healthier and exercise” can drive a person mad. But then I would realize that before my son was diagnosed, I too was just as ignorant about this disease as everyone else. At the beginning, this didn’t numb the pain I felt at the insane comments; but now, with the benefit of time, I can tell you… you learn to ignore and brush these comments off.

Mostly because, along with all the crazies, there will be a cherished few who will ask and pry out of true love and concern. They’ll want to learn and sit over wine with you for hours just listening to what having a child with T1D truly means for you and your life. They’ll understand and empathize with the fact that your life will be drastically different, and they’ll help you realize that it will be wonderful and perfect even though it has changed.

Finding the People Who Truly Show Up

What I wished I had known at the beginning, when I couldn’t drag myself out of bed, when I broke out in tears randomly, when I was scared half to death that my child would die each and every day and night, and when I broke down and realized I needed a therapist to help me out of the fog, was that along with all the pain and sorrow would be wonderful things as well…

The teachers that dropped everything to learn how to take care of my baby so he didn’t have to change schools. The stranger d-mama who supported me in the beginning and welcomed me into their home so I didn’t feel alone. The friend who called to check in and worried about me and the other friend who did research on medical care for my son because she loves and cares for him so much. The people who spend their time and money fundraising and donating to various organizations focused solely on finding a cure or a better quality of life for children and adults with T1D. The school that ensures I have a great teacher and nurse to care for my child when I am away from him. The bond now shared with my spouse and close family – the only ones that truly know what life is like these days. And most importantly, the love and joy I feel every minute as I see my little boy be brave and strong and resilient in a way that even I can’t be – I’ve never been so proud!

How to Build a Support Network with Other T1D Parents

So, my advice to you… reach out, call people , and share what life is like. You will lose friends (I know), because you’ll mainly lose time and be forced to prioritize who is most important in your life, but this in and of itself is a gift. Find other parents who understand your new normal, and find friendship and understanding and silence in them. It’s amazing how much peace this will bring. And get help professionally, if like me, your fear or anxiety take over, it’s not admitting failure, its admitting strength.

And know that during your sleepless nights bolusing for highs and treating lows and staring at your beautiful son or daughter when everyone else is sleeping, I am thinking of you and sending all the positive thoughts and support your way. And if you need anything, anything at all, know that I (and bunches of other d-parents just like me) will drop everything to help you, so just ask. Reach out. And don’t stay silent.

Love and light,

Stacey

 Author Bio: Stacey Obrecht is a management consultant from Wyoming. And the proud mom of Evan, who was diagnosed with T1D at age 5 in November 2015. She is passionate about reaching parents of newly diagnosed children and giving back to the wonderful organizations and people that help move research and care for those with T1D forward each and every day.

Type 1 Diabetes at 11 – Staying Active

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 16:50:24 GMT

Hi! My name is Gracie Lambrecht and I am eleven years old. I have been living with type 1 diabetes for 7 years and have been an advocate for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation for almost one year now. I use the Medtronic 670G insulin pump to manage my diabetes. It has changed my whole life. Just because you have type 1 doesn’t mean you can’t go outside and get exercise or run around for fun. I am very involved in getting outside. I play soccer and basketball and love to swim, hike, bike, and run. I have learned over the past 7 years that with a little planning ahead you can keep your blood sugar at a safe level during exercise.

Over the past summer, my family and I went hiking a lot! My favorite was a 4-mile hike in Eldorado Canyon at Eldorado State Park, Colorado. My mom, Joelean is great at helping me not to go too high or low during these times. Before this hike, I prepared by packing a Camel Pack backpack with my meter, water, juice boxes, and trail mix. I also made sure that I was wearing a pair of hiking boots that fit me properly. Taking care of my feet is very important. I tested my blood sugar before beginning the hike to determine how many carbs I needed. Depending on where my blood sugar is, determines how I treat myself for each activity. The scale I use to determine how many carbs I need before exercise is shown here (everyone is different, so the scale I use may not work for everyone). With a little trial and error, people with diabetes can come up with a scale that works best for them. Here is mine:

BG Treatment

Under 100 Treat with 15 grams of sugar. Wait 15 mins before eating a snack then begin exercise.
100-150 Have 15-gram snack, 5 grams of sugar and go on temp target.
150-200 Have 15-gram snack and go on temp target.
200-300 Just go on a temp target.

I mentioned something called a temp target in the graph above and you may be wondering “what is that?’’ A temp target is a feature on the 670G that you can turn on during exercise. A temp target pauses my daily basal delivery when it predicts my blood sugar will drop under 150 during exercise. This helps me to prevent low blood sugars. In this case, my number was 130, I had a snack, a little rapid acting sugar (juice), and went on a temp target for the duration of the hike. Then we began hiking. This is a beautiful hike that takes you up to view the Continental Divide, as well as, the ruins of the old 1900 Crag’s Hotel. When I got about halfway up the trail, I tested my bg and had a quick snack to hold me over until we got to the lookout at the end of the trail. Before we got to the end of the trail, we stopped at the ruins of the Crag’s Hotel. There wasn’t much left but, the coolest part was that the only thing left was the huge, brick fireplace.

We finally got to the top after two hours of hiking. I stopped and admired the beautiful scenery and checked my sensor. I had a few arrows going down indicating that a low bg was on the way. I had a juice and an apple and waited until the arrows were gone before we headed back down the mountain. My little sister, Mia insisted we make a “stack of rocks” to show we had been there. We both sat down and carefully stacked intricate rocks on top of one and another.

My dad finally said that we should head down the hill to go get lunch. We slowly walked down the hill passing the hotel ruins and the groves of colorful aspens and pines. I powered the whole way through, not needing any extra snacks or sugar. We made it back to the car much faster than it took us to get up. I had a great time with my family. Hiking is so much fun!

Some people may worry about exercising with diabetes for fear of having a low blood sugar, but the truth is that we can do it just as well as people without diabetes. Getting outside can be so much fun. When you prepare for lows and highs, it can be even more fun not having to stop all the time to take care of things you could have done earlier by planning ahead. I hope this article will help to convince any person with diabetes that with a little preparation, you can do anything anyone else can do!

Two Preganancies with Type 1 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 16:46:50 GMT

By Danielle DeNight

I knew I always wanted to be a “mommy” ever since I was a little girl. Fast forward 20 plus years and I was almost there. I found my husband, we had our house, we had our dogs, my diabetes was something I was starting to get a hold of, and then comes…pregnancy. If it weren’t for the disease, I think the last step wouldn’t be so scary.

Before I jump into the pregnancy part, let me give you some back history. I got diabetes when I was 7 years old. My diabetes was not the best in my teen years because when you’re 16 years old, you know everything, right?! Then I moved out for college at 17. My parents made me move near my brother if I wanted to be out of state. They were not going to let their diabetic daughter with whacky control go just anywhere.

In college, I had a blast! The more fun I had, the messier my sugars were. At the end of college, I met this guy who would end up being my husband and father to my children, Pete. Not only was this man going to be the one I marry, he was going to be the reason I finally took care of my diabetes.

Fast forward 2 years, I finally got a Dexcom and it’s been a life saver! I got my A1c under 7! I didn’t even think that was humanly possible for me. I got the OK to start trying to get pregnant. I’ll never forget when we came home from our niece’s birthday party and I felt so off. It was March 8, 2015 and little did I know everything was about to change… “pregnant”

My blood sugars were a mess! I would be 20 to 400 like that. Half the time I wouldn’t even feel it. We were so excited and nervous to go to that first doctor appointment. Long story short, they ended up putting me in the hospital since my blood sugars were so out of control.They said I could lose the baby. They put me in the hospital 3 more times.

But it was worth every second.

In the end, I was put back in the hospital for the fourth time for preecamplsia. I ended up getting induced for almost 4 days. I finally ended up having a C-section and had a beautiful and healthy baby girl. Mia Bentley came into our lives a month early and was worth every second of that crazy pregnancy. She didn’t even need the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). She was ready for us ��

I was laying on the table when they were doing the C-section for Mia thinking to myself “we are only going to have one kid, I cannot go through this again.” I wanted another baby so bad, but I did not want to go through that pregnancy or delivery again. We decided to try to have one more, maybe this time it would be a great pregnancy?!

WRONG!

In July, we found out we were pregnant again! I knew that I wanted them to be close, but I didn’t think I would get pregnant that fast! I was so excited, but in the back of my head all I could think was “God help me.” I was trying to be positive, but I also thought this was going to be another rough 9 months.

My blood sugars were a mess, just like when I was pregnant with Mia. If it weren’t for my Continuous Glucose Monitor tracking my blood sugars, I don’t know how we would have made it through. I could not feel any high or low sugars. I was puking like crazy throughout the whole pregnancy. Having gastroparesis doesn’t help. I was basically living at the doctor’s office while bringing my youngest to every appointment who was 9-16 months old.

Towards the end of my pregnancy, I kept getting ketones and I knew things were going to get crazy. I saw my high-risk doctor and I refused to get admitted unless they were going to deliver me since I have another daughter to take care of.

February 28, 2017, I get a call that my grandpa died that morning. I then go to the doctor for my non-stress test and what happens?! We fail and I still have ketones. Someone is having a baby! All I can think about is the Lion King and the circle of Life. Luckily this time, I had a planned C-section so delivery was much easier. However, Brooke Taylor, our beautiful baby girl, didn’t want to come home right away like her sister. She had to spend time in the NICU and that’s when I turned into a mess and felt a little guilty.

For me to give full details for both pregnancies with my diabetes, I would need a mini book and a bottle of wine ��Pregnancy with type 1 diabetes was unbelievably difficult and I certainly couldn’t imagine going through all of it without the diabetes technology that is available now. But my daughters are daily proof that heaven exists here on earth.

The Children’s Diabetes Foundation is proud to sponsor the Helping Little Hands Program , which supports pregnant women with diabetes who lack the financial resources for diabetes technology and care – two crucial elements for the health and safety of mom and baby. Click here to learn more or donate to this program.

Challenges of Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes: A Clinician’s Perspective

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 16:42:00 GMT

By Rachel Garcetti, PA-C, M.S.
Physician Assistant, Pregnancy and Women’s Health Clinic of the Barbara Davis Center (BDC)

For many women, pregnancy is one of the most exciting events in their lives. For women living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), the thought of pregnancy can trigger mixed emotions. Pregnant women with T1D describe feeling overwhelmed, excited, stressed, and even scared. At the root of these emotions, are the drastic changes that accompany pregnancies complicated by T1D. Changes like the fluctuating insulin requirements throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period, the tighter glucose targets of pregnancy, and the physical and emotional stresses of pregnancy that many women experience (i.e. fatigue, weight gain, morning sickness, etc.), can all be quite challenging.

Many women with T1D have seen movies that portray pregnant women with T1D in a negative light, or have had interactions with people, (sadly) including healthcare professionals, that have given them the impression that having a successful pregnancy with T1D is near impossible.

In the Pregnancy and Women’s Health Clinic at the BDC, our message is that with proper pregnancy planning and close diabetes follow-up throughout gestation a woman with T1D can have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.

Pregnant women with T1D are faced with many challenges, but some of these begin even before a pregnancy occurs. One of the most important things for women with T1D is to plan their pregnancies. We recommend a preconception visit to review blood sugar goals, discuss current medications which may need to be stopped or changed, and outline what it entails to be pregnant with T1D. We also recommend a preconception visit with a high-risk obstetrician, and any other specialists deemed necessary based on a woman’s health history. If a woman is planning to get pregnant soon, we say that it’s best to “act like you’re pregnant now” with respect to blood sugar control and A1c targets.

The most critical time for a baby’s development is the first 42 days after conception (referred to as “organogenesis”) so A1c levels need to be optimized prior to conceiving. By the time a woman finds out she is pregnant, many of the major organs have already formed and adverse effects on these organs from high blood sugar levels cannot be reversed. Thus, we recommend an A1c <6.5% prior to conception, and then a tighter target of between 5 and 6% for the duration of the pregnancy.

For women with A1c levels above target, there is an increased risk of the baby having problems with his heart, kidneys, extremities, brain and spinal cord. There is also a higher risk of miscarriage and stillbirth in women with poorly controlled diabetes at conception and throughout pregnancy. Achieving an A1C < 6% can be intimidating for many women when outside of pregnancy they are trying to maintain an A1c < 7%.

Once a pregnancy is confirmed, the first pregnancy visit at the BDC should occur within 1-2 weeks. Because of the dynamic changes of insulin sensitivity throughout pregnancy, it is best for a pregnant woman with T1D to be seen in the Pregnancy and Women’s Health Clinic every 2-4 weeks with weekly email/phone correspondence for interim insulin adjustments.

Not only do insulin needs change, but for women with T1D there can be changes in the health of the eyes and the kidneys during pregnancy. Women who have problems with their eyes and/or kidneys prior to pregnancy are more likely to experience progression due to the stress of the pregnancy. We ask pregnant women with T1D to collect 24-hour urine samples at least once each trimester to monitor protein excretion and kidney function throughout pregnancy. We also monitor blood pressure at each pregnancy visit.

Women with T1D are four times more likely to develop a condition called preeclampsia compared to women without diabetes. Preeclampsia is characterized by elevated urine protein levels, along with elevated blood pressure, starting after 20 weeks gestation. This risk is even higher if poor blood sugar control persists throughout pregnancy. Preeclampsia is concerning because the only cure is delivery, which can lead to a preterm birth.

We also recommend dilated eye exams at least once each trimester to monitor for progression of diabetic eye disease. Eye disease may worsen when glucose levels are dropped quickly in women whose A1cs are suboptimal at conception and are working hard to improve control during the formation of the baby’s organs. In this situation, closer monitoring is warranted. Fortunately, this eye condition usually improves after delivery.

Another challenge is the financial burden of managing diabetes and pregnancy and the significant time required for visits with healthcare providers. The monetary cost of co-pays/office visits, procedures, lab studies, medications, diabetes testing supplies and technologies, time off work, etc., is a major stressor for many pregnant women with T1D. However, pregnancies complicated by T1D are considered high-risk, so a team approach with close follow-up and monitoring of mom and baby is necessary to improve the chances of having the best pregnancy outcomes.

Once a pregnant woman with T1D has successfully navigated the bumpy road that is “diabetes and pregnancy,” she needs to prepare for labor and delivery and the postpartum period. We are frequently asked if insulin needs will be stable again after delivery. Unfortunately, the changing insulin needs will continue well into the postpartum period . Once the baby is delivered, the insulin requirements will decline rapidly to levels near the pre-pregnancy requirements and in many cases, even lower.

Breastfeeding, which is recommended in women with T1D, can cause further challenges with respect to insulin needs. While breastfeeding, insulin needs are reduced even further. This dynamic state of daily insulin requirements can be a struggle postpartum, but with close monitoring of glucose levels, is very manageable.

Although managing a pregnancy complicated by T1D is very challenging for both the patient and clinician, words cannot describe the feeling of seeing a mother and her perfectly healthy baby at her postpartum visit, happy and thriving. With motivation, dedication, hard work, and support from an excellent diabetes care team, it can be done safely and successfully. Many women with T1D report they had the best glucose control of their life during pregnancy because they would do whatever it takes to have a healthy baby. This level of motivation is inspiring to those of us who have witnessed it. These courageous women gladly accept the challenges of this daunting journey and would do it all over again (and many do) when they see what all the preparation and hard work was for.

The Children’s Diabetes Foundation is proud to sponsor the Helping Little Hands Program, which supports pregnant women with diabetes who lack the financial resources for diabetes technology and care, which are two crucial elements for the health and safety of mom and baby.

Challenges of Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 16:37:03 GMT

By Sarit Polsky, MD, MPH
Director of the Pregnancy and Women’s Health Clinic of the BDC

People who require intensive-insulin therapy and their supporters are well-aware of how difficult it can be to control glucose levels (A1C goal ≤7%) when faced with life stressors, blood sugar fluctuations with exercise, uncertainty about carbohydrate counting, etc. However, pregnancy adds another layer of complexity to the situation. In pregnancy, the goals are tighter and the physiology of pregnancy changes insulin requirements.

Pregnancies associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face numerous challenges. One of the biggest challenges is meeting glucose targets. The goals of diabetes therapy in pregnancy are to obtain and maintain near-normal glucose levels throughout the pregnancy. For women with T1D, the goal is an A1C <6.5% at the start of pregnancy and <6% as the pregnancy progresses. It also means glucose levels 70-95 mg/dL when waking up in the morning and before meals, and levels <130-140 mg/dL at 1 hour and <120 mg/dL at 2 hours after meals. Of course, we try to achieve these goals only if we can do it without significant hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

In the first trimester, women are more sensitive to insulin and thus prone to hypoglycemia . Starting about 14 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, they face increasing levels of insulin resistance. In women starting off the pregnancy with good blood sugar control, we often have to decrease insulin doses in the beginning, but by the end of the pregnancy insulin doses may double or triple. Then, immediately when the baby and placenta are delivered, the insulin requirements plummet to the point where women are often, once again, on less insulin compared to what they used prior to the pregnancy.

Question: How can women successfully manage glucose levels during pregnancy when the insulin requirements change so much?

Answer: First, they shouldn’t do it alone. It’s very important to work with an experienced team of diabetes experts (medical professionals, certified diabetes educators, and certified dietitians). It’s also best to work with the diabetes experts before getting pregnant to plan ahead and manage the diabetes effectively from the start.

Second, it’s critical that women check and monitor glucose levels frequently. This means checking finger-stick blood sugar levels before meals, after meals, at bedtime, and over-night and/or using a continuous glucose monitor.

Third, women should work with their diabetes team to make sure that insulin delivery is optimized. This may mean changing the type of insulins used for injections or getting on an insulin pump.

Fourth, women should be working with the diabetes team to adjust insulin doses every week throughout the pregnancy.

Question: Why are the glucose goals so strict in pregnancies associated with T1D?

Answer: The stakes are high. When there are persistently high glucose levels, the risks are increased for adverse outcomes. These include:

losing the baby (miscarriage or stillbirth)
birth defects (like holes in the heart or a small brain)
abnormal size of the baby (too small or, more commonly, too big)
Mothers developing high blood pressure conditions
Delivering the baby early
Delivering via c-section
Baby coming out with hypoglycemia, low oxygen, or jaundice
Baby requiring admission to the neonatal intensive care unit

Research shows that the risks of these things happening goes down significantly when the glucose levels are at goal throughout the pregnancy. Working with experienced diabetes experts and a high-risk obstetrician helps reduce the risks for these events.

Question: Can women with T1D have healthy pregnancies?

Answer: When women come to our clinic for pre-pregnancy planning and at the first pregnancy visit, we go over the goals (glucose levels, targeted weight gain, etc.), risks to mother and baby, monitoring for diabetic complications, nutrition in pregnancy, and more. We want to educate women on the importance of all these things. It can be overwhelming for them to hear and read about it all. For me, it’s also important for women to know that they can have happy and healthy pregnancies, but they will have to work harder than women who don’t have diabetes to do it.

In summary, it’s true that pregnancies associated with T1D face many challenges. But, with the proper education, resources, diabetic tools, and team of experts, pregnant women with T1D can successfully face the challenges ahead of them. That is why the Pregnancy and Women’s Health clinic at the Barbara Davis Center is so happy to partner with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation to offer this Helping Little Hands Program . Providing extra resources to mothers in need helps advance that mission. We are passionate about improving the health of mothers and babies with T1D. Caring for pregnant women is a privilege. Together, we hope to make an even bigger difference for this very special group!

The Children’s Diabetes Foundation is proud to sponsor the Helping Little Hands Program, which supports pregnant women with diabetes who lack the financial resources for diabetes technology and care, which are two crucial elements for the health and safety of mom and baby.

Psychosocial Aspects of Pregnancy and Type 1 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 16:33:05 GMT

By Lisa Meyers MSW, CDE
Social Worker, Barbara Davis Center Adult Clinic

Expecting a baby is exciting and joyful. For anyone, it can also bring stress and anxiety about the responsibility of carrying a new life. Women who have type 1 diabetes (T1D) can experience even greater anxiety and concern about the demands and risks associated with diabetes management and the health of their unborn child. Healthcare professionals play an important role in helping these women not only with managing the physical and medical needs of their diabetes, but with their emotional and psychological needs as well.

Pre-existing depression and other psychological conditions can be exacerbated by the physiological changes in pregnancy and by the psychological stress associated with managing diabetes during pregnancy. It also becomes harder to manage depression with restrictions on the use of certain medications. Women with T1D are at 50% greater risk for depression than those without diabetes. The increased demands for more perfect control of blood sugars, along with the responsibilities of a job, other children, the time required for additional doctor appointments, and additional costs that come with more medical care can be overwhelming and cause added emotional and psychological stress. This may include guilt over imperfect blood sugars, fear about their diabetes management and the effect this may have on baby’s health, and increased diabetes distress.

The cost of diabetes related pregnancies can be another source of stress for women. Depending on insurance coverage it can mean copays for more visits, more labs, and extra supply orders. Technologies like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors are used now to reduce the risk for complications in the pregnancy and to give the woman more control over hypo/hyper glycemic events. Continuous glucose monitors can allay the fear and relieve the anxiety associated with the dramatic fluctuations of blood sugar. Although these technologies are helpful in managing diabetes through a pregnancy, the cost of these technologies can be prohibitive for some women, and others are faced with the stress of the extra expense in choosing to use technology during their pregnancy. (The Children’s Diabetes Foundation now has the Helping Little Hands Program to make sure financially at-risk women can receive the proper supplies, appointments, and technology they need to have a successful pregnancy with type 1 diabetes)

It is important to remember that diabetes is a family disease and the same stress and anxiety that occurs for the pregnant woman with type 1 diabetes occurs for their partners and other family members. Addressing these issues with partners and including them in the education and decision-making process with the team of providers encourages their confidence in having a successful pregnancy.

Overall, patient-centered care and collaboration between the team of providers and the patient promote healthier pregnancies for women with diabetes. Psychosocial support should be an integral part of care in their pregnancy. This will help to support and promote a healthier and more positive experience with pregnancy for women with diabetes.

The Children’s Diabetes Foundation is proud to sponsor the Helping Little Hands Program, which supports pregnant women with diabetes who lack the financial resources for diabetes technology and care, which are two crucial elements for the health and safety of mom and baby. Click here to learn more about this program.

Nobody Saw You

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 16:29:49 GMT

By Stephanie Prince Alexander
Originally found on Type 1 Toddler

I recently read a lovely poem titled, “ Nobody saw you ,” written by a mother about all the endless tasks, responsibilities, heartaches, and joys a mother goes through raising her small children. It made me cry because I could relate to it, and it also made me think of all the parents taking care of young children with type 1 diabetes (or other chronic illnesses) and all the added elements this adds on to the already tough challenge of parenting. It inspired me to write my own version. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, is it not? Warning: this one is a little depressing. But, it’s real.

Nobody saw you..
At 3 am, headlamp on, sneaking into her room
Every. Single. Night.
Praying she doesn’t wake as you bleed her finger for the 10th time today
68. Shit.
Too low for 3 a.m.
Get the juice box

Nobody saw you
Holding your screaming child down to give them their 5th shot of the day, or change their pump site for the 3rd time this week
“She needs this to survive,” you repeat to yourself
“Will she be able to handle this life?”
“Will I?”

Nobody saw you cry
Because you always had to be so strong
You can’t let her see your broken heart
You must keep going
She has to be so brave, you must set the example
Soldier on

Nobody saw you desperately shoving sugar in your shaking and confused child
“One more sip, baby”
“One more gummy bear for mommy, please”
Staring a hole through the Dexcom
Waiting for the arrows to stop going down
Waiting for the alarm to shut up

Nobody saw you
Trying to count how many carbs she ate
Tiny teeth marks on an apple – is that 5 carbs worth or 8?
Did she eat three french fries, or was it six?
Not enough insulin, she goes high and there’s long-term damage to her little organs
Too much insulin and we’re looking at an immediate and dangerous issue

Nobody saw you on the phone
With your insurance company
With your diabetes supply company
With Dexcom support
With pump customer support
Your endocronoligist
Your nurse
10 phone calls this week when you were supposed to be working
Or napping
Or eating

Nobody saw you, nobody listened when you tried to educate them
To tell them about a condition so complex that they can never truly understand unless they live with it
It’s an autoimmune disease
No, it can’t be prevented
No, there is no cure
Yes, she can eat that

Nobody saw you
So scared to sleep through an alarm
Terrified they might not wake up in the morning
Waking up to feel like you can’t do this crazy dance another day
But you rise to take on another 24 hours – for them
Check the blood sugar, treat the high, count the carbs, treat the low
Nobody saw any of that
They simply saw you at the park, the museum, grocery shopping

I see you, brave ones
I see your grit and your daily grind
I see your fears for the future
I see your fierce love and determination for your child
I see you raising a warrior, and in the process becoming one yourself

Originally found on Type 1 Toddler

Family Finds Inspiration To Give Back After Multiple Diagnoses

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 16:26:44 GMT

By Chantel Manuele

When I was sixteen, I stood in a hospital room with my concerned mother. She seemed to be mulling over the symptoms of my thirteen year old sister that had brought us there – frequent thirst and urination, noticeable weight loss, and a leg injury that wouldn’t heal. This was my introduction to type 1 diabetes (T1D). As a nurse administered saline into me, or what I call an “empathy shot,” it became clear that my sister had a tough battle ahead. I came to know quickly that T1D wasn’t caused by eating too much sugar, but that it was indeed a tough and scary disease.

I once climbed into Heather’s bed, shimmied myself behind her, and propped her back against my chest while my mom fed her some fast acting sugar and called the paramedics. She was paralyzed from severe low blood sugar, and unable to even speak.

After that episode, she continued to excel in dance, school, and to enjoy a healthy life, but I watched how her safety became a constant concern – much different from the usual parent worries. I saw the insulin in the fridge and knew the disease took planning and lots of shots every day, but there was so much I didn’t know.

Nothing could have taught it to me like the events of November 13, 2015, when my little sister came to my aid after I saw familiar and concerning symptoms in my six year old daughter. She came to the rescue, sharing her own meter and (what I know now) as very expensive test strips. When her high blood sugar was confirmed, my sister spent time with my daughter, allowing another sister and I to receive instructive phone calls. We were vacationing in Utah at the time and were directed to take her to the hospital.

I mustered up a lot of strength that day. I didn’t let Eva see the first couple tears I shed, and dried them almost as quickly as they came. I wanted to be strong for her and did my best to be a comfort or distraction as needed. I watched her bravery with awe that first day and barely slept that night. The next day Eva would have the hardest moment of her life to date and that was the first time I couldn’t keep my tears from her. Seeing her physical and emotional pain was heart wrenching, but we braved that tough moment together.

That night while she slept I cried much more. I fought feelings that I had somehow let her down and that her having T1D was my fault. The fact that there was nothing we could have done to prevent it and nothing we could do to take it away had my mind and heart at war.

I knew her life would never be the same and gone were the carefree days of her childhood. My heart ached for her. I knew the rest of our little family’s lives would never be the same either and the daunting task of “managing” this fickle and finicky disease was overwhelming. What if I messed up? In only a few hours, we would leave the hospital and her life would be in our hands on a whole new level. It felt like we could never have enough of the thorough training we’d received.

It was in this raw moment of grief that I felt an overwhelming sense of peace, a confirmation that we were not alone. Then evidence of the support around us began to flow through my heart and mind. There had been this almost perfect succession of messages, visits, and gifts from family, friends, and even strangers. We will never forget the family surrounding her bed, or the sweet mother and her two sons with T1D that came to visit us in the hospital on behalf of a charity. They talked and empathized with us in an impactful way. Months later we would still find strength and comfort in the time they spent and words they shared with us. There were dedicated and caring medical professionals answering questions, administering insulin, and preparing us for the road ahead. Best of all, we had each other, our own little amazing team!

I realized this same weekend that we would be adding another team member in less than nine months. After almost a year of trying, and in the midst of a great challenge, this news was an incredible gift of joy and hope. The term “new normal” felt like an oxymoron, but each of us dived in – not only in support of our Eva, but all who belong to this incredibly resilient and passionate community that we are now part of.

We rejoiced in the medical advancements that have made a promising future available and from this place of gratitude came acceptance and a natural desire to help others who face similar circumstances.

Our challenges weren’t over though. The adjustment to our new life was at times physically and emotionally exhausting. The late nights, interrupted sleep, and constant concerns took a toll, and soon I was facing my own autoimmune diagnosis and a subsequent cancer diagnosis. Eva’s temperament seemed to change when she saw my health declining and after experiencing her first severe low, the weight of what would be a life long battle with T1D seemed to rest upon her. It broke my heart to see her struggle so much, but thoughts that had been placed on my mind and heart over the previous year began to take hold and take shape. Knowing our daughter’s big heart, it became clear that our answer to helping her through her grief would be finding a way to connect with others and give back.

With this goal in mind, I have spent the last year getting out of my comfort zone and doing things I’ve never done. It has led me to exciting places – one being the creation of a partnership between our friends at Outdoor Element (OE) and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF). OE has taken their innovative Kodiak Paracord Survival Braid and created a custom “Diabetes” survival braid that duals as a medical I.D. bracelet. With EverSpark technology, custom-made Paracord with jute and fishing line, and an embedded fish hook, the Kodiak is a true survival braid, and an empowering symbol for the incredible people surviving T1D 24/7. With every purchase of the Diabetes Kodiak, using the code OE4CDF , Outdoor Element will give:

A 10% discount
Free shipping
$10 to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.

Using this same code (OE4CDF), they will also give free shipping and 10% off the original Kodiak and all other OE gear, with a portion of those proceeds also benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. These donations will benefit the families who travel near and far to receive care at the amazing Barbara Davis Center, a place dear to our hearts.

Purchase the Children’s Diabetes Foundation Edition of the Kodiak Bracelet here >

Our biggest thanks to Dr. Robert Slover, the staff at Outdoor Element, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, and the Barbara Davis Center for making this possible. We are so fortunate to associate with wonderful people who embrace this major life challenge with bravery every day. We hope this will serve as a reminder that you are not alone, and there is so much good we can do together.

Sincerely,

The Manuele Family

12 Things You Didn’t Know About Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 16:20:13 GMT

By Sarit Polsky, MD, MPH and Rachel Garcetti, PA-C, MS
Pregnancy and Women’s Health Clinic, Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes

Blood sugar goals in pregnancy resemble normal or near-normal levels :
A1c <6% for most of the pregnancy
Fasting glucose of 70-95
Post-meal glucose <130-140 at 1 hour and <120 at 2 hours
Insulin requirements change dramatically as the pregnancy progresses :
Usually insulin doses go down in the first trimester (insulin-sensitive phase)
Insulin doses go up by double or triple in the 2 ^nd and 3 ^rd trimesters (insulin-resistant phase)
Insulin needs decrease the most significantly after delivering the baby (to pre-pregnancy doses or less)
Breastfeeding can reduce insulin doses further
Low blood sugar risk increases dramatically in the first trimester because of increased insulin-sensitivity. Pregnant women often lose their body’s warning signs of low blood sugar, such as shaking, sweating, hunger, irritability, fatigue, etc. If low blood sugars are not caught and treated quickly, mom and baby may be in immediate danger.
Women with poorly controlled blood sugars at conception and in the first trimester have a higher risk of having babies with congenital malformations, while the risk of malformations in women with good glucose control approaches that of women without diabetes
Risk of malformations can be as high as 25% when A1c is > 10% at conception/early pregnancy
Women with T1D should use some form of contraception until A1c is at least < 7.0% and ideally < 6.5%
Children of women with T1D are at higher risk for developing T1D
Risk of developing T1D is about 3% when just the mother has T1D
Risk of developing T1D is about 6% when just the father has T1D
Risk of developing T1D is as high as 10-20% when both parents have T1D
Children of mothers with T1D can be screened for autoantibodies associated with the development of T1D after their first birthday through the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention Study at the Barbara Davis Center
Diabetes technologies can be helpful in managing pregnancies with T1D :
Insulin pumps can provide more precise insulin dosing (fractions of a unit of insulin), take into account active insulin in the body, record carbohydrate loads and insulin doses, and can temporarily reduce or lower insulin delivery in the event of low or impending low glucose
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) allow women to identify trends in glucose levels and, with some monitors, to get alerts in real-time when their levels are too high or too low
Insulin pumps and CGMs can be downloaded from home and the data shared with a diabetes expert who is still in his/her office to help determine insulin adjustments
There are glucose meters and smartphone apps that have calculators to help women on insulin injections figure out how much insulin to give to correct high glucose or for a carbohydrate load
Some of these technologies are not approved by the FDA for use in pregnancy, so they are used “off-label.” Their use in pregnancy should be discussed with the diabetes experts women work with during pregnancy
Use of a CGM throughout pregnancy can reduce the risk of complications in the babies of pregnant women with T1D :
Research shows that women who used a CGM during pregnancy had fewer large babies (>90 ^th percentile), babies requiring intravenous dextrose (glucose) for low sugars, and babies requiring admission to the neonatal intensive care unit
These effects are most consistent in women who use the CGM all the time, rather than intermittently
The pregnancy can place a heavier emotional burden on women :
There is stress from the daily goals of diabetes care
Some women develop a fear or a worsening fear of low blood sugars
Extra medical visits and health care costs can be worrisome
Pregnancies associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D) need a team of medical experts to be successful. The number of medical visits goes up drastically in pregnancy :
Regular visits with the diabetes care team every 1 to 4 weeks throughout pregnancy
Visits with an eye expert for diabetes eye exams at least once each trimester and a month post-partum
Obstetric visits every 2 to 4 weeks in the 1st and 2nd trimesters, and every week in the 3rd trimester
Ultrasound visits every month starting around 18-20 weeks of pregnancy
Fetal non-stress testing 1-2 times per week starting at 32 weeks of pregnancy

Blood sugars throughout pregnancy can have lasting effects on the baby that persist into childhood and adulthood :
Infants exposed to maternal hyperglycemia in-utero are more likely to be born large-for-gestational age (LGA)
Infants whose weight is > the 90th percentile for gestational age are classified as LGA
LGA infants have a higher risk of developing childhood obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes as adults
Optimal glucose control in pregnant women with T1D decreases the likelihood of metabolic problems for their infants in the future
More studies are needed to help pregnant women with T1D :
Pregnant women are considered a vulnerable population. This sometimes makes it more difficult to get research studies approved
Pregnancy studies can be very expensive because pregnancy takes a long time (40 weeks) and many clinical centers don’t have enough pregnant women with T1D so they have to partner with other centers to do research
More studies are needed to help guide decisions about how best to manage insulin, reduce emotional burdens, reduce complications, and improve health outcomes in pregnancy
The Helping Little Hands Program , sponsored by the Children’s Diabetes Foundation , provides financial support for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to ensure they have the proper technology, supplies, and associated appointment funds to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. The program serves at-risk pregnant women who do not have access to Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems and other related resources to improve their diabetes care. Click here to learn more .

Betes Won’t Beat Us

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 16:14:53 GMT

By Kelsey Huss

I can’t say I remember the day clearly, as my blood sugar was over a 1000 mg/dl by the time I got to the hospital, but it was a day that changed my life forever, initially for the worse, but now for the better.

I was thirteen when I had started to get sick. I had a really bad flu in December and never quite recuperated. I was tired all the time, skinny as could be, but trying to navigate life as a middle schooler. While on a family ski trip, I came flying down the slope because I had to pee so badly that I went in my ski pants. I really could never refer to it as an accident because what 13 year old has an accident? I was drinking all the liquids in sight.

At a friend’s house, I drank half of their five gallon water cooler in one sitting for dinner. At my own house, my dad had come downstairs to find that I had finished off two gallons of milk in one night, then tried to sleep on the stairs before making it back to my room. Something was really wrong with me, but no one could figure it out.

I was sitting in my 8th grade class taking a test, when the teacher would not let me use the bathroom for the second time during that 45 minute period. I finally caved and asked to go to the the nurse. My mom picked me up and the nurse mentioned diabetes. I wasn’t sure what it was at that point because we had no family history of diabetes. Off we went to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for a week long stay. We didn’t know any better so we stopped at a Dunkin Donuts on the way to the hospital and got a slushie for me to drink that probably had 75-100 carbs.

I was in the hospital for a week, learning all about diabetes. I first had to take my shots at a certain time of day and eat only a certain number of carbs at each scheduled meal. I remember eating a lot of eggs and pickles to compensate for my hunger because they were “free foods.” I used Lantus and Novolog and then an insulin pump by the time my one year anniversary of diabetes came up.

