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Letters from our Friends from 2003
This page has letters from all the wonderful people who have visited this site. Thank you everyone for all the great letters. Many bring tears to my eyes when I read them. I had to share them with everyone.
This letter is from Dee. 1-9-2003
Wow, pretty overwhelming information. I just don't know where to start and my boys don't even have diabetes, they have something called Syndrome X, which they tell me is production of too much insulin and by the time you hit your 20's your pancreas just won't create enough to keep you healthy and you're basically forced into Type 2 diabetes. Apparently this is quite common for our young folks who were born/raised in the 80s and 90's using the food pyramid as a guide for eating. The body is used to producing more insulin to break down all these carbs that they're eating and they stay at a high level. Anyhow, we have to do the low carb diet and I was browsing your website. I'm going to be looking into it more when I have some more time at home tonight. We just found out this information today, so I'm probably babbling a little *grin*. Normal insulin levels should be 30 or less and my son Brandon's was 45 and Blaine's was 100! Now we will have to have Beau tested. I have triplet boys age 13 and Brandon and Blaine were a little overweight which is why their doc ordered the testing done, Beau is normal weight so the Doctor decided to wait until the other boys tests were back. I never dreamed that a "healthy" diet would potentially make them sick. I'm actually a little pissed right now with the surgeon general and his "food pyramid". I guess with the low carb diet, we can all lose a some of those unwanted pounds! Maybe this was a blessing in disguise. I wanted to tell you that I enjoyed your story about Ashley and that I think your links and information are going to be very beneficial to helping us deal with this. Thank you!
Dee
This letter is from Raymond Barglow. Check out their site. They are doing great work. 1-14-2003
Dear Kimberly -- and Ashley too, of course,
I have seen, and am inspired by, your website and your work in fostering communication about diabetes, especially type 1. I can see you've been doing a lot of organizing on this matter!
I am working with an all volunteer organization "Seniors Allied for Biomedical Research" (www.sabr.us ), and our current project is called "Portraits of Hope". We in SABR favor embryonic stem cell research, including somatic cell nuclear transfer research (also known as "therapeutic cloning") that has the potential to alleviate suffering and find cures for many illnesses, including juvenile diabetes.
One of our staff members, Richard Arvedon, has a daughter with type 1 diabetes. Much of what you say reminds me of my conversations with Richard.
Our aim in SABR is to put a human face on the controversy surrounding stem cell research. We will accomplish that by collecting and publishing on the Internet thousands of "Portraits of Hope". The format for each of these "portraits" resembles the New York Times format for presenting the individual stories of those who died in New York on 9/11". Each portrait consists of a photograph and a brief description of a person who has an illness that stem cell research might help to cure. We will post these "portraits of hope" on our website and also send them to federal and state legislators -- thereby bringing home the personal and urgent character of our request for government support for this research.
Kimberly, if you email us a photograph of Ashley, including you too if you wish, we (with your help) can put together a portrait for you on our website, and also include a link to your website. Moreover, if you know of other individuals with diabetes, and for whom we could create a "portrait" on our SABR website, please contact us. (And might you even consider becoming a staff person of SABR? -- we are a new organization and need lots of help.) If you have any questions, please reply to this email or give me, Raymond Barglow, a call at 510-486-1050. To view examples of the portraits at our site, please visit the SABR web page: "Portraits of Hope", at Portraits of hope.
Thank you, and we hope to hear from you soon.
Raymond Barglow, Ph.D., Psychologist and staff person for "Seniors Allied for Biomedical Research"
joined by the other SABR staff:
Richard Arevdon
Idelle Datlof
Eric Wasiolek
This letter is from Catherine. 2-2-2003
Hi! I was just looking around and I read Ashley's story. I am a diabetic too but I did not get it that bad in the beginning and i wasn't so young. I am 14 now and got diabetes when i was 12, diagnosed September 11, 2001, a few weeks before you guys got the pump. I am lucky to have it now, my doctor said I was such a good candidate that I got it only after a year of having diabetes, the July after being diagnosed. Well actually 10 months. I didn't know that getting it might have bben caused by getting sick, but it makes sense. I was sick with the flue and when I went to the doctor's, she said I was dehydrated too and needed to go to the hospital. Then after doing some tests, they found out that I was diabetic. No one expected it either because I had been tested for it a few months earlier, and the results were negative. Well just wanted to say hi, and thanx for the info.
