Category: All Posts
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Being careful with T1D tech glitches
Like all technology, Type One Diabetes technology is prone to fail sometimes, and it is very important to know how to catch it. I only have experience with the Dexcom G6 and Omnipod 5, so my knowledge is based off of their functions, so all other insulin pumps and CGMs will be the same. There…
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T1D catalogs and calendars
Using a Type One Diabetes calendar or even a diabetes catalog can be a great way to improve your T1D management. The catalogs and calendars are typically used for different purposes, but they are both helpful for Type One Diabetes management. You could make your own calendar/catalog online, get a normal calendar, or even purchase…
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How to put on a Dexcom G6
The Dexcom G6 is a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) that checks your blood sugar every 5 minutes for ten days. If at any step you incorrectly insert the G6, remove immediately and request a replacement. Incorrect placement could result in incorrect readings which may be vastly off from your actual blood sugar. For those of…
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What is Type Two Diabetes?
An estimated 462 million people globally are effected by T2D, while only about 8.75 million have Type One. Learning about other types of diabetes could be beneficial to people living with Type One Diabetes. The causes of diabetes vary, but the symptoms are similar to T1D. Type 2 Diabetes can be managed many different ways,…
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Summer with T1D
Type One Diabetes management may need to be different in the summer. It is hotter, so you will likely spend more time in the water and outside in the sun. Many people go on more vacations and eat more carbs, and for all of these things diabetes management needs to be remembered. These tips may…
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T1D Memes 2
What is better than a funny meme to make your day? I always love memes, and there are countless ideas for Type One Diabetes ones. My previous post with T1D memes was a favorite for many people, according to one of my polls, so I decided to make some more memes with diabetes themes. Enjoy!…
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Seasons Change T1D book review
This book review is going to be showcasing Type One Diabetes in a whole new way. The second Sugar Squad Chronicle book, Seasons Change, is an amazing book, just as good as its predecessor. The first book, Camp Lessons was about Greyson learning to manage his diabetes, and not be ashamed of it. Camp Sweetwater,…
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Foods to eat before exercise and sports
Many Type One Diabetics have trouble with their blood sugars before physical activities. I used to have this struggle before I changed the amounts and types of foods that I was eating before swimming. There are many different foods out there to eat before exercise or sports, but the best are foods with combination of…
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Diabetes supplies and uses
Whether you are getting a new prescription of Type One Diabetes supplies or are new to T1D, this list may be helpful to you. Not only are the supplies listed, but also the importance of the item. The items underlined should be kept in your diabetes bag at all times. The other items should be…
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How to inform people about T1D
There are many people that need to know that you have Type One Diabetes. You can simply tell them that you have T1D and walk away, or you can elaborate. Varied information needs to be shared depending on the circumstance and the person. For example, your grandmother will need different knowledge about diabetes than your…
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Staying overnight with T1D
Staying overnight at Grandma’s house, having a sleepover with friends, and going to a summer camp are all very fun activities but all involve Type One Diabetes management. You should have a trusted adult that knows about you having diabetes and can remind you to dose for your meal, and to check your blood sugar.…
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My Experience with CGMs
I have used a Dexcom G6 since my diagnosis and have had few to no problems. Overall, CGMs have helped me to better manage my Type One Diabetes with minimal finger pricks. The apps: Dexcom G6, Clarity, and Follow are all easy to navigate and extremely helpful. The few glitches that I have had with…
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What to put in your 504 plan
If you go to school and you have Type One Diabetes, it is beneficial to get you the care that you need. A 504 plan shows what rules will be put in place so that students can get the help that they need, and so administrators, teachers, and parents are on the same page. This…
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Snail Mail
Snail Mail is a great way for Type One Diabetics to share diabetes knowledge and advice. Whether through mail or email you get to learn more about the person you are assigned to. They will usually put you with someone who has a similar diagnosis date, and a different location. This is so you and…
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Type One Diabetes Jokes
There are many jokes about diabetes out there. I have compiled some; some are relatable, but others are about misconceptions of T1D and T2D, mostly about too much sugar. Whether to encourage or to make you laugh, I hope that you enjoy these jokes. Good Diabetes Jokes Why did the diabetic win the weightlifting competition? …
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T1D in Winter