Being diagnosed as a teenager was extremely difficult. I was heavily influenced by friends, who had not one clue in the world about diabetes and listened little to my parents. It was hard to bond with the other kids with diabetes in my school who didn’t remember life before diabetes and I easily went down a bad path that continued for a couple years.

After Kelsey received her first insulin shot

I hated going to my doctor because it seemed like no matter how hard I worked, I was always in trouble. Midway through high school, my kidneys started to push protein or microalbuminuria. That got me scared about taking care of myself, but not enough.

College came at Penn State, which was a whole new world that involved drinking. Luckily I had no emergency lows from drinking, but I now know how dangerous it could be. At some point during sophomore year, I started throwing up a lot. Many chalked it up to stress and partying, but something wasn’t right. I found myself looking for the nearest bathroom at any location to throw up. I was diagnosed with diabetic gastroparesis and continued to throw up at every meal. I don’t think many understood the severity of the situation or how much it was ruining my life. I was almost kicked out of my program at school in the fall of 2011, which happened to be the same semester I had my Gastric Stimulator implanted, which I refer to as the robotic lifesaver. My student teaching mentor told me that she was “warned” about me because of my illness. Later, she told me I was one of the hardest workers and didn’t see an ounce of illness shine through.

My life changed ultimately for the better when I accepted a job in the small town of Iliff, Colorado. I would be the only fourth grade teacher and I had a young girl with type 1 diabetes in my class. Knowing it was fate that I must move, my dog and I picked up and moved to a place where we knew no one. My diabetes care was now happening at the Barbara Davis Center in Aurora, Colorado and I fell into the lap of a Physician’s Assistant by the name of Rachel Garcetti. Rachel has truly been a gift in terms of my health. Initially she made diabetes appointments a lot less scary. My A1c was dropping probably a half a point each time I saw her. She gave me the hope back that I could carry my own children safely and she is always supportive in the decisions I make.

This chart shows the drastic improvement on Kelsey’s A1c when she started coming to the Barbara Davis Center (values between 2013 and 2018)

At almost 8 months pregnant, my a1c has hovered in the mid to low 5’s for most of my pregnancy. I am a part of an online diabetes community that is doing amazing things in terms of advocating and helping all with diabetes. I am a resource in my community for families with type 1, as well as for my own father, who has now been diagnosed with late adult-onset, and my sister who is dealing with reactive hypoglycemia.

A look at Kelsey’s blood sugars before pregnancy (left) and during pregnancy (right)

Without the “downs” of this horrible disease, I never would have been able to experience the amazing feeling of helping others with Type 1 around me. I hope to continue to grow as a person, with a few medical conditions, and make the best out of what has been given to me.

Diabetes technology, such as an insulin pump and CGM, have helped Kelsey get the best blood sugars she’s had since diagnosis. The Children’s Diabetes Foundation now has a Helping Little Hands Program to help pregnant women with type 1 diabetes get the diabetes technology and care. Click here to learn more about this program.

My Letter to the School Nurses

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 16:08:44 GMT

By Nicole Werner, who wrote and delivered this speech to the county’s heads of nursing and healthcare when they would not allow her to make any adjustments to her daughter’s health plan during the school day.

This is hard. This disease is hard. It’s probably the most complex and misunderstood disease you as health professionals encounter in the school setting. The facts of this disease are that it’s unpredictable, it’s unexplainable at times, and there is no one size fits all approach to treat this disease. I have become her internal organ because it doesn’t work on its own for her. The endocrinologists will be the first to admit that I know how to be this organ for my daughter better than they do because every type 1 diabetic is different and responds differently to different things. They are not living with us to see how and what impacts her differently. We do. We live this every day. She does. It is her body. She knows how she feels.

Now I understand and comprehend what the position you are coming from. I do. However, there is a beautiful soul sitting just down the hall from us. Does she care that you don’t have funding to put a fully trained nurse in school with her full time? Does she care that mistakes have been made by understaffed, unqualified, arguably untrained aides and nurses in the district? No, she doesn’t. Do you know what she cares about? She cares about being 7. She cares about being just like the rest of her peers and not standing out. She cares about being able to learn in school and feel good while doing it so she can perform at her best. She cares about being safe.

She worries that she will die.

She worries that when she is in a low and patiently waiting at her desk for someone to come treat her that they get there in time. That she doesn’t have a seizure or pass out in front of her classmates because that would be embarrassing and scary. Because she is 7 she doesn’t question authority and even though there are low treatments right next to her she waits. Hoping they get there in time, knowing she doesn’t feel right and is starting to lose the ability to care for herself. You might say it was only two minutes but to her it’s an eternity hoping and praying she survives.

So, all these reasons you give for why you cannot properly care for her do no matter to her. What matters to her is that she can come to school every day and be safe, happy and can perform at her best. In fact, she has a legal right to do just these things. So, your reasons aren’t acceptable to her or to me. It’s not a problem we can fix. It’s a problem you must fix.

Now back to diabetes. Even the best laid plans fail at times. Especially with diabetes. It is a disease that just doesn’t play fair. You can do everything perfect and according to plan and things still go wrong. Sometimes very wrong. As I have said a thousand times this is not a black and white one size fits all disease and to treat it that way is a grave mistake.

There are so many factors and decisions we make every minute of every day to do our best to manage this disease. We need all the information and we need to use common sense at times. We can’t just blindly follow a set of rules. We use them as guidelines, but we need all the information to make an informed decision. One of those sources of information comes from being an internal organ for my daughter for the past 21 months. We know she is super sensitive to carbs at certain times. We know she tends to be more resistant to insulin at other times.We know that activity can drop her 100 points in a matter of minutes. We have seen it. We know what illness does to her blood sugars. We now know that we need to bolus for eggs because they spike her blood sugar. We know how each food affects her differently. Pizza, pasta, rice, fried foods, foods with high fat contents all affect her differently. The list goes on and on. To deny this source of information in your schools is a terrible and tragic mistake.

You are all mothers correct? Imagine this was your child. What would you do? How would you respond? At this point in my experience with the schools I have very little confidence and trust that the proper time, knowledge, or resources have been provided to care for my daughter. The only thing that has gotten me through the past 21 months in the school setting is knowing I am involved and can call and have as much or as little contact with the people caring for my daughter as I need. Knowing that if we need to make some changes that day we can do them without issue. Knowing that if there is something that they are unsure about they will call me and ask me what they should do. If you cut me out of this process, why would I feel that my daughter is safe? All that has been proven to me this year is that nurses are very undertrained when it comes to diabetes and nurses and health aides are all overcommitted and that leads to miscommunication and no time for listening.

Time is of the essence with this disease. Having to communicate to multiple different people to get something done is not a valid option. It takes too much time. At that point what needed to be done needed to be done 20 minutes ago. This is a real life on the line guys. She is a very sweet red head sitting down the hall.

So as Mother’s I ask you why should I put that beautiful girl’s life in your hands? If you were me, would you?

We Are More than Conquerers

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 16:03:02 GMT

By Elizabeth Kampororo

April, 1969. My adoptive mom, the best nurse ever (bias acknowledged), and I sat in my doctor’s office. Out came the diagnosis…diabetes. I was six years old and didn’t have a clue…my eyes were fixed on Mom. Mom’s response would dictate mine. Mom burst into tears. I quickly followed suit. There we sat, the two of us crying.

The tears did not last, though. It was time, with my adoptive dad as my coach, to take this condition on full force. That did not mean there were not meltdowns or things I had to do when afraid. With Dad by my side, though, giving up or settling for defeat was not an option.

Fast forward. Freshman year at college…nearly five and a half hours from home by car. At long last! FREEDOM! Although my parents were my best cheerleaders, I couldn’t wait to open a new life chapter. There was an undeniable magnetic pull toward being able to make my own rules and casting caution to the wind.

I was the joyful type, happy-go-lucky. I arrived at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, bright-eyes and focused. You know, that kid who has an adaptable nature, comprising the perfect resource for the homesick. I let my hurting and skeptical companions know that everything was going to be alright. “Just wait and see,” I would say. After all, I had handled diabetes – with the help and encouragement of my parents for eleven years so college seemed like a breeze.

One night after dinner, I was walking a good distance – from one side of the campus to the other. I didn’t feel well. (I find the best outlook on diabetes is to think of ourselves riding the rollercoaster of high and low blood sugars as if we had been born and raised on that very same wild ride. Then again, there are times when “not feeling well” can seem like a general symptom of “who knows what else”!) “I must be coming down with a cold,” I thought. Almost home to my dorm room, I stopped at the infirmary. The nurse took my vitals, couldn’t figure out what was wrong and decided I should spend the night there. I was fine with that arrangement. “No one knows what is wrong…why not catch a few winks at the infirmary before soaring into the next day?”

Well, at 2:00 a.m., the nurse dutifully came into the room where I was sleeping, and she could not wake me up. Taking vitals was out of the question. It was time to transfer me to the ER. A fellow athlete – she played soccer and I played field hockey – saw the attendants take me out on a stretcher. Off I went! Completely unaware of what was happening. Sure enough, I had had a serious drop in my blood sugar.

The next day after field hockey practice, I bounded into the dining hall and saw my acquaintance, Leslie. Leslie was the one who had been in the infirmary the night before. She saw my buoyant self and approached me with disbelief. “I saw them take you out of the infirmary last night. You were as white as a sheet! I thought you were dead,” she said. “Nope,” I responded. “Just a low blood sugar.” With that, the conversation ended. Practice had been rigorous, and now it was time to eat.

Fellow and dearly loved type 1’s! I urge you not to let diabetes have the last word. There is so much hope if we continue to fight. And we do not have to fight alone; we have each other. Yes, there will be days when we want to surrender and eat sugar-laden foods in unequaled quantity, but we must remember that we are more than conquerors. We must answer the call to thrive and squash any inclination to merely survive.

Making Your Dreams Come True with Type 1 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 14:05:48 GMT

By Romain Ballet

May has always been a special month for me. 15 years ago, on May 17 ^th 2003, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I was 16 years old. Needless to say, Type 1 is a big part of who I have become. I have built my life around type 1 and it has taught me to enjoy life to the fullest. I was always a dreamer, but before Type 1, I used to just contemplate my dreams. Now. I have started making them come true, one after the other.

The first big dream I ever realized after my diagnosis was to become a doctor in immunology. I wanted to contribute to this body of knowledge to develop medications for autoimmune diseases. I always loved the feeling of living my disease both as a patient who has to understand his blood glucose (BG), and as a scientist who has to understand its mechanisms.

The second big dream I realized was a physical achievement. Before Type 1, I was already a very active person. I played soccer as part of the Guadeloupean national team. But after my diagnosis, I decided to explore more introspective sports. During my doctorate in Geneva, I was part of a triathlon relay team. We were the Geneva Predators! My swimmer and my cyclist were so talented that I always started my runs among the first three places and my only task was to stay on the podium! I particularly enjoyed this race format because I had to get out of my comfort zone for the sake of the team.

But the real challenge came in the spring of 2014. One of my labmates told me about his wife’s recent half Ironman (1.2 miles swim, 56 miles bike ride, 13.1 miles run). I immediately started imagining myself swimming without assistance for 1.2 miles – an eternity in my mind! My first thought was: “this is impossible with type 1”. But the seed was sown and the idea of racing a half Ironman grew in me… I ended up choosing the 70.3 Ironman Pays d’Aix, in the south of France, scheduled in May 2015 (it’s always about May). At the time, I did not have my continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and therefore had to race blind. My biggest fear was the swim, but I finished the race in 5:42:05 and proudly became a half-Ironman finisher

After that summer of 2015, I moved to Stanford University to pursue my scientific career. Next on my dream list? A full Ironman. If I could run a half, why not a full? It took me almost three years to go from idea to project. I joined the Stanford triathlon team, led by two inspirational coaches, Bruce Smith and Gina Kehr, former Ironman champions. At this point, I had the CGM, which changed my way of managing my diabetes. In the Tri team, I was surrounded with the best athletes and coaches I ever dreamt of. My time had come! Last October, I sat with Gina, and said “I want to be an Ironman. I want to do it to raise awareness for type 1s”. She looked at me and said “Great! Let’s do it”.

This was the beginning of an epic adventure that started in October 2017 and ended in May 2018, in Santa Rosa, California. Eight long months of training every single day, several times a day! For any healthy athlete preparing an Ironman, the training plan is about educating your body to keep up for several hours. But for us Type 1s, it’s also about simulating each leg of the race while taking note of your blood glucose trends to find your best recipe for the race. Like an experiment, I tried and reproduced many protocols until I found the right one.

For my swim, I always noticed a drop around 1.2 miles (half of the distance of the race), therefore my trick was to take a gel after 35-40 minutes of swimming. For the bike, I figured out that riding with 50% of my basal was a good compromise to keep my BG in check. For the run, it was hard to define the best recipe since the best simulation was the race itself. As a rule of thumb, I decided to keep my 50% basal for the run, thinking I could disconnect my pump if ever my blood sugar crashed. I also simulated the effect of breakfasts, gels, bars, bananas, energy drinks on my BG while training. I kept simulating until the last week of training.

As the race approached, my family, my friends and colleagues were all asking me the same question: “Are you ready?” My answer was a solid “I am!” From the bottom of my heart, I knew I was: I had trained so hard and consistently; I had faced so many scenarios with my BG that nothing could happen to me. Yes, I was ready to fight!

During my entire training, I forced myself not to overthink how the race would go. I tried not to think about my goal time, nor to imagine myself crossing the finish line. I did not want to be too disappointed if something went wrong during the race. I was chasing the biggest athletic dream of my life, and I wanted type 1s to chase their owns. I started to share my training and my story on social media on @SweetT1dreams. My motto: let’s have dreams and make them sweet.

On Saturday May 12 ^th 2018, my dream came true. After 10:51:42 of efforts, I became an Ironman. I nailed my blood sugars! (See the graph below). But more importantly, I tried so hard to advocate for type 1s with messages written on bandages during my run, that the guy with the microphone at the finish line said while I was crossing: “From France, Romain Ballet. You are an Ironman! Living with type 1 diabetes, you beat it young man! Yes you are, you are an Ironman”.

Being an Ironman is definitely one of the biggest achievements of my life. But ultimately, all of us share one common dream: finding a cure for type 1 diabetes! We depend on research for that and this is why I’ve dedicated my professional life as an immunologist to furthering this research. But research depends on public funds and therefore on you! At the beginning of my Ironman project, I set-up a fundraiser to support the work of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. My goal was to reach $10,000. I have already collected $3,445 thanks to 52 amazing people. Amazing! But together, we can do more.

Dear friends, dear Type 1s: whatever the amount, even if it’s symbolic, go on this link and donate: https://www.youcaring.com/sweett1dreams-1135225 . Thank you for your help! Thank you for reading my story, thank you for sharing.

Romain was diagnosed with type 1 in 2003 at the age of 16. His passion for teaching and science led him to become a Doctor in immunology with a focus on autoimmune diseases. He is currently a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University. In addition to his contribution to research, Romain advocates for Type 1s by pushing his limits during long distance races such as Ironmans or marathons.

I Hate Diabetes: Perspective is Everything

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 14:01:52 GMT

By Jennifer Griffin

You read that right, I hate diabetes. I said it. A lot of caregivers think it, but it’s not supposed to be said out loud (or written down!). We’re supposed to be strong, encouraging, and supportive of our little warriors. We’re supposed to stay calm, focus on fixing the problem and let kids be kids. But let’s face it, there’s a lot of things to hate about this thing we call type 1 diabetes.

3AM Juice parties and 3:20 and 3:40 and 4:00 and darn now she’s too high.
Saying no to ice cream because through no fault of her own, she’s been 350 all day.
Spending 3 hours on the phone with the insurance company trying to get them to cover the medication that will literally keep her alive.
Watching your two year old meltdown in Target, knowing it’s a high BG and that everyone around you thinks you’re a terrible mom.
Holding your seven year old as they cry because some little kid told the whole class she was contagious and now no one will sit with her.
Letting your 10 year old go to a sleepover, hoping you won’t have to call the house at 3am because the Dex is alerting low, or worse, not having a Dex and just worrying all night.
Letting your 16 year old drive alone for the first time, praying that she’ll check her sugar before starting the car, knowing she probably won’t.
Letting your 18 year old go off to college, hoping you taught her well enough to stay out of the hospital.

Now, before you throw in the towel, let me tell you why it’s not all bad.

3AM juice parties, as I laid next to her bed, holding her tiny hand, watching her sleep.
Saying yes to ice cream because a 50 is a good reason to have ice cream.
Knowing that 100 years ago I would be spending hours in the hospital watching my child waste away and die.
Asking your child “are you high?” in public and waiting to see reactions from nearby judgy moms.
Going into the classroom and teaching the kids what diabetes is and what makes my kid so awesome.
Sending my 10 year old to diabetes camp, knowing she’ll be safe and I can SLEEP for a week.
Watching as my child matures enough to handle things on her own, instead of relying on mom and dad to be the pancreas.
Knowing I’ve done everything I can to help her grow up and realizing she will make the same mistakes I did, but knowing she has more empathy, more responsibility, and more maturity than most kids her age.

So, hang in there caregivers – look for silver linings, take advantage of the opportunities as they come (meeting the governor at the Children’s Diabetes Foundation’s Carousel Ball was almost as cool as meeting all of the Avalanche players), and remember: you have a kid with diabetes, diabetes does not have your kid!

Accepting Type 1 Diabetes: Everyone Has a Story

Wed, 30 May 2018 14:00:25 GMT

TL;DR

A mother shares the emotional journey of her daughter’s Type 1 diabetes diagnosis at just 2 years old, from the early warning signs—like excessive thirst, bedwetting, and increased hunger—to the life-changing trip to the emergency room. In the years since diagnosis, her family has learned to navigate daily diabetes management while finding strength in community, advocacy, and unwavering family support. Their story highlights the importance of trusting parental instincts, recognizing symptoms early, and embracing life with Type 1 diabetes.

Updated: March 17, 2026

The Emotional Impact of a Child’s T1D Diagnosis

My name is Carlynn Martin and I am a mom of a type 1 (T1D) daughter named Chesney. I will never forget the day she was diagnosed : August 26, 2016. Everything surrounding that day is ingrained in my brain like a scar that will never go away. Sometimes I find myself replaying it in my head or a picture will trigger what life was like before she was diagnosed. As I write this almost 2 years post-diagnosis of nonstop carb counting, number crunching, and insulin dependence, I realize, even sleep deprived, how far we have come as a family.

Part of it has been healing for me and I have (at times) accepted our new path, but more importantly, I see that Chesney is truly something special. We as a family have dedicated our lives to making hers the best it can be. I won’t lie, in the beginning I couldn’t say the words TYPE 1 without sobbing uncontrollably and I didn’t want to be a part of this new community. But I have now realized that community is what we need . I have learned that: Everyone Has a Story . Some have been incredibly similar to mine. My daughter had just turned 2 and it literally broke my world.

Trusting Your Instincts as a Parent

I will never forget picking her up from the airport on August 24, 2016. Chesney had woken up from a nap, soaked from wetting the bed. I cleaned her up and I watched her give the biggest smile as I said, “let’s go pick up grandma from the airport.” It was always exciting for us when Grandma came into town. We picked her up and Grandma got in the back seat to sit with Chesney. They sang songs and chatted about Grandma coming to soccer the next day. Life couldn’t have been happier.

When we got home, I took Chesney out of her car seat and noticed that she had wet through her diaper. At this point, more and more flags were starting to rise.

The next morning, Grandma came to the house, and we all walked to the park for soccer. I remember it so clearly. She wore pigtails and it was the last day so they would get a certificate and take a picture with the team. Such a perfect and special day for Grandma to be there.

Then I noticed that Chesney was really thirsty and hungry and kind of lethargic. I, of course, had a million reasons in my head as to why; it’s really hot out, she is going through a growth spurt, she didn’t sleep last night because she was so excited.

Once soccer was over, it was Grandma and Chesney time while I had to go to work for a little. I remember I packed her a whole cooler of food and when I got home grandma said she had eaten all of the food plus more… a major flag with a 2-year-old who wouldn’t eat anything I gave her just a week ago.

That night, my husband and I talked about Chesney and looked up some different parent sites that talked about bed wetting and diapers… let’s just say the best advice they had was to use 2 diapers or buy a diaper insert. Two solutions I was not going to use. I knew something wasn’t right…

The Day Everything Changed: A Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis

The next day would be the absolute worst day of my life as I spare you the details of how those terrible words were delivered to me and our urgency to get to the emergency room. As our world was crumbling to pieces, I felt lost , like I had failed as a mother to my first and only child at the time. There was someone that we could count on. Grandma. I know it took her breath away when her own son had to tell her the news about her sweet granddaughter, but she rose to the occasion and immediately offered her help and love.

She went to the house and packed a bag for Chesney, Erich, and me assuming we would be staying the night in the emergency room. And on top of that she brought us dinner, insisting that I take a bite or two to keep my strength up. She was a mom to me that day when I needed a mom to tell me that it was going to be alright and that she believed I was meant to be Chesney’s mom and that no matter what we would all get her through this.

Finding Strength in Family Support During Diagnosis

To this day, I don’t know what I would do without her love and undeniable support. She fights with us every day and she has moved back to Denver to be closer to her family and grandkids. She has been to countless doctor appointments and meetings at the Barbara Davis Center. She joined The Guild and The Children’s Hospital and dedicates so much time to fundraising, spreading awareness, and advocating alongside us for T1D. She is so beyond incredible and does so much for everyone that you would never know that she herself battles Multiple Sclerosis. I am in complete awe of my mother-in-law. She is a true example of what a woman, mother, and Grandma should be. We love you to the moon and back, Grandma and cannot thank you enough for all you do. We are beyond blessed to have you!

Where is Chesney Today?

My name is Chesney Martin, and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age two and have been a T1D warrior for nine years. I love traveling to the beach, skiing in the mountains , and playing golf, basketball, soccer, and flag football. I adore spending time with my family, reading books, and seeing movies, and I’m grateful to have an amazing team of friends who support me every day. My family and friends are the heart of my support system. I hope to open minds, stop stereotypes, break barriers, and continue raising awareness as I fight relentlessly for a cure.

Thriving in a World with No Sight: Monica Johnson’s Story

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 04 May 2018 13:55:55 GMT

By Monica Johnson of Vision with No Sight

In 1984, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 11. I grew up on 156 acres of land in a small town north of Syracuse, New York, called Bernhards Bay. Bernhards Bay is a small hamlet in Oswego County along the north shore of Oneida Lake. The house I lived in has been in my family for well over two hundred years. I loved everything about my twenty-seven years living on a farm and riding my horses.

Being diagnosed with diabetes while in sixth grade was a very tough experience. Within a month, my weight dropped drastically from 110 pounds to 70 pounds. As I later understood what was happening to my body, in people with diabetes, insufficient insulin prevents the body from getting glucose from the blood into the body’s cells to use as energy. When this occurs, the body starts burning fat and muscle for energy, causing a reduction in overall body weight. Little did I know, I was experiencing the early warning signs; weight loss, extreme thirst and frequent urination.

On Thanksgiving night in 1984, it became too much to bear when my dad had to carry me to the bathroom because I couldn’t get there on my own. I spent two weeks in the hospital learning about insulin shots and all the different tests that come with a type 1 diabetes diagnosis. This was terrifying as an 11-year-old, not knowing what life would be like when I walked out of the hospital doors. How would I give myself insulin every day? Would I be able to do the normal things other kids do, like enjoy birthday cake? There were so many unknowns and I felt so lost.

Since many people didn’t know about the disease in 1984, my classmates thought it was contagious and they could catch it by being around me. When I returned to school, I faced rejection and bullying from my closest friends. This made me want to hide my diabetes from everyone including my family. If others knew I had diabetes, they wouldn’t want to be my friend. Growing up is not easy, but growing up with a chronic condition is much more difficult.

Marshall : Marshall has been subjected to numerous treatment plans: daily injections, glucose tests that take substantial amounts of time and blood samples, mixing of insulin, schedules and diets to try to manage highs and lows, and the constant stress of this chronic disease over 28 years. His bright spot in diabetes is technology and the advancements in care. The pump he’s currently using communicates with his Continuous Glucose Monitor. We call this a “closed loop,” since the CGM tells the pump whether the glucose levels are high or low, and the pump automatically adjusts the drip of insulin to bring him back to “normal.” By no means does this mean Marshall is worry free, nor does it mean he never goes high or low, but it’s a start. He still has to count the carbs and test his blood and deal with needles, but he also has the help of a mini computer on his hip and arm that work 24/7 to keep him safe. For now, and for where he’s been, this is a wonderful thing for Marshall and his diabetes care.

In not wanting to appear different from others, I neglected proper maintenance of my diabetes.

Complications caused me to be near death when I was 28 years old. I started to notice that my vision was getting blurry and my primary care doctor suggested I visit an eye doctor to see what was going on. I left the eye doctor’s office with a prescription for glasses, but felt there was more to it. It got to the point where my prescription was changing every three months. In one visit to the eye doctor, they told me they were just starting to see signs of diabetic retinopathy. JUST starting? That’s when I knew I needed to be an advocate for myself because I had gone from being totally sighted to losing my sight within 6 months. It was almost like a dimmer switch had been turned on and things were getting darker little by little. On February 9, 2002, at the age of 29, I woke up and that was the last time I saw daylight. The first words I uttered were, “My life is over and I’ll never be able to do anything ever again.”

When I first went blind, my mom invited a blind person to come to the house and tell me how successful I could be as a blind person. I wasn’t ready for that yet. I was newly blind and when this person left our house, I could hear him touching and feeling objects around our house to find his way out. I was so mad at my mom and couldn’t believe she would do that to me. After five years of being cared for by my mother and stepfather, while deep in depression, I was doing nothing but lying in bed listening to the radio or television.

Way back then, I was struggling to find out who I was. I couldn’t figure out my purpose in life and why I was here until I had a defining moment. I was sitting on the couch listening to the television when I heard a voice tell me to get up and do dishes. My transformation progressed over the years from being a physical, visual, and emotional invalid to achieving numerous personal victories. Aurora of Central New York taught me how to return to normal life given my visual impairment. I went through two and a half years of training with them and I’m now able to live on my own. They taught me to navigate the bus system and gave me confidence to travel on my own. The ARISE Foundation out of Oswego County, NY, found a place for me to live and made sure it was compatible with my needs. I’ve also had the opportunity to share my story with Welch Allyn®, creator of RetinaVue® Care Delivery Model , which enables primary care providers to examine patients for diabetic retinopathy at their office. I wish this option was around in 1984, but I am so impressed with how they want people to have the best care possible.

Some people look at my blindness as a tragedy, but I look at it as a blessing. There were times diabetes made me feel unworthy, but I know my purpose here is to help people through motivational speaking. I get to empower and encourage people every day. If I’m able to help one person, I’ve already helped to change the world. If I can encourage someone to find peace with his or her diabetes or blindness, I’ve done my job.

The Silver Linings of Type 1 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 03 May 2018 13:52:50 GMT

By Megan Aikman, wife of a type 1 and mother of 2 type 1s
Originally posted on Beyond the Syringe

Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the painful parts of diabetes, but really it’s not all about needles, ketones, carbs, and sleepless nights. Really wonderful things come from having diabetes. There is more laughter than tears in our house, and the scary stuff really only takes up a small portion of our days. We asked each other “what’s something good that has happened because of diabetes”, and here’s what we all said:

Walker : Walker is our social butterfly. She loves parties, people, and talking. Without hesitation, Walker said she loves all the events we get to do with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the American Diabetes Association. We are lucky enough to be involved with both organizations, and to live in an area that supports children and families living with diabetes. When Marshall was diagnosed back in the early 90’s in a small town in Maine he felt quite alone. There was no support system for him, he was the only kid at school with type 1, and he certainly didn’t feel as though he had a ticket to a members only club. There was no internet so the prospect of seeking out an online support wasn’t an option either. We are lucky to have a community to lean on and support, especially those of us in the family who revel in such extroverted activities.

Ollie : I was surprised by Ollie’s answer. Ollie rarely complains about diabetes or fights any finger pokes or site changes. In no way does this mean they come easy, he just knows it’s something that needs to be done. It just is. When I asked Ollie “what’s something good about having diabetes,” he looked me squarely in the eyes and said, “I’m braver because of it.” I nearly choked on my coffee when he said it. I mean, it’s true, and I think it every day about my family, but for him to say it so matter-of-factly knocked me on my butt. I’m so proud of him and the lessons he’s learning, and the grace with which he tackles this journey of his. I don’t think he’s braver because of diabetes, but I believe diabetes has helped him realize it was within him all along. That’s certainly something good, especially at the age of ten.

Megan: Because of diabetes I have learned that I’m stronger than I think I am. I’ve always been easily overwhelmed by things, for as long as I can remember. I’ve always allowed the tiniest things to stress me out. Well, diabetes is far from a “tiny thing” and I’m handling it. The sun rises and the sun sets and I’ve made it through another day, all the while fixing meals, breaking up kid arguments, doing the laundry, changing the litter box, checking blood sugar, counting carbs, dosing insulin, and tending to dangerous lows and scary highs.

We weren’t given a choice in this, and I wish my family didn’t have to fight through it every day, but some really beautiful things come to light when we’re put in situations we might otherwise opt out of. The lessons my children are learning about themselves are priceless. The people we’ve met are some of the most wonderful friends we have in our lives. The gratitude Marshall feels for the care he’s receiving now, versus nearly 30 years ago, reverberates into all parts of his life. And all four of us know we’re in it together. I think our family is stronger because of diabetes. There’s nothing bad or scary about that.

How to Explain Type 1 Diabetes to a Child

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 13:49:43 GMT

TL;DR

Explaining type 1 diabetes to children can be simple using relatable concepts like food turning into sugar and insulin acting as a “key” that helps the body use that energy. This guide breaks down how to teach kids what Type 1 diabetes is, how to recognize high and low blood sugar, and how to support classmates with diabetes. With the right explanation, children can better understand, empathize, and help keep their friends safe.

Updated: March 18, 2026

What Is Type 1 Diabetes? A Simple Explanation for Kids

Last week I spoke to my 7-year-old daughter’s class about diabetes. I did this last year too and will likely do it every year until Walker and her 10-year-old type 1 brother, Ollie, are comfortable taking on that role. Their classes travel together through the grades, and their teacher follows them from 1st grade to 5th. This allows us to build upon new levels of understanding and compassion each year. The children become like a family, and they watch out for each other and take care of the needs of their friends.

This is how I explain type 1 diabetes to children:

How the Body Uses Sugar for Energy

All of us need energy to make our muscles, and our heart, and our brain do the work they need to do. We get our energy from the food we eat. We eat this food and it goes into our belly and our belly works to turn all this food into energy or sugar. This sugar goes into our blood so that it can be carried around to all the different parts of our body that need it. For people like you and me, who don’t have type 1 diabetes, this sugar moves into our muscles and we don’t have to do anything.

Why People With Type 1 Diabetes Need Insulin

For people like Walker, her brother Ollie, and their dad, this isn’t how it works. The food they eat still turns into sugar and gets sent into their blood, only it gets stuck there. It can’t move from the blood into the muscles without some medicine. I like to think of this medicine like keys that unlock doors. If they eat 3 crackers, then they need 3 keys to let this sugar go into the muscles. Every time they eat, they need to also add some keys. But sometimes they might not get enough keys to let all the crackers in and then their blood sugar gets high. Or sometimes they get too many keys and then it lets more sugar into the muscles than is supposed to be there and then their blood sugar gets low.

How to Recognize Low Blood Sugar in a Child

So, when their blood sugar is too low, the only way we can get it up is to add sugar. The quickest way to do this is with juice or candy , like the candy they carry in their packs. This isn’t a treat, it’s just as important as their medicine.

If you were to see Walker acting funny, in a way that’s not like her normal funny self, but more like stumbling around or saying nonsense words, you should let a teacher or grown-up know. Or, if you were to find her asleep on the ground, you should run to a grown-up. Her blood sugar is probably very, very low and she would need help to give her juice or special medicine to bring her blood sugar up.

How to Recognize High Blood Sugar in a Child

She also might act sleepy or really grumpy. Sometimes she has to pee a lot or is very thirsty. This probably means her blood sugar is high. Normally this isn’t as dangerous, or at least not so dangerous you need to run and find a grown-up. When her blood sugar is high it means she needs a little extra insulin, or those keys we talked about, to bring her blood sugar down. Just be patient with her, and if you’re really concerned you can always talk to a grown-up.

Common Questions Kids Ask About Type 1 Diabetes

At this point in my talk with the children, they usually have lots of questions. The things they ask are quite amazing, better than any questions I’ve heard a lot of adults ask. I appreciate the bluntness of the questions. Things like:

“How Did She Get Diabetes?”

We don’t know . Even her doctor doesn’t know for sure. What we do know is that her body just decided to treat her pancreas like it didn’t belong to her anymore. Sometimes a cold or chicken pox or some other illness confuses the body and it starts fighting with her pancreas. Something in her body, something that she was born with that has always been there, just switched on and confused her body like this.

“Is Diabetes Contagious?”

No. You cannot catch diabetes.

“Will She Grow Out of Diabetes? Will It Go Away?”

No. She’ll always have diabetes, until they find a cure .

“What Happens if Her Blood Sugar Gets Too Low?”

She could get very, very sick. She could even die. But that’s why we check her blood sugar so much, and have candy and snacks all around the school, and she wears her CGM (and her adults can see her blood sugar on their phones). All these things keep her safe so hopefully her blood sugar never gets so low.

“What Happens if Her Blood Sugar Gets Too High?”

She can still get very sick, but it doesn’t happen as quickly as low blood sugar can happen. If she doesn’t get her medicine to bring her blood sugar down that can be very dangerous. But like I said, this takes a little longer to happen so she can get the help she needs before then.

"Can She Do Everything That Everyone Else Does?"

Absolutely yes! It just might take a little more planning and attention, but there is NOTHING someone with type 1 diabetes cannot do.

“Does She Like to Eat All That Candy?”

It might surprise you, but no, she doesn’t really like to have to eat all this candy. It’s not as fun to have to eat sweets when you’re not in the mood for it. And by now she thinks of candy as something she has to do when her blood sugar is low, and that’s not a good feeling for her.

“I HATE Shots!”

I know, and Walker doesn’t like shots either. But she doesn’t have a choice because if she didn’t get all these shots then she’d get very sick.

“Wow, Walker’s Really Brave.”

At which point I try to breathe through the welling of tears and bring our discussion to a close.

Why Teaching Kids About Type 1 Diabetes Matters

There are no stupid questions. I’d rather answer the same question 20 times than have someone assume misinformation. Only through understanding will my family, and all their type 1 friends, be safe.

13 Things that Make Type 1s Happy

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 13:47:52 GMT

We all have good days and bad days with type 1 diabetes, but these special things will always cheer us up!

1 – Seeing a straight (or even something lightly resembling straight) line on your CGM

2 – When your CGM and meter have the exact same reading

3 – When you have a magic unicorn (a blood sugar of 100) OR when you get a DOUBLE UNICORN, aka your meter and your CGM are BOTH reading 100!

4 – When you tell someone you have type 1 diabetes and they actually understand what that actually means

5 – When your A1c is better than you expected it to be

6 – When your friend/family jump in to correct someone’s inaccurate diabetes knowledge before you can even speak

7 – When you eat a big meal and still have a good blood sugar afterwards

8 – When your carb counting skills are top-notch

9 – When you convince someone that you’re part cyborg

10 – When you’re reunited with your diabestie and can complain about your diabetes problems finally

11 – When your blood sugar stays in range before, during, AND after exercise (or even one of those really)

12 – When you see a stranger testing their blood sugar or wearing a pump

13 – When you find a test strip in the most random spot

To our fellow type 1s – we hope this put a smile on your face!

How It All Began – Type 1 Lifting

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 13:34:49 GMT

Written by Thomas Lennon of Type1Lifting
Click here to see original post
W ritten on December 29, 2016

I knew going into 2016 that it would be a year of big changes. My wife and I had just had our first son, we moved to Atlanta to be closer to family and I was starting a new career. Stressful as they are, I welcomed every one of those changes. Between stepping into the craziness of being a first-time dad and moving away from my whole life as a Bostonian, everything was in a constant state of motion. It was a roller coaster, but one that I loved riding. One change was not planned and it brought the whole ride to a stop. At 35, after a lifetime of perfect health, pushing myself as an endurance athlete, and barely seeing a doctor for any reason, I found out that I am a diabetic.