~*Catherine*~
This letter is from Danielle. A very special 11 year old girl. This letter just made me smile & really made my day!!! 2-17-03
dear ashleys mom
i think it is so wonderful what you did to help your daughter i am sorry you have no idea who i am but i am just a 11 year old student who is studing diabetes for a report . i never knew diabetes can do so much to people i think that what you did on the internet to warn and tell other people about diabetes is such a nice thing to do and i really appritiate it because if it was not for you i would not no how much trouble people put up with when they have diabetes now when i see someone who has diabestes i will look at them in such a respectful way and i will really look up to them and be proud of them for how much they do to help themselves i really thought i should thank you . you taught me so much and i am very thankful well i just thought you should no that i really respect what you are doing and that you are really helping other people and i lnow that everyone really appreciates it.
well bye and thanks again for so much you have taught me
from one of your admirers
and please tell ashley i say hi even though i dont no who she is and tell her i am proud of what she is doing every day!!!! thanks bye i hope to get a letter back from you if you have the time !!!!!!!!!!!! thank you so much
This letter is from Blake Bowers. 2-22-03
Kimberly,
Wow,what a wonderful site.I have been type 1 diabetic for about 18 years and can totally relate to the horror of the first day.I was 6 years old and my father and I were going somewhere in his truck(I can't remember where we were going)but we ended up at the hospital.I too was very,very thirsty and was having to go to the bathroom every few minutes.the bad part was when we would stop for something to drink I would ask for a coke or pepsi and my dad would get me just that.Finally he said son I have to take you to the doctor.So we went to the doctor and I remember the doc saying that I may be diabetic.You should take him to the hospital.I was so scared.I wound up staying in the hospital for about 10 days and sure enough I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.But this isn't the horror yet.About 2 years later I got the flu.We did not know about special sick day rules then or nothing.I checked my sugar with chemstrips.Put blood on a strip,wipe it off after 1 minute and compare the color of the strip to colors on the bottle.Well it wasn't long before I started to throw up constantly.Every time I tried to drink something I think it would come back out before reaching the bottom of my stomach.That is when I too fell into a coma on the way to the hospital.I think I was out for about 18 hours.When I woke up nearly my entire family was there!The doctors and nurses thought I was going to die because my brain was swelling.Through the grace of God I made it through.I don't remember it but my Grandmother told me not long after I woke up I told her that I had talked with my Grandfather while I was sleeping, who had passed away before I was diagnosed with diabetes.Since then it has been a tough battle(especially the teen years)but I am finally getting the best of it.I do not have the words to tell you how much I love and appreciate the work you and your family have done.This site is an inspiration to us all.
Thank you,
Blake Bowers
This letter is from David 3-2-2003
Thank you for an informative site!
I was diagnosed as diabetic 2 weeks ago. I'm 51 - go figure. I also have MS. Makes for interesting doctor's visits.
Aside from your info, I have a 15 year old daughter. Reading Ashley's story becomes close to me. At the age of 4, I rushed Sara to emergency, they hooked her to IV; she was dehydrated extremely - she had about 24 hours before a chronic state. All went well. I shan't forget to question doctor's words - the clinic doctor the day prior to the hospital trip was so wrong! Putting my daughter's life at risk is not good!
That's my story. Thanks for telling what ought to be heard. I commend what you have done.
David
This letter is from Catherine Knight. 3-7-2003
Just stumbled across your web-site looking for diabetic nutritional
information. I'm type 2. ("old age" on-set diabetes)
I have never responded to anyone by e-mail that I didn't personally know.
However, I felt compelled to respond after reading about your story about
your daughter diagnosis with T/2 diabetes. What a beautiful, well written
and touching story. You're web site is also very informative and I will be
referring others to your site.
Your commitment as a parent is inspirational!! Thank you for sharing such
personal information about your daughter and your family. I've added your
web-site to my favorites and will be checking in from time to time for
updates on your daughters progress and family updates.
Best Regards
T/2 in San Diego/CA
This letter is from Sue 3-13-2002
Hi
I just want to say you have a great site i have been to Diabetic teaching
twice and it was a waste of time ,i found your site one day out of
desperation ,and i am glad i did ,It has helped me change my eaten habits
.In the last month i lost over 7 lbs my sugar levels are down and i am
feeling a lot better.What i do want to ask do you have a chart to show the
symbols so when i exchange foods i know what i am doing?.
Thank You
Sue
This letter is from Patty 4-14-03
The information you provided on the calorie content of foods found at some of my favorite restaurants was very helpful. Keep up the good work.
Thank you
Patty
This letter is from Jennifer White 4-16-03
Dear Ashley and Mom,
My daughter was 10 when she was diagnosed with Type I. She has been diabetic for 1 1/2 years.