Winter is full of fun activities like skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, etc., but Type One Diabetes doesn’t have to stop you from doing the winter activities that you love. You just need to be aware of your blood sugars and check often, even if it is harder to get blood out of your…
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Organizing diabetes supplies
Organizing Type One Diabetes supplies can make your diabetes management more efficient. There are many reasons to organize your T1D supplies, such as peace of mind and ease of ordering diabetes supplies. Shelves, cupboards, and many other places will work for storing diabetes supplies. There are many methods to improve the organization of your diabetes…
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Managing Highs and Lows
You need to know how highs and lows are caused before managing your out of range blood sugars. High blood sugars are caused by not enough insulin in the bloodstream. This could be not enough insulin compensating for the food you are consuming, or not enough insulin for your basal rate. Too much insulin is…
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Blood Glucose Conversions
Whether reading a book, or even a blog online, to hearing a Type One Diabetes story, you have probably heard people refer to their blood sugars. Many people think that there is only one system, but there are actually two main ones. In America, diabetics use mg/dl, like 80 and 150, while in most other…
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Sugar Squad Chronicles: Camp Lessons book review
The first book in the Sugar Squad Chronicles follows the life of sixth grader Grayson, an active Type One Diabetic. The book is focused on diabetic characters, but still has a plot. The author, Dr. Bee depicts T1D in a realistic way, one that both people with and without the condition will understand. The book…
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Newly diagnosed T1D resources
Compiled below are some resources, both online and physical, that have helped me greatly since my Type One Diabetes diagnosis. Some of them might be helpful to you, while others may not, depending on your diagnosis or treatment. Literature and guidebooks alike can improve diabetes knowledge and improve your management. Online resources such as podcasts…
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Making T1D New Year’s Resolutions
The New Year is coming and with it brings resolutions to eat healthier, read more, and exercise more efficiently. Have you ever considered making a goal to help better manage your autoimmune disease? Type One Diabetes resolutions are a great way to change the way you manage your disease and help you plan what steps…
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Silent night (T1D parody)
Some of you may have read my post last Christmas season, The Twelve Days of Diagnosis. It was a parody of the Twelve Days of Christmas but based off of getting diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. This year I decided to create another Christmas song parody for you T1Ds. Silent night, holy night!All is good…
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T1D medical alert bracelet
I have briefly mentioned diabetes alert bracelets in passing, but in this blog post I will be elaborating on how, why, and what to showcase on your T1D bracelet, and when to wear it. It is important to wear something that shows that you have Type One Diabetes in the case of an emergency. The…
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T1D Guide
This guide is a great way to share Type One Diabetes information about your kid for a babysitter, friend’s mom, or other adult that may need it. If your kid doesn’t know how to check their blood sugar, count carbs, or do an insulin injection without supervision, this guide should be given to the person…
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Gift ideas for Type One Diabetics
This holiday season you may be looking for something to give to a diabetic. Well, you are in luck because these items are perfect for anyone living with Type One Diabetes! From shirts to bags, and low carb cookbooks, these gifts are great to give to any diabetic. Some of the gifts are to make…
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Camping with T1D
Just like in many other activities and traveling, there are many important things to consider when camping with T1D, especially if it is your first time. You may feel the urge to pack light when camping, but diabetes supplies are mandatory. Bringing extra of everything, as well as keeping them all on hand, not in…
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How to put on an Omnipod 5
For those of you that just got an Omnipod 5 and need help figuring out how to insert it, this blog post is for you. Whether this is your first insulin pump or you recently switched over to the Omnipod 5, you need to learn how to properly insert the pod. Once you get the…
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Quinn Counts Carbs Logo Breakdown
In the blog post I am going to be breaking down the different components of the Quinn Counts Carbs logo. Each of the different components help portray and represent my Type One Diabetes blog, Quinn Counts Carbs. The tagline shows the purpose of my blog, while the pencil shows how I share diabetes information. The…
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The Highs and Lows of Type One Diabetes book review
The Highs and Lows of Type One Diabetes by Patrick McAllister is a fantastic beginner’s guide to T1D. I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a book that will help you when you are newly diagnosed. There are chapters on many topics, after finishing this guidebook I found that most of my…
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3 Inspiring Celebrities with Type One Diabetes
