Can I Still Eat Marshmallows??{Understanding Type 1 Diabetes + Diabetes FAQ}

Hi there, marshmallows!

THE LOOMING QUESTION HANGS OVER OUR HEADS.

CAN I STILL EAT YOU?

Wait. Back up. That just sounds…extremely disturbing. Let’s rephrase that:

CAN I STILL EAT MARSHMALLOWS?

So read more of this little FAQ to find out! If you have more questions, feel free to leave a comment.

Q: Can You Still Eat Marshmallows?

A: Well, my friend, let’s see!

First, I look at the package to try to find the nutrition information. I look at the box marked ‘Total Carbs’. (As in Carbohydrates) This package says that a 2/3 cup of marshmallows is 24 carbs.

Image Credit: http://leangreenkitchen.com/category/clean-treats/page/2/

Now, I’m going to figure out how many marshmallows I am going to have. I am going to have 2/3 of a cup of mini marshmallows. Let’s say that my blood sugar (glucose level) is 203. (That’s a little bit high, but not to bad.) So, I will need 1 unit of insulin for a correction to help lower my blood sugar. If I use the 1 to 20 ratio, I will need 1 1/2 units of insulin. (I am adding an extra half unit because marshmallows are very high sugar.)

Next, I do my injection! Then I wait 5-10 minutes, and then I can eat!

So, yes, I can eat marshmallows. I just have to plan ahead!

Q: Is type 1 diabetes contagious?

A: No, diabetes is NOT contagious. You are actually born with it, but it stays dormant until a certain point in your life (usually at age 7-12.)

Q: What does T1D stand for?

A: T1D is an abréviation for Type 1 Diabetes.

Q: How many types are there? Could I get Type 16 diabetes?

A: First of all, Type 16 diabetes is non-existent. Just to clear things up. There are only 3 types: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Q: What is the difference between the three types?

A: (Sourced from The CalorieKing Calorie, Fat and Carbohydrate Counter Handbook)

Type 1 Diabetes:

-Occurs in 10% of diabetes cases

-Usually in children or young adults

-Pancreas produces little or no insulin. Daily insulin injections (or use of an insulin pump) are necessary, as well as matching pre-meal insulin to the amount of carbohydrate eaten, and weight control or regular physical activity.

Type 2 Diabetes:

-Occurs in 90% of diabetes cases

-Occurs mainly in adults – particularly in overweight or inactive persons

-Insulin is produced but body cells resist it’s action and glucose can not enter cells

-Usually treated with meal planning and physical activity. Sometimes requires medication (pills or insulin).

Gestational Diabetes:

-Occurs in some women during pregnancy. It usually disappears after the baby’s birth.

-Women who have had gestational diabetes still have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years. One in 3 do.

-Requires wight control, a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks during and after pregnancy.

Q: What is pre-diabetes?

A: Pre-diabetes is when your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but are not high enough to be called diabetes. If you are pre-diabetic you are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Q: Why do you have to take insulin shots?

A: Because I have type 1 diabetes, I have to take insulin shots because my pancreas no longer makes insulin. Insulin is what helps absorb carbs and sugar.

Q: Do they hurt?

A: No, but they poke a little.

Q: What the heck are you doing?

A: I’m checking my blood sugar, thank you, now move along and stop making me uncomfortable.

Q: How do you check ketones?

A: Umm…You pee on a stick. (Ok, TMI!)

Q: What are symptoms of type 1 diabetes?

A: Frequent urinating, fatigue, increased thirst, increased hunger, and extreme weight loss. (Increased hunger and weight loss can be mistaken for a growth spurt.) However, they can vary from person to person; I also experienced bloodshot eyes and behavioral changes.

Q: Did you almost die?

A: Why are you so dramatic, random person who asks a lot of questions? No, I did not almost die but it felt like it.

Q: How long were you in the hospital?

A: I was in the ER for a few hours, the ICU for 1 day and one night, and the patient ward for 4 days and 3 nights.

Q: Why do you have to carry that ugly camouflage-colored bag everywhere?

A: It holds my insulin pens, glucose monitor, test strips, ketone strips, Glucagon, emergency Skittles (yes, 15 Skittles help treat low blood sugar!), and diabetes log. So basically it holds my survival tools. XD

Q: Are you sad that you have diabetes?

A: I’ve had moments here and there where I’m sad and think why me? but I’m mostly just grateful that we know what’s wrong now. I know that God has a purpose for me and he gave me this disease for a reason. And someday, there will be a cure.

Important: Also, can I please ask you to NOT TALK ABOUT MY DIABETES on any other website besides my own. Not mentioning any names here, but I have had several people reply to my comments on their websites with “How are you doing with the diabetes?” I don’t mind you asking me that, but I told you guys about it because I trust my followers. I have no idea who is following your blog, and I don’t exactly want you announcing to a whole Google+ community that I have diabetes. *ahem ahem* This is your cue to delete that! It is okay to reblog these posts, as long as you have my permission! Also, I would like to keep all of the diabetes questions on diabetes-related posts. Thank you!

Thank you guys so much for all of your prayers and support. Ya’ll rock!

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