Before leaving Boston I noticed that I had started losing weight. I’ve been lifting for over 15 years and know my body and metabolism pretty well, but I still didn’t think much of it. Once we were settled in Atlanta I found a new position at a local hospital. During my pre-employment screening more red flags popped up. When I left Boston I was 224 pounds. I weighed in at 201! I didn’t think anything of it when they did a blood screen, figuring it was pretty routine. I also didn’t give it a second thought when the nurse asked if I felt okay, what I ate for breakfast, or if my daily life had changed dramatically. After all the questioning, I wanted to know what my blood results were showing. The nurse told me my blood sugar was at 390 (keep in mind the average person is around 80 to 130). There was no way that my sugar was that high. The nurse instructed me to get one of those over the counter glucometers and do a 12 hour fast and check my levels. I can remember sitting in my car in the driveway staring skeptically at this thing. I did what the nurse told me and when I checked my levels I was at 271. I contacted the nurse to give her the results and she told me I needed to see an endocrine doctor ASAP. After seeing a doctor I was officially diagnosed with type-1 diabetes.

This last year has been all about learning. Everything from learning how to do the math on insulin to the new products coming on the market, every experience was brand new. The biggest change came with my diet. I used to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or chocolate chip cookies without a second thought. Now some of my favorite foods are reserved for very special occasions. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how extremely lucky I am. My wife made a great meal plan that had dramatic effects on my blood sugar levels. Type-1 Diabetics check their A1C levels by comparing scores every three months. My level started at an 11.5 (well above the 5.5 of the average, non-diabetic person). My amazing wife put together a meal plan that was heavy on healthy, fresh foods and eliminated processed junk. In less than a year my A1C level was down to 5.8!

The year opened with many changes, some expected and some not. A change that was even more unexpected than my diagnosis was that type-1 diabetes would push my fitness to the next level. I have been lifting since high school and have pushed myself in triathlons and in CrossFit. I have seen a steady increase in the past year to things I wouldn’t have dreamed of just a few years ago. This year I broke huge personal milestones with a 400 lb. squat and a 320 lb. front squat.

Being diagnosed with diabetes made me change my diet, refocus my lifting, and served as a big challenge to push myself farther and harder than ever. Every person with type-1 diabetes is going to have their own experiences and their own stories. 2016 was a year of changes for me and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for both me and TYPE-1 LIFTING.

Learn more about Type-1 Lifting here

Type 1 Diabetes vs. Type 2 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 13:33:13 GMT

Written by:
Shideh Majidi, MD
Assistant Professor, Pediatric Endocrinology

It is very common for people who don’t have type 1 diabetes to confuse type 1 (T1D) with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Adults (and occasionally teenagers) can be diagnosed with T2D when in fact they have T1D. So what is the difference between the two and how can someone tell if they may have been misdiagnosed?

T1D is an absolute deficiency of insulin due to an autoimmune process. The only treatment for someone with T1D is insulin via injections or an insulin pump. T2D is predominately due to insulin resistance. This means that the body is able to make insulin, but because it does not respond well to insulin (“insulin resistance”), it now needs more insulin than it can produce. Sometimes T2D can be treated with diet and exercise or oral medications, and sometimes it also needs to be treated with insulin. In both cases, people usually have symptoms of extreme thirst and needing to urinate a lot. However, it is much more common for someone with T1D to be severely ill at diagnosis than those with T2D, who often do not feel sick at diagnosis. Both T1D and T2D can run in families, but people with T2D are much more likely to have a relative with T2D. Most people with a new diagnosis of T1D have no known relative with the disease.

ver 90% of children with diabetes have T1D, while the majority of adults with diabetes have T2D. However, T2D can be seen in children (most often in overweight or obese children after puberty has started) and T1D can occur in adults (often adults with T1D are leaner at diagnosis than those with T2D). In adults with T1D, it can sometimes take longer to lose the cells that make and release insulin (islet cells) compared to children, which can make it harder to distinguish between T1D and T2D.

When a child presents with diabetes, antibodies are often obtained and this, in addition to other clinical factors, are used to diagnose T1D versus T2D. If someone is misdiagnosed as T2D, they will notice that symptoms and blood sugars are not improving or are worsening on oral medications. They may continue to lose weight and will often become more and more ill until insulin is started. Children will notice this more rapidly than adults will. If there is any concern for misdiagnosis, it is important to talk with your doctor. Obtaining diabetes autoantibodies can help in determining whether someone has T1D.

Photos by Steele Style Shots

Type 1 Diabetes: Hindsight is 20/20

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 19:37:37 GMT

By Jennifer Hess

This picture is from 7 years ago. We were hiking and my 4 yr old was pretending to be a bear. You may not even see it, but he is very sick in this picture. Don’t worry, John and I couldn’t see it 7 years ago either. As one can say, hindsight is 20/20. This perfect, little boy was still “normal”, like all little boys. He never had to worry. I never had to worry. John never had to worry. We slept at night.

Today, my 11 year old son has lived over half of his life with a disease that there is still no cure for it, only a way to manage it.

Seven years ago, on September 23, 2010 to be exact, my friend Monica convinced me to take Alex to the doctor (to confirm what we suspected). I will never forget that day. Alex was four years old. It was 4:00 in the afternoon and I called Alex’s pediatrician. Somehow I got the last appointment for the day. The doctor came in and I was playing it off like there was nothing wrong, “Alex has been drinking a lot, peeing all the time. We can’t even go to the grocery store without him going to the bathroom a couple of times. I think he may have strep throat,” I told her. The doctor decided to test his urine to see if he was spilling sugar.

She poked his finger, it read 364 (I had no idea what this meant at the time). As soon as she read the number she threw the blood glucose meter down and it shattered. We both burst into tears because she didn’t have to say a word. I knew and she knew I knew. The doctor told me you need to get to the ER right away. She told me she was going to call an ambulance. I told her I wanted to drive him, the ambulance would scare him. I begged her to please let me drive him. I really just wanted to go home and get Alex’s blanket and teddy – but I didn’t tell her that. Somehow I was able to convince her to let me drive him to the ER. She told me the cops will be at my house if I am not at Children’s Hospital within the hour. John made that 45 min drive during rush hour in less than 20 mins.

Upon arriving at the hospital, we were whisked into a room with doctors and nurses coming in and out. The waiting. The not knowing what exactly is going on. The ER can be a very lonely place when you are scared. Me telling the doctors there that I gave him an Icee and a cookie around 3 — it’s my fault; I’m a bad mom. I fed him crap and that’s why his sugar is high five hours later. Apologizing saying I will only give him vegetables for snacks from now on. The ER docs telling me I am a good mom and that was not it. Being thankful he was not in DKA. The confirmation that it is Type 1 Diabetes, the insulin, feeling “shell shocked”, the Barbara Davis Center (BDC) the next mornings.

The next morning, we met a new friend Lori at the BDC whose daughter (also Alex’s age) was going through the exact same thing that day. It is funny how all of a sudden you are drawn to people who are in the same situation as you are. You become instant friends. You are now in this club that you really don’t want to belong to, but you do and you are going to make the best of it. The next days were a whirl-wind of learning how to draw insulin, test blood sugars, carb count, learn what everything means.

We are constantly learning how to manage his diabetes – because it changes daily, it always will. I am so thankful for insulin and so thankful for my friends who wanted to learn how to help manage Alex’s diabetes so he could be a “normal” boy and have playdates. So thankful for the doctors, nurses and all of the staff at the Barbara Davis Center who made this so much easier for us. Each and every one of them care about Alex, they care about our family. They really want us to be successful in managing this disease. Eventually, a new normal sets in, but every time you a see a newly diagnosed family with that shell-shocked look in their eyes it all comes rolling back. All you can do is nod and tell them it will be okay with that same look that we got when we were diagnosed. You know they are in good hands and it will be okay.

You know, the thing I find funny and a bit ironic, if you ask Alex if he hopes they find a cure for diabetes, he’ll tell you no. He likes to tell me, “Mom, I love having diabetes. It makes me more special.” But, as all moms do, I hope that one day soon I can say to Alex they found a cure!

17 Hours with Type 1 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 13:25:31 GMT

By Mattie Peck

Type 1 diabetes can sometimes just be impossible to control. As an adult (26), I try my absolute best to keep my blood sugars in range (much more than I was able to as a kid and teenager), but some days just get the best of me. Today is a particularly bad day…

I went to bed at 10 pm at 154, which I felt pretty good about because I had a pretty sugary beverage an hour and a half before and landing at 154 isn’t too bad.

I woke up at 11:30 pm in one of those horrible, all-encompassing lows. I was disoriented, sweaty, and my only thought was “FOOD.” I threw a pack of fruit snacks down my throat and then stumbled down to the kitchen where I probably spent 20 minutes just eating on the floor. My fumbly fingers managed to find peanut butter, crackers, and a Hershey’s chocolate bar. I felt ravenous and just needed to get that food in me as soon as possible. I ate and ate and ate.

When I finally finished, I realized… this is going to spike my blood sugars up. So I dosed for 25 carbs, which I felt safe doing because the crackers and chocolate would spike in probably 20 minutes and then the peanut butter would slowly raise my blood sugars. The insulin wouldn’t hit for another 45 minutes, so dosing when I’m still technically low, works for me.

I went to bed and set my alarm clock for 1 am and 2 am. At 1 am, I was 184, which I gave a tiny dose for. At 2 am, I was 168, which I gave another small dose for (because the peanut butter should be kicking in by now so it’ll probably go up a little bit more).

I felt really solid about my dosing decisions and decided no more alarms were needed. I could sleep for the rest of the night.

I wake up at 6 am… 345. Yikes.

I dose it down. I can only assume that I miscalculated how much peanut butter I ate or was still spiking from overeating for a low. Hey, it happens, right?

Well, 2 hours later I’m at work and I go to the bathroom (TMI?). That’s when I see my pump site. It’s almost entirely ripped out and there’s no saving it. I guess that explains the high blood sugar. Time to drive home from work to get my supplies, and dose down this high again (I was still sitting around 340).

Less than 20 minutes later (around 9:15 am), everything is replaced and I dosed for that high blood sugar again. Just in case SOME of the insulin got in, I only dosed a unit more than it suggested (It was already suggesting a low number since it thought I still had a lot of insulin in my system). Better to be safe than sorry!

Then 12pm hits… I’m right back where I was last night. I’m shaky, my vision is blurry, I just want to focus on work, but find myself blankly staring at my computer screen instead. I eat a snickers, I drink a juice, I throw a mini box of Nerds in my mouth. And now it’s time to wait. Wait for all that sugar to kick in. Please kick in. And then I get sleepy. That’s not good.

I tend to get afraid when I get sleepy and low. I had a seizure when I was in 5th grade and to me it felt like I was just falling asleep, but then I woke up to an EMT shifting me onto the carrier. I can’t have that happen again so I go into my coworker’s office and just ask her to watch over me until this passes. I don’t want to be alone when it feels this bad.

She reacted so calmly and put me at ease. A few minutes later, I’m just having a normal conversation and I realize, we’re in the clear.

I get back to work, everything’s good. I eat a small lunch at 12:45 since it seems like I’ve just been shoving food into my body nonstop since last night.

It’s 1:45 pm and it hits me again. I’m low. Again. 53. And I can feel that it’s moving fast. I eat another pack of fruit snacks, some pineapple, and a little bit of juice. It should go up now.

I wait 20 minutes.

How am I STILL low. Off to my office’s kitchen. It’s stocked with Halloween goodies so I eat some candy and a cup of jello with fruit in it.

…And that’s when I started writing about my day. It’s 3 pm and right now, I’m 64. Still not high enough, but it’s holding steady there. I’m still shaky. My brain still feels foggy. I just want to go home and lay down, but I can’t do that until my blood sugar is high enough to drive.

These past 17 hours have been rough. I feel like I’ll be out of the water soon, but who knows. I’ve eaten so much today and that feels terrible. I can’t skip dinner though because that will make me go low again. I’ll have to eat a very well-balanced meal, something that I know *exactly* how to dose for so that I can eventually get to sleep tonight.

There are so many factors (predictable and unpredictable…well, mostly unpredictable) that go into your blood sugar levels. My survival is dependent on dosing the exact right amount of insulin and having my technology work flawlessly, but that’s not always the case.

I’m not sharing this story for pity. Overall, I’m pretty proud of how I care for my type 1. But I want people to know that this is just the reality of life with type 1 diabetes. November is #DiabetesAwarenessMonth and I hope this sheds just a little light on the crazy complications of this disease. While I try my best to give just the perfect amount of insulin to keep my blood sugars steady, I’m not a pancreas. But tomorrow’s a new day and I’ll keep trying.

Photos by Steele Style Shots

The Dawn Phenomenon

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 19:37:38 GMT

By Todd Alonso, MD
Assistant Professor
Assistant Medical Director for Quality and Informatics
Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes

Anyone wrangling the day-to-day variations in blood sugar has observed that some times of day present particular challenges. Experts estimate that half of people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes experience blood sugar rises around the beginning of the day, an event we know as the Dawn Phenomenon. The current understanding is that overnight growth hormone and cortisol secretion leads to insulin resistance in the liver, resulting in more glucose output, and in muscle, reducing glucose uptake. In people without diabetes, early morning insulin levels increase only slightly, probably because insulin from the pancreas flows into portal veins which branch into capillary beds in the liver before passing on to the rest of the body, thereby allowing the liver to “see” more of the insulin than it does in a person with diabetes whose insulin comes from subcutaneous injection.

In practice, this phenomenon becomes pronounced when our patients reach puberty, often requiring them to use up to twice as much insulin per gram of carbohydrate at breakfast as they do during the rest of the day. In addition to optimizing the insulin to carb ratio, for insulin pump users we increase the basal rate around the time the person wakes up. Patients who use once daily long acting insulin usually benefit from taking it in the evening, allowing the subtle peak to occur around dawn. In contrast, however, is the experience of prepubertal patients, who often have their greatest basal insulin need between 9 PM and midnight, which leads us to increase basal rates or give long acting insulin in the morning.

Dietary management is also a good tool. While it may be counterintuitive, eating breakfast is very important, as it decreases the secretion of hormones mentioned above. Your mother was right when she said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Additionally, increasing the protein to carbohydrate ratio of the evening meal has been shown to help.

Exercise, especially in the evening, has also been shown to reduce the effect of the Dawn Phenomenon. For this and other reasons, I encourage all my patients to participate in fitness activities throughout the year.

Managing the ever-changing glucose trends and insulin needs is difficult, requiring frequent monitoring and adjustment. Your healthcare team can help you identify these trends, but I also encourage you to use these tools to become your own expert!

What does it really mean to have type 1 diabetes?

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 13:19:38 GMT

By Joleigh Burgett

Imagine your life changing in a blink of an eye, with no way of turn back. On the outside it may look like nothing but on the inside, it is so much more. It means that those with diabetes have survived days, weeks, months and maybe even years, that they should not have. What most people don’t understand is diabetes is more than just putting insulin in your body every time you eat and checking your blood sugar a few times a day.

It’s constantly having to carry a barrel load of supplies or having to be attached to a device, that is your only way of survival. It’s the late nights waking up from a low blood sugar, and then not being able to fall back asleep due to the fear of never waking back up. It’s the crazy high blood sugars that leave you with a migraine and with a thirst that makes you drink an oceans worth of water. It’s being one of the few, maybe even only student, in a school of a few thousand other students that are bringing ignorant remarks, and judgmental stares. It’s the constant bicker of people telling you what you, so call, can and can not eat. It’s the constant fight within your own head, whether to eat and take a shot, or not to eat and not have to worry about how your body is going to react.

Having diabetes is not being able to stress out, because your body is most likely going to react in a negative way. Its everyone telling you to stop slacking, but they really have no clue how difficult it is to deal with something you didn’t ask to have, nor could have prevented. It’s all the people telling you, they would much rather die than have to give themselves multiple shots a day, and it’s the constant thought of how different your life would be without this incurable disease. It’s the doctor’s appointments every three months, and it’s the thousands of dollars put into supplies every month, just in order to survive the next. Having diabetes means having to try just a little bit harder each and every day.

Although this disease has made me fight every day, and has challenged me in every way possible, I know for a fact that I would not be the person I am today, without it. I have diabetes, but having diabetes is not what defines me as a person. It is in simple terms, a disease that I must live with, but I will never let it control who I am, or how I choose to live my life.

-My story of being diagnosed:

My name is Joleigh Burgett and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, when I was 17 years old, on September 14, 2015. I had all the typical signs prior to being diagnosed, like extreme thirst, frequent urination, lethargy, fruity breath odor, and extreme sudden loss of weight. All together I just felt absolutely terrible. Like a lot of others, I was misdiagnosed three times. By the time I was diagnosed I was in DKA, also known as Diabetic Ketoacidosis. After a few long days in Children’s Hospital, I was released and immediately sent to the Barbara Davis Center where I had to learn about this new life that I was just thrown into. Learning how to live with type 1 diabetes is like learning how to live again, but now with needles, insulin dosing, carb counting, finger pricking and so much more.

-Why I think it is important to spread awareness:

I understand many people don’t have type 1 diabetes, so spreading awareness isn’t a priority. But the day before I was diagnosed, it wasn’t a priority for me either. For those who understand, no explanation is needed. But for those who do not understand, it constantly feels like no explanation is possible. But what those people don’t understand is spreading awareness could end up saving a life.

-Things that have helped me since I was diagnosed:

The key for me has been, telling myself that this disease will never stop me, and making sure I don’t let it get to me or slow me down. When I take a minute to stop and look around, I have so many friends and family that are supporting me through it all, so I don’t have to worry. Sometimes it’s hard, and I don’t think that I can do it, but they remind me that there is so much more to my life. When I was diagnosed I was blessed with the wonderful staff at the Barbara Davis Center. From the people at the front desk, to the people who took my vital signs, the nutritionists, the nurses, the doctors, the research groups, and support groups, I would not be where I am today without each and every one of them. I was on shots and finger sticks for about three months and then immediately got on an insulin pump and a CGM. These two devices, that I am very lucky to have access to, have helped me better manage my diabetes.

-What has Diabetes taught me?:

Diabetes has taught me to not take anything for granted, because in a blink of an eye everything in your life could change. The little things, like not having to count carbs before you eat, are things I know I took for granted before I was diagnosed. Diabetes has tested me in every way possible but it sure has made me realize just how brave and strong I really am.

How to Handle Halloween with Type 1 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 13:15:26 GMT

By Jennifer Griffin

It’s October and as the weather changes thoughts turn to Halloween. Whether it’s your first year or your fifteenth the massive quantities of candy, treats and not to mention the extra exercise of Trick or treating can be daunting for any T1D parent.

First, let me say that I will never judge another family for how they handle diabetes. This condition is big enough without us turning on each other. However, since our family has had this particular adventure for 12 years here are a few of my tips.

My DD was 2 when we were diagnosed, so it was really easy to let her go to 15 houses for trick or treating, take some pictures, give her one candy and then mysteriously make it disappear. We saved the candy for emergency lows (and mom’s energy after a long night) and moved on to Thanksgiving.

As my daughter grew we had to come up with a way to “get rid of” most of the candy without her feeling deprived. Out of this, the Halloween Fairy was born. I realize since then someone has created a “Sugar Goblin” similar to the Elf on the Shelf, but this isn’t nearly as much work. The Halloween Fairy takes some of the candy collected for trick or treating and leaves a toy instead. The more they give up, the better the toy. This works for non-T1D kids too, leaving even more candy for the “emergency stash”.

It’s hard at these times to have your kiddo see their friends digging into large piles of candy and eating whatever they want, so be sure to be ready with carb counts and insulin. Same with the school Halloween party. If your kiddo is old enough discuss what treats might be there and strategies for making good choices. Send a baggie to bring extra treats home and make sure the teacher understands your plan. This is where a pump comes in handy verses multiple injections, but just correcting after works too. Remember that candy carbs burn hot and fast. Our first few years we actually had rebound lows. Increasing a temp basal rate will allow them to graze during Trick or Treating and setting a timer to stop and check their blood glucaose every 30 minutes allows you to gage how they’re doing.

Allowing your kid to have some treats will let them feel like their peers, while setting limits helps them understand the importance of balance. Really, that’s an important lesson for anyone because no one needs to eat the entire bowl of candy in one night.

Which brings me to my final point: It’s just one night. So often we get tunnel vision on “in range” that we forget that our kids have diabetes, diabetes doesn’t have them. Ok, so it’s not ideal to pop up into the 250’s, but it won’t hurt them if it happens one night and you correct after bedtime.

So for all the sugar monsters out there – run, have fun, eat Reese’s because they’re high in protein too, share with mom and dad because they deserve it and Happy Halloween!

Exclusive Live Auction Items at The Carousel Ball

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 07:27:37 GMT

VIP ESPN X Games Aspen Experience

You and a guest are invited to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! You simply cannot purchase this experience anywhere, to not only go behind the scenes but become a VIP guest at the upcoming January 26 – 27, 2018 X Games sponsored by ESPN. Your journey starts when you arrive in Aspen and check into your luxury room at the only 5-star, 5-diamond Aspen hotel, The Little Nell for two nights. Luxury at its finest awaits your arrival into your comfortable room boasting spectacular views of the Aspen Mountain. Your VIP passes will include all food on Saturday in the sponsor tent, designated VIP area for Saturday’s concert and an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience going into a production truck that will be broadcasting the action live. You never know, you may also meet an athlete or two! Also included is a package of official X Games merchandise, so that you can wear your gear to the mountain. Details: The Little Nell stay is only valid for the X Games weekend and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Transportation to/from Aspen is not included. A meet and greet with an athlete is not guaranteed but may be likely. Value: Pricelessn Donor: ESPN, New York, NY; RCA Group, Lee’s Summit, MO; The Little Nell, Aspen, CO

Men’s Night Out with John Atencio & 801 Chophouse

For over 40 years, Colorado has been Home to well-known jewelry designer, John Atencio. Each piece is hand designed by the legendary Atencio and has its own compelling story, making each design more personalized than any other. This collection of Pantheon timepieces were inspired by the beauty, workmanship and uncompromising strength of the Roman Pantheon. These inaugural timepieces reflect the ingenuity and commitment of the ancient Romans and their honored temple of the gods. Global in design, each Pantheon timepiece is meticulously crafted using state-of-the-art German steel finishes and Swiss quartz movement technology. It is here where artistry and precision are forged. These five timepieces feature black iconic plated cases with a polished IP bezel and crown. Each are accented a little differently, but include the hallmark John Atencio rope inlay. This package includes five exclusive men’s watches and a sit down luxury scotch and whiskey tasting with food pairings for five (including 1 guest each) with John Atencio at 801 Chophouse in Cherry Creek to discuss the history and the design process for these unique timepieces. 801 Chophouse is a 1920’s style New York style steakhouse, serving only the finest USDA Prime steaks, jet fresh seafood and live Maine lobster. Details: 801 Chophouse tasting will be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon date and time and is limited to 11 guests including John Atencio. Value: $17,500n Donor: John Atencio & 801 Chophouse, Denver, CO

A Las Vegas Experience with Tiësto

Tiësto is a performer who has transcended musical genres to create a global brand. He has performed at the 2004 Athen Olympics, has a globally syndicated Club Life radio show and has become a universal phenomenon. The Grammy-Award winning electronic dance music icon Tiësto, invites you and a guest for an incredible Las Vegas Experience of a lifetime. Travel to Las Vegas with 2 round trip airfares from Denver to be special VIP guests at the popular Hakkasan night club and meet Tiësto before the show. You’ll have an amazing time with your two-night stay at the MGM Grand in the city that never sleeps. Details: Dates must be mutually agreed upon by both parties and will be January 2018 through October 2018. Value: Pricelessn Donor: Tijs Verwest (Tiësto) and Annika Backes, Denver, CO

Steven Tyler Concert in Palm Springs

If you are the ultimate Aerosmith or Steven Tyler fan, we have a package for you! You and three guests are invited to be Mr. Tyler’s VIP guests at a home residence concert in Palm Springs on Friday, November 17, 2017. Not only will you have the best seats in the house, after the show you and your guests will meet Mr. Tyler. This experience is sure to kick off your exciting weekend in Palm Springs that includes a two-night stay in two rooms at the fabulous Miramonte Resort. With boutique style and classic sophistication, this unique oasis boasts spacious rooms, world-class golf and stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Details: Exact location of show will be given to winner after the auction. Two-night stay at hotel is only valid for Friday, November 17 through November 19, 2017. Value: Pricelessn Donor: Steven Tyler, Nashville, TN & Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Indian Wells, CA

Dazzling One-Of-A-Kind Bracelet by Trice Jewelers

For over fifty years, Trice Jewelers has been a leader in the Rocky Mountain jewelry industry and is considered one of Colorado’s largest full-service jewelry stores. This year, exclusively for the Carousel Ball, Trice Jewelers has created a one-of-a-kind stunning 18-karat white gold and diamond bracelet. This sparkling piece was skillfully designed and crated with nearly 8 carats of dazzling and very fine-cut diamonds. This is truly a work of rare elegance and will be an adored treasure to add to your collection.

Value: $19,000

Donor: Trice Jewelers, Centennial, CO

Monday Night Football with Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs

Monday Night Football on October 30 in Kansas City is your destiny! Enjoy two-days and two-nights in Kansas City filled with football, fabulous food and amazing shopping. Your luxury football package includes four Southwest Airlines tickets, four seats in a lower level box including catered food and beverages, a two-night stay in two luxury suites at The Raphael Hotel located on the historic County Club Plaza, a tantalizing dinner for four at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, and a Kansas City Chiefs football signed by greats such as Carlos Carson, Billy Baber, Mill Maas and more. Visit Kansas City’s most iconic barbecue restaurants Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue for lunch. Also included is an autographed Von Miller Denver Broncos MVP football. Details: Raphael Hotel has already been booked for Sunday, Oct. 29 – Monday, Oct. 31, 2017. Passes for game, gift cards and football will be at hotel upon check-in. Southwest Airlines tickets must be booked by winner. Value: Pricelessn Donor: David, Vickie & Candace Block, Block & Company, Inc., Realtors; The Emilie Rosebud Diabetes Research Foundation, Kansas City, MO

Sotagliflozin Shows Superiority in T1D Treatment

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 07:22:35 GMT

Sotagliflozin Shows Superiority in T1D Treatment

September 13, 2017
Matt Hoffman
Originally published at: http://www.mdmag.com/medical-news/sotagliflozin-shows-superiority-in-t1d-treatment

Sotagliflozin has been shown to be statistically significantly superior to placebo in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) on background insulin therapy, according to results presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 53rdannual meeting in Lisbon, Portugal.

The results of inTandem 3, a phase 3 randomized, double-blind study of 1405 patients with T1D with entry level A1C levels between 7% and 11%, showed that 400 mg sotagliflozin reduced A1C 0.79% from baseline compared with 0.33% with placebo, after 24 weeks of treatment (p<0.001).

The primary study endpoint of the proportion of patients with A1C <7% at week 24 was met at approximately twice the rate of placebo for the sotagliflozin arm, with a difference of 13.4% (p<0.001). There were no episodes of severe hypoglecemia and no episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis.

“The clinically meaningful and statistically significant effects of sotagliflozin on glucose control (A1C) were achieved with a similar rate of severe hypoglycemia while reducing weight and blood pressure in hypertensive patients with type 1 diabetes. The combination of these effects provides a differentiated drug profile and the opportunity for sotagliflozin to transform the treatment paradigm as a novel oral adjunct to insulin therapy in this patient population,” Satish Garg (pictured), MD, lead investigator of inTandem3, professor of medicine and pediatrics, and director adult program at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Denver said in a statement . “Managing type 1 diabetes can be very challenging for patients and their caregivers and as a clinician treating patients with this condition, these positive results bring promise for our ability to improve lives.”

Additionally, the outcome on every secondary endpoint – including a change in baseline A1C, body weight, systolic blood pressure in patients with ³130 mm Hg, and bolus insulin – also achieved statistical significance in favor of sotagliflozin.

The safety profile of Sanofi and Lexicon’s dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitor was generally well-tolerated during the treatment period. Rates of treatment-emergent adverse events, serious adverse events, and discontinuations due to adverse events were proven to be consistent with rates seen in the 2 prior phase 3 studies, inTandem1 and inTandem2.

“We are extremely proud to have the inTandem3 results published in such a prestigious journal, which will raise much-needed awareness of type 1 diabetes in the medical community,” Lonnel Coats, Lexicon’s president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “Collectively, today’s positive findings, as well as data from our two pivotal trials, underline the importance and relevance of the dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitor mechanism of action in diabetes. As we remain committed to advancing the science in diabetes and bringing innovative therapies to patients to help improve outcomes and ease the burden of managing their diabetes, we look forward to Sanofi’s filing for global regulatory approval for type 1 diabetes in the first half of 2018.”

Approximately 70% of patients with T1D do not reach the desired A1C target of <7%, so the outcomes of inTadem3 are promising and “highlight the large unmet need for new oral medications that can be added to insulin,” according to Juliana Oliveira, the vice president and global project head for the drug at Sanofi.

In Tribute to Jules Amer, MD 1924 – 2017

Wed, 23 Aug 2017 07:19:06 GMT

The community of the Barbara Davis Center and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation is saddened by the loss of Dr. Jules Amer, an admired and well-loved Denver pediatrician who passed away at home surrounded by his wife, Marilyn, and his family shortly before his 93 ^rd birthday. Dr. Amer was the first friend of the Barbara Davis Center before there was a Barbara Davis Center and even named the “Children’s Diabetes Foundation.” He was the pediatrician for many of Denver’s most prominent families, but he joined an office in central Denver to be available to families of much more modest means.

Dr. Amer was the pediatrician for the Davis family when their daughter, Dana, then 7 years old, came to see him because she was wetting her bed. There was no diabetes history in the family so they came to Dr. Amer for help, not knowing what the symptoms meant. He quickly made the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and, to ensure they got the best care, he got in a car with Dana and Barbara to drive over to Dr. Donough O’Brien’s office. After this initial appointment, Jules decided that Marvin, Barbara, and Dana Davis should go to the Joslin Clinic, which was the oldest and most recognized diabetes center in the US at the time, to be sure they saw the ‘best in the country’. He anticipated and hoped that the Davises would be impressed by the facilities they saw there and he was absolutely correct!

When they returned to Denver, the Davis family asked ‘Why isn’t there a diabetes center in Denver?’ and Dr. Amer’s encouraged them to create one. With Dr. Donough O’Brien, who would become the first Executive Director of the Barbara Davis Center, he helped the Davis family establish a diabetes center at the University of Colorado to provide the best, most comprehensive care to children with diabetes and also to provide a Research Unit that would work to understand the autoimmunity of diabetes that would lead to a cure for diabetes.

Dr. Amer also understood that a type 1 diabetes diagnosis never affects one person. It affects the entire family and, therefore, each family member needs to feel heard and cared for. This idea remains strong through the Barbara Davis Center’s and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation’s missions as they seek to provide care for the patient and their family to make sure they are able to thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. This initial diagnosis in particular is a stressful time for people and coming to a Center that is warm and understanding can make a world of difference for a family.

The Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes has grown to be the largest type 1 diabetes center in the US and is recognized nationally and internationally as one of the best centers for diabetes care and research. Throughout his life, Dr. Amer continued to be a strong supporter of the Center and served on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation from its founding in 1978.

Opening of the BDC at Anschutz Medical Campus in 2005 Dr. Amer (on the right) with Mrs. Barbara Davis and Drs. Eisenbarth, Gill, and Hutton

“He was the most wonderful human being,” Barbara Davis said. “I never met a more devoted, dedicated doctor.” These thoughts are echoed by her daughter, Dana Davis, now the Executive Director of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, who remains grateful for all of Jules’s care throughout her childhood and beyond. Dana fondly remembers Dr. Amer riding up to her home on his bicycle for her follow-up appointments. He would always do whatever it took to care for his patients.

Jules received his BA in chemistry from the University of North Carolina and his MD from the University of Cincinnati. He received the Intern of the Year Award at New York City Metropolitan Hospital in 1950 and subsequently did a residency in pediatrics at Queens General Hospital and Contagion Center. Dr. Amer came to Denver in 1952 with his bride, Marilyn, to study an outbreak of Western Equine Encephalitis for the CDC’s Epidemiologic Intelligence Service. A year later, he joined the Children’s Medical Clinic, a private pediatric facility where he practiced until retirement in 2009; practicing pediatrics in Denver for almost 60 years.

Dr. Amer was also very involved in Children’s Hospital Colorado. Over the years, he was Chief of Medicine, President of the Medical Staff, and Lifetime Member of the Board of Directors. His leadership was instrumental in the creation of many of its programs, including: Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, and the Children’s Hospital Research Center.

In recognition of his many contributions, the Jules Amer Chair in Community Pediatrics was established to promote the health and well-being of all Colorado’s children. At the establishment of the Barbara Davis Center, his involvement in both Children’s Hospital and the University Hospital encouraged the University pediatric diabetes program and the Children’s Hospital diabetes program to come together at the newly formed Barbara Davis Center to create one strong pediatric program.

Jules Amer believed that, as physicians, when we encounter parents and their children, many in difficult circumstances, as they open-up to us and we to them, we learn to see the humanity in everyone.

And as we learn about our patients, we also learn something about ourselves. Only by doing this can we truly care for children and their families. Most importantly, Jules Amer inspired us to emulate his commitment to care for the “sick and the poor” – the individual child in our care at any moment, as well as all children who are often left without an advocate when economic and political decisions are made. Jules taught generations of physicians, nurses, office staff and anyone who would listen, the importance of, not just providing care, but of caring about every child, every problem, and every person from the heart. Dana Davis provides the best tribute to Dr. Amer: “He became a doctor because he truly cared about people.” He will be long remembered by all of us at the Barbara Davis Center.

Golden Golfer Sinks Hole-In-One To Win Car at Tournament Benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 07:12:02 GMT

Out on the course, golfers participated in more contest holes and stopped for refreshments at Keaton’s Lemonade Stand, where kids were taking donations for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. To conclude the day, golfers shopped for everything from grills to pampering treatments at the silent auction and enjoyed sips and bites at the awards ceremony. Tournament winners were celebrated with trophies, though many were still eyeing Ceriani’s hole-in-one prize.

The 9 ^th Annual High Hopes Golf Tournament presented by NexGen Resources was held on July 24 ^th at Lakewood Country Club to benefit The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. The Guild raises funds for research, promotes diabetes awareness and education, assists families in need, provides continuing education scholarships, and sponsors social activities for children and their families.

Returning golfers and new players enjoyed a beautiful day out on the course, and excitement rocketed when Marianne Ceriani sank a hole-in-one, winning a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta from sponsor, O’Meara Volkswagen. Her hole-in-one was the first in the fundraising tournament’s 9 years.

According to the National Hole-In-One Registry, odds of making a hole-in-one is 1 in 3,500, and only 16% of hole-in-one golfers are women. Ceriani, a resident of Golden, was playing on the only all-female team in the tournament when she made the 173-yarder on the 7th hole of the scramble competition. There was certainly some “girl power” in the air!

Marianne Ceriani takes a knee after winning a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta at the High Hopes Golf Tournament on July 24, 2017 at Lakewood Country Club. Ceriani is pictured with her teammates, Tangy Buchannan, Nancy Zeries, and Bev Hoffenberg.

Teaching Students to Give Back

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 13:12:54 GMT

By Roni Miller, P.E. Teacher at Sunset Park Elementary in Pueblo, Colorado

Each fall Sunset Park Elementary decides on a Community Outreach Fundraiser for our students to participate in during the spring. This fall, we decided to support children’s diabetes due to the fact that we currently have three students living with diabetes in our building.

For our fundraiser, we decided to sell clay sculptures that the students made in art class. With the help of our Art Teacher, we put together “Peace, Love, and Art.” Each student made some type of sculpture that included smiley faces, peace signs, hearts, and hand signals showing their version of “Peace” and “Love.”

We set our goal at $500 dollars and explained to our students their role in this fundraiser. Each student was to make a sculpture which we would sell for a minimum donation of one dollar.

Sunset Park Elementary is a “Leader In Me” school, which means our students are awarded for participating in fundraisers and other community outreach programs. Each student who participated in our fundraiser received a bookmark provided by Children’s Diabetes Foundation and a bracelet that says “Stand Up, Be a Leader”.