These celebrities and many others were diagnosed with Type One Diabetes, and ever since have been spreading diabetes advocacy. All with different careers, backgrounds, and diagnosis stories, they have all had a large impact on the diabetes community. T1D may be a live-altering condition, and these people are great examples of people who don’t let…
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Quinn Counts Carbs first year
My blog, Quinn Counts Carbs has now been published for one year. In this post, I will first explain how and why I started this T1D blog. Then I will describe the help and inspiration I have used to keep this blog going. Finally, I will get input for improving blog posts in the following…
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Turning Red: Diabetic characters
Turning Red is a great depiction of Type One Diabetes in a film. The technical supervisor lives with T1D, so the representation is more accurate than in other films. Diabetes isn’t ever mentioned in the movie, but people living with Type One Diabetes easily noticed the insulin infusion sets and insulin pumps on various characters.…
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Best T1D bags and why
It is important to have a T1D supply bag that you like especially because you need to take it everywhere with you. Different bags are better for different diabetics varied criteria that needs to be met. Some want compartments for test strips and pen needles while others need room for an insulin pump or CGM…
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Meeting people with T1D
People that have Type One Diabetes are everywhere. Before I was diagnosed with T1D I didn’t notice, but now I see people doing insulin injections, checking their blood sugar, or wearing a CGM or insulin pump. When you have diabetes, you are more aware of that kind of thing. You might even see someone and…
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T1D device wallpapers
These wallpaper images are perfect for any device that you would like to add a custom Type One Diabetes wallpaper or background. Some are memes while others are inspirational T1D phrases. I hope that you find a device background that you like! If you want to use one of these easily-downloadable backgrounds, here is how:…
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Goal setting with T1D
In all aspects in life it is important to set goals. Goals are important because they can help you understand what you want to accomplish and strive to complete the goal. When you have Type One Diabetes, especially when you are newly diagnosed, it is key to set goals. These motives can help you better…
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Swimming with T1D
Whether you are at a swim meet, water skiing, or just splashing around at the beach, diabetes doesn’t have to stop you from having fun in the water. You may need to wear an over patch for your medical devices to stay on for the whole insertion time period. Intense swimming and sunscreen may be…
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T1D supplies packing list
Are you going on a trip soon and don’t know what diabetes supplies to pack? Even people that have been living with Type One Diabetes for a long time are bound to forget something. The first time that you travel you are probably going to bring way too many extra supplies or forget something-I know…
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Diabetes device customization
Have you noticed that nearly all insulin pumps and CGMs are a solid color? You can add overpatches and transmitter stickers to all of your diabetes supplies and devices to add color and durability. There are patches, stickers and bands for many different uses. Some hold down the devices, while others are for enforcing durability,…
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What I have learned in my first year with T1D
I learned many things in my first year with Type One Diabetes, from medical knowledge to organization and many more things that will change my life. I have had lots of help and support along my Type One Diabetes journey. I have learned about how much medical technology has improved greatly over the last century.…
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Finding the good in Type One Diabetes
While there are lows in diabetes, there are also many great things about living with Type One Diabetes. You can refuse food, bring your low snacks everywhere and get “secret” recipes. You can qualify for diabetic scholarships and get a free National Park pass for the US. There are many great things about living with…
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My T1D store
I recently opened a online store with Type One Diabetes merchandise. I created coffee mugs, tote bags, bumper stickers, notebooks, fanny packs, t-shirts, hoodies and even notebooks with T1D-related quotes and designs. The goal of the Quinn Counts Carbs shop is to educate people about T1D while showing support for people living with Type One…
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Insulin History
July 27, 2023 marks the 102nd year of insulin. Ever since its discovery, insulin has helped save many Type One Diabetic’s lives. Prior to the use of insulin, diabetics only lived several weeks or months, rarely up to several years, after diagnosis. This medical breakthrough has save millions of lives all over the world since…
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Type One Diabetes in Films
Similar to in literature, it is important to watch movies and TV series with characters similar to you. T1D is showcased in different ways through various films and movies. There are a lot more characters with Type One Diabetes in movies than in books, for several reasons. Some movies do a better job of exhibiting…
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POLL Would you buy T1D merchandise?