I will never forget the events that led up to Sadie being rushed to the emegency room. We had been to our pediatritician twice the week before! Flu-like symptoms...
Anyway, we are having a terrible time controling her diabetes. Her last ACl number was 10.7.
She is at diabetic camp this week. I hope she comes home more inspired to take care of herself.
I have bookmarked your site and will ask Sadie to check it out. We really need help regarding diet.
Take care,
Jennifer White
This letter is from Regina 4-29-03
Just wanted to say thank you for the work that went into Ashley's site.
I have gestational diabetes (2 shots per day) and found your site very helpful with my meal planning/carb counting. I did several searches on the computer and your site is by far the best and most comprehensive.
I have two cousins that were diagnosed with diabetes when they were 5-6 and have started on the pump now at age 8 and 10.
I am passing your site address on to them and their parents. Best of luck to both of you on your journey with this disease. Hopefully within Ashley's lifetime they will come up with a cure.
Again, Thank you so much.
Regina
This letter is from Doug Engelman 4-29-03
Dear Kimberly,
I discovered your web site looking for Diet Exchange information.
First of all, I would like to thank you for your work to put together
all of the restaurant listings. It always helps me to update myself
every year or so on what the exchanges are.
My name is Doug. I live in Minnesota in a town about 15 miles south of
the Mall of America (Bloomington MN).
I found out that I was a diabetic at the age of 15 (1975). I had an
appendicitis operation in September of my Sophomore year in High School.
Everything seemed to be fine after the surgery. I played Sophomore
basketball and had no problems.
After the Basketball season ended, I started to get tired real easy,
and didn't feel like exercising like I used to. It got worse as the
days went by. Eventually my parents took me to the Doctors. They
thought at first that I had Mono. The school had an outbreak of Mono
that month. I returned home and waited to get better. Things got
progressively worse. I was sleeping about 14 to 16 hours a day and
drinking a lot. I returned to the Doctor again. He said that he didn't
know what was wrong. My blood work had not shown any signs of Mono. I
told him that I was getting frustrated. I didn't know how long I could
put up with all of the sleeping, drinking, and going to the bathroom.
At that moment the Doctor knew what was wrong.
He did a Urine Sugar test, because at that time, they were the quickest
to get results. The test confirmed that I had Diabetes. Like you, my
Mom couldn't believe that I had Diabetes.
I was sent to the University of Minnesota Children's Heart Hospital.
My blood sugar was over 750. I think that I dealt with it better than
my parents did. They started to look at the history of each others
family to see if they could blame it on each other. They just didn't
think that it could just happen with no history in the family. There
were times that I could hear them fighting about things and thought that
it was my fault, but then I realized it wasn't.
After leaving the hospital, the first thing I did when I got home was
pet my dogs and go outside and shoot baskets with my brother. I also
experienced my first insulin reaction away from the hospital. This
helped me realize that I had to eat something before I was active.
To make a long story short, I went to some classes at the Diabetic
Education Center in St. Louis Park MN, that were taught by Dr.
Etzweller( I hope I spelled that correct). I played two more years of
High School basketball, and two years of College Basketball, and one
year of College Baseball.
I am now 43 years old and have had Diabetes for 28 years. I have had
Laser surgery for some minor problems with my eyes. These surgeries
have corrected those problems. I am married and have twin daughters
that are 13. I am still very active, I referee basketball, and also
play basketball, and coach my daughters basketball teams. I am also on
Pump Therapy, which has cut down on Insulin Reactions during periods of
activity. My lowest A1C has been a 6.6 and my highest was a 7.4.
I just want to say, that your daughter shouldn't be afraid to try to do
the things that a normal 11 or 12 year old would do. If you realize
what you have to be aware of with each situation, things will work out
fine.
Thank you again for the work on the Web Site. It is nice to see
someone so interested in helping other with diabetes.
Sincerely,
Doug Engelman
This letter is from Keri in Taneyville, Missouri 5-5-03
I wanted to say that I LOVE your website. The help that I receive there is wonderful. I am not a diabetic, but I was recently diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome X...(a Metabolic disorder). I am being treated as if I have Type 2 Diabetes (As my body is insulin resistant). I take a handful of pills a day to control it and I must watch my caloric/fat/and carb intake every day. I, like a diabetic, must also use the exchange system. I wish that the restaurants (in fact everyone) would have the exchange rate, as well as the nutritional values on their websites. I appreciate all the helpful information that you have on your site. It makes things a bit easier when trying to figure out the exchanges and calories. Thanks for your hard work!!