This year our students raised $1,603.15 for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. All the artwork pieces went home with one of our bookmarks of the signs and symptoms of diabetes. Through this, we have taught our students to support their community and to give back, as well as the symptoms of type 1 diabetes. This year they did an amazing job supporting their community and their classmates living with diabetes.

Blog Post Research: Annie Williams

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 13:10:27 GMT

A few days ago, I was reminded that 2 years ago Annie started in her first research study at the Barbara Davis Center (BDC) as a newly diagnosed child. I remember getting a phone call from a nurse asking if Annie would be interested in the study. When I asked Annie her first response was “does it help them find a cure?” I was shocked at her insight at 6 years old and I had no idea what it really meant, but I told her any study related to diabetes would benefit the community to better understand and treat diabetes better or someday prevent it. She didn’t even hesitate and said: “I’m in.”

I was somewhat worried at the beginning because it involved an IV start and blood draws every 15-30 minutes for 3 hours. She couldn’t eat before or during it and we had to start our day at 6 am with finger pokes and an hour drive to the BDC to be there by 8 am. Yet, she did it, never once complained, didn’t flinch when they started the IV, or once say she wanted to be done.

At first, we weren’t sure how long Annie was going to be in the study, but exactly one year after we started, the nurse informed me that Annie’s pancreas was no longer producing anything. It had quit and she was no longer able to participate in the study. I remember crying after I hung up the phone. It felt so hopeless to me in that moment. I couldn’t see a bigger picture for anyone else and it was a hard pill to swallow early on in our diagnosis. Annie was also sad because she enjoyed being a part of research and wondered if she would ever be in another study again. I remember her telling me “Mom, they can’t find a cure if they don’t know what is wrong with me.” She was desperate to be in another study.

A phone call came in November last year from the BDC, a different type of study, one that involved a laptop and a pump. We took on the challenge and Annie was thrilled. She was so willing to start in the study she didn’t care what she had to do to be in it and asked if we could go “right now” to start it. We even traveled to Texas over Thanksgiving while in the study and as a family, we figured the more we can do life like we always do, the quicker research could move along. We had to make sure we had an internet connection all night in the little hotels we stayed in at tiny Texas towns, staying on top of the site changes, doing the downloads, etc, but Annie was more than willing to be a part of it.

I remember telling my husband at 2 am “this is so not worth it!” To which he responded, “this is huge. Someday this technology will be available; it will be a game changer for everyone.” Of course, he was right, but sometimes at 2 am, no matter if you are a part of a research study or not, you just wish there was a way for the disease to understand it is 2 in the morning and we all want to be asleep right now. Why can’t we just take care of this in the morning? Because we can’t.

We have been so blessed to continue to be a part of research even today—and we take it on as a great responsibility and honor to be a part of it. Annie is now 8, currently in a study, and she doesn’t bat an eye when we tell her she needs to do something because of the study. I asked her the other day “why do you like to be in research studies.” She responded, “I like being able to help other people with diabetes.” No matter the study how small or big it might be, it all goes to a greater cause of making life easier with diabetes or preventing it for others, or maybe even someday everyone living with type 1 can say “I use to have diabetes”. How amazing would that be?

We Laugh, We Cry, We Have Type 1

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 13:06:47 GMT

By Mattie Peck, Marketing & Outreach Manager for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation

When living with type 1 diabetes, a good portion of your life is taboo. You’re able to speak another language of carb counting, basal rates, and needles that most of the world can’t interpret. This can easily lead to a type 1 feeling different and isolated from their peers, particularly because of the social stigmas around diabetes that are often harsh and unrelenting.

Overcoming this mentality of solidarity can be difficult and, for many, seemingly impossible. But there are currently 1.25 million people living with type 1 diabetes in the US. This fact alone is proof that you are not the only one experiencing the midnight lows, the nauseous highs, and the never-ending roller coaster in-between. Talking about these experiences with others who understand type 1 can make a world of difference in your attitude.

While commiserating together is helpful, laughing at the quirks of diabetes can be therapeutic too. Every type 1 has made the mistake of yelling “I’m high!” in a public space, not changing their lancet for an embarrassing amount of time, or over-treating for a low because that cake was simply too delicious. If you can find the humor in these situations, you can turn guilt or doubt into a good laugh and a positive attitude.

We are so lucky that we live in a world where connecting with others to have these empathetic, encouraging, or funny conversations is at our finger tips. Here’s how you can reach out

Find an organization (like CDF!) that is dedicated to helping people with diabetes so you can attend events, conferences, camps, support groups, or meet-ups
Join an online community where you can share experiences and ideas (meet in person too if it’s a local group)
Read blogs, stories, and articles about diabetes
Ask your doctor about connecting with other patients

You’re use to taking care of your diabetes physically, but now it’s time to make your mental health a priority. I hope you can find a group (either in person or online) that lets you grieve on the tough days and laugh about the silly things on the good days. It’s guaranteed to be a boost for your attitude and a forward step in thriving with type 1 diabetes.

Meet Corinne Watne

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 13:04:11 GMT

Hi! My name is Corinne Watne. I am 10 years old and in the 5th grade. I was diagnosed with autoimmune type 1 diabetes on December 22, 2015, just a couple days before Christmas. Boy, did that make things interesting!

I am a CDF advocate and I spread awareness about type 1 diabetes in our community. I have shared my story with local schools, church groups and at community events. I feel it is important to share what I know so others can understand what type 1 diabetes is and not be afraid.

I’m just a normal girl who loves to sew fun things; as well as draw, play basketball with my brothers, sing and dance… BUT a fun fact about me is that I also like to horse vault! Yep! I go to a horse vaulting camp every summer and I have learned how to stand on a horse and do tricks on a horses back!

Tell us about yourself and your background with diabetes.

I was born in Glendora, California, but then moved to Colorado when I was 2 years old. I have two older brothers, a dog, a cat, a bunny and a hamster. I have had type 1 diabetes for 1.5 years now. I was nine years old when I was first diagnosed. I was scared at first because I never heard of type 1 diabetes and didn’t understand how I got it. I’m the only one in my family with it so it was new to everyone. I didn’t know if other kids had it or if I was the only one in the whole wide world. I was scared.

It took me a while to understand that I didn’t get diabetes because of something I ate or did… It just happened. Even the doctors told me that they don’t know why people get it. However, once I knew there was nothing I could have done to stop it from happening, I decided I wanted to help other kids like me by telling everyone about the disease so we can find a cure. That is why I participate in programs that help fund projects that are researching a cure.

When I was first showing flu-like symptoms, no one knew what was going on with me. I didn’t have a fever and I didn’t have a cold, but I felt horrible. My pediatrician gave me a blood test, but never tested me for diabetes. So I went home. Then one morning when I woke up, I could hardly move. That is when my mom took me to Urgent Care. They did a simple urine test and diagnosed me with diabetes. I was in Diabetic Ketoacidosis. I ended up going to two different hospitals until we found one that could help me. I only had to stay in the hospital for two days. However, I had to spend a whole day at the Barbara Davis Center (BDC) in Denver, Colorado before I could go home. The doctors and nurses at the BDC were so friendly and really helped me and my parents understand how to take care of my diabetes. They also helped me not to be scared. They gave me everything I needed and made me feel like I wasn’t alone. They even gave my parents a nurse to call whenever they had questions.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who has been recently diagnosed with diabetes?

When I meet other kids who just found out they have type 1 diabetes, I tell them it’s not as bad as they think and if I can do it – so can they! A lot of people get type 1 confused with type 2, but type 1 diabetes is completely different.

With type 1, you still get to eat everything you want and can do anything you used to before being diagnosed. You can even have regular candy! It just takes a little more thinking and preparation before you do things. Learning how to count carbs so you can give yourself the right amount of insulin takes practice, but you get the hang of it pretty quickly. When you have type 1 diabetes, there are fun camps you get to go to and special events with a whole bunch of other type 1 kids. It’s like a secret club made just for us! Type 1 diabetes hasn’t stopped even famous people who have it, so why should it stop us?! Also, I like to show off my cool electronic gear. You can eventually get an insulin pump and continuous glucose meter and decorate them with fun stickers.

What goals do you hope to see achieved in the future for the diabetes community?

I want to see a cure, of course, but I also want to see people spread awareness. I want everyone to learn about type 1 diabetes so people won’t have to be confused about it. A lot of people don’t know that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and not something you can catch by eating too much candy or not exercising. So I would like to see the whole diabetes community find different ways to spread awareness, like a television commercial about type 1 only! I also want people to be educated so they can recognize and know the symptoms of type 1 diabetes because a lot of kids are misdiagnosed, like I was. Even doctors don’t always recognize the symptoms because it looks like the flu. So, if more doctors, nurses, teachers and parents learned what to watch for and how to help a child or adult who might have type 1, it could save a life!

Imagine Your Life with Type 1 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 30 May 2017 11:58:04 GMT

Written by Luke and Jedi – Learn more here

Imagine walking through the kitchen and grabbing a snack off the counter or a handful or grapes or nuts and before you can eat them you have to stop – prick your finger, calculate how many carbohydrates are in them then calculate a dose of medicine, then deliver the dose either via a shot or a pump and then (if you are in range) you can eat.. imagine doing that for everything you eat. Every single time.

Imagine having to know the nutritional content of absolutely everything you eat. Then using a calculation measure out a dose of medicine that you inject into your body. Now the doses change depending on time of day and activity level and actual nutritional breakdown of food (all carbs are not created equal) and different types of carbs require different amounts and timing of dosing. Now also imagine that these dosing needs are always changing and what worked yesterday may not work tomorrow and if you are tired or sick or stressed everything changes all over again.

I have been in Boy Scouts since I was 7. It has been a great journey and I have learned a lot. Sadly, I am peaking my years of being a kid and I am getting closer each day to becoming an adult. Because scouting has been a big part of my life, I wanted to make my Eagle Project something that had a lot of meaning and helped a lot of people. I ended up making 30 low blood sugar kits for the Barbara Davis Center. The kits were to be given to newly diagnosed patients. I was very proud of the project and happy with the fact that I was going to give back and help an organization that had done so much for my family.

It took months to organize everything and gather all the supplies, but all the time and effort was well worth it. The kits ended up filling two big plastic bins and I raised $700 in donations from family and friends to make it happen.

Each kit is designed to be a useful tool in helping newly diagnosed patient take care of their blood sugar. Each kit contained:

A Dopp Kit Bag- My family uses these bags and they are great for storing things long term or using on the go.
Alcohol Pads- These are convenient to use for sanitizing fingertips before testing.
Pen and a Note Pad- Great for recording carbs, numbers, anything you need to remember.
Juice Boxes, Skittles, and Crackers- All store-bought necessities in tending to low blood sugar.
A brochure telling our story- I felt that our story would give hope to newly diagnosed patients and their families.

Nutritional labels aren’t very accurate and even our ratios are just “best estimates” so there is a lot of room for “error” because a working pancreas changes what it does based on a so many invisible and complex physiological factors that we can’t see. Now your dose may be exactly what you should have given but it doesn’t always work out that way (remember so many factors that affect how the body will react) and it often happens that you gave yourself too much to too little medicine leading to crummy feelings and the need to “fix” it with either more food or more medicine. (Oh and if you don’t want to eat it all or want more you have even more adjusting to do) Now imagine being surrounded by people who think if you are too high or too low you must be doing something wrong.

Imagine doing this for virtually every single thing you eat.

Forever.

Now imagine this medicine you inject isn’t actually medicine at all, but it is a life sustaining hormone everyone’s body automatically makes unless they have type 1 diabetes. You need it like you need water, oxygen and food. So every shot is replacing something the body should be making for its self. Now imagine knowing that you need to inject it everyday multiple times for the rest of your life just to stay alive.

Then imagine doing all this so quickly people don’t even realize it’s happening because you’ve done it so many times. Now imagine making it look easy since people can’t see all that is going on in our heads and in our bodies. And imagine a world where sometimes it is just easier to hide the fact that you have diabetes because often it is just easier then having to deal with all the misconceptions and negative stigma.

Diabetes is not what people think it is. It is not give a shot and walk away. Just like your heart or lungs your pancreas is always working to keep you healthy and alive – unless you have type 1 diabetes.

The job no one wants – being a pancreas.

It’s not easy being a pancreas – is the understatement of the year. No ones brain is set up to do this, but we try and we do the best we can.

It is relentless and tiresome and constant.

So we do the best we can and we keep pushing for advancement and awareness so that we can keep
Luke as healthy and as happy as we can until there is a cure.

I believe sharing Luke’s story will help others begin to try to understand what life is like for one little boy living with type 1 diabetes. He doesn’t have to imagine all of this he lives it – I hope one day he will see a world without type 1 diabetes and just be able to grab a snack off the counter.

BDC Research Assistant Wins CU Innovation and Efficiency Award

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 25 May 2017 07:08:47 GMT

The 2017 University of Colorado Innovation and Efficiency Awards Expo showcased an impressive group of finalist submissions that covered everything from robotics to trash.

Eric Hoffmeyer, a professional research assistant with the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, won a cash prize and impressed all in attendance by redesigning the programming for his lab’s liquid-handling robot. The redesign significantly reduced the amount of time needed for the robot to perform its regular tasks, allowing Hoffmeyer to program new tasks and increase the robot’s overall functionality. Thanks to Hoffmeyer’s robotics skills, the resulting improvements in efficiency and functionality have negated the need to purchase an additional robot to handle an increasing number of patient samples.

Jules Amer, Pediatrician Who Helped Found Nationally-Known Diabetes Center in Denver, Dead at 92

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 09 May 2017 07:07:45 GMT

Dr. Jules Amer was a pediatric epidemiologist whose devotion to patients made him a legend in the medical community, colleagues say

By TOM MCGHEE | tmcghee@denverpost.com | The Denver Post

May 8, 2017 at 1:46 pm

Click here to see the original story on The Denver Post

Dr. Jules Amer, a pediatric epidemiologist whose devotion to patients made him a legend in the medical community, and who was involved in the creation of the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, has died.

Amer died at home on April 29, one week shy of his 93rd birthday.

“This guy was a giant in the field of pediatrics in Denver,” said Michael Kappy, a pediatric endocrinologist affiliated with Children’s Hospital and professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Barbara and Marvin Davis, her husband, founded the Center after Amer diagnosed their then 7-year-old daughter, Dana, with type 1 diabetes.

“He was the most wonderful human being,” Barbara Davis said. “I never met a more devoted, dedicated doctor.”

At the time Dana was diagnosed, there was no dedicated diabetes clinic in Denver and the family had to fly to Boston for specialized care. Barbara and Marvin Davis, a businessman, film mogul and philanthropist, decided to establish a clinic and research center in Denver.

Amer was deeply involved in creating the center, which was founded in 1978 and is now one of the largest diabetes institutes in the world. He continued to serve on the board of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, which supports the Barbara Davis Center, until his death.

“He focused throughout his board tenure to make sure that the mission of the center was to care for any child with diabetes regardless of ability to pay,” said Dr. Richard Abrams, an internist who served on the board with Amer.

“He was from another era in medicine,” Abrams added. “He was always available, whether it was during the day, with an extremely busy practice, house calls, telephone calls at any time of the day. Jules was always available.”

Dana Davis remembered that the year before she was diagnosed, she had a case of Hong Kong flu, a dangerous flu strain, and Amer rode his bicycle to her home to treat her. “He would go anywhere for any of his patients, and do anything in his power. He became a doctor because he truly cared about people.”

In 1985, Amer hired a young pediatrician, Jay Markson, to join in his practice, Children’s Medical Center.

“Jules had already been in practice at Children’s Medical Center for 32 years and he went on to practice effectively for 25 more years, always in central Denver,” Markson said.

Amer, who referred to himself as a “baggy pants pediatrician,” never wore a watch to work, didn’t limit his time with patients and never considered whether a patient could afford to pay.

“When the door was closed, that patient was his primary concern,” Markson said. “His philosophy was you take care of people, you don’t worry about what they make.”

Amer received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina and a medical degree from the University of Cincinnati.

In 1952, while working for the Centers for Disease Control, he came to Colorado to study an outbreak of Western equine encephalitis.

He went on to become the city epidemiologist at Denver General Hospital.

Amer joined the Children’s Medical Center pediatric practice while continuing to make rounds at Denver General and other hospitals, according to information provided by Children’s Medical Center. .

As clinical professor of pediatrics at CU School of Medicine, Amer was recognized for outstanding service and teaching. He encouraged collaboration between Colorado healthcare institutions, supported research and taught hundreds of students, residents and fellows the importance of honing their clinical skills and judgment in the care of their patients

At various times, Amer acted as chief of medicine, president of the medical staff and president of the board of directors of Children’s Hospital.

“Most of us could only dream of having the impact on community the way Jules did throughout his career,” Abrams said.

Amer is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marilyn Amer, their children, Lyle Brant Amer, Manette Amer and Janette Amer, and eight grandchildren.

A memorial service likely will be scheduled for June.

Boy Scouts and Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 02 May 2017 11:50:07 GMT

By Clay Cavanaugh

Three years ago, my little brother Eli was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 10. That day, I remember coming home from school wondering where my family was. A little later, I got a call from my mom; it sounded as if she were ready to cry. She told me that she and my dad were at the hospital with Eli and they wouldn’t be home for a while. That was all she said.

That night, I had Boy Scouts. I remember showing up to the meeting feeling tense and being worried about Eli. I kept checking my phone hoping there would be an update, but there was nothing, and this worried me even further. One of the adults in the troop must have noticed my stress and he pulled me aside. He asked me what was going on and I explained emotionally. What he said really comforted me, and it turned out to be true. He told me that whatever was going on with Eli, the doctors and nurses knew what they were doing and that they had a handle on it and he ensured me that my brother would be okay. I went home after that talk feeling better.

At around ten that night, the garage door finally opened. When they came through the door, my mom and dad look tired, but my brother looked the most fatigued. They joined me on the couch and explained to me that Eli now had type 1 diabetes, and that they had an appointment early the next morning at the Barbara Davis Center. The next day, my parents seemed relieved and my brother was back to his old self. They said that they were impressed with the Barbara Davis Center and that they really helped in understanding Eli’s new medical needs

Each kit is designed to be a useful tool in helping newly diagnosed patient take care of their blood sugar. Each kit contained:

A Dopp Kit Bag- My family uses these bags and they are great for storing things long term or using on the go.
Alcohol Pads- These are convenient to use for sanitizing fingertips before testing.
Pen and a Note Pad- Great for recording carbs, numbers, anything you need to remember.
Juice Boxes, Skittles, and Crackers- All store-bought necessities in tending to low blood sugar.
A brochure telling our story- I felt that our story would give hope to newly diagnosed patients and their families.

It’s hard to believe that my brother was diagnosed three years ago. Today, my brother plays lacrosse and has an active lifestyle. He doesn’t let diabetes get in the way. With diabetes, he has been able to do everything he did before his diagnosis. He has sleepovers on a regular basis. Although last time we went I broke my wrist, we do a lot of snowboarding, and he also participates in Boy Scouts with my dad and I. Last summer, the three of us went to a Boy Scout camp with our troop up at Mount Rushmore. Diabetes didn’t slow my brother down one bit and he has continued to live a happy life while dealing with diabetes.

Marc Bouwer at the Brass Ring Luncheon

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 07:03:02 GMT

Originally seen on The Denver Post
By JOANNE DAVIDSON | partiwriter@hotmail.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: March 29, 2017 at 4:45 pm | UPDATED: March 29, 2017 at 4:48 pm

If anyone wondered how the Children’s Diabetes Foundation was able to snag a fashion designer as famous as Marc Bouwer to show his special occasion clothing at the 2017 Brass Ring Luncheon, here’s why:

He has been friends with executive director Dana Davis since 2011, when she designed shoes that would compliment the wedding gown he had created for a mutual friend. And, his business partner, Paul Margolin, who accompanied Bouwer to Denver, has Type 1 diabetes.

Chaired by Shelley Lucas, Judy McNeil and Lyn Schaffer, this fundraiser for the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes and The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation brought 700 people to the Marriott City Center on March 24 for a luncheon, auction and show that ended with a standing ovation and lots of positive chatter.

Photo Steve Peterson

“I can’t remember the last time I saw a show as fabulous as this,” marveled Judith Ann Newman, a former model who has had plenty of experience chairing benefits for Denver-area charities. Newman and her friend, Mary Byron, were guests at a table hosted by hotel manager Bill Ninivaggi and his wife, Karla.

“The clothes were stunning,” agreed Angel sponsor Margot Gilbert Frank. “And there was so much energy in the room. This will be a hard show to top.”

Bouwer, who is based in New York and apprenticed with the iconic designer Halston, can count such celebrities as Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé, Angelina Jolie, Lisa Rinna and the late Whitney Houston as clients. His designs have also graced the covers of magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan and InStyle.

The luncheon also included a tribute to Susie Hummell that commemorated the 20 years she has spent coordinating activities for The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.

Hummell’s grandson, Josh Schmitz of Ruckus Apparel, has long served as the fashion show producer and stylist.

“You’ve been a role model and mentor,” remarked Judy McNeil, who in addition to co-chairing this year’s Brass Ring Luncheon served as president of The Guild in 2011 and chaired, with husband Charlie, the 2013 Carousel Ball, also a fundraiser for the Barbara Davis Center. “You’re all heart, and there never will be another one like you.”

The Barbara Davis Center was started by Dana Davis’ parents, Barbara and the late Marvin Davis, some 40 years ago, after Dana was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It is now considered one of the world’s foremost research and treatment centers, serving some 6,500 patients annually.

Up to 35 percent of whom are uninsured or under-insured, which makes income generated from events like the Brass Ring Luncheon especially important.

Photo Steve Peterson

The average cost of diabetes care is $800 a month, an amount that can easily double if the child’s blood sugar levels are regulated with an insulin pump.

Guild president Christy Alberts is a Type-1 diabetic and patient at the Barbara Davis Center. She underscored the fact that a cure is yet to be found, which makes the funding of research, which can cost up to $1,000 per hour, critical since diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions. Those living with it have to remain vigilant when it comes to diet and exercise. “It’s not easy thinking like a pancreas,” Alberts noted.

Those helping to support this worthy cause included Diane Smethills, whose son, Ross, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 3; Quinn Washington with Pat and Annabel Bowlen’s daughter, Annabel “Little Bel” Bowlen, and her fiancé, Charles Mains; Sharon Magness Blake; Andrea Fey with her two “Type-1derful” daughters, Hannah and Emma; Tom and Lisa Corley; Brad and Tangy Buchanan; Kathy and Dr. James Crapo; Chris Foster and her daughter-in-law, Katy; Nancy Cowee; Wendy Glazer; and Deidre Hunter with her mom, Wendy Milliman.

Photo Steve Peterson

Barb Oberfeld, president-elect of The Guild, was there with hubby Neil, an attorney at GreenbergTraurig, joining a group that also included Lori Finch, who will chair Brass Ring 2018; Essie Perlmutter; Carol Karsh; Debi Tepper; Cindi Burge; Sarah Sena; Beverlee Henry; Sharon Whiton Gel;, Gail Johnson; Buzz and Diane Sweat with daughter Katie Grassby; former Colorado first lady Frances Owens; Pamela Helm; Deana Perlmutter; Angela Lieurance; Kimi Porterfield Brown; Ellen Robinson and Trish Morris, director of the Courageous Faces Foundation, with such friends as Hilary Wetmore Bordelon, community and special events manager at the Kendra Scott boutique in Cherry Creek North, Carla McElroy, owner of Carla’s, A Classic Design, and Debbie La Brant-Hartung, founder of LipBar Custom Cosmetics.

Photo Steve Peterson

Susie Hummell Honored At This Year’s Brass Ring Luncheon

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 06:54:20 GMT

Last week’s Brass Ring Luncheon was an event not-to-be missed, with and incredible fashion show featuring renowned designer Marc Bouwer. The annual event raised funds for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF), and this year honored a very special woman in the organization, Susie Hummell.

Susie is a proud Denver native and has been a member of The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation since 1978. There she quickly became involved with the planning and execution of the Carousel Ball, Carousel Days and more, proving to be what she would call an, “organizer extraordinaire.” Several years later, when she was working with the Denver Broncos in 1996, she received a call from the CDF asking her to join the staff as Guild Coordinator. For the past 20 years Susie has given CDF her “ALL”, taking The Guild on. She has helped to foster the programs, create new, more events, and built strong relationships throughout her career.

Susie and her husband, Richard Hummell were high school sweethearts at Englewood High School, and have been together for 51 years. Together they have 2 children and 9 grandchildren. In her spare time, Susie is an active member of her church, and an avid Bronco, Rockies and Av’s fan. On a warm summer evening you may see she and Richard cruising around town on the Harley Fat Boy. The grandkids are her “passion” and feels blessed to have a special relationship with each one. She can often be found “hanging out” with one or more of them…“Loving every minute of it.”

The CDF is proud to honor Susie for the amazing contributions she has made to the organization over the past 20 years at this year’s luncheon. Her impact on The Guild has been tremendous, and she has been an indispensable member of the CDF staff for the past two decades.

CDF Awarded "Best Social Event Produced By a Nonprofit" at the 2017 ICON Awards

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 06:53:37 GMT

The Children’s Diabetes Foundation was awarded the Best Social Event Produced By a Nonprofit Organization at the 2017 ICON Awards for the Carousel Ball, the Denver gala that benefits the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.

By Joanne Davidson
Originally seen on The Denver Post: http://www.denverpost.com/2017/03/18/seen-icon-awards-gala-an-over-the-top-celebration/
March 18, 2017

Not everyone agrees that a sixth sense — intuition, or extra-sensory perception — exists.

But for those who do, the 18th ICON Awards Gala was the place to be.

Sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and, yes, intuition, could all be experienced at this over-the-top celebration of the creative forces behind the metro area’s special events industry.

Presented by Mercedes-Benz of Denver, in cooperation with Colorado Expression and Confetti magazines, the guests negotiated a maze-like path to the Grand Hyatt Denver’s Aspen Ballroom where the evening’s only-black-only-white color scheme was carried out in lighting, refreshments and a 3-D video, shot underwater at the Four Seasons Denver pool by Zorn Photography and projected on a floor-to-ceiling screen. The visuals and sound were enhanced by having viewers wear neon-trimmed headphones.

After the social hour, it was on to the Grand Ballroom for dinner, presentation of the People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice awards in categories ranging from best entertainment concept and execution to best wedding over $75,000, and entertainment.

Alisa Zapiler, the founder of Creative Events + Occasions, planned the event, working hand-in-hand with publisher Terry Vitale. Zapiler may have thought she knew the minute-by-minute schedule, but was in for a big surprise when Vitale presented her with the 2017 award for Lifetime Achievement.

Other big winners included AXS Group, Moment’s Notice Entertainment, Signed & Sealed by Steph, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Design Works, Affair With Flair, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, Andrew Clark Cinematography, Newberry Brothers, Amp the Cause and Catering by Design.

The ICON Awards Gala also gives back by donating $50 from each ticket sold to the charity of the purchaser’s choice and putting $25 from each ticket into a winner-takes-all drawing. This year’s winner was Metro Caring, a nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger and reducing food waste.

The evening’s dress code of only black, only white and interpretations were fun to see.

A group from the Four Seasons hotels in Denver and Vail — including regional vice president Thierry Kennel; Vail’s general manager Brent J. Martin; Jim Guttau, the senior director of public relations and communications; and director of marketing Jolinda Cohavi — let a cocktail menu determine what they wore. Half of them were white Russians and the others were black Russians.

Dana Davis, executive director of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, was among the women opting for the traditional Little Black Dress. Other ladies in black included Kristina Davidson, Janice Case, Piper Vitale, Michelle Sie Whitten and Marilyn Spinner.

Anca Elena Call, Diane Huttner and Keri Christiansen were in white.

Others joining in the fun were Walter and Christie Isenberg, David Alexander, Nancy Sagar, Ellen Robinson, Jerri Thiel, George and Gail Johnson, Steve Edmonds, Daniel Kopnisky, Craig Fleishman, Josh Hanfling, Stan and Sarah Sena, John Head, Al and Terri Fisher, Syd Sexton and John Faught.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314, partiwriter@hotmail.com and @joannedavidson on Twitter

EPIC Diabetes Conference Review

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 06:52:00 GMT

By Scott Fowle

Recently I volunteered at the EPIC (Empowering Patients for Individualized Care) Diabetes Conference held by the Children’s Diabetes Foundation in Denver, Colorado. The sessions and speakers of the day were filled with information, friendly faces, and hope for the future. For the inaugural event, I was pleasantly surprised by about 300 attendees.

From the sessions, I learned that we are very close on the technology for the Artificial Pancreas.

My 16 year-old son John (diagnosis 2006) has been involved in several of the studies, so I have seen the benefits first-hand. Medtronic looks to be first with a summer-2017 release ( https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/products/minimed-670g-insulin-pump-system ) of the Closed Loop connection between their 670G Pump and Guardian 3 Continuous Glucose Monitor, a system, which received FDA approval largely thanks to research conducted at the Barbara Davis Center. But I learned that others are close too with advances in the Predictive Low Glucose Suspend and Hybrid Closed Loop ( https://www.tandemdiabetes.com/about-us/pipeline ). While not a cure, this advancement continues to make life with diabetes dramatically more manageable, and less inconvenient.

As a parent of a child with type 1, I see a future where parents can sleep through the night without worries of the overnight low. I also learned that the communication of information continues to be an area that all people affected by diabetes are looking to improve. Any time we get a chance to have more dialog as a community, we should embrace it. The Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center are doing just that with this conference.

Throughout the conference, I met some incredible people. One woman at my lunch table has had type 1 for 32 years. She was attending the conference to learn new information about treatments, and advances in technology. She provided a solid testament to the positive results of hard work and perseverance with her great attitude and visible heath. There were also two teens at the table with more recent type 1 onsets with their families. We were all able to share tips and tricks. It was clear that they would love (changed from ‘loved’) the opportunity to gather with “diabetes veterans” in the community to learn and share their successes and failures.

Being a T1D Caregiver

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 11:45:57 GMT

By Jennifer Griffin

You spend months wishing your baby would sleep through the night and suddenly you wake up one morning fully rested and you realize it happened! You rush into your baby’s room to see her happy and smiling, arms up to be picked up and life gets just a little better. Sure, there’s still diapers to change and messy fingers to clean, but finally you get a full night’s rest every night. (OK maybe not every night but more than before).

Then the doctor gives you the diagnosis – Type 1 Diabetes. At first you’re getting up to check blood sugars because the doctor says so. Then maybe you’re getting up because you’re just afraid – afraid that this unknown, uncontrollable force is going to send your baby into a coma. Then one morning you just wake up and realize you slept through. You missed the 3 am check. Again you rush into her room and find her number is 56, low enough to worry, and you feel the flush of guilt wash over you. How could you have slept? What could have happened? All of the negative side effects flood your mind from training and you vow never to sleep again.

WAIT?? WHAT?? That’s ridiculous! But we’ve all been there, the forgotten Lantus, the over corrected low, the day you’re caught at the diabetes party with no glucose tabs (that was the lowest my daughter has ever been – 25). Life with T1D is a constant roller coaster of blood sugar and emotions. So, how do you essentially replace your child’s pancreas without becoming a casualty yourself?

Build a good team – Train grandma, grandpa, aunties, uncles, neighbors, sitters, friends. Train everyone who’s willing to learn so that when you hit the wall (and you will hit the wall) you have a list of people to call and rely on for a nap or an overnight. Six months after my daughter’s diagnosis my husband and I had to go to a conference in Las Vegas and I had to leave my baby girl with my sister for the first time. It was horrible on me! I left her five pages of instructions with dosing, feeding, sleeping, all of it. I’m sure she thought I was crazy, but it was all so new.
Create an instruction packet – Speaking of five pages of instructions, create a document in your computer that can easily be updated and printed when you need it. Include doctor phone numbers, emergency numbers, dosing instructions, pump settings, tips with suggested snacks for your kid. Include anything someone might need to know to take care of your child. This way you can get everything on paper before you actually need it. I can’t tell you how many times this has come in handy over the last decade.
Build in personal time – Especially if your diabetes kid is still at home, it’s important to not let diabetes take over your life. Sign up for a massage club, join a hobby group, start a bowling league or even find a way to give back. Use your team to set aside time. Eat food and DON’T count the carbs.
Enjoy the perks – Now if you’re new to this, I know it’s hard to see the perks. My daughter has had multiple opportunities to develop public speaking skills, meet wonderful people, and educate people on her condition. We’ve gone swimming with manatees, met the Colorado Avalanche, and participated in ground breaking research in the Artificial Pancreas project. She is smarter, stronger and more empathetic than most 13 year olds I know and I’m proud of how she handles her condition.

The resounding theme in our home is this: Natalie has diabetes, diabetes does NOT have her! And it doesn’t have me either.

A Blood Sugar of 48 – Now and Then

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 11:43:30 GMT

By Kirstie Bradway

So if you’re either a diabetic yourself or have a loved one with Type 1 Diabetes, you know that all lows are completely different. You could have a low of 50 and feel completely ‘normal’ as if you were 100, or you could have a low of 70 and feel as if you were 40 or 50.

Tonight was one of the bad lows. The really bad ones. I never got an alarm telling me his sugar was dropping. He went to bed 45 mins ago at around 100 with a straight line. I didn’t think we had anything to worry about, but I was wrong. Way wrong. I normally check my phone every 15 mins or so to see where he is because I’m over obsessed with checking his numbers on his CGM; as I’m sure any of you parents of T1’s are also! But tonight I was working (I’m a photographer) so I was editing away and the time just happened to get away from me until around 8ish. I realized it had been awhile so I checked and he was 48! FORTY EIGHT!!! I freaked out and ran up the stairs hoping that his CGM was just off and he wasn’t actually that low.

I wish I was wrong, but I wasn’t. He tested at 52. He wouldn’t open his mouth. He wouldn’t even move. I shook him and he finally moved a tiny bit. I put the straw in his mouth and his instincts finally kicked in and his started drinking. Once he started stirring a little bit, he also started shaking. A lot. Probably the most I’ve ever seen him shake during a low. I scooped him up and held him while he slept for the next 10 minutes kissing him with tears rolling down my face.

This was a scary one. One of the scariest yet I think. Not just because of the number, but how he was reacting to this number. He’s been at 48 before and you would have never even known by looking at him. He felt like a million bucks. But this low was one of his worst yet.

I hate that my baby has to live with this battle every single second of every single minute of every single day. It’s not fair to him; not one little bit. If I could take this away from him, I would in the blink of an eye. The constant fear of this disease weighs on me every minute of my life. The what-ifs that run through my head scare me half to death.

But unfortunately there is nothing we can do about any of it. And it sucks. So until there is a cure, I advocate. I raise awareness. And I fight. For him. For my husband. And for the thousands of other T1’s just like them. Because they are warriors. They are superheroes. And they deserve a cure.

Susie Hummell to be Honored at Spring Brass Ring Luncheon March 24

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 06:48:18 GMT

Judy McNeil (event co-chair), Susie Hummell (honoree and program director of The Guild of CDF), Shelley Lucas (event co-chair) and Lyn Schaffer (event co-chair)

Originally Seen on: The Villager

Click here for the original article: http://www.villagerpublishing.com/85907/fleurish/susie-hummell-to-be-honored-at-spring-brass-ring-luncheon-march-24/

A recent kickoff for the Spring Brass Ring Luncheon was held at the impressive Schomp Mini showroom in Highlands Ranch.

The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation at Denver has changed the annual signature fundraiser to a spring event on March 24, moving it out of the traditional fall season.

Fashions from renowned designer Marc Bouwer, famous for his glamorous eveningwear, will be on the runway. Bouwer’s exquisite and figure-flattering collections worn by the stars have not been featured in Denver for several years.

Susie Hummell, who has been a CDF staff member for 20 years and is liaison for all things related to the guild, will be honored for her decades of service.

For further information: childrensdiabetesfoundation.org or 303-863-1200.

Aaron Wallace, Owner of Schomp Mini and immediate past president of CDF Guild, Tangy Buchanan

Ruckus Models in Exquisite Gowns by Marc Bouwer at the Schomp Mini-Sponsored Kickoff

Marc Bouwer Dresses Celebrities and Socialites, and He’ll Be Showing His Fashion in Denver

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 06:41:01 GMT

By SUZANNE S. BROWN | The Denver Post

February 15, 2017 at 5:17 pm

See the original article here: http://www.denverpost.com/2017/02/15/marc-bouwer-fashion-celebrities-socialites/

If you want to blend in with the crowd at the next social function you attend, Marc Bouwer is not your designer.

