Okay, this is getting ridiculous.
I know there’s a running joke (that I probably started) about my managing too many Tumblr blogs, but I think most of them are justified. Obviously, I think Tumblr is pretty cool, but I’m still trying to figure out how to use that place for some kind of greater benefit to the diabetes community. I suppose if I can figure that out then I can use the “greater good” as some kind of justification for my insanity.
For those of you just joining me, let’s recap.
I don’t think I made a big hullabaloo about my latest A1c (6.7). It was an improvement from three months ago but I would be lying if I didn’t say I was expecting better than that. After my endocrinologist appointment in the summer I lowered the high alert on my Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor to 180 mg/dL with the hopes of further curtailing extended bouts with high blood glucose numbers. I supposed it worked but based on past A1c reports, I could go lower.
There are a few conclusions that you could draw from this picture if you have the artistic talents.
1. There isn’t much of a lunch-bump. I suppose that means I handled that Subway cookie like a pro.
2. I’m over-calculating insulin doses and need to be more diligent about that insulin-to-carb ratio thing.
3. I’m not in control. Time spent below that dashed line is higher than it should be and the stress of the lows is not worth the lower A1c.
I have a problem with focusing on the big picture. My diabetes care has received extra attention after my last endocrinologist appointment thanks to a lower High Alarm on my Dexcom Continuous Glucose Meter. If my passing judgement is any indicator this has made a significant improvement on my blood glucose control. Regardless of the high alarm, the typical high blood glucose reading has rarely been around for more than an hour or so thanks to the constant notifications Hal Jordan provides. Now that my High Alarm is lower I’m staying in my target range more consistently. This is a good thing.
Each one of these test strips has the power to uplift. The power to depress. The power to warn or alert. The power to calibrate (if you use a continuous glucose monitor). These test strips have so much power and influence over us. Having to remember that our lives are more than those blood glucose test results is one of the toughest mental exercises you will ever go through, and if you’re testing 6, 8 or more times a day it’s easy for your mind to lose focus.
The past year and change of life with Hal Jordan has brought an interesting perspective on endocrinologist appointments. Rather than dread the A1c, I dread the traffic I must sit through on my way back to work. Rather than walking into the office guns blazing, I have one ear fixated on whatever episode of the Ricky Gervais show is playing on my iPod. While the true value of my particular endocrinologist is subject to debate, I still respect the fact that his business card says Doctor and if properly posed my questions will receive sufficient answers.