Keri
Taneyville, Missouri
Gypsy Robinsons letter 5-9-03
I just wanted to thank you for the sight, I too am a diabetic and have had type 1 for 14 years now, I was diagnosed at the age of 8 and though I don't remember the horrific events leading up to the diagnosis I have been told the story and I can only imaginne what my mother was going through..
It was only a few days before Holloween when I came down with the "flu" and my mother being ever watchful sent me to bed with plenty of liquids and rest, but on the second day after consuming almost 3 gallons of Gatoraide in a 24 hour period she decided to phone the doctor, the Dr. told her that it was the Vomiting that was causing me to be so thirsty and to give me ice chips to suck on for a while, but when my mother kept the fluids from me I would cry and beg for something to drink.. on the 3rd day when my mother was sponge bathing me she noticed that you could count the ribs in my side and noticed how loose my PJs were on me. She called the DR. again and described the signs to him and mentioned that I had a half sister with diabeties and could this be what it was, the DR. stated that "children do not get diabeties" and told my mother that she was over reacting.. this was in the 80's before a boom of diabetic information was avaliable and we lived in a very out dated town...
By the even ing of the third day I remember walking into my mothers room and telling her that I was Flying and then I collapsed on the floor into convulsions... We did not have a car at the time and We only live a few blocks from the hospital so my mother scooped me up and ran the 5 and a half blocks to the ER,, ( I should mention at this time my mother was 8 months pregnant and my father was stationed in Germany) whe we got to the ER the nurses took me away and told my mother she would have to wait but she fought tooth and nail to stay and they relented, they(the nurses) then bombarded my mother with questions and wanted to know what she had given me to kill me, they thought my mother was posining me, she kept telling them to check my blood sugar and finally a Dr who was visiting from a diffrent hospital, stoped the nurses and listened to my mother.. They did the blood test and my blood glucos was 1488, The doctor told my mother that it was possible that I could die before they could get it down, but that they would try.. they put two IVs in me because they had to hydrate me befor giving me insulin, they could not get them in the hands so after trying 22 times they got one in the neck and another in the ankle.. I still bear the scars from the needles to this day.. It was at this time that I had slipped into a diabetic coma where I stayed for a little over a week, I remember waking up and not having my short term memory and not being able to focus my eyes on anything.. I spent almost 2 more weeks in the hospital with the staff trying to "teach " us how to do blood test and the likes, luckly for me my mother knew some from having a step daughter that already had it, so when I got home my mother had my half sister come and stay with us to help us get over the "hump" my life went on and I returned to school, except this time it was with a packed lunch and a visit to the nurses station three time a day to monitor my BG, things ran smoothly for the most part until I was 12 and started my period and the hormones went out of balance and that just threw EVERYTHING off, we were able to iron out most of the bumps by the time I was 16 and started on the insulin pump.
I have been on the Pump for 6 years now and even wore it all the way through my fist proms, dances, dates and even the first night with my better half, it has been a wonderful addition to my diabeties therapy and when it comes time for me and my husband to start a family I hope to wear it the whole term.. I am a healthy 22 year old female who graduated top 5% in her class in high school, spent summers at diabeties camp and attending social functions, I hold a full time demanding job while attending the University here in Florida. Thanks to the knowledge of my parents the patience of my peers and the determination of my Husband I plan to lead a VERY full happy life..while living the American dream... thank you for letting me share my story
Gypsi Robinson
DOD october 28, 1988
Letter from Sherry 5-11-03
Hi, I got to your web site by search engine. I was very glad to find your site and the restaurants home pages. Nutrient info right from the restaurants home page was just what I was looking for. Thank you very much. I am going to look over your site better tomorrow. Thanks again. Sherry
No name 5-12-03
Thank you so much for putting together this wonderful site! I really appreciate all the restaurant links - what an eye opener! I am not diabetic, but trying to lose weight, and the info on your site is very helpful. I hope your daughter is doing well!
Letter from Lauren 5-26-03
Hi. My name is Lauren and I just stumbled across your site.
I don't have diabetes, but my neighbor recently found out that he is on the path to developing diabetes. He is obese. He is eleven years old. A couple years ago I started giving him horseback riding lessons, and ever since then my family and his have grow close. His Mom is being very supportive and finding out everything she can. Our families love to cook, but have found it a challenge to modify recipes to fit his needs. He and his Mom have joined a program at a local hospital. Part of the program is meeting with a dietician. I am appalled at the amount of sugar in common foods, like ketchup! I was glad to find many recipes on your site, and not just 'weird' ones, but ones that kids will eat. Thank you very much.