If you instead want to razzle-dazzle the room, make men weak-kneed and women jealous, a look at Marc Bouwer’s latest is required.

The New York-based designer has been dressing Hollywood celebrities for years. The gown he created for Laverne Cox for last year’s Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards had cape-like sleeves that trailed behind the statuesque actress like wings. Cox wore a black Bouwer dress with embellished pockets to last Saturday’s NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles.

The white satin halter dress that Angelina Jolie wore to the 2004 Academy Awards ceremony is still routinely cited as one of her most enduring red-carpet dazzlers. Ditto for looks he’s whipped up for Beyoncé and Charlize Theron, not to mention the new first lady, Melania Trump.

“She has an incredible fashion sense, and exceptional taste in clothing,” Bouwer says of the Slovenian-born former model, who he met before she was married to Donald Trump.

The last big event Bouwer dressed Melania Trump for was the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute gala in 2012. She wore a short, fitted white dress with an asymmetric hem and spiky shoulders. “Her style is simple, but she’s not afraid to be edgy,” he said, noting he has recently exchanged correspondence with Mrs. Trump and hopes to dress her again.

Bouwer’s customers also include socially prominent women around the country such as philanthropist Barbara Davis and her daughters. With her husband, Marvin, Barbara Davis created her namesake Center for Childhood Diabetes in Denver in 1978 after their daughter Dana developed the disease. The Davises also began staging star-studded Carousel Balls, which have raised millions of dollars for the cause. The organization has now come full circle, with Dana serving as executive director of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.

One of the foundation’s key events is the annual Brass Ring Luncheon and Fashion Show, and Bouwer will be in Denver to present his latest creations in support of the organization on March 24.

Dana Davis said that when a committee met to begin talking about a headliner for the show, Bouwer’s name quickly came up.

“I’ve known him for many years because my mother and lots of family friends have worked with him,” said Davis, who also had a shoe collection and was active in the fashion industry. “He’s got such wonderful style — classic but elegant and with Hollywood flair.”

“He does incredible fashion shows and we wanted to elevate the fashion show itself,” she added, also commending the designer for his charitable side. “He’s such a great partner and a generous human being. With the trunk show the day after the show, he’s donating 20 percent of the sales to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.”

Old Hollywood inspiration

The designer wants the show to be memorable. “This is different than showing at Fashion Week in New York,” he said in a phone interview from New York. “This is more a show for entertainment value. More of a spectacular production, with a slower pace.”

He said he expects to present looks from his spring collection as well as pieces from the fall line he debuted Feb. 2 at a CineFashion Film Awards event in New York. The theme of his new collection, he said, is “definitely old Hollywood” and inspired by “the sirens who I fell in love with as a kid.” Expect to see sexy, seductive looks.

Bouwer is known for his fabrics and has been using stretch velvet for gowns with plunging necklines and deep backs. Flowing sleeve treatments and cape-style backs add drama to dresses. His jersey gowns cling to the body and often feature cutouts on the side and deeply slit skirts. He’s also a fan of ornate, colorful beading.

Bouwer also produces a mass-market line that is sold on Evine.com. “I love designing the Evine collection,” he said of the venture, now in its third year. “It’s a challenge for any designer to make clothes that are fun and appealing, and also have to function in the real world and be affordable.”

Inspiration for some of the looks come from his high-end line, but sporty styles are influenced by what he thinks modern women want to wear. “A lot of my clients are mature but want to be part of what is happening; they have a younger mentality.”

Bouwer said changes in the fashion industry have made him alter his approach to both creating and selling his designs, which is why the Evine business is so different from his high-end line.

“The kind of woman who wears our couture wants to be fitted personally, and might want a few changes,” he says. “That is something that is hard for department stores to do today.”

Bouwer’s special occasion looks – often beaded and in high-end fabrics –- range from about $3,500 to $6,000 and are made under his supervision in his New York City workrooms.

Bouwer has long done things a little differently than his contemporaries in New York. The native of South Africa was in the military as a national requirement as a young man. Then he studied fashion and his talent was recognized with the South African Vogue young designer award. Soon after, he set out to make his name in New York City. He landed a job with famed designer Halston and learned techniques from the master, including draping.

Bouwer started his own design firm with Paul Margolin and the two have been business partners since the early 1990s.

Bouwer’s penchant for the dramatic sets him apart from the pack and he is known for staging theatrical shows, in a variety of media.

He was among the first in America to put his fashion show online and recalled that the trade publication Women’s Wear Daily refused to cover it. “They said it was too out of the box, and now every designer is doing it,” Bouwer said.

He thinks it makes more sense to stage smaller shows and put them online than spend $200,000 on a Fashion Week show that lasts just minutes. He feels differently about charity events, especially “if it’s for a special cause or helps emerging talent.”

Among those causes are animal welfare organizations. On his Facebook page, Bouwer describes himself in his introduction as an “animal welfare advocate and activist,” putting his fashion business second. He uses no fur or fabrics that come from animals in his lines, including leather and suede.

The Celebrity Factor

Bouwer has had the most success building his brand by working with celebrity clients. “It’s something I really enjoy. You get one good hit and it keeps your name relevant.”

But what happens when you’re one of 10 designers who send a top actress dresses and she doesn’t end up wearing yours on the red carpet?

“I’ve learned not to bite my nails,” he said. “You have to take the disappointments with the highs. When you’re in this league, you’re up against the best. So if you lose someone, you move on to the next.”

That said, he noted that it has become harder to get A-list celebrities to wear his designs because many of them are under contract by big fashion houses. The fashion companies pay the celebrities to don their designs – not only at high-wattage affairs, but often in advertising and at more casual occasions.

“So you get them on the way up, and hopefully every once in a while you get them back,” he said.

He said he also enjoys dressing less high-profile women for the big occasions in their lives and encourages them to make the most of the experience. “When you are being honored or are a guest at the wedding, it’s your moment to shine,” he said. “Be a star – dress up, look great and knock ‘em dead.”

If You Go: Brass Ring Luncheon and Fashion Show

The 39th annual luncheon and show benefiting programs of the Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes will be March 24 at the Denver Marriott City Center, 1701 California St. New York-based designer Marc Bouwer is the featured designer. The event, which begins at 9:30 a.m., will also feature a silent auction. The day’s honoree is Susie Hummell, who has been the guild’s program manager for 20 years. Individual tickets range from $100 to $300 per person. For more information, call 303-628-5109 or visit childrensdiabetesfoundation.org

If You Go: Marc Bouwer Trunk Show

Designer Marc Bouwer will meet with clients and show his line at a trunk show at a private home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 25. For more information and to attend, contact Kayla@childrensdiabetesfoundation.org or call 303-628-5103 by March 23.

From the Nurse’s Office to Neuschwanstein Castle

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 19:37:40 GMT

By Jenny Garten

Being friends with a diabetic has definitely been interesting. The first time I met Mattie we were playing Red Rover during recess with the other children in our grade. Mattie seemed just like any other kid, running around and having fun. When I got to know her better I found out she had diabetes, and as a safety measure she had to be escorted everywhere around the school. In case she had a seizure or other diabetic complication, the escort (usually another student in her class) would be able to send for help. Mattie asked me to go with her to the nurse’s office before lunch one day so she could test her blood sugar. I agreed, as it was a great excuse to get out of class early.

We walked to the nurse’s office together, talking about whatever 6 ^th grade girls talk about. Our conversation continued even while we were in the nurse’s office and Mattie was retrieving her diabetes supplies and prepping them to take a blood sugar.

I didn’t know much about diabetes, so I was completely horrified when I saw Mattie, mid-conversation, stab her finger, squeeze blood out of it, and then stick a glucose meter in the blood. But of course, I wanted to seem cool, so I did my best to continue the conversation while trying not to pass out from the sight of blood.

I couldn’t believe someone who acted just like any other kid could have a disease that had to be monitored so often and so painstakingly. I was afraid she might break any minute. Luckily, Mattie has always been very open about her diabetes. Learning from her and how to help if a life threatening situation arises put me at ease and allowed me to view her as a friend again and not as someone who needs to be protected from the world. It took Mattie a while to get her blood sugars under control, but now that she has, we have traveled around the world together. Not only is Mattie an awesome person in general and a great travel companion, but because she has diabetes, she almost always has snacks with her. And who doesn’t love snacks?

Marc Bouwer to Present Fashion Show at the Spring Brass Ring

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 06:31:03 GMT

DENVER, January 4th, 2017 – This Spring, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation will host its 39th Annual Brass Ring Luncheon and Fashion Show benefiting programs of the Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. The event date has been moved to the Spring and will be held on Friday, March 24, 2017 at the Denver Marriott City Center.

This year’s luncheon Gala Chairs are Shelley Lucas, Judy McNeil and Lyn Schaffer. The fashion show will feature the work of Marc Bouwer, prominent New York designer. Bouwer is known in the fashion world for his exquisite draping and ability to compliment a woman’s figure. His designs have graced numerous magazine covers, made red carpet appearances and will now be showcased at the 2017 Brass Ring Luncheon.

The glamorous event will also include a silent auction, where attendees can bid on over 60+ gift baskets of differing themes and sizes, and a live auction, featuring fabulous trips and experiences.

In addition, we will be honoring Susie Hummel, Guild Program Manager for her 20 years of service. Dana Davis, Executive Director, of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation says “It will be our honor to acknowledge her lifelong commitment to helping children and we are so grateful.”

”Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death by disease in the United States, and the number of children afflicted with the disease is growing at an alarming rate,” said Susie Hummel, Children’s Diabetes Foundation Program Manager. “We are thrilled to partner with an esteemed designer like Marc Bouwer for this year’s Brass Ring Luncheon to bring awareness to the disease and support this important cause.”

Event proceeds will benefit The Guild of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation whose mission is to raise funds to support programs of education, awareness and research, and treatment. These programs include: Helping Hand, an assistance program for families in need, a scholarship program for young people with diabetes, the Diabetes Awareness and Education Program, and clinic and research programs at the Barbara Davis Center.

Diabetes Super Girl: Finding the Strength to Empower my Child

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 11:36:48 GMT

By Marianne Williams

From the moment the pediatrician informed me of the diagnosis I knew I had to be strong. I knew my reaction would dictate my child’s reaction and feelings. I had to be calm and brave if I was going to expect the same from her. As I clung to the hope that somehow the doctor was wrong, I decided to just take it as it comes. I wasn’t going to panic. I’d understand more at the hospital. The faster I learned what I needed to know, the faster we could get home to our real lives.

My internal dialog the entire ride to the emergency room was a back and forth between “Why not ME?” and “It is what it is.” I never asked “Why her?” because I felt like saying so was saying I thought someone else should have it instead. I didn’t want ANY child to have it so instead I asked, “Why not ME?” My grandmother had type 1 and I have been overweight most of my life. I honestly expected to hear this diagnosis for years, but from my doctor. I was furious my 4 year old was the one who had it. I also realized that no matter how angry I was, there was no one to blame. I did nothing wrong. I couldn’t have known or prevented her onset. No one caused it; no one made a mistake . Although I really wanted to be angry, without a target for my rage it would destroy me. “It is what it is” I repeated over and over. All I could do was accept it, learn all I could about the disease and be there for my daughter.

I was so thankful it was diabetes . Yes, thankful! Of all the diseases, conditions or disabilities my child could have, she had one that was manageable. I thought of my friend whose five year old was just diagnosed with leukemia. A diabetes diagnosis seemed minor comparatively. Diabetes is treatable and people live long lives with the disease.

Her disease would not limit her choices in life. She could still be anything, do anything and experience anything she chose. I was thankful for her pediatrician who also happened to have type 1 since she was five. Who better to help me care for this precious child? I was thankful for the time it gave me with her one on one in the hospital. We rarely get time like that and the disease continues to enable us to spend more intimate time together. I am thankful.

In the ER, when they placed the hospital bracelet on Julia’s arm, it reminded me of the cuffs Wonder Woman wears. I immediately saw an opportunity to empower my sweet child and the Diabetes Super Girl was born . She is brave and strong, tough and smart. With a giggle, a growl and flexing of muscles, Julia took on the identity. I didn’t want her to feel like a victim of the disease, rather a super girl with the power to kick diabetes’ butt .

Along the way I found other opportunities to ease my daughter into her new life and allow her to take charge of her disease. I explained what was happening inside her body and why she needed insulin. I never allowed anyone to do anything to her without a full explanation. I wanted Julia to understand what they were going to do and why. I was honest about any pain she may experience, but also made it clear that the procedures were mandatory.

I asked the doctors and nurses to call the insulin her ‘medicine’ instead of her ‘shots’. I didn’t want her to associate what she was getting with the more painful and larger needles of immunizations. I also wanted her to see insulin as medicine; something that helps your body. By the time we left the hospital we were calling them for what they were, but by then she understood the difference.

The Child Life staff at the hospital was amazingly knowledgeable on how to lessen the fear and apprehensiveness of a young child. Along with a small bear, they provided a toy doctor kit with a stethoscope, otoscope and blood pressure cuff. I asked if we could take it one step further and practice with some real diabetes supplies. They came through with an expended insulin pen and lancet device. My daughter’s confidence in the situation sky rocketed when she was able to use the device, my cell phone and a test strip to test her bear’s blood and the pen to deliver the insulin. She could care for ‘Blueberries’ the way I cared for her.

I continued to seek ways to empower her at home . At first she had an array of bandages and stickers to reward her for her bravery. The other children immediately became her ‘support’ and held her hand during shots. Even the 2 year old is eager to be Julia’s support and sits calmly beside her with his hand on her. We all clap or congratulate her on how tough she is .

Although the children surround Julia with love and encouragement, I became concerned when they started calling her their “diabetic sister”. We had several conversations about diabetes being just a part of Julia. She is four years old, the third child in the family, she is diabetic, she has brown hair and she loves to dance and ride her bike. I wanted to make it clear that diabetes does not define her .

Five weeks after her diagnosis was Halloween. Julia dressed in her Diabetes Super Girl costume and proudly showed it off. She beamed when we told people her slogan, “Diabetes Super Girl: Taking on diabetes one day at a time!” That is truly what we are doing, taking it one day at a time. Learning all we can learn, listening to everyone with advice and experience while accepting that “it is what it is.” We continue to model strength and bravery while focusing on all we have to be thankful for…. especially our little superhero.

The True Meaning of Diabetes Awareness Month

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 11:33:42 GMT

By Ana Reinhardt

Please don’t discard this post as just ‘another post about type 1 diabetes.’ Here is the deal. Friends, when my son Robert was diagnosed three years ago, I knew NOTHING about type 1 diabetes (T1D). November is Diabetes Awareness Month and we are trying to take this opportunity to bring true awareness because at the end of the day, what happens when November is over?

Bringing awareness to Robert’s disease isn’t just about wearing blue every Friday of November, or wearing blue on World Diabetes Day (November 14 ^th ). It isn’t just about spreading information about the prevalence of T1D, its risk factors, knowing the signs, symptoms, cause, and management of the disease.

Bringing awareness to T1D is about taking a moment to teach others to be mindful of people that suffer from this disease on a daily basis . It’s about teaching Robert’s teachers to be aware of his blood sugar levels before he sits down to take a test, participates in PE, and practices with his cross country team. Bringing awareness is about teaching his classmates that it’s ok to ask why he wears a device on his arm and on his stomach and not teasing him when his alarms go off. It is about teaching those around him that he must have his medical supplies on him at all times. Yes, this does include when he is riding his bike, playing at the park, and sleeping. It is about teaching others not to stare at Robert when you see him testing his blood sugar in public or when you notice tubing coming out of his shirt.

Most importantly, it is about teaching the world that kids with diabetes are strong, resilient, and brave . That they are not contagious, eating too much candy didn’t cause diabetes, and they too can eat what you eat. I use these examples because they are typical stereotypes Robert has to often disprove.

I will not tell you how many times his finger has been pricked, how many injections he has had to give himself, how many pump sites and sensor changes we have had to endure, or how many sleepless nights we have had fighting high or low blood sugars. That wouldn’t bring much awareness. That would solely evoke pity, and pity is not what we are looking for .

We are looking to educate the world about type 1 diabetes because an average of 110 children, whose families are unaware of T1D, are diagnosed each day. My family and I will not stop educating people about this disease in order to create an understanding in people about the truths of what diabetes entails. We do this not only to create a community in which Robert (and other diabetic children) can feel safe and included, but also to encourage him to be a lifelong advocate for himself and all those suffering from T1D.

Star-studded Carousel of Hope Ball Honors Sidney Poitier, Jane Fonda, Sherry Lansing and David Foster

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 19:37:47 GMT

Denzel Washington, gala honoree Sidney Poitier and event chairman Barbara Davis attend the 30th Carousel of Hope Ball on Oct. 8 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. (ABImages)

By Ellen Olivier

October 9, 2016nOriginal Article: http://www.latimes.com/fashion/la-ig-carousel-ball-20161007-snap-story,amp.html

Unless they’re going to a major gala or awards show such as the Oscars or Emmys, Angelenos, in general, tend to dress down most days more often than not.

But they certainly dressed up for the 30th Carousel of Hope Ball, a Saturday evening benefit for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes — where there were plenty of long gowns, jewels, suits, tuxedos and Hollywood royalty.

Raquel Welch, left, Regina King and Idina Menzel attend the 30th Carousel of Hope Ball in Beverly Hills. (Michael Underwood / ABImages)

“We love to show up for Barbara,” said third-generation Oscar-winner Anjelica Huston, sparkling from twin diamond brooches and speaking of Davis, the event chairman who founded the gala in 1978 with her husband, Marvin.

“It’s like a reunion to me,” Motown founder Berry Gordy said during the cocktail reception. “I see all my friends that I haven’t seen since the last one.”

Yara Shahidi, left, gala honoree Jane Fonda and Sharon Stone at the Carousel of Hope Ball. (Alex J. Berliner / ABImages, right; Michael Underwood / ABImages)

Comedian Jay Leno was the host for Saturday’s affair at the Beverly Hilton, which featured Sharon Stone as auctioneer. The event also included performances by Idina Menzel and Jamie Foxx; a quartet of Tinseltown legends as honorees, Sidney Poitier, Jane Fonda, Sherry Lansing and David Foster; and a luminous lineup of presenters such as Denzel Washington, Quincy Jones, Carole Bayer Sager and Huston.

A silent auction stretched across several ballrooms, where those mingling included Kathy Griffin, Regina King, Carmen Electra, Garcelle Beauvais, Jane Seymour, Yara Shahidi, Francesca Capaldi, Jillian Rose Reed, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, LaTanya Richardson and Samuel L. Jackson, Linda and Jerry Bruckheimer, Lori and Michael Milken, and — the impossible to miss, 6-foot-10-inch former Laker and Clipper Brian Cook.

Anjelica Huston, left, Vivica A. Fox and event chairman Barbara Davis at the Carousel of Hope Ball. (Michael Underwood / ABImages; ABImages)

Next came dinner, entertainment and an awards ceremony, where we learned these five things.

Washington considers Poitier his mentor. In accepting the award, Poitier, the 89-year old Hollywood icon and Academy Award winner, allowed that he’s had a wonderful life yet took time to acknowledge the event chair’s accomplishments.

Turns out that Jones and Fonda are third cousins. “I’m sure it’s obvious to everyone,” Jones quipped, before noting that he and the two-time Oscar winner are not only longtime friends but that they learned that they are genetically linked to a slave owner in Mississippi as well.

Jamie Foxx, left, gala honoree Sherry Lansing and Samuel L. Jackson, and gala honoree David Foster attend the Carousel of Hope Ball on Oct. 8. (Brennan Lashever / ABImages; Alex J. Berliner / ABImages; Alex J. Berliner / ABImages)

“You’re my favorite cousin,” said Fonda, as she stepped to the podium.

Menzel won’t be repeating her Tony Award-winning role in the upcoming movie “Wicked.” After belting out Elphaba’s signature tune, “Defying Gravity,” she said, “I’m told I’m too old to play the role.” And she suggested that filmmakers cover her in green makeup and use computer-generated imagery. “What’s the difference?” she added.

Quinton Aaron, as known as “Big Mike” from “The Blind Side,” can act as well as sing. Foster proved this by bringing Aaron onstage to sing “Let’s Get It On.”

Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, left, Nicole Pantenburg, Allison Holker and Stephen “tWitch” Boss at the Carousel of Hope Ball. (ABImages)

In presenting Foster’s award, Bayer Sager ascribed a quality to each letter of his name. Starting with “D is for divorce,” adding that’s “a subject that David knows far too much about and what he doesn’t know, he can read in his ex-wives’ memoirs.” For the rest of the letters, she chronicled the 16-time Grammy winner’s achievements, ending with R for “remarkable.”

With this much star power, it’s no wonder the Carousel of Hope has raised more than $100 million over the years. “No one can say no to Barbara [Davis],” Lansing said.

Ellen Olivier is the founder of Society News LA.

The Value of Standing in Line

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 11:26:50 GMT

By Jack from https://fulltimefatherhoodblog.wordpress.com/

Mckenzie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of three, and Celiac disease shortly thereafter. Now, at the age of 7, she has been living with these chronic conditions for the majority of her life, and certainly remembers living with the conditions for far longer than without. For those who may not be familiar with diabetes, there are two basic types. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the pancreas, destroying its ability to produce insulin. A healthy diet and lifestyle can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, but it will not prevent type 1. To put it simply, drinking a gallon of soda every day for a decade won’t give you type 1 diabetes, and being an Olympic athlete won’t stop you from getting it. It just happens.

Because her pancreas does not make insulin, Mckenzie’s blood sugar must be checked before every meal, two hours after every meal, when she wakes up, when she goes to bed, in the middle of the night and anytime there is an activity which disrupts her normal schedule. She must then be given insulin or carbohydrates to (hopefully) adjust her blood sugar and keep it in the healthy range. If her blood sugar goes too low she can slip into a coma, if it goes too high for too long her body begins a process called diabetic ketoacidosis which can make her violently ill and land her in the emergency room. It’s the normal way of things for her, but it isn’t easy. She’s the only kid at her elementary school with type 1 diabetes, and the only one of her friends with any type of autoimmune disorder. For that reason, and many others, we were very excited for Mckenzie to attend her first day camp for kids with type 1 diabetes.

The camp was two days, for kids age 6-10, and every kid and counselor there had type 1 diabetes. A YMCA in Colorado Springs donated the space, including use of the pool and the rock climbing wall, and local businesses donated all sorts of food and supplies for the kids. Doctors and nurses donated their time to be on hand in case of emergency, and the atmosphere was very comforting. The effort put forth by the community was amazing, and Mckenzie had the time of her life, even saying at one point, “I’m glad I have diabetes!”

The most memorable moment for me, however, occurred on our way home from the first day of camp. Before we get to that, I should provide some context: Parents dropped their kids off at the YMCA in the morning and did not come back until the afternoon. That’s pretty unusual for parents of kids with type 1, because we’re used to stopping by or speaking with school and/or camps multiple times a day to check blood glucose levels, drop off snacks and help troubleshoot any problems that may arise. At this camp, however, the emphasis was on making the kids as self-sufficient as possible, so parents were encouraged to stay away until the day was done. When we picked Mckenzie up, excited to hear all about camp, she was thrilled to tell us about the swimming and rock climbing and new friends she met that day. It was pretty surprising when she also said her favorite part of the day was standing in the lunch line!

We were speechless, for a moment. The lunch line? With everything that had gone on, how could something like standing in line have been so important? The thing I had neglected to realize was quite simply that it was something she had never been able to do. Mckenzie has had diabetes since before she started school, and for every lunch period since the first day of kindergarten, she has gone down to the nurse’s office just before lunch to check her blood glucose and get the appropriate dose of insulin. Because of that, she is in the nurse’s office while her class lines up, goes to the lunch room and stands in the lunch line. Due to the dietary restrictions of Celiac disease, we always pack her lunch, so she never gets to select what she wants from the options provided at school, and usually gets to the cafeteria after everyone else has their food and is already sitting down to eat. She is rarely able to have the same cupcakes or treats as the other kids at birthday parties, and even if by some miracle the treats are gluten-free, she still has to be pulled aside for a blood sugar check and a dose of insulin.

Her favorite part about diabetes camp was that she got to stand in the lunch line just like everyone else. It had never occurred to me how meaningful that might be to her, because I have never experienced not being able to do it. In fact, for many kids, I’m sure getting to skip the lunch line is something to be grateful for! The difference is the context through which Mckenzie experiences the lunch line. And it’s not true only for people who experience things differently as a result of a health condition, but for people who experience the same event in very different ways as a result of religion, age, gender, ethnicity or any number of variables.

The point is not that my daughter is a stupendous badass (even though she is). The point is that the context through which we experience life shapes that experience, and it is nearly impossible for us to anticipate or judge how someone else should experience their own life. Imagine if you heard my daughter say her favorite part about going to camp was standing in line, and you had not read the previous five paragraphs. “What a weird kid,” you might think to yourself. Now, imagine how many times we do that each day, making snap judgments about things we perceive as awkward or strange, without knowing anything about the context in which they developed.

In closing, it reminds me of a conversation my wife and I recently had with some close friends. We were talking about the factors that make kids who grew up in difficult circumstances successful, and our friend – who just graduated from college and is an awesome father – told us a little about himself. Growing up, he saw lots of alcoholism and violence in his community. He looked at what was happening around him and used it as motivation to make a better life for himself. He told us that a relative of his, who grew up in the same household, looked at those same circumstances as the factors that prevented the development of a better life.

I’m not sure what grand conclusion to draw from all this, but it seems important. The next time I see something I don’t understand, I’ll try to remember that standing in line might be the best part of someone’s weekend.

To read more from the Full-Time Fatherhood Blog, visit https://fulltimefatherhoodblog.wordpress.com/ .

Type One Diabetes and Autism: Tiny Battles

Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:24:25 GMT

TL;DR

Raising a child with both type 1 diabetes and autism comes with unique daily challenges—but also powerful moments of resilience. This story shares how one family navigates multiple diagnoses, finds small wins, and uses creative strategies like decorating insulin pumps to turn difficult moments into victories.

Updated: April 3, 2026

From Heart Defect to Autism Diagnosis

Trey was born a fighter. Diagnosed with a significant Ventricular Septal Defect (a big hole in his heart) shortly after birth, hospital visits and medical specialists have always been the norm for him. But he fought that tiny little broken heart out his first few years, and against all odds, managed to fight off the open-heart surgery we were told he would eventually have to have. He won enough of those tiny battles that when he was four years old, the hole had finally shrunk enough for the surgery to no longer be necessary.

Then without enough time to even catch our breath, when he was still four, we began navigating another diagnosis…autism. It was always there, but he was in preschool (2006) when a teacher first raised the possibility, and I felt that same overwhelming rush of emotion I had experienced with his heart condition. Our lives shifted once again with a single sentence: “Mrs. Boyers, I think Trey might be on the autism spectrum .” And he is. We had long sensed that he experienced and interacted with the world differently, but we didn’t yet have the understanding or tools to support him fully. Once we did, we got to work, and more importantly, so did he. He worked incredibly hard.

He went from being minimally verbal at age four to a little boy mainstreamed by the end of the second grade. And later, as a teenager, even skipping the 8 ^th grade after being accepted into a special autism high school at the local college! Trey has always shined the brightest light from those big dark brown eyes and taken on whatever the world has thrown at him, full speed ahead.

When Type 1 Diabetes Enters the Picture

It was a similarly overwhelming experience when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 13 in 2015. As our sense of “normal” shifted once again with another life-changing moment, there he was in his hospital bed, connected to lifesaving equipment, still finding ways to tell jokes and do little tricks to make me laugh. In the midst of an incredibly difficult week, his warmth and personality left a lasting impression on everyone who cared for him—doctors, nurses, and dietitians alike. To this day, he still receives cards from a few of them.

How Routine Eating Habits Helped Stabilize Blood Sugar

One of our biggest and most exhausting battles with Trey since he was two was his very limited diet . He eats the same food every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For his diabetes, this actually helped to regulate his blood sugars quickly enough that he got his insulin pump in about 6 months.

He still dreads pump-change day, but his obsession with all things superheroes helped us find a little trick that has helped immensely with changing his pods …

Turning Fear into Fun: Decorating Insulin Pumps for Kids

I’m an artist by trade so I have a bit of a leg up on this one, but even if you’re artistically challenged and even if your little T1D warrior isn’t on the autism spectrum, this may very well still give them something to look forward to on pump-change day.

Older kids probably won’t appreciate the idea as much, but those of you with little ones might be surprised how picking out new characters for their pods can lift their spirit! Smiley faces, colored hearts, sports teams, even using stickers might just make a painful pod change not quite so painful. I use Sharpie markers for the most part, but the trick is to make sure the ink is COMPLETELY DRY before you put it on (wait about 10 minutes after drawing) and to AVOID UNI SOLVE! It removes (smears) permanent marker instantly, so make sure the site AND your fingers are totally dry before handling and adhering the colored pod.

Small Wins Matter: The Power of “Tiny Battles”

Doodling on an insulin pump might not make much of a difference for most, but for a few it just might be the difference between winning and losing a tiny battle on that particular day, and if I’ve learned anything in helping my little warrior fight every single day for 14 years now, it’s that winning a big fight in the end is all about winning the tiny battles along the way.

The photo above is Trey on his first day of high school, a full year ahead of schedule. He’s still fighting his little broken heart out and with the help of Deadpool, Captain America and Teen Titans Go, he’s winning tiny battles every three days.

‘Growing out’ of Type 1: Dexcom and CDF working to find a cure

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:20:39 GMT

“Mommy, how old will I be when I grow out of diabetes?” This question from my five year old son, Holden, came up last night as I changed his pump sight. I froze for a moment because I wasn’t quite sure how I should answer this. I don’t want to disappoint or scare him with my answer, but I also want him to understand not just what type 1 diabetes (T1D) is, but also the extensive amount of research taking place to find a cure and the great sense of hope we all feel throughout the T1D community about finding a cure soon. So I responded, “Right now we don’t know; all I can tell you is I know for a fact that one day you will remember when, where you were, and how old you were at the exact moment you grew out of diabetes. There are tons of great doctors, researchers and scientists all working together to find a cure.” I continued, “Do you know why mommy works at Dexcom? To be part of this fight and journey to find the cure for you, and to help little boys and girls just like you, and their mommies and daddies like us.”

It’s moments like these that remind me why I – and the companies and organizations like Dexcom and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation – fight and work so hard. We want to change the lives of people with Type 1. We want to find a cure.

This mission is what led me to Dexcom. The Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System allows Holden, my husband and me, his babysitters, teachers, friends, t-ball and soccer coaches, and everyone around him to be more aware of his blood glucose levels at any time of day. We don’t need to be constantly poking his finger or asking how he feels because we can see it on his monitor, our phones or our smartwatches. But I don’t want that peace of mind just for us – I think everyone affected by type 1 should have CGM. I want to help make the lives of those affected by type 1 easier by making blood glucose levels more transparent and easier to access, but most importantly I want to be part of the support team for people new to the world of type 1. When Holden was diagnosed two years ago we couldn’t have made it through the news or the lifestyle transition if it wasn’t for the support of all the doctors, nurses, friends, family members and complete strangers (some living thousands of miles away!) – everyone in this community should have a support team like that.

The Children’s Diabetes Foundation was founded by the parents of a child diagnosed with type 1 and is dedicated to research and support for children with diabetes. Since it was started in 1977, the foundation has raised $100 million. Dexcom is proud to work closely with the foundation and is here to help you and those you love navigate your way through this journey. We don’t want you to be scared, to struggle or feel alone. We are developing the products needed to make Type 1 more manageable. We conduct research and trials. We assist with and fund education and support. All to find a cure.

So if you or someone you love has recently embarked on this journey you should remember this one thing: You aren’t alone in this – we are all here for you and with you… together.

As a mom I can’t stand that his hair is in his face, but this is his all-time favorite photo with Jordan Morris. Jordan is also a person with type 1 diabetes and a professional soccer player. Holden wants to be just like him when he grows up.

Growing up in San Diego, Holden loves the Padres and everything that’s baseball. Here he is meeting Brandon Morrow from the Padres who also has type 1 diabetes

BRIEF SAFETY STATEMENT

The Dexcom G5 Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (the “System”) is a glucose monitoring system indicated for detecting trends and tracking patterns in persons (age 2 years and older) with diabetes. CONTRAINDICATIONS Remove the System (sensor, transmitter, and receiver) before Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, or high-frequency electrical heat (diathermy) treatment. The System is MR Unsafe. Do not bring any portion of the System into the MR environment. Taking acetaminophen while wearing the sensor may falsely raise your sensor glucose readings. WARNING Do not use the System for treatment decisions. The System does not replace a blood glucose meter. The System is not approved for use in pregnant women, persons on dialysis or critically ill persons. If a sensor breaks and no portion of it is visible above the skin, do not attempt to remove it. Seek professional medical help if you have infection or inflammation. Report broken sensors to Dexcom Technical Support. Sensor placement is not approved for sites other than under the skin of the belly (ages 2 years and older) or upper buttocks (ages 2-17 years). Your smart device’s internal settings override your Dexcom app settings. Accessory devices (like a smart watch) might override your smart device’s alert and notification settings. The Share feature must be turned “On” with an active internet connection to communicate glucose information to a Follower. The Follower must download and install the Dexcom Follow App onto a separate smart device with an active internet connection to receive data. Contact Dexcom Toll Free at 877-339-2664 or www.dexcom.com for detailed indications for use and safety information.

Bigfoot Biomedical Enrolls First Patients in Smartloop Automated Insulin Delivery System Clinical Trial

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 06:21:01 GMT

The Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes will be one of three cutting-edge medical centers participating in clinical trials of Bigfoot Biomedical’s Bigfoot smartloop™ automated insulin delivery system. This system will greatly improve care for patients with type 1 diabetes. While the research will be taking place at the BDC, this technology will change the lives of type 1 diabetics around the world.

Bigfoot Biomedical, Inc., a company founded and led by people affected by and living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), has enrolled its first patients in a clinical trial for the Bigfoot smartloop™ automated insulin delivery system. Bigfoot was founded with the sole purpose of revolutionizing the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Its mission is expressed in a system of care to transform the lives of people who depend upon the daily administration of insulin, a life-giving but also dangerous drug.

“Life with T1D using today’s tools is unreasonable,” according to Jeffrey Brewer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Bigfoot Biomedical. “Therapies are too expensive, too complex, and require intense focus and attention with little support. Also, healthcare providers are overwhelmed, with too many hurdles blocking them from helping their patients. The smartloop™ automated insulin delivery system has the potential to change people’s lives. It is designed to deliver better health with greater ease of use, making life simpler for both the patient and the clinicians who treat them, ultimately lowering cost of treatment.”

Motivated by a desire to improve the lives of their children, Jeffrey Brewer, former CEO of JDRF International, and Bryan Mazlish, the mysterious “Bigfoot” in Dan Hurley’s piece for Wired Magazine, founded Bigfoot Biomedical in November 2014. Moving with unprecedented speed in medical device development, over the past 20 months they’ve assembled a team of 40 people and are driving toward commercialization of a cutting edge approach to improving the lives of people with T1D.

Bigfoot recently received approval by the FDA of its Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) submission for a first clinical study of the smartloop™ automated insulin delivery system. The trial is slated to take place at three sites, each of which is a global leader in closed-loop insulin delivery research. Bigfoot is collaborating with Stanford University School of Medicine in coordination with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and Stanford Children’s Health in Palo Alto, CA, the William Sansum Diabetes Center in Santa Barbara, CA, and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora, CO .

It is designed to deliver better health with greater ease of use, making life simpler for both the patient and the clinicians who treat them, ultimately lowering cost of treatment.”

About “Automated Insulin Delivery”

“Automated insulin delivery,” often referred to as “artificial pancreas” or “closed-loop” technology, refers to a wearable system that uses information about glucose (provided by a continuous glucose monitor, or CGM) to automatically adjust the delivery of insulin by an insulin pump to assist in reducing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), attempting to increase the time that blood glucose remains in a healthy, target range.

About Bigfoot Biomedical, Inc.

