Islets of Hope: I have diabetes

Welcome to Islets of Hope's blog. First, a disclaimer. Although I manage a (wonderful and valuable) website, I have never before blogged. Yes, consider me a newbie. You are witnessing history in the annals of diabetes -- the first Islets of Hope blog.

My name is Lahle. I have diabetes. Please read "About Me" and take a hankie as my daughter Elizabeth's wisdom has been known to move people to tear up. Elizabeth, too, has diabetes. She's a "1" gal, while I am number "2." But we share much in common: blood sugar checks, concerns for the future, a diet that no one else seems to understand, and many good times and inside jokes.

If you have not visited www.isletsofhope.com you should. There's not only great information on the site for all types of diabetes and disorders associated with diabetes, there are forums, tips, ideas, even a prayer request corner. But enough of the shameless plug, let's blog diabetes!

Elizabeth (now 6) made a remarkable statement to me when she was only 4 years old. She is allergic to long-acting insulin and could only take rapid insulin. That meant shots round the clock every few hours beginning only a few days after her diagnosis. She had not even had time to adjust to the idea that she now had diabetes and was already having to take 7-10 shots a day.

Because of this allergy, Elizabeth was put on an insulin pump almost immediately. But she had a taste of shot therapy long enough for her to hate it. Three days on the pump, she rejoiced in the fact that once again she could sleep late (no more waking to shots at 1 a.m., 3 a.m., 6 a.m.), she could NOT eat when she was not hungry (no more feeding the insulin) and best of all, no more Band-Aids (from the shots, of course.)

She proclaimed that she had her life back, that her pump, her new "friend" that she named "Emily," had given her back control. And it was then that she said something that will stick with me always ...

"Diabetes drools. But "Emily" rules."

On that thought, I will leave you. But only for today.