I am currently working out the details to open up an online store with Type One Diabetes themed products. Below are some examples of T1D merchandise that would be available if I opened up a Type One Diabetes online store with hoodies, shirts, mugs, tote bags, and more.
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Possible Type One Diabetes complications
There are many health complications that can occur from uncontrolled blood sugars, too much insulin, or just from the disease over time. Taking good care of your health with Type One Diabetes can prevent you from having serious health issues. Here are several different diseases and damage to be aware of when you are living…
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Zeus, Dog of Chaos book review
Zeus, Dog of Chaos is a great story for anyone, with T1D or otherwise. The plot is about a service dog, Zeus, and his diabetic owner, Madden. Diabetes is demonstrated in a great way, while not overtaking the story’s plot. Madden faces similar problems to people living with Type One Diabetes, making the book feel…
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Important T1D words to know
Whether you want to learn more about Type One Diabetes to support a family member or friend, or if you are newly diagnosed with T1D, it is important to know these key words. Hyperglycemia When you have a high blood glucose reading. Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is when your blood sugar is low. Insulin Insulin is a…
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What not to say to Type One Diabetics
Have you ever wondered what you shouldn’t say to your Type One Diabetic friend or family member? Then this blog post is exclusively for you. It is easy to confuse diabetes with being obese and eating too much sugar, but this is not the case. If you truly want to bond with a diabetic, it…
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CGM comparison
There are three main types of CGMs (continuous glucose monitors): Dexcom, Freestyle Libre, and Medtronic. There are several components to consider when choosing the right CGM for you. The different monitors have varied pros and cons, as they are all different in their own unique way. Some of them are smaller, while others have longer…
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T1D memes
I have seen countless Type One Diabetes memes on the internet, so I decided to create some of my own. Many of these might be relatable to you or one of your family members living with this life altering autoimmune disease. Because insulin is part of T1Ds’ daily lives, it seems to energize us because…
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8 Type One Diabetic athletes who defied the limits Part 2
Charlotte Drury- Gymnastics Charlotte Drury was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes just weeks before the 2021 Olympic Qualifying Trials. Her health had been declining for some time, but she wrote it off as mental health, and struggles from the pandemic. After a Team USA training camp in March of 2021, where Drury underperformed, she got…
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8 Type One Diabetic athletes who defied the limits Part 1
These eight T1D athletes defied the limits and did what few have done before. There are more than just these several, but many of the sportspersons are the first in their sport, or have a large impact on the diabetic community. Some of these athletes have paved the way for younger Type One Diabetics in…
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Sal and Gabi book review
Sal and Gabi Break the Universe, and its companion novel, Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe are spellbinding books. Written by Carlos Hernandez, and part of Rick Riordan Presents, I would recommend this book series to everyone who has T1D and loves fantasy books. This fantasy book is a must read, it keeps you rooting…
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Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) is when your body doesn’t have enough insulin to break down the carbs that you eat. This causes your liver to break down fat, a process that produces ketones. Lots of people are diagnosed with T1D after having mild to severe DKA symptoms, but you can also go into DKA even after…
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Saving Mr. Terupt book review
The first two books in the series do not have T1D incorporated, but I would highly recommend reading the first two installments in this series before this novel. One of the main characters is diagnosed with T1D after going into DKA, followed by a perfect and short example of what this autoimmune disease is and…
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What is glucagon?