Bigfoot Biomedical was founded by those affected by and living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and is committed to leveraging data, people, and smart technology to create a connected ecosystem of services and solutions that aim to deliver improved outcomes valued by patients, providers, and payers. Learn more at bigfootbiomedical.com.

Meet the Colorado doctor helping Hispanic families with Type 1 diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 06:09:20 GMT

By Joanne Davidso

First published by The Denver Post. See the original article by clicking here .

The roads that led Dr. Andrea Gerard-Gonzalez to the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora weren’t all eight-lane expressways.

A few of them weren’t even covered in asphalt.

But each can be seen as a metaphor in the journey that brought her to Colorado, where she is making an important difference in the health of youngsters of Latin descent who are Type 1 diabetics.

As director of the Barbara Davis Center’s Hispanic/Latino Diabetes Care Team, Gerard-Gonzalez continues to develop and expand culturally appropriate ways to not only improve the delivery of diabetes care for the 800 youngsters with whom her team works, but to educate family members about the disease, eliminate stigmas and build a sense of community.

Ultimately, the 36-year-old endocrinologist hopes to see medical facilities in other cities adopt the model on which her program is based; she is also working to modify it for other ethnic cultures.

“In the United States, Hispanic children under-utilize diabetes care technology and have higher HbA1c levels than non-Hispanic white children,” explains Dr. Marian Rewers, the Barbara Davis Center’s executive director. “This is likely related to language barriers, cultural barriers and the limited availability of Spanish-speaking staff and resources.”nn(HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin levels, are determined through a blood test that gives doctors an overall picture of a patient’s average blood-sugar levels over a period of weeks or months).

“It’s painful for me to see such a disparity in outcomes,” Gerard-Gonzalez says. “Just translating printed materials isn’t enough. You have to work with the people in ways in which they are comfortable.”

After graduating first in her class from the prestigious Universidad La Salle School of Medicine in her native Mexico City, Gerard-Gonzalez set out for Chiapas, one of Mexico’s southernmost states, to complete a two-year internship at a tiny clinic ill-equipped to meet anything other than the most basic medical needs.

It was located in what she says was an “incredibly beautiful area … out in the middle of nowhere.” The nearest hospital was two hours away, reached by negotiating a bumpy, dusty — or muddy — unpaved road where farm animals roamed freely.

Little did she know how well the geographic and cultural challenges she faced would prepare her for her current job.

“You arrive filled with joy and expectations about how you’re going to change things for the better, help nourish the society. But then you find that you don’t understand their language or culture — it was a mostly indigenous population and not everyone spoke Spanish — and that they don’t want you and don’t trust you.”

Establishing trust and respect was difficult, she admits in an interview conducted during her lunch break in a conference room at the Barbara Davis Center.

She gained it after two touch-and-go medical emergencies — one in which she saved the life of both mother and baby during a complicated delivery, and the other involving a child who arrived at her clinic near death because of untreated diabetes. She was able to convince the child’s parents that he needed insulin to survive and that hospitals shouldn’t be seen as scary places.

“One of the greatest things that I learned in Chiapas is that there are many right ways to do things, not just the one way you think is right. (That experience) taught me that we need to work with the culture of the communities we serve and make things appropriate for them.”

Which is exactly what she is doing at the Barbara Davis Center.

The “unique and innovative model” that she and her team developed includes family-style shared medical appointments, educational materials written in Spanish and activities that are culturally sensitive and appropriate. The goal is to reduce costs associated with treating high-risk patients and build a strong sense of community within Colorado Latino patients with Type 1 diabetes.

“We alternate one-on-one visits with 45-minute sessions where Spanish-speaking professionals talk about things like carb counting, healthy eating and the importance of exercise.”

At first, she said, “We thought 45 minutes would be too much time because Latin families — and we have patients not just from Mexico but from Puerto Rico, Cuba and Guatemala — tend to be very private about their personal stuff. They might not know what diabetes is, and so a parent can feel guilty because their child has it. Which is what we want to eliminate.”

To her surprise and delight, “The conversation never stopped, even when the 45 minutes were up. They’d leave the building, but we’d see them continuing to chat on the sidewalk and in the parking lot.”

When her internship in Chiapas ended, Gerard-Gonzalez and her husband, Alejandro Ayestarán, a civil engineer, made the difficult decision to leave Mexico and move to Miami, where she joined the pediatrics staff at Miami Children’s Hospital.

“It was very hard to leave our loved ones behind,” she admits, “but my husband wanted to get an MBA and I had this great opportunity to get further training at one of the top children’s hospitals in the U.S.”

From Miami, the couple moved with their dog, Emma, to California, where she completed a fellowship in endocrinology at the University of California San Francisco. Three years ago, she gave birth to twins Sofia and Alex.

At the conclusion of her fellowship she was recruited by the Barbara Davis Center and the family moved to Colorado.

It’s a move she does not regret.

“I would have been a good doctor in Mexico but I might not have been able to make the impact I wanted to have. The Latin people are proud people and they don’t want to be judged, so we have to make them feel strong, to better understand diabetes and eliminate any guilt they may feel because their child has diabetes. We are able to do that here at the Barbara Davis Center.”

—

Joanne Davidson was The Denver Post’s society editor for 29 years before retiring in July, 2015. She quickly discovered she wasn’t ready for the rocking chair, so she dusted off her evening gowns and returned to the paper as a freelance reporter, writing feature stories and covering charitable fundraising events in the metro area. When she’s not attending a gala, you can find her out walking her dogs or sampling the food in one of Denver’s great restaurants.

Living Well with Type 1 Diabetes Over Four Decades…

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 11:16:52 GMT

By Signe Myhren

In July of 1972, I was on vacation with my family for a few weeks, camping in Florida. That’s when the symptoms came on. Somehow we rationalized away the thirst (it was hot in Florida), the weight loss (I was swimming every day and walking around Disney World), and the frequent urination (caused by all the water I was drinking to combat Florida’s heat). My mother had to set up a pail outside the trailer, since it was too long a walk to the camp restroom during the night. Near the end of vacation, I was feeling quite unwell, and deep down I wondered if I had a terminal illness.

Upon my return home from vacation, my mother made an appointment to see my pediatrician immediately. My pediatrician called an endocrinologist when the urine test for sugar (Clinitest) done in her office, produced a bright yellow bubbling liquid in the test tube. I was driven to the hospital, where the diagnosis of “juvenile diabetes” (the old-fashioned term for type 1 diabetes) was confirmed by a blood test. The endocrinologist looked very somber when he came in to give me the bad news that I had an incurable, chronic illness. He warned me that my life was going to be very different from then on. I actually was very relieved deep down because I knew I wasn’t going to die.

In the hospital I was given a book which explained that prior to the discovery of insulin in the early 1920’s, type 1 diabetes was a death sentence. Starvation diets had been prescribed as a way of prolonging life back then. I realized how fortunate I was to have been diagnosed after the discovery of insulin. I vowed to think of every day beyond the day of my diagnosis as a gift.

In those days, there were no blood glucose meters, so doctors in the hospital (where I remained for about 2 weeks) determined my twice-daily insulin doses (of a mixture of Regular and NPH insulins, taken before breakfast and dinner) based upon venous blood glucose samples. The diet I was prescribed was based on the Food Exchange system, so I was allotted a certain number of “exchanges” for every meal.

I was not supposed to waver from the prescribed diet, since the carbohydrate in it was matched to my insulin doses, which never changed once they were set in the hospital. However, the Food Exchange-based diet was nutritious. Since I had always had a sweet tooth, and loved eating candy and cookies, adopting this new diet likely helped me to become healthier than I would have been had I not been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. My endocrinologist told me that, on special occasions, I could just take “a little extra” regular (quick-acting) insulin to cover sweets. “A little extra” was never defined, in terms of insulin units!

It was my gratitude for all the things that are NOT wrong with me that shaped my philosophy towards living successfully with type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is not a terminal illness. My pancreatic beta cells were killed long ago in an autoimmune attack, but everything else in my body works just fine. I love to exercise, and do so regularly. Long walks are my favorite exercise, but I also work out at the gym, often with my Kindle propped up on the elliptical trainer so I can read at the same time! I have always worked hard to keep my body healthy.

I am also grateful that I was able to test my blood glucose frequently, beginning with my first-ever blood glucose meter, which I got in 1983. Prior to that, my blood glucose levels were tested once per month. Every month I visited the lab for a blood glucose test. A fasting blood glucose test one month alternated with an afternoon test the next month. The lab was closed at night, so there was no way of knowing what a bedtime blood glucose level was.

Currently I wear an insulin pump integrated with a CGM. I would give up my pump before my CGM. I love the constant data it gives me. The 11 years I spent without a blood glucose meter were dreadful. I lived in constant fear of hypoglycemia. To date, I have absolutely no complications of type 1 diabetes and I believe it has been my diligence in controlling my blood glucose levels that has made that possible.

For the past 22 years, I have worked as an elementary school music teacher in a public school – a job that I love, because it combines my love for children with my love of music. I have also sung professionally. I am a frequent traveler, and have been to Europe numerous times. When I retire from music teaching someday, I especially want to work with children who live with type 1 diabetes. They and their parents need hope and the assurance that complications can be avoided.

Don’t think for a minute that I love having type I diabetes. I don’t. There are mornings when I get up, see a high blood glucose number on my meter for no good reason, and think to myself “I’m so DONE with you, type 1 diabetes!” I’m sure all type 1s feel that way from time to time.

Yet, as my 44th ‘diaversary’ approaches, I remind myself that life is truly a gift. I am grateful for the good life I’ve had so far, and I plan to go on living a full and active life.

Caring for Toddlers and Preschoolers with Type 1 Diabetes: It Takes a Team!

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 11:14:04 GMT

By Dr. Shideh Majidi & Dr. Kimberly Driscoll

Having a toddler or preschooler can be an amazing time—they are always exploring, curious, and active. And the rate at which they develop skills often brings daily surprises. Yet, with this comes challenges too. Temper tantrums, difficulty communicating needs and wants, and “wanting what they want when they want it” are common toddler/preschoolers behaviors.

Type 1 diabetes in this age group can also understandably be hard as there are unique challenges with a diabetes diagnosis and its management. We often hear parents and caregivers talk about the guilt they feel about their child being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. You have 100% of the diabetes responsibility and this can lead to feelings of worry and frustration when your child’s blood sugars are so variable.

Activity level and eating habits are unpredictable and may cause these worries and frustrations to increase. You may experience even more stress because your child can’t always communicate when his/her blood sugars are low, or if shots are avoided because of needle anxiety. All of this is normal and it is okay to admit that type 1 diabetes can be stressful and overwhelming. We have worked with hundreds of children with type 1 diabetes and their parents, and we know this for sure – you are not alone!

One goal for type 1 diabetes management is an A1c less than 7.5%. However, you do not need to have blood sugars in range 100% of the time to achieve this. In fact, perfection is impossible and unrealistic!

We want you to aim for at least 50-60% of blood sugars in range (80-180 until your child is 6 years old, then 70-150 starting at age 6). At the BDC, we are part of your Type 1 Diabetes Team – type 1 diabetes providers, dieticians, nurses, social workers, and psychologists – and we want to engage in a partnership with you to help manage your child’s type 1 diabetes. There are so many things we can work on together including:

Insulin dosing if your child is a “picky” eater.
Discussing CGMs and pumps to follow blood sugar trends and make more specific insulin dose adjustments.
Our psychologist can assist you with behavioral challenges specific to eating like getting your child to try new foods, or helping you with worries about low blood sugars.
Our dieticians can discuss working on your child’s eating habits
Our social workers can give you strategies to help with insulin injections and fear of needles.

Dr. Shideh Majidi, Pediatric Endocrinologist, Barbara Davis Center

Don’t ever forget – you are not alone with type 1 diabetes. Your Barbara Davis Center Type 1 Diabetes Team is here to work with you through the unique challenges of having a toddler or preschooler with type 1. Our #1 goal is for you and your child to be as healthy, happy, and active as possible.

Dr. Shideh Majidi is a pediatric endocrinologist and Dr. Kimberly Driscoll is a pediatric psychologist. Both are located at the Barbara Davis Center.

Dr. Kimberly Driscoll, Pediatric Psychologist, Barbara Davis Center

Choices

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 11:09:45 GMT

By J. Scott Crossen

When diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in January 1971, the news was beyond depressing. Suddenly, I had a lifelong condition that required me to take multiple shots every day for the rest of my life. Worse, the day of diagnosis, an irresponsible physician commented, “You’ll have maybe 10 or 15 good years, then after that, who knows?” The diagnosis was devastating, no less so for my parents and friends.

Like most newly diagnosed, I worked hard denying I had the condition. “No one has to know,” I thought in the background of my mind. “I’ll just keep it to myself and maybe before too long someone will find a cure.” Sadly, too long went by too many times.

As time passed, I learned about the consequences of not controlling blood sugar, failing to exercise, or managing what I consumed. It became clear that I had to make a choice. Would I learn to control diabetes or would I allow diabetes to destroy my life? I realized that having diabetes was not my choice, but how I lived with diabetes was. Would I work to improve my health with diabetes or live poorly with diabetes and inevitably suffer unpleasant consequences? I determined that life was worth living well and most importantly, that better health was a smart choice – my choice.

The first step began with a commitment to change bad habits I developed over the years, including quitting smoking. That choice alone was one of the best decisions I made. I then learned all I could about living well with diabetes. Information on diabetes was hard to come by before the web, but I found those who had more knowledge and asked many questions.

I affirmed that diabetes would not keep me from living the life I wanted for however long that would be. I made a point of pursuing every goal I would have had without diabetes.

In 1979, I sold my home, resigned from a corporate position and travelled for five months in the South Pacific. Upon returning to the states, I decided to bicycle from Vancouver, BC to Montreal, QE, about 3,100 miles. I invited others to join me, but I could not find anyone who had the time or interest for such a venture. “Do I attempt the trip alone?” I wondered. “Why not,” I affirmed. I had to know I could pedal the distance without assistance and resolved that if I were not successful it would not be from having diabetes. Eight weeks rolled by before pedaling into Montreal.

Two years later, I set-off on a 4,100-mile solo bicycle trip from Vancouver, BC to Halifax, NS. The event’s purpose was to raise money for diabetes research for the University of Colorado, Health Science Center, specifically to find a cure for diabetes. The route had its ups-and-downs (no pun intended) but was finished in seven weeks.

In 2001, I bicycled from Longmont, Colorado to Grand Rapids, Michigan to visit the hospital where I received diagnosis. Along the way, I stopped at a children’s diabetic camp in Nebraska called HotShots and spoke with a group of more than 80 diabetics. At the hospital, too, I spoke with newly diagnosed diabetics to offer encouragement. No matter the venue, my message remained the same; choose to take charge of diabetes, control blood sugar and live the life you want.

No doubt, these trips and others were fraught with difficulties. Many related to diabetes, others due to weather conditions, breakdowns and other unexpected events. I made my share of diabetic mistakes along the many miles but each taught and helped me understand how better to control the disease. The problems had to be overcome – quitting was and is not a solution. There is too much at stake.

n my 46th year of T1D, I reflect on those who have helped me make this path one of improved health including my beautiful wife and co-diabetic friend for the past 32 years. I am writing a book titled, JIGSAW (diabetes, piece by piece) about not only my diabetic experiences, but of those whom I’ve known and the status of a cure. I work as a fitness trainer, teach boxing, self-defense, lead hiking tours, still bicycle and am without any long-term complications specifically related to diabetes.

I state this to assert that a person with diabetes (whether T1 or T2) can choose to live a healthy life. It’s not an easy life, no one ever said it would be with or without diabetes. Still, it can be a better life even healthier than for the majority of people living without diabetes. We have more incentive to learn all we can about living healthfully and to apply what we learn. The only other choice is to give in to the disease and live in poor health. Seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it.

Note: after finishing this piece, I began reading other postings and noticed that the ‘choices’ theme has been included in additional essays both directly and indirectly. Compliments to the author of, A Diabetic Mom, Twice, for addressing this theme in her submittal. It is critically important for diabetics and guardians to understand and embrace this attitude.

Natalie Griffin – A Picturesque View of Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 11:03:58 GMT

Type 1 Diabetes – Grieving the Loss of Normalcy

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 11:02:34 GMT

By Jennifer Griffin

Most people know there are five stages of grief, and new research has added two making it seven. Shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing and acceptance are the stages. As I began to write this blog I had thought perhaps I had never experienced them. Then I realized that I didn’t lose someone, but I had lost the dreams I had for my daughter’s future.

My daughter was just past her second birthday when she developed a rash all over her body. A visit to the dermatologist assuaged our concerns – it was just a normal virus, and in a few weeks it had passed. The next six months will sound familiar to many of you: she grew up but got thinner, she always had to have a cup with her, she was cranky (she was two), and I could not for the life of me figure out how anyone could potty train their kid when they went to the bathroom every five minutes!

It was a snowy day in March when our pediatrician caught the symptoms and called to tell us to go to the ER immediately and to call 911 if she didn’t wake up from her nap. Her BG that day was 886, and the doctor told us it was Type 1 Diabetes.

That first night in the hospital I was in shock. How could this happen to my tiny, perfect girl? I had never known anyone with T1D and had no idea what we were in for.

Denial was easy – I remember saying “Are you sure? She’s been sick and I’ve been giving her tons of apple juice!” Then came the insulin denial. I was sure I could control what she ate and minimize the insulin she needed. Now, of course, I know better.

Anger is one that we can’t show at the hospital. In fact, I think that when they throw you into the diabetes ocean (let’s face it, it’s not a pond!) there’s no time for overt anger, which actually meant I subverted my anger and it built up until one day I was sitting in a puddle in the bottom of my shower, sobbing and screaming about how it’s just not fair. It didn’t fix anything.

Bargaining came next. First with myself; I was obsessive about carb counts and dosing. I had daily charts where I wrote down everything she ate, drank, and even how often she peed. I figured if I kept track of everything I could get on top of this. Diabetes literally took over our lives for two weeks until we went back to the Endo and he said “This is great, but let’s cut back a little.” At the same time, I was bargaining with God. I was asking Him to make this a burden on me, and not her. And, for almost 10 years it was, until I figured out that it was her burden to bear and I had to let her.

Depression is sometimes debilitating, and sometimes subtle. My depression came as I began to realize what this disease meant for my little girl’s future. Forever she would have to test before driving, wake up in the middle of the night, watch every bite of food that went into her mouth, and have injections multiple times per day. This was not the life I wanted for my baby girl. Only after years of using shots, then a pump, and now a CGM have I begun to understand that it isn’t the death of my dream. She can still be just about anything she wants to be.

Testing is something I’m honestly doing now, more than a decade after diagnosis. Testing is defined as seeking realistic solutions. As I am working on turning my daughter’s care more over to her and less to me, I want to teach her good habits and proper techniques. I realized we have spent the last ten years chasing the sugar rather than being proactive and controlling the sugar (if you could call it control). Now I am reading books, studying graphs, learning how a pancreas really works and adjusting insulin doses accordingly.

Acceptance… As a parent, can you accept that your child has a lifetime disease? I think not. Not that you should deny it, or go looking for the crazy cures (cinnamon, anyone?). But we should fight for better treatments, earlier diagnoses, improved care, lower health care costs and eventually a cure! Participate in studies, fund raising, and advocacy for the improvement of the lives of millions of people of all ages dealing with T1D.

No matter where you are in the stages, I encourage you to reach out and find someone to help. Find a fellow T1D parent who can help you solve problems or just listen to you rant. Volunteer at the CDF and you’ll find me, and I’ll always listen!

Diabetes and Depression

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 10:59:30 GMT

It’s unfortunate to say that diabetes and depression go hand in hand…but they do. Depression is more common in children and adults with diabetes than in the general population and it is certainly something to look out for. People with diabetes find themselves asking questions like “why me?” and “what could I have done differently to not get type 1 diabetes?” Well, it’s not your fault, but just because you know that, doesn’t mean that you’re ready to believe it. This is where depression can get in the way.

Symptoms of depression include:

Change in sleep habits
Change in appetite or weight
Feeling guilty
Decreased energy
Irritability, sadness, or feeling hopeless
Decreased concentration, decline in school or work performance
Lack of pleasure in things previously enjoyed
No longer engaging in social activities

Depression can affect diabetes care in these ways:

High blood sugars/HbA1c levels
Irritability around doing blood sugars or taking insulin
Not caring about or having the energy to do daily diabetes tasks

If your diabetes has caused you to be depressed, it’s important to understand a few things. First, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to mentally overcome this disease and sometimes let it beat them down. You are not alone in this diabetes-depression world and your feelings towards this disease are understandable. Second, once you recognize that you are depressed, it’s time to seek help. Maybe that just means you talk to a friend for advice or to brighten your day. Or maybe it’s time for a doctor’s visit. Either way, your blood sugars and mental health are suffering if you don’t try to get out of this depression.

If depression is left untreated and your diabetes management worsens, it can lead to long-term complications, such as blindness, amputation, kidney failure, stroke, and heart disease. If you are depressed and have a hard time reading that list of complications, it’s time to seek professional help from a behavioral health-care provider who can provide counseling and/or medications as needed. Your primary care physician or diabetes care team can provide recommendations and referrals for a behavioral health-care provider.

If you are living with depression, don’t just read this and move on with your day. Seek the help you need for a happier and healthier future.

The Flexible Lifestyle Empowering Change Study

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 10:56:55 GMT

Improving Diabetes Care for High-Risk Patients at the Barbara Davis Center

By Mattie Peck

Every doctor has those adolescent patients who aren’t interested in caring for their diabetes. This ranges from not getting enough blood sugar checks a day to blatantly ignoring the disease altogether. This leads to high blood sugars, an outrageous A1c, and increased chances of long-term complications.

These high-risk patients are what encouraged Dr. David Maahs of the Barbara Davis Center, along with Dr. Elizabeth Mayer-Davis and Michael Seid, PhD to develop the Flexible Lifestyle Empowering Change (FL3X) study, a research study with a motivational interviewing and intervention style appointment. The plans started in 2008 and the study came to life in April of 2014 with 250 study subjects to be enrolled. The appointments focus on developing problem-solving and communication skills as opposed to simply educating. This is the difference between saying, “you should get at least four blood sugar checks a day” and “If it’s important to you to do more blood sugar checks how can we work together to make that happen?” It’s a slight difference, but has created some amazing results.

The patients in this study are 13-16 years old with an A1c over 8%. This age group often sees difficulties because they are focused on their peers and don’t want to be the “special case.” They want to fit in with their group of friends and not be judged for being different. Each patient is in the study for a year and a half and during that time, has a monthly appointment that starts with a questionnaire to determine what is difficult for the patient right NOW. Individual issues are constantly changing so the study is able to stay dynamic along with the individual’s case.

Another common issue is the patient’s communication with their parents. The study works with teens and a parent to improve communication for more effective care. This allows teens to ask for more or less reminders, make weekly or daily meetings with their parents, etc. Parents are invited into the session at the end of the appointment to discuss what changes need to be made in order to improve daily diabetes care and issues in communication. They are taught to trust their teens and support them by using a communication style that best fits the teen. Patients become more empowered when they have developed these problem-solving skills and are able to create a better outlook and diabetes care routine.

Tonya Jenkins, RD, CDE, who is a coach for this study, runs these intervention style appointments and says “it’s very rewarding to see families turn things around from shaming and blaming to strategies that work for each individual teenager and their parents.” Because the patients are seen monthly, the coaches really get to know and understand their patients and the obstacles they need to overcome.

Eventually this study will be a model for high-risk patient care. Other diabetes clinics will be able to implement this same approach to improve quality of life, A1c results, and parent/child interaction and communication. If the results continue to be this positive, these motivational interviewing and problems solving techniques may eventually be implemented as a standard of care.

Dr. David Maahs continues to dive head first into diabetes research. In clinics, he gets to watch kids grow up and is able to help them through this disease. This FL3X study, along with his other research will make an incredible difference for his patients and the diabetes world. One of the most exciting studies at the Barbara Davis Center is the artificial pancreas. There are currently 3 multi-center clinical studies funded by the NIDDK testing prototypes of the artificial pancreas from the University of Virginia, Cambridge, and Boston University, respectively. The Barbara Davis Center is excited to be one of only two research centers to test all 3 systems. These human trials will provide data that will determine FDA approval to have the systems commercially available in the
future.

You can support these research studies by donating to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation here: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=f3e8a2

A Diabetic Mom, Twice

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 10:54:55 GMT

A Diabetic Mom, Twice

4 years ago when my son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12, I never would have thought joy could come from it. We were saddened, confused and unsure about the future. Once we felt like we were starting to figure it all out, our daughter was diagnosed. Devastation is an understatement for how I felt. She was 4 years old and could not understand the need for insulin, why she had to get shots, or why she couldn’t just have snacks whenever she wanted anymore. Unlike our son who was older, she could not understand the science of diabetes so all she saw was pain and shots. She would cry at every single poke and we just had to tell her it was going to be ok.

Through the next several months she began to understand the disease more and learned to live with this new life. We celebrated every little victory. The first time she did her own finger poke, first time she didn’t scream during an injection, then that turned into the first time she didn’t cry, to the first time she didn’t flinch. At each stage, we saw her bravery and courage shine through.

Both Craig and Madi would go each day with 6-8 shots and up to 9 finger pricks. They had to push through each one because they had things they wanted to do. They didn’t want to sit around and be sad about it, they wanted to continue living. This inspired me.

I reached out to other families with type 1 children. I quickly realized that this new life was difficult but we weren’t the only ones going through this. People do this every day.

As a photographer, I wanted to reach out to other type 1 diabetics and give them a voice, hear their story. That’s how Heroes of Type 1 started. It started out with me photographing small moments of my own children and how they were coping with this disease. In the past 2 years, I’ve been able to meet and photograph over 70 type 1 diabetics from ages 3 to 73. I loved meeting these new families and seeing the strength in them. I began to notice something common in each Type 1 diabetic, something that made my heart so happy, and something I felt I could see in the eyes of each subject in my project.

There is a common factor in these brave and courageous people. It is a common factor I see in my own two children with type 1 diabetes. They want to win.

They’re not willing to give in and let diabetes overshadow their dreams, goals or achievements. Yes it’s hard and of course, there are terrible days and trying times in this disease, days I have cried at 2 am when one of my kids has a low and the other is 400. I won’t say it’s easy by any stretch of the imagination. It is hard, but we must move on from that. Diabetes takes away their sleep, their freedom, part of their childhood, their innocence and the free spirit of a child with no worries.

What these courageous people won’t let it take away, that is the common factor. Diabetes can’t take away their power, their strength, or their dreams. They have that power over T1, the power to overcome it.

Four years ago, I was down, upset, devastated at what my kids life would become. I was worried at how we would cope, how would they cope? Will they be ok?

But today, I know they will. They will fight through those difficult days, brave through the finger pokes and insulin shots, push forward the research for a cure, and reach those dreams they have!

Through the constant shots, finger pokes, stresses, worry, carb counting, Endo visits, hospital stays and the highs and lows, they remain strong. They fight through every single day. Doing this is a choice. Getting diabetes is not a choice. There is nothing they can do to prevent it or stop it but choosing to live their life and be happy is a choice that they can make. Dealing with diabetes is difficult. It is a hard, relentless and a never ending disease with no cure and that is part of what makes these brave heroes so inspiring. They refuse to give up. They refuse to let diabetes win. They will prevail through their dreams and achievements by showing others their strength through this difficult disease. Through their efforts they inspire their families, teachers, coworkers and their teammates! And that brings me so much joy. Their inspiration is something to share!

Please follow Heroes of type 1 on facebook https://www.facebook.com/Heroes-of-Type-1-1666905883594202/?ref=bookmarks and Instagram #heroesoftype1projectnn

Improving Diabetes Care for High-Risk Patients at the Barbara Davis Center

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 10:52:29 GMT

The Flexible Lifestyle Empowering Change Study

By Mattie Peck

These high-risk patients are what encouraged Dr. David Maahs of the Barbara Davis Center, along with Dr. Elizabeth Mayer-Davis and Michael Seid, PhD to develop the Flexible Lifestyle Empowering Change (FL3X) study, a research study with a motivational interviewing and intervention style appointment. The plans started in 2008 and the study came to life in April of 2014 with 250 study subjects to be enrolled. The appointments focus on developing problem-solving and communication skills as opposed to simply educating. This is the difference between saying, “you should get at least four blood sugar checks a day” and “if it’s important to you to do more blood sugar checks, how can we work together to make that happen?” It’s a slight difference, but has created some amazing results.

Another common issue is the patients’ communication with their parents. The study works with teens and a parent to improve communication for more effective care. This allows teens to ask for more or less reminders, make weekly or daily meetings with their parents, etc. Parents are invited into the session at the end of the appointment to discuss what changes need to be made in order to improve daily diabetes care and issues in communication. They are taught to trust their teens and support them by using a communication style that best fits the teen. Patients become more empowered when they have developed these problem-solving skills and are able to create a better outlook and diabetes care routine.

Eventually, this study will be a model for high-risk patient care. Other diabetes clinics will be able to implement this same approach to improve quality of life, A1c results, and parent/child interaction and communication. If the results continue to be this positive, these motivational interviewing and problems solving techniques may eventually be implemented as a standard of care.

You can support these research studies by donating to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation here: https://www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org/ways-to-give-donate

Another Perspective on Diabetes

Wed, 03 Feb 2016 10:49:39 GMT

Written by Mattie Peck

Today, I write to you with a personal plea and that is to find the silver lining of your diagnosis. Everyone has some mental and emotional struggles with diabetes, but it is important to find something positive to help improve your outlook.

Some examples to consider:

Your parents probably haven’t slept since you were diagnosed, but now you will never question how much they love you.

These rescue attempts are much more difficult when you’re backpacking in the woods with limited reception and resources. I couldn’t imagine what would happen if I wasn’t there in case of an emergency. The thought of leaving John on his own at a camp was nothing short of terrifying.nnBut at fifteen, maybe it was time (or past time) to stop hovering, and let our highly responsible, almost eagle-scout figure it out on his own. We had sent our two (non T1) daughters to a church-led, mountain-top, outdoor adventure camp the prior year, and it was an experience we wanted for John also. They had a pediatrician, which made us feel much better. She was not the “juice fairy” from diabetes camp, but she had no major concerns and the camp directors were up for it too

Sometimes you have to stay home from school or work because of a high or low blood sugar, but hopefully you got to watch your favorite day time tv show or watch 12 more episodes of your most recent Netflix addiction.

People keep asking you questions about diabetes, but you get to educate them and spread the truth to make life easier other diabetics the person encounters in the future.

You don’t get to eat an entire carton of ice cream in one sitting…well that’s not good for you (or anyone) anyways.

You’ve been bullied for things outside of your control, but you’ve been able to rise above that nonsense and become a thousand times stronger because of it.

Just find that positive point and stick with it no matter what. Yes, it’s easier said than done, but you are awesome and you will get through this.

You are amazing

Meet Robert Reinhardt!

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 10:47:40 GMT

Since his diagnosis, Robert and his family have been heavily involved in the diabetes community by volunteering with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation at events and fundraisers. Robert has even given a speech about the daily tasks of diabetes in front of 120 people at one of our golf tournaments! There were a few tears… *no shame* Robert and his mom Ana are continuously trying to create a community of people affected by diabetes to discuss concerns, ideas, stories, and the general ups and downs of this disease. A particular program of passion is the Hispanic/Latino Program at the Barbara Davis Center. Ana’s ability to connect with these families and people in the diabetes community is incredible to watch. After watching everything Robert has gone through, she is more determined than ever to help families affected by this disease.

A Six Year Old Superhero

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 10:46:43 GMT

Written by Mattie Peck

I would like to introduce you to Ani Bloom. She is an awesome human being because she is six, was diagnosed with diabetes in 2012, has a rambunctious attitude, and never lets diabetes hold her back. She can also talk to you about her pump and CGM and tell you the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. There are few six year olds as cool as this one.

When I met with Ani’s mom Jessica, I learned that a lot of Ani’s positive attitude comes from her loving and supportive family and friends. Even her older sister Lily has learned to count carbs and use Ani’s pump. Jessica noted how hard this is for Lily because she has to “give up part of her childhood for a disease that’s not hers.”

But the whole experience of diabetes has brought the sisters closer together.

Since her diagnosis, Ani has been involved in research studies at the Barbara Davis Center. She has done the TEDDY study for years and also participated in psychological and sleep studies. Ani’s mom Jessica lights up when talking about research at the Barbara Davis Center. She’s so excited that Ani will be a part of diabetes advancements and she knows these studies will make life easier for people with diabetes and their families in the future. One day, children will not have to go through this disease because of the research being done today.

The Bloom family got lucky a few years ago when they met Dede Cannon and Sue Fernandez. These two have been heavily involved in children’s charities due to Sue’s job at CST Brands. They opened their hearts to Ani and Lily and became their babysitters (and as all T1D parents know, babysitting a child with diabetes is NOT an easy or relaxing task).

Dede fell in love with Ani’s spunky personality so when it was time for CST Brands to find a charity to receive funds for the Corner Store Country Run, Ani and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation came to mind. The Barbara Davis Center doctors were so caring from the moment Ani was diagnosed so it just made sense. The Run was an inspiring and energetic morning for hundreds of participants and raised an astonishing $5,000 for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. The Fernandez and Bloom families are so happy that these funds will go towards educating people about type 1 diabetes to sift through the misinformation that is often displayed to the public.

This little girl has certainly found a way to stay strong and make a positive impact on the diabetes community

She knows life with diabetes is not “normal,” but she has found a brilliant way to answer some of the questions from her classmates. When her pump light turns on, she simply says, “I’m like a superhero. I’m Ironman.”

By admins |January 20, 2016 | Blog | Comments Off

Going to an Outdoor Camp with Type 1 Diabetes: A New Level of Independence

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 19:37:43 GMT

I am Scott Fowle and my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was six years old. John is now fifteen and this summer, we sent him to a week-long overnight camp by himself for the first time. This camp was geared towards the outdoors, not diabetes, so I was a little hesitant to entrust his care to people who might not understand the complexities of diabetes care.nnJohn and I have always gone to summer camp together. I became a scout leader so I could experience scouting with him, but also to keep an eye on his blood sugars. Each summer, I would take a week from work and the two of us would head to the mountains for camp. This allowed me to continue his midnight and 2 a.m. checks and to balance the activity levels against the s’mores. First grade, Second, Third, Fourth, every year until 10th grade. Each activity would affect his blood sugar differently: Rock Climbing: high. Swimming: low. Horseback riding: high.nnTo make matters worse, the food was never the same.

They rarely had an accurate carb count, which always creates a questionable guessing game. How many carbs in a Chicken Fried Steak? A biscuit? This only got worse as the teen years started and he was able to eat incredible proportion sizes that could only be explained by magic.nnOn one of our shared camping adventures, John went on a special one-night backpack trip just outside of our base camp. Just before bed, I went to check on him. He was 60 just after he had eaten. We tried gels to raise his blood sugars since they were smaller and easier to carry on the backpack overnight, but the consistency of the gels, in combination with the low, made him sick. He couldn’t keep anything down. My mind was racing through the scenario where I would have to ride back to camp for juice or escape to the hospital to get him emergency care.

After meeting with them several times and going through our normal training course with them, they were undeterred and even excited for John. So, we let go. We prayed a lot. We slept a little. And in the end, John had a fabulous experience. Through all of the climbing, hiking, and whitewater rafting, he had managed his own diabetes incredibly well.

Some of the things that we were 100% essential to our survival:

The knowledgeable and devoted camp staff
The daily text or email from the camp with brief updates to keep our minds occupied
A training session for the staff prior to the camp
A Medtronic CGM and pump
Juice (and lots of it)
One bright, courageous and brave young man who has lived with Type 1 for longer than he can remember!

Why Should You #KnowtheSymptoms?

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 10:41:37 GMT

You have probably seen that throughout the month of November, we have been pushing for everyone to #KnowtheSymptoms of diabetes. We thought this was an incredibly important message to spread throughout #DiabetesAwarenessMonth and we would like tell you why…

Working at the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, we talk to diabetics and their families all day and it’s amazing how similar some of their stories are. Before they are directly affected by the disease, most people don’t know what diabetes really is, what the symptoms are, or how it can really affect a person’s life. That’s why we need to take these steps to educate people. If you know the symptoms of diabetes, you can recognize them and encourage anyone showing the symptoms to see a doctor and inquire about diabetes.

