I love it when it all comes together

While it's taken awhile I think I've finally mastered my latest gadget the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor. Just at it took me awhile to master the OmniPod when I first started using it, any new device has a learning curve. After all like most guys I didn't really read the manual until I absolutely had too. (Thankfully I have a GPS system in my car or I would also follow the age old rule of not asking for directions even when I know I'm lost.)

The best part of the Dexcom device is the it provides me with trend data - I can now tell if my levels are going up, down or staying in a range. Another nice feature is the device has an alarm that notifies me if my levels are too high or too low. This nice feature came in handy today while I was running as the alarm went off and told me I my levels were low. Thanks to the good people at Dex4 I sucked down some liquid glucose that allowed me to finish my run without incident. I actually could have run longer but I'm scheduled for a long run this weekend and didn't want to over do it.

Hopefully in the next few days I will be able to combine the data from my Dexcom device and OminPod system which will give everyone a better picture of just what's going on with my body during a run - I promise no pictures of me - just some fancy graph's (hopefully).

Back in the groove

While the week got off to great start my run yesterday just plain stunk. I didn't feel particularly well and my sugars were all screwed up. This happens from time to time and I honestly have no explanation as to why. It could have been something I ate or perhaps I had something in my system, it's anyone guess. After having diabetes for 10 years the one thing I know is these things happen.

Today on the other hand was a complete reversal, I felt great and ran well. I've been real busy at work and have lots going on which could explain why my body was screwy yesterday. When you have diabetes there are so many factors that go into how you feel. And those factors go beyond what you eat and the amount of insulin you take, stress also plays a role.

Tomorrow while I run I will have special motivation as my friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer will be undergoing surgery and it's my mom's birthday. I consider both events a reason to celebrate as for my friend it's the beginning of riding herself of this devastating disease. I know these past few weeks have been very hard for her and her family. Being the trooper she is she's already vowed to run next years marathon. Knowing her I'm confident that she'll keep her word.

As far as Mom goes, another year in the books. I've been sworn to secrecy and will not reveal her age what I can say is she's old enough to remember when radio was the main source of entertainment. Happy Birthday Mom - and don't worry I'll be careful running.

Welcome Dex4

I'd like to welcome my latest sponsor Dex 4 - these people make a product that is essential to people with diabetes and hopefully one that I won't need to use during training or on race day. Dex 4 is instant glucose and used to prevent or fix a hypoglycemic event.

Hypoglycemia in simple terms is when sugar levels drop too low. In severe cases this can be a dangerous event for a person with diabetes, in particular those who are not hypoglycemic aware - which means they don't realize their levels are dropping. Thankfully I am hypoglycemic aware and can feel when my sugar levels are falling.

Unfortunately dealing with hypoglycemia is part of living with diabetes. I am not aware of any insulin using patient has not experienced a hypoglycemic event. I can speak from personal experience such an event is not pleasant especially when your levels are crashing.

This is one reason I carry the Dex 4 products with me wherever I go - I keep them in my car, my golf bag, my briefcase, my fanny pack, etc. As hard as I try to avoid hypoglycemia during a run sometimes it can't avoided - thankfully the Dex 4 products work quickly and get me back to where I need to be.

Like I said before this one product I'm glad I have and hope I never need. My thanks to good people at Dex 4.