Lauren
From Robin Barnes 6-14-2003
I just wanted to drop you a note thanking you for your web site. I have spent a lot of time researching and didn't have much luck until I found your site. I myself was recently diagnosed with type 2 and I began to guestion wether my 3yr old could be affected. When I was pregnant with her I was told that I had it and that I would be more likley to get it later,which I did,But until recently I didn't even think of my daughter getting it.To my suprise I found out that my grandmother had died from kidney failure at the age of 57(complications of diabetes). When my daughter was born the doctor had told me that her pancreas was not functioning properly at birth and they gave her a shot and she would be ok. They said this was caused from the gestational diabetes. Do you know if this could cause her to be at a higher risk of diabetes? She has been sick with so many things since she was born, I had told my husband that I thought somthing was wrong with her and he said I was crazy,but you have that mothers intuition and mine is telling me there is. She has a lot of the other symtoms such as the frequent urination which just started and the extreme thirst(alarge bottle of juice a day).plus milk and water.She is very tiny 30lbs and hasnt gained much weight in the last 6 months. I dont want the docter to think Im being silly but
Im concerned. Do you think I'm being overly concerned? Do you know of any websites that would be able to tell me if she is at higher risk because of my diabetes? Thank you in advance for any additional info you can provide!!! (ps I loved the story about your daughter,I thought it was very touching,and I am so thankful she is doing well.
sincerly
Robin Barnes
From Rose Wudtke 6-18-2003
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your great site. I was looking for
nutrition information for my newly diagnosed 12 year old and read Ashley's
story. I am still crying. How beautiful of your family to share with us.
I pray for all of you to enjoy good health and keep up the great work. You are
an inspiration to me. Sometimes I feel so alone. The majority of people I
have told about Mark have NO CLUE about what Type 1 is. Sometimes I get the
reaction that he must be overweight and that changing his diet will get him off
the insulin!! HA! I also have an ex-husband in total denial.
Anyway, thanks again and please know that you have helped me so much today!
Rose Wudtke
From Linda K 6-24-2003
Dear Kim,
It's been nearly a year since I wrote & heard from you - a roller-coaster year, to say the least.
My husband is a Type II diabetic who had lived away from home (except for alternate weekends) for about 7 years - took horrible care of himself & his diabetes got out of control - first, he is now legally blind - when he got home last year, he got a pressure sore on his right foot - he still doesn't do daily blood sugar checks so I have NO idea how to keep his diet controlled - and he doesn't listen to good eating habits, anyway - remember - he's an OKIE?!?!?
Now, he has very bad fungus on both his big toes & they've gotten infected & the nails have come off - in fact one has started to infect the 2nd toe.
He had just seen the Dr (GP) a month ago & he'd trimmed his nails - now, he's on antibiotics (he's allergic to Penicillin) and at my insistence, is soaking his feet twice daily & spraying a fungus "killer" on them - also, I got him extra socks & have had to "hide" the ones he wears when he's working outside much of the day.
He protests at all of my "nursing" and instruction (w/Doctor's guidance). We live 30 miles from Dr. so I call for advice in between office visits.
Hubby is totally impotent - totally dependent on me to drive him wherever he needs to go. Long before he became dependent, he was not interested in any family activity - including attending activities of our children - except for occasional sports which is his passion - so we basically live separate lives. I come & go as I please (he DOES "allow" that). I have MS & must keep my spirits up & a very important facet of that is keeping in touch w/ & visiting my children (I have 2 older & we have 1 son - just graduated from college). They all live in separate states - Illinois, MO & TX - and the two older have blessed us with precious grandchildren.
Thank the Lord, I have friends upon whom I can "unload" and I live a very active life which bolsters my mental attitude & uplifts my spirit. This year, we've had good moisture & I have beautiful flower & vegetable gardens which are my constant therapy & right now, I need to get at them.
I was re-reading your posts of last year & again found them encouraging. Hope all is well in your World!
LindaK
A letter from Jennifer Beckley 6-27-2003
Kim,
I was just reading your website - I think it's absolutely wonderful!
I just went to the Dr.'s office, and the doctor told me that I'm
borderline at being a diabetic, and that if I want to stop that I need to
start controlling it with my diet.
I was looking at your website & I guess I'm unsure...The Doctor's office
didn't really tell me much, just that I need to start eating
differently...They didn't tell me what/how I should eat....