Pre-diagnosis, most parents recognize that there is something physically wrong with their child, but they don’t know what. Sometimes that can lead to a child not being properly diagnosed for a week, a month, a year. When diagnosis is delayed, the child isn’t getting the proper treatment, meaning that long term complications are more likely to occur. Even worse, a child could have a seizure, go into a coma, or die if a diagnosis isn’t made. This is downright frightening.

The only way to avoid these occurrences is to educate. Know the symptoms, read reputable sources, and ask the right questions. Then tell your friends what you know to spread the message.

In our campaign, we mentioned that early detection can save a life. That’s not just something we say because it sounds impactful. It’s real. You can save a life by simply knowing the symptoms of diabetes

Extreme thirstnFrequent urinationnLethargynIncreased appetitenSudden weight lossnSudden vision changesnFruity/Sweet odor on the breathnUnconsciousness

Being a Kid with Diabetes…Surrounded by other Kids

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 19:37:44 GMT

By Mattie PecknnBy now, I hope you’ve read about Parker Zarecki and his wonderfully supportive family (A New Life for the Zarecki Family and When Your Sibling is a Diabetic).nnAs an 11 year old boy, Parker is constantly around other kids and there are many different reactions that occur. But mostly, it’s a lot of questions…nn nnWhat are you doing?nWhy are you going to the nurse?nWhy did you miss class?nWhy are you eating?nWhy aren’t you eating?nCan you play games on your pump?nnIt’s never-ending. At times, it can even be distracting. When Parker has a low blood sugar and has to go to the nurse, he needs to come back to class ready to work, but that doesn’t stop his peers from asking questions first. Everyone is curious about diabetes and they want to learn why Parker is allowed to leave class when he doesn’t look sick.

While Parker is great about informing and educating people, not having to deal with questions and curiosities is exactly why Parker loved going to the American Diabetes Association’s Camp Colorado for two summers (so far). It’s a place where children with diabetes can get together and just have fun. They participate in outdoor activities and there is no monotonous roll of questions from peers because everyone is going through the same thing. The kids all know the daily toll of diabetes, but this camp gave Parker the opportunity to forget it all and just be a normal kid.

Eating with friends can be rough because Parker waits for accurate carb counts (he looks them up or calls Mom and Dad). Sometimes Parker will see something he can’t have and that’s the most difficult part. Watching your classmates eat your favorite foods isn’t exactly fun.

He’s even been mocked by peers about not being able to eat some things. But Parker’s friends are champions and always stick up for him. They don’t eat what he can’t have when he’s around. They won’t even ask for it. Because that’s what friends are for!nnI asked Parker what the best thing about his diagnosis was? He answered that when he’s low, he can go to the nurse and get candy. No one else gets to skip class to snack on a hunk of sugar. Even though there’s a voice in his head saying, “Don’t eat that,” low blood sugars allow a diabetic to splurge a little!nnI hope you enjoyed meeting Parker and his family these past few weeks on the CDF Blog! When you read this, I hope you realize that you can support your friend/significant other/child/parent/whatever the way Parker’s friends and family do. A strong support system can make all the difference for a diabetic to live a full, happy life despite some slight pancreatic complications.

When Your Sibling Is a Diabetic…

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 10:37:58 GMT

Click here to read last week’s related blog post.nnBy Mattie PecknnWhen your sibling is a diabetic, there are two choices. Are you going to point out their differences and difficulties or are you going to support him? Parker Zarecki is lucky because he has two sisters that made the right choice. Sierra and Brooke are always looking out for Parker and supporting him in every way possible. After reading their story, I think you’ll agree that Parker hit the sibling jackpot…nnWhen Parker was first diagnosed with diabetes, Sierra, now 10 years old, remembers being confused and not entirely understanding what was happening. At the time, they were on vacation in Wisconsin and things aren’t supposed to go wrong on vacation.

But since the diagnosis, they have gone out of their way to support Parker.nnBrooke, like your normal 13 year old, doesn’t like needles or shots. But she watched Parker take them when he was on multiple daily injections for a year before moving on to site changes for his pump and Continuous Glucose Monitor. Beyond watching, both girls learned to give Parker shots too. Sierra mentioned that she does this so she will be prepared in case of an emergency. Watching Parker go through all of this is what made Brooke realize that her brother was incredibly brave. The girls noticed that sometimes it looks like the needles hurt, but Parker champions through it all.nnBeyond needles, the girls have learned an incredible amount about diabetes. Sierra remembers going to have a snack with Parker shortly after he was diagnosed and thinking that the serving size was ridiculous. Who eats 8 pretzels? Newly diagnosed diabetics and their supportive sisters, that’s who.nnBrooke counts carbohydrates with Parker too. They’ll measure out their food and determine the proper dosage (with parental help, of course). The girls have even set guidelines when their friends are over that if Parker can’t eat something, they won’t either.

Their support keeps Parker from feeling like he’s “different” due to something he can’t control.nnIn the beginning, it was hard for Brooke and Sierra to watch Parker go through this. Brooke said she just wanted to take the pain away for him. But the best they can do is support their brother in any way possible, which they have done a fantastic job of. What’s the biggest downfall of having a diabetic brother? His insulin pump beeps all the time. But if that’s the worst part, I think they’ll be okay.nnThe support these two girls have for their brother is incredible to see. Thanks to their help, Parker isn’t an outcast because of his diabetes. He is just their brother, diabetes or not.

A New Life for the Zarecki Family

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 19:37:45 GMT

By Mattie PecknnThe Zareckis became a part of the Barbara Davis Center family just a couple of years ago when 8 year old Parker was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He displayed some of the stereotypical symptoms of type 1 diabetes (lethargy, low energy, vomiting, and weight loss). But unfortunately, all of Parker’s symptoms could be explained by a bug or virus. The doctor’s diagnosis? Kids get sick so just wait it out.nnBut things only got worse. When visiting family in Wisconsin, Parker spent an entire day lying on a couch with incredibly low energy. When he finally got up, he couldn’t keep his balance and ended up ramming into a wall hard enough to unhinge a picture.

But unfortunately, all of Parker’s symptoms could be explained by a bug or virus. The doctor’s diagnosis? Kids get sick so just wait it out.nnBut things only got worse. When visiting family in Wisconsin, Parker spent an entire day lying on a couch with incredibly low energy. When he finally got up, he couldn’t keep his balance and ended up ramming into a wall hard enough to unhinge a picture. This was clearly out of the norm for the athletic 8 year old so Nicole, Parker’s Mom, carried him into the hospital that day.nnnnWith a blood sugar of 600, the diagnosis was clear. When the word “diabetes” came up, Nicole couldn’t help but think how healthy her boy was. He didn’t eat much candy or drink too much soda so why was this happening? James, Parker’s father, remembers him getting ill fairly consistently for years. How long has diabetes been lurking behind these bouts of sickness?

The vacation was cut short so the family could head back to Colorado to meet with the doctors at the Barbara Davis Center, where Parker learned about insulin, injections, carb counting, exercising, and the whole diabetic shebang. Food was the biggest concern. Suddenly snacks had strict portion sizes and meals could only have 60 carbs.

Cotton candy and nestle quick were severely limited, which is difficult for a young boy to hear.nnBut over time, things got easier. One of the most memorable diabetes victories involved a dinner buffet (this is where all the diabetics perk their ears up because diabetes and buffet aren’t the best combination). After his feast, Parker’s blood sugar was 123! If that’s not a miracle, I don’t know what is… Clearly it was for the Zareckis too since they all smirked at the memory.nnDiabetes threw Parker into a whole new routine, but that hasn’t slowed him down one bit. Parker plays basketball and competitive lacrosse. He just removes his pump when he’s being active and is your normal, carefree kid.nnPumps and Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) became a big part of Parker’s life after a year of injections. He used a CGM for the first time during a closed pump study at the Barbara Davis Center. He slept next to a computer for 40 nights, providing a huge mental relief for Parker’s parents. The pump would suspend insulin when it could see that Parker’s blood sugar was trending low, preventing hypoglycemia. This system decreases night time lows significantly and the Zareckis were so excited to know they were helping the future of diabetes care for T1Ds all around the world.

It was great to help with the learning process and contribute to the new technology that will improve diabetes management, therefore lessening future complications.nOf course Parker and his parents wish he didn’t have diabetes. But he does. So all they can do is manage it to the best of their ability and stay on top of it. It might feel more natural to take care of as time goes on, but it never goes away. It’s hard for parents to give up the control when their son’s life is at stake, but from the moment of the diagnosis, a parent’s brain never shuts off.nnDespite all this, you would be hard pressed to find a more healthy, active, and happy family. They are all so supportive of Parker and his diabetes. Keep reading our upcoming blog posts to hear more about Parker and the Zarecki family!nn

The Unbreakable Dana Davis

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 09:34:35 GMT

September 28, 2015nAs seen in Reign Magazine https://reignmag.com/the-unbreakable-dana-davis/n

It’s a warm summer evening, and a pretty brunette is just settling in to her home in Denver. The new girl in town, it’s a role with which she’s unfamiliar. Back in Los Angeles, everyone knows her name. And her sister’s name. And her late father’s name. And no doubt, her mother’s name. Yet here in the Mile High City, furniture is being delivered, boxes are being unpacked and as it so often does with a move, a less than quiet chaos surrounds her. Laptop in front of her, phone in her ear, she’s directing a cast of thousands and she’s doing it all as she walks with a cane, limping ever so slightly. True to form, this woman doesn’t miss a step – literally or figuratively. It’s all just another day in her life. A life that has never resembled the one most of us know. Not in the slightest. Not for one minute. Meet Dana Davis. -Betsy Marr

READ THE ENTIRE FEATURE STORY IN THE FALL 2015 ISSUE OF REIGN MAGAZINE BY CLICKING HERE…

See our gallery of the Carousel Ball’s history below. Dana’s own diagnosis with type 1 diabetes at the age of seven was the catalyst for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and its legendary Carousel Ball. Both were founded by and made possible by Dana’s mother, the irrepressible Barbara Davis.

Aaron Rea, Physician and Parent of a T1D

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 10:32:12 GMT

By Aaron Rea, MDnnOne day prior, I have to admit that I knew nothing about the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. I also knew very little about type 1 diabetes. I am a Johns Hopkins-trained anesthesiologist and had been in private practice in Denver for a little over two years when Margot was diagnosed. Throughout my medical school and anesthesia training, the curricula and exposure to T1D was superficial at best. Of course we learned about T1D, but the focus was much more on type 2 diabetes. On the day that would change our lives forever, I didn’t even know that a 2-year-old could be diagnosed with diabetes.nnUnfortunately, the collision of fatherhood and medicine occurred at 2 a.m. on December 30, 2010. Margot had been having a few classic symptoms of T1D over a 10 day time period. She seemed to be drinking more water during the day and at night, she was having episodes of soaking through her diapers and waking up with wet pajamas. My wife Nikki and I thought this just might be a phase. But my medical training had me thinking otherwise.nnOn December 30, we were visiting family for the Christmas holiday. On our second night in Lincoln, Nebraska, Margot again woke us up crying due to her soaking wet pajamas.We were staying with a family member who had type 2 diabetes and I figured there had to be an extra blood glucose meter laying around somewhere.

In the dark of night, I rummaged through the kitchen and found a glucose meter and test strips. I told my wife I was going to just check Margot’s blood sugar so I could stop overthinking things.

Margot’s first blood sugar reading was 535. An immediate lump in my throat formed, my heart rate jumped and my blood pressure elevated to the point where I could feel my heartbeat pulsing in my head and neck. My medical mind evaluated the number and I figured maybe the test strip had gone bad or maybe the meter was malfunctioning. I repeated the test on Margot, this time the meter read HIGH GLUCOSE. At this point, the meter had given me two results that I so desperately wanted to be in error. I decided that I needed a control sample of blood to prove the test strip and/or meter was malfunctioning. If I proved that the test strip or meter was not working properly, then we could all go back to sleep and enjoy the rest of the Christmas holiday.

I poked my finger and tested my blood sugar. My worst fears were confirmed by the “96” that appeared on the meter’s screen.

I can still remember the “buzz” I felt in my head and the ache that developed in my heart at that moment as if it was yesterday. I didn’t truly know what to expect in those first few moments, but I knew the life for my darling Margot, beautiful wife Nikki and sweet big sister Audrey would be forever changed.

By 7 a.m. on December 30, Margot was admitted to Children’s Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. I was now trying my best to be more of a father and less of a physician, but at big moments like these, separating the roles is almost impossible.

The flood of information you receive at the hospital after your child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is simply overwhelming. As a physician, I was able to successfully process a lot of the medical information. As a father, I had a hard time seeing past the fact that my previously healthy child now had a life-threatening condition with no cure.

I first learned about the Barbara Davis Center from the physicians and nurses at Children’s Hospital in Omaha. They told me one of the best type 1 diabetes centers in the world was located at the University of Colorado. They gave me a copy of the “Pink Panther Book” – Understanding Diabetes, by H. Peter Chase, MD and David M. Maahs, MD, PhD and told me the author was still a practicing physician at the Barbara Davis Center.

Everything that day was a blur, but I distinctly remember someone telling me how lucky we were to live in Denver.nnThe Children’s Hospital in Omaha contacted the Barbara Davis Center for us and set up our first appointment with Paul Wadwa, MD. Our first appointment proved what everyone had told us. The Barbara Davis Center was a world class institution that cares not only for children with T1D, but their family members as well. Dr. Wadwa and the entire BDC team sat down with us, taught us about type 1 diabetes, answered question after question and reassured us that we could manage type 1 diabetes safely and effectively. If we ever have a question, concern, insurance issue or need anything related to Margot’s care, we call or go to the BDC.

The BDC integrates clinical medicine with leading research in the quest to improve diabetes care and ultimately find a cure. Margot has already participated in an insulin pump study aimed at developing the algorithms to be used in artificial pancreas research and development. Audrey, our oldest daughter, has participated in blood antibody studies for the siblings of those with T1D. The work being done by the BDC supports and improves the lives of those in my family and it also impacts the lives of those living with T1D around the world.

Denver is known around the world for having the majestic Rocky Mountain Front Range, which dramatically rises to the west of our beautiful city. On a clear day, if you stand in the middle of Denver, you can see three imposing fourteen thousand foot peaks. Pikes Peak to the south, Mount Evans directly to the west, and Longs Peak to the north. From this same vantage point, patients and families affected by type 1 diabetes, can look to the east and know that the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes stands for them at the University of Colorado. It can be a rock, a true foundation for those forced to live with type 1 diabetes. The work done within the walls of the Barbara Davis Center is nothing short of amazing and miraculous. I dream of the day when the Barbara Davis Center can close its doors because type 1 diabetes has been cured. Until then, I will advocate for and support those involved with the Barbara Davis Center as they continue their noble quest to conquer type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms in Children: A Grandparent’s Story of Diagnosis, Resilience, and Hope

Thu, 10 Sep 2015 17:13:45 GMT

TL;DR

When Cade began having unusual symptoms like frequent accidents, his family quickly realized something was wrong. A visit to the pediatrician revealed dangerously high blood sugar and a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. This story highlights the early warning signs of T1D in children, the emotional impact on families, and how education and support from the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes helped them adapt, grow, and ultimately thrive.

Updated: April 2, 2026

Early Signs of Type 1 Diabetes in Children Parents Shouldn’t Ignore

When my son Billy called me, I couldn’t possibly have anticipated what the events of the next few days and weeks would be. He shared that Cade (my grandson) had the embarrassing experience of wetting his pants that day while he was at school. While having an accident in kindergarten was not unusual for many children in that age group, it was very unusual for Cade.

The discussion that ensued involved all the typical questions like, “do you think he may have a bladder infection?” and included my reassurances that this was probably an isolated event. He went on to say that it had happened the day before as well, which obviously raised a red flag in my mind. As a former nurse, I suggested that the pediatrician be given a call if any future accidents occurred.

When Common Symptoms Point to Something More Serious

It was Halloween , and I was going to accompany my grandchildren, Cade and his sister Kendall, on their trick-or-treating adventure that evening. Of all holidays, it just happened to be the day that sugar flows freely through the veins of children delighting in the treats they had so gleefully collected in their brightly decorated bags. It was supposed to be a night of fun and laughter. However, although we didn’t travel far from home, yet another accident happened.

It became clear that something was wrong. Because it was evening, the call to the pediatrician would have to wait until the next morning. But the thoughts and fears of a significant medical issue became the topic of conversation after Cade had gone to bed. While continuing to reassure my son, I knew that this could be an indication of type 1 diabetes (formerly known as juvenile diabetes). That night I lived in my own denial. This simply could not be happening to my family!

The Moment of Diagnosis: High Blood Sugar and Hospitalization

Early the next morning Cade’s pediatrician was called. He was seen immediately, based on the report of his situation. Next, the call came from my son as he was reeling from the news that Cade’s blood sugar level was 586! He had been instructed to take Cade to the hospital immediately, and I headed there to meet them. Upon entering Cade’s hospital room and seeing the IV dripping into his little arm, I struggled to find (much less speak) words of comfort. The shared shock, fear and disbelief were palpable as I crossed the hospital room to hug my grandson and reassure him that everything would be okay. The words we choose to calm and comfort someone we love are interesting, especially when we really don’t believe them.

The Emotional Impact of a Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis on Families

The journey that began for Cade that day was life-changing for all of us. His pediatrician advised that Cade be seen at the Barbara Davis Center in Denver, after he was stabilized. Phone calls, tears, appointments and uncertainty filled the next few weeks as we all were forced into a situation that would have a life-long impact on a 5-year-old child. It seemed unfair and surreal. But it was real and we rallied. We came together as a family to support Cade and shore each other up. We listened to each other’s fears while we held each other through our tears.

The journey continued with reassurance and education for all of us from the Barbara Davis Center’s staff. They were amazing and nothing short of a godsend! As a family we learned about the medical facts as well as the psychological impact that type 1 diabetes delivers. The information didn’t just pertain to the ‘identified patient,’ it applied to all of us. Classes for family members were made available, and they ended with Q and A sessions encouraging everyone to ask as many questions as they had. I began to believe that my initial words of reassurance to Cade at the time he was diagnosed were true: everything would be okay.

Learning to Manage Type 1 Diabetes as a Family

As he moved along, Cade’s challenges included getting used to countless needles. Checking blood sugar levels and then injecting the necessary insulin required a huge adjustment. It was a test for all of us. Soon after Cade was diagnosed, all my efforts to present a compelling argument (to a 5-year-old!), trying to convince him that needles didn’t hurt THAT much, were falling on deaf ears. My adult, persuasive attempt was a miserable failure.

The next strategy included an offer for Cade to give me a shot before I gave him one. His initial reaction was one of surprise, accompanied by doubt that he could give a shot – not just receive one! After filling a syringe with sterile water, Cade gave me a shot with one of his needles. Fortunately, the needles were teeny, but Cade’s reaction wasn’t. He was ecstatic! For him, the playing field was evened out and his resistance to the sharp intrusions delivered to his body was diminished. (By the way, the ritual of ‘you give me a shot and I’ll give you one,’ continued for an extended period. I’ll treasure those memories forever!)

Watching a Child Thrive with Type 1 Diabetes

Cade just celebrated his 15th birthday. He now has a pump to deliver his insulin , which he prefers to ‘all of those needles.’ He st ill faces challenges but is shining in his academic and athletic pursuits. As a family as well as individually, we have stretched and grown. Dealing with type 1 diabetes gave new meaning to the cliché of: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” While my hope and prayer are that no child would ever have to deal with type 1 diabetes, I know what the reality is. However, now that type 1 diabetes is a very real part of my grandson’s life, I see his courage and determination to not just survive but thrive as an inspiration for everyone whose life he touches, and I am grateful.

Update: Cade Bender was a recipient of Children’s Diabetes Foundation’s Charlotte Tucker Scholarship in 2019 and attended the University of Wyoming.

Zander & Team Novo Nordisk

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 10:22:14 GMT

My name is Zander and I’m 14 years old. I live in Denmark and I’ve been a diabetic since April 1, 2014.nnThe days leading to my diabetes diagnosis, I was really thirsty and had some of the other symptoms. My mom and I went to the doctor about a week later. When we got there, my doctor took my blood sugar and I was so high that the glucose meter couldn’t measure it.nnSo my doctor told me the news and then she put me in the hospital to take a blood test to get my exact blood sugar. It was pretty high, but they said that we came in time since no long-term damage had been done to my body. But, still, I was really angry when they told me that I had Type 1 diabetes and I was going to have it for the rest of my life….nnThe day after my diagnosis, I remembered hearing about Team Novo Nordisk. So I quickly googled it, got to their website, and began reading & watching their videos.

I found it really inspirational so I went out on my mountain bike as soon as the nurse let me.

They said I would be in the hospital for 2 weeks, but the second week was my Easter holiday so I wanted to get out early. I did my first injection and took my blood sugar by myself. I did most of my bike training when there was the opportunity. I worked hard enough that they let me out of the hospital one week earlier than originally planned!

Afterwards, I entered the Team Novo Nordisk #DiabetesEmpowered competition, which I won the same month. I was put into the finals with the chance to win the Grand Prize.

In December, my mom and dad printed a certificate from Team Novo Nordisk, which said I had won the competition! I was so happy!

I was invited to the Team Training Camp in Alicante, Spain, where I got to meet Team Novo Nordisk members and was made an Honorary Member of Team Novo Nordisk. It was the best time of my life! Since I got involved with Team Novo Nordisk, I haven’t looked back on my diabetes. Now my goal is to join the Team Novo Nordisk Talent ID Camp next summer! I am also doing a fundraiser for Team Type 1 to help children in Africa with Diabetes Type 1.

Photographs by Zach Monette

Usher to Headline Carousel Ball Benefit for the Barbara Davis Center

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 05:56:01 GMT

August 10, 2015nBy Matt MillernOriginally published by The Denver Post. Click here for the original post.nnIs your dream to hang out and listen to Usher perform live and dance with John Elway? Well, A) you have an oddly specific dream and B) you can actually make it a reality.nnUsher will headline the 2015 Carousel Ball at the Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center on Oct. 2, organizers have announced. The event benefits the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes and is hosted by the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.nnThe Foundation will also be honoring John Elway and his wife Paige with the High Hopes Tribute Award, “for their extraordinary service to the Colorado community,” according to a news release.nnThe Carousel Ball funds programs for clinical care and research for thousands of children and adults, according to a news release.nnTickets start at $350 and are available at childrensdiabetesfoundation.org.

Pop Star Usher to Headline Diabetes Foundation's 2015 Carousel Ball in Denver

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 05:55:07 GMT

August 10, 2015nBy Caitlin HendeenOriginally published by the Denver Business Journal. Click here to read the original article.

The more than 1,000 attendees at this year’s Carousel Ball, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation’s annual fundraising event, will be entertained by pop star and “The Voice” judge Usher.

The Oct. 2 event at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center will benefit the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, established in Denver in 1977 by Barbara Davis and her late husband Marvin after learning their 7-year-old daughter had Type 1 diabetes.

Barbara Davis will be joined by Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette and U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, as well as philanthropists Nancy Davis and Ken Rickel and A. Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld at the ball.

John and Paige Elway will he honored with the High Hopes Tribute Award for their humanitarian and philanthropic efforts.

Usher is an eight-time Grammy Award winner who has sold over 65 million albums worldwide. Known for such hit songs as “Nice,” “OMG,” “Love In This Club” and “U Got It Bad,” Usher was named by Billboard the second most successful recording artist of the 2000s decade.

He has also been honored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Trumpet Foundation, Do Something and the NAACP and as the 2010 Ford Freedom Award Scholar for his philanthropic efforts.

Record producer, composer and songwriter David Foster will emcee the event. The Carousel Ball is held every other year in Denver.

The Children’s Diabetes Foundation has raised $80 million to date, and is noted for never turning away a patient with diabetes.

Tickets and tables are available. Interested parties should contact Amanda Garrett at (303) 863-1200 or Amanda@childrensdiabetesfoundation.org.

Caitlin Hendee is digital producer and social engagement manager for the Denver Business Journal and covers education. Email: chendee@bizjournals.com. Phone: 303-803-9226.

Mattie Peck, Diabetic Blogger

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 19:37:46 GMT

Hello readers! Welcome to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation Blog! I am so excited to get this started so that you can meet the incredible people involved with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF) and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC). But before we get there, I want you to know a little about me, the author. SO here are some quick facts:

Name: Mattie Peck

Age: 23nDiabetic since: 1999nMy blood sugar right now: 116nMost recent A1c: 6.9nWearing: a Medtronic pump and CGM (that I always call “my shell”)

Work for: Children’s Diabetes Foundation

Interested in: informing you about CDF and the BDC

Why? Because there are a lot of super cool patients, families, and doctors that you should all meet! Better yet, they have some great stories and we can all learn from each other.

Now let me fill in the details… Before I was diagnosed, I would be playing with my friends, then I’d stop, throw up, and then go back to playing and feeling like a normal kid (this happened multiple times). My lips were chapped constantly. I was always at the nurse’s office because I didn’t feel good for one reason or another. But otherwise, I was your typical happy kid who liked to sing at the top of my lungs and run around my house in my bathing suit (if you were wondering, no, we did not have a pool).

Then things escalated. I suddenly needed to drink EVERYTHING I could get my hands on. That often meant I was drinking juice, milk, or soda (you can see where this is going). So after a weekend of needing to go to the bathroom constantly, I went to the doctor. Then the hospital. I went in with a blood sugar so high that the doctors couldn’t figure out how I was managing to stay conscious.

But three days later, I left the hospital with terrified parents, lots of informational books, a weird diet that I never agreed to, and a lack of understanding about the severity of the disease.

But upon my diagnosis, the doctors gave me a gift! They made sure that I would give myself insulin shots before leaving the hospital. This was the absolute best thing they could have done for me because it gave me a level of independence that I could not appreciate more. Interjection: I cannot emphasis enough how amazing it was to take care of myself, especially as a child. That’s my biggest piece of advice for every diabetic out there, no matter how old or young. Take care of yourself, administer your own needles, know what you’re doing, and don’t just let others figure it out for you. It will absolutely be worth it. End interjection.

Some results of my diagnosis:

The school nurses and I became BFFLs.
I got to carry around candy all the time. If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is.
I got pretty purses, a benefit my parents’ thought would make me feel better about carrying medical supplies around. They were right.
My brother, who used to faint when he saw a needle, got over that really quickly (mostly).

But not everything was sunshine and rainbows. I was in the hospital multiple times a year from diabetic ketoacidosis and I went unconscious twice from low blood sugars. On top of that, I had one seizure while in the car with my mom. She had to pull over, administer the glucagon kit, and call 911. My mom is a literally a lifesaver and you’re welcome to call her Super Mom.

As you can tell, diabetes has been cumbersome for my family and friends. My mom basically stopped sleeping so she could check on me throughout the night, my parents drove me to countless appointments, my brothers helped me through low blood sugars, and my friends and boyfriend learned my symptoms and how to take care of me if an emergency were to arise.

I had an incredible support system and I don’t think I will ever be able to adequately show them how thankful I am for all they have done.nnAside from my amazing loved ones, there are some great things about having this disease too. I have worn a pump for the last 15 years and let’s face it, it’s a great conversation starter. If anyone’s wondering, no, I do not have a pager. Diabetes has given me a chance to educate others. I love when people want to learn about the disease and how I manage it. Of course there are people who think they can suddenly solve all my blood sugar problems, but their comments allow me to educate them on the intricacies of diabetes care. And if they persist, I do not hesitate to throw a snarky look and/or comment their way.nnNow let’s talk about the reason for this whole blog business. I am ecstatic to be in this position where I can continue to educate people about the diabetes world.

I work at the Children’s Diabetes Foundation which is solely dedicated to raising funds for diabetes care, awareness, and research. Our funds support the Barbara Davis Center, where over 6,000 children and adults are cared for physically, emotionally, and financially. They are one of the leading centers for research in the world and when you read these stories, you’ll understand why. When I moved to Denver, I quickly realized that the BDC is doing fantastic things and it’s about time the world learned about it.nnThrough this blog, you’ll hear the personal stories of BDC patients, parents, doctors, social workers, dieticians, and anyone else I can get to sign a consent form. I truly hope you enjoy hearing their stories and can learn something from every single one. Happy reading!

John and Paige Elway were honored at 29th Carousel Ball on Oct. 2

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 05 May 2015 05:41:45 GMT

Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway and his wife, Paige, received the High Hopes Tribute Award on Oct. 2 when the Children’s Diabetes Foundation staged its 29th Carousel Ball.nnThe dinner and entertainment extravaganza was a benefit for the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes .nnNow executive vice president and general manager of the Denver Broncos, John Elway’s involvement with the Barbara Davis Center dates back to his playing days when the Denver Broncos were part of an annual picnic attended by the young patients and their families.nnPaige Elway shares her husband’s commitment to philanthropy and community service, supporting such local nonprofits as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and the Humane Society of the South Platte Valley.nn”John Elway has been a leading community figure, world class athlete and outstanding role model for so many young people,” said Barbara Davis, whose daughter, Dana, the foundation’s interim executive director, is chairing the ball. “We are thrilled to salute him and have the Elways on our team.”nnDana Davis was 7 years old when she was diagnosed with the life-threatening Type 1 diabetes. Her parents, Barbara and the late Marvin Davis, established the Barbara Davis Center in 1977. Today it is regarded as the world’s leading center for diabetes care and research.nnSeventy-five percent of the Barbara Davis Center’s patients come from the Rocky Mountain region and no one with diabetes is turned away, regardless of their ability to pay.n

For more information Click Now!

World Diabetes Day Photo & Interview Opportunity

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 05:41:07 GMT

The Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at CU Anschutz to receive celebrity signed teddy bears from the Children’s Diabetes Foundation TOMORROW!

Patients of the Barbara Davis Center will receive the bears, autographed by Josh Groban, Kathy Griffin, Clive Davis, Bellamy Young (Scandal), and more

(AURORA) November 13, 2014 – In recognition of World Diabetes Day, Children’s Diabetes Foundation Executive Director Bertha Lynn will deliver celebrity signed Jessica and Teddy bears to the courageous patients at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes play room. Mercedes-Benz USA provided the teddy bears through its presenting sponsorship of the Carousel of Hope event held last month in Los Angeles.nnDoctors from the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes will be available speak about advancements in research, current clinical trials they are recruiting for, and more. Patients will be on-hand to receive the teddy bears.nnThe Children’s Diabetes Foundation at Denver was established by Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Davis in 1977 in Denver, Colorado as a non-profit organization dedicated solely to the support of research in childhood diabetes and to provide the best possible clinical and educational programs for children with this disease.nnThe Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, part of the University of Colorado School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus, where over 6,000 children and young adults from all over the world receive the finest diabetes care available.nnThe Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes is ranked #1 in the world for Type 1 Diabetes care by Expertscape; Type 1 Diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar to enter cells to produce energy.

MEDIA:

For information on the event, the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes or the Children’s Diabetes Foundation please contact Kimberly Moran-Blad at Kimberly@childrensdiabetesfoundation.org
Please RSVP to Ryann at 720.726.0378 or at Ryann.Nickerson@ucdenver.edu to receive credentials and parking information.

WHAT: Celebrity signed teddy bears delivered to the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at CU Anschutz courtesy of the Children’s Diabetes Foundationnn WHO:

Dr. David Maahs, an up-and-coming endocrinologist specializing in research and clinical studies in diabetes and pediatrics
Dr. Andrea Gerard-Gonzales, Assistant Professor and Director of Latino educational and diabetes care program for Latinos
Bertha Lynn, Children’s Diabetes Foundation Executive Director
Patients of the Barbara Davis Center receiving the bears

WHEN: Friday, November 14, 2014, 12:00 – 2:00 pmnn WHERE: nn Barbara Davis Center at CU Anschutz in Aurora nPlayroom – 1st floorn1775 Aurora

2014 Brass Ring Luncheon

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:36:43 GMT

The 2014 Brass Ring Luncheon was an amazing success! The event, held Thursday, November 6 ^th at the Denver Marriott City Center, was the 37 ^th annual event. The event consisted of a silent & live auction, lunch, as well as a fashion show by Carlisle Collection .nn[slideshow_deploy id=’2192′]

2014 Mercedes-Benz presents The Carousel of Hope Ball

Fri, 17 Oct 2014 05:36:13 GMT

2014 Mercedes-Benz presents

The Carousel of Hope Ball

EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON HONORED

nThe evening was a Star-Studded Charity Ball held at The Beverly Hilton on October 11, 2014. The event included Master of Ceremonies Jay Leno, Performers Jennifer Hudson, Josh Groban, and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds. Proceeds of the event benefit the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes .nn[slideshow_deploy id=’1983′]

Dana Davis Bringing New Life to Children’s Diabetes Foundation

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 05:47:28 GMT

By JOANNE DAVIDSON | partiwriter@hotmail.com | The Denver Post

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Originally published by The Denver Post. Click here to see the original article.nnDana Davis was born to a world of privilege and opportunity, and she doesn’t hesitate to use it to her advantage.nnBut not for reasons one might assume.nnFollowing examples set by her mother, Barbara Davis, who in her mid-80s continues to chair the Carousel of Hope Ball that is held every other year in Beverly Hills, Calif., and sister, Nancy Davis Rickel, whose own battle with multiple sclerosis led to the start of another star-studded fundraiser, Race to Erase MS, Dana calls on some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry to help her raise money for the cause about which she is most passionate: diabetes.nnShe has lived with the disease for the past 40 years.

And the stars always come through, as they will Oct. 2, when Dana and her boyfriend, Shane Hendryson, chair Denver’s 29th Carousel Ball.nnUsher and OneRepublic are headlining the black-tie gala that honors NFL Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway and his wife, Paige, and is presented by the Children’s Diabetes Foundation at Denver as a benefit for the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.nnA private plane filled with other celebrities, including Grammy-winning record producer David Foster, is due to arrive in time to join up to 1,000 guests at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center.nnFoster’s traveling companions won’t be known till they board, but Davis says Jane Fonda, Reese Witherspoon, Angelica Houston and some familiar faces from popular reality shows have indicated they will come if their shooting schedules allow.nnFoster’s wife, Yolanda, a cast member of the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” hopes to attend, too. She suffers from Lyme disease, so her participation will depend on how she’s feeling.nnTheir presence would put Dana Davis well on the way to achieving her goal — besides raising money — of restoring the Denver Carousel Ball to the luster it had in 1978 when stars such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Lucille Ball, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, Raquel Welch, Diana Ross and Joan Collins descended on the former Currigan Hall for an evening like no other.nnAlthough, she added, if Sinatra had listened to her years ago, the ball that attracted worldwide attention might never have happened.nn“I don’t remember this, but my mother swears it’s true,” she said during an interview conducted at the foundation’s headquarters in the Denver Tech Center. “We were at our place in Palm Springs right after I was diagnosed, and Frank Sinatra was there. He and my mom were talking about ways to raise money for the Barbara Davis Center, and Frank said she should throw a party and he’d come sing. Mom says I looked right at him and blurted out, ‘But who’d come?’ “nnThe youngest of Barbara and the late billionaire Marvin Davis’ five children is the reason why the Barbara Davis Center was established. She has served on its board of directors for over a decade and for the past six months has been commuting to Denver from her home in Southern California to serve as the foundation’s interim executive director.nnDana Davis was 7 when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Her parents were devastated but turned their despair into something that could help others.nnThey established the Barbara Davis Center that is now located on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora and is a world leader in research, treatment and educational programs for those with diabetes.nnAs the years passed, Dana also developed Hashimoto’s disease, a condition where one’s immune system attacks the thyroid, and celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where gluten consumption ravages the small intestine.nnThree years ago, after dismissing numbness and other symptoms she had experienced for the previous five years, she followed a friend’s advice and saw the doctor who confirmed that she did indeed have multiple sclerosis.nnMS, for which there is no known cause or cure, affects the central nervous system and can be progressive and disabling.nnComplications from diabetes cost Dana one of her toes, and balance issues related to MS cause her to walk with a cane.nnAdditionally, she has endured three excruciating surgeries to treat septic arthritis of the knee. “I’m pretty good with pain,” she said, “but those recoveries really, really hurt.”nnShe remains remarkably upbeat.nn“It’s easier — and you feel a lot better — if you don’t wallow,” Davis says. “Although I do allow myself the occasional pity party.”nnBecoming cozy with so many stars came easy. Her dad owned 20th Century Fox, the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Pebble Beach Corp. and Aspen Skiing Co. prior to his death in 2004, and her brother, John, is a producer whose credits include NBC’s hit crime drama ” The Blacklist” and such movies as “The Firm,” starring Tom Cruise, and the Walter Matthau-Jack Lemmon comedy “Grumpy Old Men.”nnSo it might seem logical that she’d settle into a pattern of spending lazy Southern California days — her principal residence is Brentwood — lounging poolside, luxuriating at the spa or hanging with the beautiful people at some Beverly Hills hotspot.nnBut that’s not her thing.nnAfter 15 years as a kindergarten school teacher in Aspen and inner-city Los Angeles and developing a line of high-end, high-fashion shoesdesigned for the comfort of diabetics and others with foot-related issues, it became apparent that the time was right for her to assume a greater role with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.nn“Although it was a logical progression for me to be where I am now, I didn’t want to come marching in and make anyone, including my mother, feel uncomfortable. The center and the foundation are her babies, and I would never step on her toes.”n Not just about parties

Likewise, she is not a patient at the Barbara Davis Center.

