D-Ninja Land

Written by Mike on September 1st, 2010

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As promised, here is Little G’s contribution to Diabetes Art Day.

Many thanks to Lee Ann Thill of The Butter Compartment for making Diabetes Art Day possible.

PSA: Diabetes Art Day

Written by Mike on August 29th, 2010

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Diabetes Art Day is just a few days away.  It’s not too late to get involved!

Visit www.thebuttercompartment.com for more details.

A Worthwhile Entry

Written by Mike on August 18th, 2010

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The winners of the poetry book drawing, hosted by Lee Ann Thill over at The Butter Compartment, have been announced.   My congratulations to the winners, Virtue and Sherry .

While my entry wasn’t one of the chosen two, I’m still glad that I took the time to put it together and submit it.   I had a lot of fun making it, so it was definitely worthwhile.

Get Crafty for Diabetes Art Day

Written by Mike on August 14th, 2010

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010 has been declared Diabetes Art Day, by Lee Ann Thill, who is an Art Therapist, a fellow D-OC member, and host of the diabetes blog, The Butter Compartment.

Between now and September 1st, participants will be creating diabetes inspired works of art using the artistic media of their choice, and then post pictures of their work on a blog, twitter, facebook, a diabetes social network, etc… on September 1st.  More details can be found on Lee Ann’s blog. I’m rather excited and proud to say that I’ll be participating in this inaugural Diabetes Art Day, and I hope that the rest of the diabetic online community will get involved as well.  It doesn’t matter if your an experienced artist or a beginner.  All are welcome. So, if you think it would be cool to create diabetes inspired works of art, here’s your chance to create something and share it with the world.  I’m looking forward to meeting your inner artists.

Image courtesy of Lee Ann Thill

And remember, it’s all in the name of raising awareness, and supporting the members of our community. So, go grab some art supplies, and get crafty.

Pass the Vial My Way!

Written by Mike on August 10th, 2010

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During last week’s Diabetes Social Media Advocacy (#DSMA) session on twitter, one of the discussion topics centered around Type 2 diabetics and insulin treatment.  Should type 2′s start taking insulin earlier? Should it be avoided at all cost? Does the need for insulin mean the person is a failure for not getting their diabetes under control?  Like many others in the DOC, I have my own opinions on the subject, and I voiced some of them during the chat.

First, I am a person with type 2 diabetes, and at present, I am not taking insulin as part of my treatment regimen.  I have been given insulin injections during two separate hospital stays in the last year or so, though, so I do at least have a faint idea as to what it’s like.

Now, just because I’m not on insulin right now doesn’t mean that I won’t be in the future.  I’m not being negative or pessimistic, I’m looking at this realistically.  I’ve struggled with oral medications not working, and I know that insulin may be in the cards.  And while I’m not actively pursuing insulin use at this time,  I’m definitely open to the idea if and when it becomes necessary.

And if I do end up on insulin, it will not be because of some failure on my part.  I put everything I have into fighting my diabetes and keeping it under control.  Insulin therapy does NOT indicate failure.  It will simply mean that my body needs help getting its’ job done.  And there is no shame in needing help.  The real shame would be in not doing anything at all.

As I said the during the chat, “If taking insulin means I might live a little longer, by all means, pass the vial my way. It’s called doing what’s needed to survive.” And that’s what it all really boils down to; Each and every one of us doing what is necessary for our own survival.  What is right for me, may not be right for you.  And that’s OK.  The important thing is to figure out what will work for you, put a plan in motion, and then stick with it.

And if you learn something along the way, be sure to share it with someone. It just might make surviving a little easier for someone else.