I was wondering if you could give me any advice? I noticed your website
talks about a lot of "exchanges," and I was wondering if this is how you
keep track of what you eat? Or do you go by a combination of
calories/carbs - I noticed those were listed many places also.
Please let me know if you have any advice for me....Thank You!
Jennifer Beckley
A letter from Nicole Reimers 6-29-2003
Hello,
I just read your story on your web site. It moved me greatly I just wanted to say that I have the utmost admiration for you, and admire your daughters courage and perserverance. May God bless you both.
Nicole Reimers
A letter from Denise 6-30-2003
Hi,
I'm going through your web site and I really appreciate the tip on the Chinese food! Great supportive information. Many thanks. I'm a single Mom handling twins, ages 8, one with diabetes.
My Gosh, I've never heard of another with a horror story upon diagnosis to match ours! I'm trying to hold back from crying as I read it. Ours was 2 1/2 years ago and the guilt from not knowing what was happening to her at the time, made me dangerously depressed. I have never forgiven myself for not getting Haley to the Er sooner. How did you get through it?
Denise
Mom to Haley & Savannah, ages 8, Haley dxd 12/22/2000
A letter from Regenia Browning 7-5-2003
Your story was so heart warming you see, my grandaughter Brooke Page, 5 days before her 6th birthday was very sick and when we got her to the hospital her blood sugar was 607 she is home now and we are all so scared. Doctors say it takes time to get use to the diabetes. But, do really ever get use to it. My daughter and son-inlaw are very good parents so that is a plus. Are there places that help pay for some of her supplies, I know the financial burden must be really bad. We will do what it takes to get her everything she needs but, How do cope ? I told my daughter 1 day at a time. We have had alot of trauma in our family so I am not scared at all just concerned. Anything you can email about finacial help or just support it would be just great. You keep up the good work with your child and best wishes. Regenia Browning Balch Springs Texas.
Thank You
A letter from Rebekah Benimoff 7-13-2003
Hello! Thank you for sharing your story! My son is four and was diagnosed with dibetes two weeks ago. Because he is so young it's hard to get enough carbs into him. It is great to hear about how Ashley is doing well with managing her diabets.
I am interested in Nutrional info on Chili's Bar and Grill. They also own the Macaroni Grilll- our two favorite restaurants. Tyler LOVES fries, and so I am most interested in those numbers. but I am also watching MY carbs-- working on losing baby weight gained when carrying our youngest. (The baby is now one, and I still need to lose another 15 pounds)
I did e-mail Chili's asking for a nutritional guide, but have not heard back yet (it has only been a few days).
I have been so suprised at how many restaurants don't have ANY nutritional info. Especially fast food places... or IF they do they don't have enough fliers. I thought that this info had to be furnished- by law. Was I wrong?
Thank you again for sharing your story!
Rebekah Benimoff
A letter from Krista 7-17-2003
Hello. I was doing a search on the web for "keytone asidosis symptoms" and came across your web site.
My fiance is a Type 1 diabetic. He also uses an insulin pump.
I just wanted to let you know that we recently found out that there is a new kind of pump that recommends how much insulin to take based on information such as how much insulin is still in your system, how many carbs you're going to consume, etc. It is designed to make the calculations easier and, hopefully, more accurate. It's at least been approved by the FDA. I don't know if or when it will actually be available for purchase. My fiance has sent an e-mail off to MiniMed inquiring about it.
Here's the link: New pump
I just wanted to pass the info along to you.
Also, your site mentioned diabetes does not run in your family. Does anyone else in your family have Type 1 diabetes? And if so, if you don't mind me asking, who in your family has it?
Take care and God bless,
Krista
A letter from Eliane Langston 7-24-2003
Hello
I read Ashley's story and some of the information that you have on there and I am amazed. I found out I have Diabetes at 18 but I think I had it for a long time before that. My mom died a few months after my diagnosis from complications from Diabetes. I did not have anyone to help me figure out how to deal with it. The doctors handed me a diet plan and that was it. For years, I did not control my sugar and at 28, I started loosing my sight. I am now legally blind, with 50 percent kidney function, with severe gastroperisis and acid reflux as well as neuropathy and OAB and incontinence and sever anemia. I also suffer from depression and anxiety and all this is a result of my Diabetes. I just now started to realize how important diet and counting carbs is. I now see many doctors and try to keep myself informed by doing my own research. I appreciate all the information that you provide in your site. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and hope that Ashley does not develop any of the complications.