“I didn’t want any of the doctors, who truly are the best in the world, to feel uncomfortable … that the boss’ daughter was looking over their shoulders.”

Her role at the foundation is to move things in a new direction, with less emphasis on special events — the Carousel Ball alone involves eight months and hundreds of hours of staff overtime — and more effort devoted to collaboration.

“Events are great, and we will keep some of them, but we also need to look at other ways of raising money,” she said. “Instead of putting on so many of them, we’ll devote more time to grant-writing and pursuing matching funds. We’re putting more emphasis on social media and our website to build public awareness. We’ll also develop more partnerships with groups like the American Diabetes Association, which does terrific work in patient advocacy, and JDRF, which is an amazing machine when it comes to raising money.”

But, she emphasizes, “Nothing’s going to explode. If one thing doesn’t work, we’ll try something else.”

She also makes it clear that the foundation’s volunteers and the work they do will not be cast aside. “Change can be hard, but there’s still going to be room and opportunities for everyone. We honor and thank everyone who has been with us; we are not abandoning them. We will continue to value them.”

Davis expects to strike the word “interim” from her title in the not-too-distant future as she and Hendryson, her boyfriend of seven years, spend an increasing amount of time in Denver.

They’ll continue to commute, though, because while he helps out at the foundation with contracts and technical matters, his work as a builder specializing in flipping houses is centered in L.A.

Colorado is familiar territory to him, too.

“We figure we lived five minutes from each other as kids,” she says, although they didn’t meet until a mutual friend introduced them in L.A.

Memories of Denver

Marriage is a possibility, but for the moment they’re content to “leave well enough alone,” enjoying life with their dogs Hunter, a Jack Russell terrier, and Nick, a 120-pound black Lab, Great Dane and hound mix.nn“We’re really just a couple of nerds who wake up on a Saturday morning, go to Le Peep for one of their great gluten-free breakfasts and then head to Costco or Target to do our shopping. Then we’ll take the dogs for a walk or a swim, go see a movie or binge-watch our favorite TV shows.”nnLife in Denver is pretty tame compared with living among the stars in L.A., so it took a while for her to adjust.nn“When my parents moved to California, they enrolled me in a private high school, and I lasted two days. It wasn’t for me.” So she returned to Colorado to stay with her sister Nancy until she graduated from Kent Denver School.nnAfter Kent, she went on to receive a master’s degree in education from the University of Southern California.nnReturning to Denver, even on a part-time basis, has been easy, surprising and gratifying.nnTamarac Square, where she and her siblings went to the dollar movies on Tuesday nights, is now a Target, and the former headquarters of the Barbara Davis Center is being torn down to make way for a mixed-use development.nn“There’s a level of sophistication and culture here now that is much greater than when I was growing up, ” she says. “Plus, people are so nice in Denver; there’s a level of kindness that is deeper than anywhere else.

“I never wanted my life to be all about diabetes,” she adds, “but if by leading the foundation I can carry on what my parents wanted when they started the Barbara Davis Center — to care for the family and the disease, regardless of ability to pay — that’s OK.”

29TH DENVER CAROUSEL BALL

Honoring: John and Paige Elway

Tickets: $350 and up from Amanda Garrett, 303-863-1200 or amanda@Children’sDiabetesFoundation.orgn When: Oct. 2, 2015

Where: Hyatt Regency Convention Center, 650 15th St., Denver

Starring: Usher, One Republic and surprise guests

Donors Endow $2 Million Chair for Research to Eradicate Childhood Diabetes

Thu, 09 Jan 2014 05:34:47 GMT

The Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation announce the creation of the Richard Abrams and Marian Rewers Endowed Chair for Clinical Research to Eradicate Childhood Diabetes. Funding includes a $1.5 million lead gift from an Anonymous Donor and $500,000 from The Battin Trust.nnThe inaugural holder of the Endowed Chair will be Marian Rewers, MD, PhD, who will continue his groundbreaking research toward prevention of the disease. The chair is named in honor of Dr. Rewers and his longtime colleague, Richard Abrams, MD.nnStated Barbara Davis, “We are incredibly thrilled to acknowledge this generous endowment, which validates and assists the tremendous work being done to eradicate Type 1 diabetes. Drs. Rewers and Abrams are leaders in the field of diabetes research and treatment, and we look forward to major progress in fighting this disease under their guidance.”nnDiabetes will strike one out of every three children born today. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and kills the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin, and is the leading cause of stroke and heart disease. Type 1 diabetes, often called “childhood diabetes,” is the most common chronic disease of children and young adults, with more than 1.5 million people in the United States currently diagnosed — and prevalence has doubled in the past 20 years.nnType 1 diabetes dramatically changes the life of the child, along with their family. The Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes addresses the full spectrum of issues, from medical treatment, to teaching families how to recognize and respond to danger signs in a diabetic child, to providing information on support groups.nnMedical costs for diabetic patients are ten times the national average. Children with Type 1 diabetes and their families benefit from technological progress: improved insulin, insulin pumps, and, in the near future, small “artificial pancreas” devices; however there is no known cure or prevention. The cause of childhood diabetes is not precisely known, but scientists are zeroing in on a few environmental factors that trigger pancreatic inflammation starting in early childhood that, over time, leads to diabetes.nn“Eradication of Type 1 diabetes is a lofty goal, but we want to set the bar high,” said Dr. Rewers, who is a professor of pediatrics and medicine and Barbara Davis Center clinical director. “The endowed chair will help us take the next step from knowing the cause to taking action that can help kids avoid diabetes.”nnAbout the PhysiciansnDr. Marian Rewers is a pediatric endocrinologist and the clinical director of the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He began his quest to eradicate childhood diabetes in 1993, by receiving major funding from the National Institutes of Health for the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY). This study screened over 30,000 newborns in Denver and has followed 2,500 those with the highest genetic risk for childhood diabetes. By comparing infections, diets, genes and immunological markers in children who have developed pancreatic inflammation and diabetes with those who remained healthy, DAISY was able to develop immunological and genetic tests that can identify children who will develop diabetes in the next 5-10 years. The study showed that routine immunizations and baby milk formulas do not increase the risk for diabetes, but certain viral infections do increase the risk. In 2002, on the foundations of DAISY, the National Health Institutes funded an international consortium – The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY). Dr. Rewers serves as the co-chairman of this project that has screened more than 424,000 children in Europe and America and follows 8,677 which are at the highest risk. State-of-the-art laboratory techniques are used to pinpoint the cause of diabetes.nnDr. Richard Abrams has practiced internal medicine in Denver, Colorado for more than 30 years. Throughout his career, Dr. Abrams focused much of his work on the management of diabetes during pregnancy. As a former leader of the pregnancy council of the American Diabetes Association, Dr. Abrams wrote and edited several books on the management of diabetes during pregnancy. In 2003, Dr. Abrams founded Colorado Preventive Medicine at Rose Medical Center. Endowment of the Chair for Clinical Research to Eradicate Childhood Diabetes honors Dr. Abrams as a physician dedicated to the care of people with diabetes and the prevention of diabetes complications.

Diabetes Will Not Go Away. The True Heroes – Our Children

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 05:34:07 GMT

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Holiday Ornament Fundraiser

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 05:33:42 GMT

Greetings! This message is brought to you with much appreciation and a big thank you for believing in a brighter future for our children and adults living with diabetes.nnAt the Barbara Davis Center in Denver, approximately 38% of the 6,000 children and young adults treated are under or uninsured. Because diabetes supplies are an absolute necessity for a diabetic, it can present an enormous financial and emotional burden on families.nnYou’re invited to participate in a fundraising event to help support the Helping Hand Committee of The Guild which was established to assist families and ensure that no child is without the supplies needed to control this disease. This holiday season, you can help these families by purchasing a paper ornament. Each ornament represents a diabetic supply, listed below:

$10 (Snowman) – Medical ID bracelet
$25 (Snowflake) – Box of 25 syringes
$50 (Candy Cane) – Approximately 1 container (50) glucose test strips
$100 (Present Box) – Approximately 1 vial of insulin

Dr. Marian Rewers receives JDRF Mary Tyler Moore and S. Robert Levine Award for Excellence in Clinical Research

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 05:32:36 GMT

Marian Rewers, MD, PhD is Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. As the clinical director and the interim executive director of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, he is leading the clinical team of 25 physicians/scientists and over 120 ancillary and research staff. The Barbara Davis Center serves more than 6,000 children and adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Center is a major diabetes research institute with annual research funding of $19 million, mostly from NIH, JDRF and CDF.nnDr. Rewers is a graduate of the Academy of Medicine in Poznan, Poland, where he completed his residency in pediatrics before going to Pittsburgh as a fellow of the American Diabetes Association, in 1986. For the past 23 years, he has worked at the University of Colorado with the primary goal to prevent autoimmune diabetes by identifying and eliminating its environmental cause(s). He is the principal investigator of a prospective study – The Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY) – funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) continuously since 1993. DAISY screened for diabetes genes in 31,000 newborns from families free of diabetes as well as 1,800 young relatives of people with the disease. Over 2,500 high-risk infants have been followed until today to learn how genes and the environment interact to trigger the onset of T1D. Based on this model, the NIH funded The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) consortium that includes centers from Colorado, Washington, Georgia/Florida, Germany, Finland, and Sweden. Dr. Rewers is heading the Colorado center as well as co-chairing the TEDDY Steering Committee. This is the most comprehensive effort ever to identify environmental triggers of T1D. TEDDY has screened over 424,000 newborns and intensively follows 8,677 of those with the highest risk genes. In the first population study of celiac disease in the United States, based on DAISY and funded since 1995, Dr. Rewers and his colleagues have dissected the occurrence of celiac disease in patients with T1D, their relatives, and in the general population. Leading the Colorado center of the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS) and with his team from the Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 (CACTI) study, he has discovered a number of novel genetic, metabolic, and inflammatory factors of potential importance for prevention of diabetic complications. Dr. Rewers has been awarded over $2 million in research grants from JDRF for his novel and original research on T1D. Dr. Rewers has helped to train the next generation of investigators in clinical and translational research, including a number of pediatric endocrinologists. Together, they have published more than 300 original articles and reviews in the area of diabetes. In recognition of his research and clinical endeavors, Dr. Rewers has previously received the Michaela Modan Memorial Award and the Kelly West Award from the American Diabetes Association, and the University of Pittsburgh Kenny/Drash Award.nnThe JDRF’s prestigious Mary Tyler Moore and S. Robert Levine Award for Excellence in Clinical Research recognizes his important contributions in the area of prevention of childhood-onset T1D. The award ceremony will take place during the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Barcelona, on September 25.

Bertha Lynn named Executive Director of The Children's Diabetes Foundation

Mon, 12 Aug 2013 05:32:04 GMT

Bertha Lynn has been appointed Executive Director of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation at Denver (CDF). A leading news anchor broadcasting in Colorado for the past 37 years at ABC, KMGH-TV 7 and KUSA-TV 9, Lynn has been involved with countless non-profits in the community throughout her career. She has also served on numerous non-profit Boards. Her overarching philosophy is to do all she can for people in need. She recently decided to make a career change in order to dedicate herself to a non-profit which she has long admired and respected. She said she “is excited to be serving in this leadership role to help Barbara Davis and the CDF with its mission to further research and care on behalf of 6,000 patients at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (BDC).”nnBarbara Davis, Chairman of CDF and Founder and Chairman of BDC stated that, “the Foundation is fortunate to have Bertha Lynn as Executive Director. She is a strong community leader with vast intelligence and compassion.” Mrs. Davis is “looking forward to working together with Bertha Lynn toward our goal of prevention and the cure for diabetes.”nnDiabetes is a life threatening disease that is epidemic worldwide. One in every three babies born today will have diabetes in their lifetime. The Barbara Davis Center has grown to become the leading diabetes center in the world. Former Executive Director, Chrissy Lerner, will retire after serving CDF more than 36 years.

Chinook Tavern Summer Music Series

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 05:31:37 GMT

Come join us at the Summer Music Series being held at the Chinook Tavern! The Children’s Diabetes Foundation will be showcased at the Live on the Terrace event! This free show will be held on August 15th starting at 7pm with food and drink special throughout the night. We would love to see you all there!

4th Annual Lavendar Festival – June 22, 2013 to benefit the Barbara Davis Center

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 29 May 2013 05:30:57 GMT

June 22, 10am-4pm
Location: 10901 E. Jewell Ave., Aurora, CO 80012
www.lavenderfest.org 303-668-5362
click here for details

FREE Admission

Come and have fun with us. Learn the healing properties of Lavender an outside event at Earth Pharmaceuticals Organic Farm. Purchase lavender gifts and get free samples.

The Lavender Festival was founded in 2010 by Heidi Jarvis. The festival came about because of her niece which was diagnosed at age 7 with type 1 diabetes.

Heidi had been offering her space to Dr. Raphael d’Angelo to distill real Lavender essential oil from her farm for his students, and professionals in the medical and alternative medicine industry for a few years. After experiencing the trauma her niece and her nieces parents went through before she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, hands that looked like an old woman, intense cracked dry lips, an abundant thirst for water, and a lethargic young beautiful girl close to a coma state, Heidi decided she wanted to help.

In 2009 Heidi decided to ask Dr. Raphael d’Angelo if he would participate in a festival that would help children and parents deal with diabetes. Dr. d’Angelo happily excepted. Heidi still wanted to have Dr. d’Angelo distill Lavender essential oil but to also include many other vendors that was fun and informational for the public and children and parents with diabetes but to also give back a portion of the proceeds to the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood diabetes at the Children’s Hospital in Aurora Colorado. So she did just that and today the Lavender Festival is a public free admission event that has over 30 vendors from fun activities for children, alternative healing, natural supplements, essential oils, natural body care products, body workers, healthy food and even music by Tony David Pam Hughes, and Kerry Edward that donates all of there time for this event.

“Diabetes doesn’t need to be so scary for children and their parents. The Lavender Festival tries to help overcome these fears in a fun environment with families that have been through it can connect with others with and without diabetes. We hope you will come and help support all the families with diabetes.”

CJ Free Jewelry introduces a bracelet to benefit CDF

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 05:29:45 GMT

CJ Free is proud to introduce a limited edition bracelet to benefit the Children’s Diabetes foundation in the fight to end childhood diabetes. A portion of the proceeds will support the Foundation.nnCJ Free is a bead themed fine jewelry line. With customization as the primary focus, each piece has a beaded element and is made with 14K gold, sterling silver and other gemstones.nn Click here to get yours!!

Campaign for the Cure

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 05:16:40 GMT

CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF GIVING BY GIVING TO THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE CURE!

Click here to donate to the Campaign for the Cure .

Diabetes has become a worldwide epidemic taking over the lives of our children, family, friends, and loved ones and unfortunately, it will only continue to influence future generations. One in three babies born today will have diabetes in their lifetime, meaning they will have to go through the daily toll of diabetes care to avoid the long-term complications of diabetes, including blindness, amputation, kidney failure, stroke and heart disease. This is why it is so important, now more than ever, that we fight to improve diabetes care and find a cure for diabetes.

The Barbara Davis Center (BDC) started in 1977 as a small clinic caring for just 300 children. Today, it has become one of the world’s leading centers caring for thousands of diabetic children and adults, teaching them to live full, happy lives despite this disease. Beyond clinics, the Center is doing cutting edge research to better diabetes care and management. These studies include artificial pancreas systems that will revolutionize diabetes care, outreach to educate and support patients virtually, and studies to decrease the effects of long-term complications. These research, education, and clinic initiatives benefit every patient and will influence the future of care for diabetics around the world.

Diabetes does not choose its victims. People young, old, rich and poor are affected by this disease and the education, resources and quality of care each person receives can greatly alter their long-term health. About 1/3 of our Colorado patients have little or no health insurance, but the BDC has never turned a patient away from the care they need to succeed with this disease, mentally and physically.

Please join us in our mission to support care and research at the Barbara Davis Center by donating to the Campaign for the Cure . With your generous support, we can overcome the challenges of diabetes and protect our loved ones from its devastating complications. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your help and generosity. It means the world to our patients and their loved ones.

Click here to donate to the Campaign for the Cure .

The Barbara Davis Center offers a new and fun medical appointment!!

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 05:15:48 GMT

Do you want to try an entirely new and fun way to have your next medical appointment at the Barbara Davis Center (BDC)?

It’s called Team 7 and beginning in December 2012, the BDC will be offering GROUP medical appointments (6-8 young adults per group) for patients with type 1 diabetes between the ages of 14-25 years. The visit will be in place of a regular doctor’s appointment and you will meet with your whole team including; nurse dietitian, social worker, doctor and nurse practitioner. For more information contact Dr. Jennifer Raymond at 303.724.2323 or jennifer.raymond@ucdenver.edu .

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 05:14:57 GMT

November calls attention to the over 26 million Americans, over 8% of the U.S. population, are now afflicted with diabetes. Everyday in America, 35 children are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. That is more than one child every hour.

November is a great time to donate to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation in someones honor or “go blue” in support of a cure for diabetes

Mercedes-Benz to Present Carousel of Hope

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 05:11:51 GMT

MERCEDES-BENZ TO PRESENT “CAROUSEL OF HOPE” ON SAT., OCT. 20, 2012, HONORING GEORGE CLOONEY

35 Years After Its Founding, Celebrity-Supported Children’s Diabetes Foundation Has Received Over $75 Million From Star-Studded, Biannual Charity Ball

(Beverly Hills, Calif., May 23, 2012)—The Carousel of Hope, the world’s premiere charity event benefiting childhood diabetes, hosted biannually by Barbara Davis, and presented by Mercedes Benz, is set for its 26 ^th gala on Sat., Oct. 20, in Beverly Hills, Calif., at the Beverly Hilton.

Oscar®-winning actor, producer, director and philanthropist George Clooney will receive “The Brass Ring Award” for his outstanding artistic achievements and unprecedented humanitarian undertakings.

Featured performers: Neil Diamond and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds

The legendary, star-studded gala benefits the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes ( www.barbaradaviscenter.org ), the country’s leading care and research center for type 1 diabetes.

The event’s blue ribbon committee includes Sir Michael Caine, Barbra Streisand, Denzel Washington, Sumner Redstone, Les Moonves, Paul and Maurice Marciano, Jane Fonda, Berry Gordy, Richard Gere, Carey Lowell, David Geffen, Brad Grey, Scarlett Johansson, Raquel Welch, Maria Shriver, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Goldie Hawn, Sir Sidney Poitier and Sir Elton John.

Jay Leno will encore as Master of Ceremonies and David Foster and George Schlatter will, respectively, reprise their roles as music director and producer.

George Clooney has starred in dozens of films, including “Oceans Eleven” and “Michael Clayton,” and is a longtime advocate for the Darfur and Haitian refugees, causes for which he has generated much international attention and engaged the interest of many world leaders, and was a co-founder of the America: A Tribute to Heroes charity telethon, which raised $200 million for 9/11 families and workers.

For the fifth consecutive time, Mercedes-Benz will be the presenting sponsor and a highlight of the evening will be the auctioning of a Mercedes-Benz.

Other major sponsors include Guess? Inc., American Airlines, Estee Lauder, Moët Hennessy USA and The Beverly Hilton.

Past awardees Quincy Jones and Clive Davis will also participate in the program.

The Carousel of Hope galas have featured once-in-a-lifetime performances by Elton John, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, Ricky Martin, Beyoncé, Rod Stewart, Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, Bette Midler, the Jonas Brothers, Josh Groban, Jennifer Hudson and B.B. King.

Since its founding 35 years ago by Marvin and Barbara Davis, The Carousel of Hope has raised over $75 million on behalf of the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes in Denver, Colo. Over 6,000 children and adults with type 1 diabetes from around the globe visit regularly for specialized care. The Center also cares for children with type 2 diabetes. Both forms of the disease are increasing at an epidemic rate.

CDF is saddened by the loss of two great researchers

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:57 GMT

The Barbara Davis Center has recently lost two distinguished scientists who have played key roles in the Center’s success over the past twenty years.

Executive Director George Eisenbarth, MD, PhD, September 17, 1947-November 13, 2012 and Director of Research John Hutton, PhD, May 19, 1948-December 18, 2012.

George Eisenbarth, MD, PhD Sept. 17, 1947 – Nov. 13, 2012

John Hutton, PhD May 19, 1948 – Dec. 18, 2012

We are extremely sad to announce that Professor George Eisenbarth, MD, PhD, Executive Director of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes passed away on November 13, 2012. He has dedicated his life to finding the cause, prevention, and cure for type 1 diabetes mellitus that affects more than 1 500 000 children and adults in the US alone and many more worldwide. Dr. Eisenbarth has been a role model and inspiration for researchers, clinicians, and trainees; he made a unique positive impact on the field of diabetes that will benefit patients and the community for decades. George will be missed by all of us.

George fulfilled his parents’ dreams for him to reach high and make his life count. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, his parents pushed him to reach beyond his high school, Grover Cleveland, where only 5 out of 100 students went to college. They encouraged him to have the audacity to apply for and win, in 1965, the prestigious Pulitzer Scholarship to study biology at Columbia University. He continued his education, earning MD/PhD degree at Duke University in 1975; residency and fellowship in Endocrinology came next. Harold Lebovitz, a famous physician-investigator, mentored George at Duke and attracted him to autoimmunity and diabetes. As an endocrine fellow he was first author for a NEJM paper describing HLA association with the autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type II (1978). It was obvious that he was destined for greatness.

His journey would lead him to discover major parts of the puzzle of type 1 diabetes. It led George to the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD (1977-79), to work as a postdoctoral fellow with Nobel Laureate Marshall Nirenberg, the scientist who discovered how the genes translate their code into proteins, Barton Haynes and Anthony Fauci. Enriched by this research experience, he returned to Duke University as an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Physiology to head a laboratory devoted to diabetes research.

Dr. Eisenbarth’ next faculty appointment began at the Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1982. Here, he founded its Immunology & Immunogenetics Section and discovered the linkage of diabetes of the NOD mouse to the MHC genes. He also studied a group of twins identified by Dr. J. Stuart Soeldner. The twins were genetically identical (monogenic) but only one had diabetes. George demonstrated that most of the non-diabetic twins had an autoimmune inflammation in their pancreatic islets detectable by the presence of autoantibodies against insulin-producing beta-cells. They would go on to develop diabetes, although it could take years. George was one of the first investigators who recognized that type 1 diabetes results from a chronic autoimmune inflammation and a gradual loss of insulin-producing cells. This major discovery soon became one of the medical paradigms. A figure illustrating the stages of disease progression, published originally in 1986, helped conceptualize the natural history of type 1 diabetes; it has been copied and modified countless times.

In 1992, the University of Colorado School of Medicine recruited Dr. Eisenbarth as the Executive Director of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Over the past twenty years since then, the Center grew under his leadership into one of the world’s leading diabetes research institutes. The Center’s clinics have also expanded tremendously, from serving about 800 pediatric patients to providing care to over 3,400 children and 2,600 adults with type 1 diabetes, today. George worked closely with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation at Denver, the fundraising arm of the Barbara Davis Center, led by Ms. Barbara Davis.

The central premise of Dr. Eisenbarth research of the past twenty years was the key role played by insulin in sustaining the chronic progressive autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta cells. His laboratory has approached this hypothesis from various angles, in animal models and human studies. George championed prevention trials with insulin preparations given as a “vaccine” to restore tolerance to insulin-producing cells and prevent diabetes. The seminal work of DPT-1 and TrialNet consortia were in large part inspired by his work. George’s innovative research ranged from basic and clinical immunology, to genetics, pathology, and clinical trials. His most recent focus was on disentangling the interactions within a “trimolecular complex” formed by the HLA molecule, antigen, and T-cell receptor. George saw the understanding of this interplay as critical to development of a new generation of drugs that could prevent or even cure type 1 diabetes.

His laboratory has perfected measurement of islet autoantibodies that are being used as the tools to identify the earliest stages of islet autoimmunity and predict the risk of progression to diabetes. These assays also help to confirm the diagnosis of type 1a (autoimmune) diabetes in patients of any age. Several ongoing large consortia, including TrialNet, T1D Genetic Consortium, and TEDDY are using George’s laboratory as the reference lab.

Over the past year, George has successfully developed a new generation of these assays that are more specific and do not require radioactive reagents. The research and clinical communities are likely to benefit from this work for years to come. George was awarded the highest national and international honors. Among many others, he was bestowed the American Diabetes Association Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award (1986) and the Banting Medal for Scientific Achievement honoring meritorious lifetime career achievement in diabetes research (2009), Naomie Berrie Award from Columbia University (2003), Pasteur-Weizmann/Servier Prize in Biomedicine (2006) and the Mary Tyler Moore and S. Robert Levine Excellence in Clinical Research Award from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (2012).

George will be remembered for his unselfishness and natural sense of collaboration, as well as for his scientific successes and his unquenchable desire for discovery. He authored over 500 publications and often shared his important data with other scientists prior to publication. George had preached and practiced the “open source” approach to research data. For this, as much as for the quality of his work, he gained the utmost respect of the research community. He participated as an intellectual leader in several international scientific consortia and networks, including DASP, DPT-1, TrialNet, Autoimmunity Prevention Centers, Autoimmunity Centers of the Excellence, Immune Tolerance Network, Brehm Coalition, and nPOD.

George was an outstanding mentor and source of inspiration to scores of young scientists from over 40 countries world. He encouraged others to follow in his footsteps, recognizing at the same time diversity of backgrounds, skills and goals of his trainees. His own perseverance, work ethics, critical thinking and willingness to acknowledge the contribution of other members of the team taught us high standards to carry on as part of his legacy. In recognition of his mentoring, nominated by his former fellows, George received the Albert Renold Award for Distinguished Service in Mentorship and Training of Diabetes Research Scientists from the American Diabetes Association.

His life was cut short prematurely, at the age of 65, by pancreatic cancer. After surgical removal of his pancreas, he was personally touched by insulin-dependent diabetes and became a spokesperson for modern diabetes care technology, including continuous glucose monitoring. He did this in his usual humble manner, seeing an opening to teach and help others.

Dr. Eisenbarth is survived by his wife, Frieda, who tirelessly supported his passion to find prevention for type 1 diabetes, his children Stephanie and Stephan, and three grandchildren. Stephanie has followed her Father’s footsteps with several publications in Nature, Cell and PNAS. She is an Assistant Professor of Laboratory Medicine & Immunology and the Director of Immune Monitoring Core Laboratory at Yale School of Medicine.

We lost in Dr. Eisenbarth a leader, a colleague, and a mentor, but his ideas and personal example will continue to inspire us for the rest of our lives.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing on December 18, 2012 of John Charles Hutton, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics and Cellular & Developmental Biology, and Research Director of the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. An Australian by birth, John attended the University of New South Wales in Sydney, gaining his BSc in Biochemistry and Physiology in 1969. He then joined the laboratory of Dr Fred Hollows, a pioneering New Zealand and Australian Ophthalmologist at UNSW, where he studied the links between the metabolic changes resulting from diabetes and long-term disease complications, receiving his PhD in 1974.

After conducting post-doctoral studies in Bolivia and Brussels he established his own laboratory in the Department of Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge in England, where he began his investigation into the physical and molecular properties of the insulin secretory granule and its role in diabetes pathogenesis. These studies would remain the principal focus of his research for the remainder of his career. His outstanding contribution to the advancement of knowledge concerning diabetes was recognized by the award of the Minkowski Prize by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in 1988.

In 1995 he accepted the post of Research Director at the Barbara Davis Center, and was instrumental in expanding its reputation as a Center of Excellence in Basic and Translational Diabetes research. In addition to maintaining his interest in beta cellular biology and development he also made seminal contributions to our understanding of islet autoimmunity. These include the identification of two proteins (IA2-ß aka phogrin, and IGRP) that were subsequently shown to be molecular targets of human autoreactive T cells. Most recently, he demonstrated that the granule protein ZnT8 is a major target of both human T cells and autoantibodies. The latter was arguably the most significant advance in the development of biomarkers for type 1 diabetes for over a decade. In addition, as Research Director at the BDC, John was also the Director of the JDRF-BDC Autoimmunity Prevention Center and of the UCHSC Diabetes and Endocrinology Research Center (“DERC”).

John was a highly productive scientist, authoring over 200 research articles, commentaries and reviews, and presenting his work at many national and international conferences and invited seminars. He was also an outstanding mentor, furthering the careers of numerous students, fellows, and faculty that were associated directly or indirectly with his laboratory.

John’s life was sadly cut short at the age of 64 by lung cancer that he battled valiantly. He is survived by his wife Barbara, and children Celina and John. He will be sorely missed by us all.

Life With Type 1

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Thu, 14 Nov 2002 19:22:11 GMT

By Gavin Volden

Hi, my name is Gavin and I am 11 years old. I have lived with type 1 diabetes for seven years. Living with type 1 diabetes is very hard because no one understands what it’s like.nnLiving with type 1 diabetes is hard because you have to get insulin and it makes me feel shaky and out of this world. Sometimes when I am low, I don’t feel good and when I am high I get hot and it is hard to focus. When my blood sugar isn’t high or low, I feel great! I also wear cool devices.nnI wear an Omnipod 5 insulin pump and a Dexcom and they help manage my blood sugars and keep me healthy. The Omnipod is very nice because when I go high it sometimes gives me insulin on its own. Before I wore an insulin pump, I had to do shots. Whenever I got shots, I would run away because it scared me. I am thankful for my Omnipod because if I had to do shots, I would hate it. That’s why I am thankful for my pump and Dexcom.nnI hope one day that there is a cure for type 1 diabetes. I want to be a normal kid. A normal kid is someone who is not a diabetic and does not have to get juice every 5 minutes!!! Just kidding, but sometimes it feels that way. I would also like to go down the stairs on my butt without a Dexcom in my way. I just wish I did not have diabetes. Until then, I will have to deal with it.

Back to School with Type 1 Diabetes

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 16 Aug 2002 19:14:36 GMT

Going back to school with Type 1 diabetes can be scary for both the student with Type 1 and their family. Make sure to read our back-to-school checklist to make the transition easier!

Fill out your 504 plan with help from your school representative and your diabetes care team. A 504 plan sets actions a school must take to assure the student with Type 1 is safe, has the same access to education and resources, and is treated fairly. The 504 plan also includes information about Type 1 diabetes. Click here to download the 504 plan. Click here to download the form in Spanish.
Discuss specific care of your child with the teachers, school nurse and other staff who will be involved.
Make sure your child understands the details of who will help them with testing, shots, and treatment of high or low blood sugars at school and where supplies will be kept. Supplies should be kept in a place where your child can access them whenever needed.
Keep current phone numbers of where you can be reached. Collect equipment for school: meter, strips and finger-poker, lancets, insulin, insulin syringes, biohazard container, logbook or a copy of testing record form (make arrangements to have blood sugars sent home routinely), extra insulin pump supplies, extra CGM supplies, ketone testing strips, and a photo for substitute teacher’s folder.
Food and drinks; make sure to check intermittently to make sure supplies are still well stocked. Be sure to include:
juice cans or boxes (approximately 15 grams of carb each)
glucose tablets
instant glucose or cake decorating gel
crackers (peanut butter and/or cheese)
quarters to buy sugar pop if needed
Fruit-Roll Ups
dried fruit
raisins or other snacks
A box with the child’s name to store these above food and drink items.
Going back to school can be overwhelming for all students so be sure to talk to your student about things other than Type 1 (they are more than just their disease)! When they get home from school, try to have the first thing you ask them about be something not related to Type 1 and then circle back. Remember Type 1’s can do anything their peers can do, they just need a few additional pokes and snacks!

Good luck to everyone going into their new school year! Remember CDF is always here for you!

Click here to download some free back-to-school printables.

Click here for more information our type 1 support groups.

Christian’s Six Year Diaversay

implementation@officepracticum.com (Graham Daugherty) — Fri, 26 Apr 2002 19:37:11 GMT

By Tara AND Christian Dana

Our story started out a little different than most. Christian was involved in the Teddy study from birth because we found out when he was born that he had the high-risk gene for developing T1D. Since I have a family history (my sister) with type 1 diabetes, I figured it would be good for us to be involved with the study. I wanted to “know” if my son was going to develop diabetes. I wanted to be on top of things so I could be more prepared if that day ever came. From a very young age, Christian always had 2-3 out of the 4 antibodies that were being tested for elevated. We knew he had a 50% chance of developing T1D. But as much as I thought that made me prepared for the possibility of it happening, I was just lying to myself. April 26, 2015 came, and I felt like I was hit with a ton of bricks! Reality hit us hard. Reality that life with diabetes was going to be our new normal. Reality that our life was never going to be the same! I cried. I cried a lot! Not because I was mad or because I was scared, but because I was sad that my son was going to have to deal with this for the rest of his life. I began to question myself and what we had done wrong. I felt like a failure. I felt like I hadn’t done what I was supposed to do as a mom to take care of my son. I felt like it was all my fault!

6 years later and I can now say we have come a long way. I was finally able to accept this new “normal” and that his diagnosis was not my fault. We have tried to turn Christian’s diagnosis into something positive. Christian is now going on 3 years with being an advocate for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. We do everything possible to help educate and spread awareness of type 1 diabetes. I’m not going to say that everything is always joyful and without frustrations. Times have been tough. But we have learned, and continue to learn, how to deal with everything. The past year has been a little rougher than the previous years due to Christian now being a pre-teen, dealing with hormones, adjustments with starting middle school (during a pandemic, I might add), diabetes “burnout”, and Christian beginning to want more autonomy with his care. Sometimes I think, just as we were getting into a routine and I thought it was getting easier, than bam, this all hits. And then I think “WHY?” But most importantly, I question how I can help Christian get through all of this? All I want to do is set him up for success as he goes into adulthood. I want him to continue to live a healthy and happy life! I know now that whatever curveball is thrown our way, we will take it with stride and eventually hit it out of the park. It’s not always going to be an easy task, but it can be done. Especially if our family continues to work together and is supportive of Christian.

Living with T1D is a daily challenge, both for those living with the disease and those family members helping out their loved ones, but strength and perseverance are key. We cannot let diabetes win! These past 6 years have shown me how tough Christian is, and what a fighter he is. Do I get scared because I know what diabetes could possibly do to my son? Yes. But then Christian reminds me that we don’t have to be scared of, we are in this fight together, and we are going to come out on top! I love you Christian Dana. I know that your future is in your hands, you have already made a BIG difference, and you are going to continue to show the world that living with T1D is manageable! Happy 6-year diaversary!

-Tara Dana, Christian’s Mom

________________________________________

Hello, my name is Christian and I want to talk about my life with diabetes. I got diabetes when I was 6 and now I am 12. I have had diabetes for half my life and, yes, it’s hard to say that. I wish I didn’t have to say that, but life is what it is, and I want to thank all my family members for helping me with my struggles so far. One of my struggles with diabetes is having to deal with giving myself insulin every time I eat. I also get mad when I have to take breaks from activities or something fun that I am doing. But I say to myself that I can’t always think of the bad, and I have to keep my mind set on how strong I am and how good I am at dealing with diabetes. I want to thank the Barbara Davis Center for being there when I need them. I’d also like to thank all the doctors and nurses who have helped me over the years and who have taught me how to take care of myself. I want to say a BIG thank you to the CDF for being a big supporter of me and giving me the opportunity to educate others about T1D with the advocates program. I wish I could make my diabetes go away, but it won’t happen. Yet everyone that has helped me is making me feel better and helping me deal with my life with diabetes.