Just like your pancreas is supposed to make insulin, it makes glucagon too. This is for when your blood glucose gets too low, therefore leaving diabetics without yet another important thing. Because the pancreas can’t produce glucagon, people with T1D need to keep Glucagon on hand, although it isn’t used as often as insulin is.…
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Another D for Deedee book review
I recently finished the book Another D for Deedee, by Bibi Belford and was enthralled by the Type One Diabetic representation. One of the things that I love about this book is how it shows, with near perfection, the struggles of living with diabetes. Deedee’s diagnosis is similar to others, and what it’s like to…
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Being a parent of a Type One
This post is for you adults out there with a newly diagnosed Type One Diabetic child. I brainstormed some ideas that you might have about being a parent of a Type one, and have them listed here. How do you handle the stress of highs and lows, what resources have been the most helpful to…
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Type One Q&A
I reached out to some of my family members and readers, and asked them to give me any questions that they have about Type One Diabetes. Here are the questions and answers for these questions. I hope that they might be able to help you better explain T1D to others, or that these are questions…
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You know you have Type One Diabetes when…
You have tiny blood spots all over your sheets/comforter. You have low snacks stashes all over the place. Your bedroom trash can is full of fruit snack wrappers after a pizza night. Your CGM goes off and everybody in the room jumps except for you. Your T1D bag is your best friend. Someone starts talking…
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8 Low Carb Food Groups
When you are doing insulin injections, or even using a pump, sometimes you want to just eat a snack without dosing. Well, there are some zero to low carbs snacks that can hold you over until the next meal or to sustain your energy. It isn’t healthy for Type One Diabetics to go on a…
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The Importance of T1D in Literature
Doesn’t everyone like to read books that they can relate to? Most of the time, novels are more enjoyable when you are similar to one or more of the characters. Sadly, there is a lack of Type One Diabetics in works of fiction. Another problematic issue is that out of the small number of books…
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Sharps disposal in different states
There are various ways that you must consider when you are disposing of your needles, syringes and other sharps. In most states you can just put all of the sharps in a plastic container (pictures above) while in others you must put them in a biohazard container and take them to a collection center. In…
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Don’t be embarrassed about having T1D!
Lots of people get embarrassed and hide their disease, but face the music, Type One Diabetes isn’t anything to be ashamed of. There are many reasons why you might be embarrassed. Luckily there are also ways to not be worried about what other people think. First, you need to figure out if you are embarrassed.…
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Going to school with T1D
When you have T1D, there are several things to keep in mind to make going to school easier. You should tell all your educators about your Type One Diabetes so that they can understand your lifestyle and so that they can give you support. If you have a supply of your diabetes items at school,…
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The difference between T1D and T2D
Most Type One Diabetics know the difference between Type One and Type Two diabetes. One the other hand, non-diabetics don’t know the difference and can confuse the two diseases. It is good to educate them on the differences, so that they can better understand what you are dealing with every day. I haven’t had T1D…
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34 funny T1D catchphrases
Laughter is the best medicine. Unless you’re diabetic, then insulin is probably better. I get high, then I take insulin. But first, insulin. May the insulin be with you. Today’s good mood is sponsored by insulin. Got insulin? Today’s bad mood is brought to you by not enough insulin. Insulin isn’t a cure, it’s a…
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Highs and lows
No matter how well you take care of your T1D, you are bound to have highs and lows. Even if you dose for every meal, and never overdose, you are still going to have highs and lows occasionally. But just not as many as if you had unmanaged T1D. It is important to be able…