Thank you,
Eliane Langston
A letter from Lyn Hunt 7-29-2003
I just wanted to write and tell you what a great website you have constructed!!!! The restaurant index is so extensive!! Thank for all the info.
Good luck with Ashley's health.
Lyn Hunt
A letter from Stacey Merlo 7-31-2003
Hello, I am so glad to hear that Ashley is doing so well. I am writing because I come from a long line of Diabetics(all type 2 though). This past week my 2 year old daughter was admitted twice for evaluation to rule out early onset diabetes. I just wanted to explain to you the symptoms she has been having and see if you remember anything similar in Ashley prior to her diagnosis. Michelle(my daughter) on 5 to 6 separate occasions over the past 6 months to a year has been awakened in the morning by vomiting. It is mostly dry heaving for 20 minutes to a half hour. She is very groggy the whole time she is vomiting and falls into a deep sleep when she is done vomiting. By deep sleep I mean that when I open her eyelid with my finger I get no response out of her. This type of sleep scares me so I wake her(it takes some work) and then she is extremely thirsty. I mean she will easily drink 4 or 5 drinks in a row and she is so desperate for the drink that she is shaking all over when she takes it from you. The more she drinks the better she seems to feel. The last two of these episodes were within 3 weeks of each other. The most recent was this past Friday. Because this same exact pattern has repeated itself several times I was concerned so I took her to the local ER(I was thinking that she had like a reflux or something like that). The ER doctor felt that it was some type of reflux too, but because of my strong family history of diabetes he just wanted to do a finger stick and then he said we could go home to follow up with our doctor. The finger stick was 365 to everyone's surprise. So he ordered lab work. Her glucose that was run in the lab was 288(the only thing she had by mouth was about 6 oz of sprite in the waiting room of the hospital because she was so thirsty), there were glucose and ketones in her urine and acetone in her blood. He came in to me and said that she had early onset diabetes and that they were going to transfer her to the hospital that has a pediatric unit and admit her. When she got to the other hospital her finger stick had come down to 105(she had still not eaten anything at all that day and it was now around 4:30 pm) At around 7:00 that night(she still did not eat or drink anything)her glucose dropped to 49. They gave her 1 cup of ice cream and 1 cup of milk and her finger stick went up to 189 again. They released her the next morning when all her blood work was normal and they had not done anything to make it that way at all. I am sorry that I have gone on so long. I guess my question for you is did Ashley ever wake up vomiting prior to the day that she went into ketoacidosis? One Dr thinks that Michelle may be in a honeymoon phase of early onset diabetes. I am at a loss for what to think.
Thank you for your time,
Stacey Merlo
A letter from Genet Tulgetske 8-1-2003
Hey Kimberly,
I just wanted to let you know your website is great. I don't have diabetes, but I keep your site in my favorites so I can easily reach the nutritional info for many of the restaurants I go to. I also recommend it to my weight watching friends. THANKS!
Genet Tulgetske
A letter from Kathryn Paterson 8-6-2003
Hi Kimberly,
Thank you for making such a fantastic website! I stumbled across it when I was looking up some nutrition information and I ended up going through the whole thing. I am 31 and have probably had hypoglycemia all my life, although I wasn't officially diagnosed until a few years ago when I got down to 38 and passed out. I have made a lot of changes in my lifestyle, and I try to exercise and watch carbs, particularly sugar. Like you, I have lost weight, and am still in the process of losing more.
Anyway, I just wanted to thank you--for your well-organized nutrition information as well as for the story about Ashley. I can't believe her sugar was over 1,000! That is probably the highest I have ever heard--and I SO sympathize with you about the medical advice that got her there. I have several endocrine problems (pituitary, thyroid, adrenal) and I can totally empathize with how frustrated and angry you must have been.
God bless you, Ashley and the rest of your family, and thank you again.
Kathryn Paterson
A letter from Julie Cagle 8-6-2003
Dear Kimberly:
Hi, my name is Julie Cagle, I have a two year old son named James that
was just diagnosed with diabetes three weeks ago. Like you, I did not
know the signs for diabetes. My son started drinking continually and
urinating a lot. Then one day he started to run a fever and had been
sleeping all day. Luckily my babysitter has diabetes, so she was able to
tell us that these were signs of diabetes. So, I called the doctor and
they had me bring him in to examine him. They diagnosed him with a virus
and sent me home and said if after a week or so if his drinking and
urinating doesn't slow down to bring him back in. Well, before a week
was up he was getting worse, so I brought him back in and they did a
glucose test and it was 214 fasting. That was on a Friday of course, so
they had me control his diet (cut out all the sugar) over the weekend
and sent me to the specialist Monday morning. He was diagnosed with
diabetes that morning and my husband and I went into a two day training
for diabetes. Which was very helpful. I am very thankful for my
babysitter. I feel she is the reason why my son did not get very sick or
end up in the hospital before he was diagnosed.
My husband and I are adjusting to the new life style of diabetes. James'
is doing excellent with adjusting to the shots and blood test throughout
the day. The only problem is that we are having a terrible time with
his blood going to low (in the 30's and 40's) within an hour and a half
of receiving his insulin shot. They say that we are in the trial period
of getting his insulin regulated during the honeymoon period. My
question is, did your daughter go through this and if so, how long did
it take before it was regulated? I do not have any family history of
diabetes (that I know of) or friends that have had to go through this
with a child, so I am wanting to talk with people that have had to go
through this.
This whole ordeal has been very overwhelming! Especially since he is so
young. I know that in time that things will get easier. I think that if
I can talk to other people about there stories, it will help me overcome
the overwhelming feeling that I have.
Thank you for your time and your wonderful website.
Sincerely,
Julie Cagle
A letter from Kathryn Paterson 8-6-2003
Hi Kimberly,
Thank you for making such a fantastic website! I stumbled across it when I was looking up some nutrition information and I ended up going through the whole thing. I am 31 and have probably had hypoglycemia all my life, although I wasn't officially diagnosed until a few years ago when I got down to 38 and passed out. I have made a lot of changes in my lifestyle, and I try to exercise and watch carbs, particularly sugar. Like you, I have lost weight, and am still in the process of losing more.
Anyway, I just wanted to thank you--for your well-organized nutrition information as well as for the story about Ashley. I can't believe her sugar was over 1,000! That is probably the highest I have ever heard--and I SO sympathize with you about the medical advice that got her there. I have several endocrine problems (pituitary, thyroid, adrenal) and I can totally empathize with how frustrated and angry you must have been.
God bless you, Ashley and the rest of your family, and thank you again.
Kathryn Paterson
A letter from Bonnie 8-20-2003
I just wanted to let you know that the way I found your website
was while searching for restaurant nutrition guides. By the way,
thanks for all that info. I ready Ashley's story and was deeply
touched. Noone in my family has diabetes and I am so happy
that your daughter is doing well. What a huge scare to have
gone through...not knowing what the outcome would be.
Here's wishing you and your family only healthy, happy times.
I have a 9 year old daughter, Emma Rose, and I don't know
how I would have survived such as ordeal. She is the love of
my life.
Take care,
Bonnie
A letter from Jayne Leedy 8-22-2003
Hi, I wanted you to know that you website is very helpful. We were told yesterday that my husband has full blown Type 2 diabetes. I am overwhelmed!!!! I found some very helpfull information at you site. He is on a 2500 calorie daily diet. The poor man probably starved today, I only managed to get him 1170 calories. I didn't even know what the "Exchange" was till I went through your recipes. THANK YOU.
Jayne Leedy
Mulvane, Kansas
A letter from Heather 8-26-2003
I have been a insulin dependant diabetic since may 1997
I have yet to get it under control. I have tried several methods ( X-cept the pump) and none of them seem to work. I watch my carbohydrates and excercise, but nothing seems to help. In your daughters story I can relate to alot of the symptoms at first. I go to a doctor at The University Of Tennessee Hospital today (8-27-03) for the pump. I have wanted the pump for several years and am just now getting to go for the first oppt. I am commited to taking control of my sugar , but can't find anyone to help me. My doctors seem to yell at me rather than helping me. I do not want the complications of diabetes, but I am afraid that it is to late and the pump will not help me. I am very confused and have no one to talk to because it is weird talking to my mom an dad about it , so maybe talking to a complete stranger who has basically been through what I am going through will help me learn to talk to my parents and fiance. I hope you understand were I am coming from so any advice will be greatly accepted. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and I hope your daughter keeps control of her diabetes and stays in good health.
Thank You
Heather
A letter from Sherry Linsenbigler 9-2-2003
I just wanted to write and say how much I have enjoyed your site, my daughter Kate was diagnosed with diabetes at age 8 in sept. of 2002, she is now 9 , and after a long year of ups and downs, we have begun the process of using the pump, we just finished our pump training today and it was a little overwhelming , but I think we will be ok, thank you so much for all the information you have put together in your site, your story is very inspirational and the smile on your daughters face helped me to make the decision to move forward and try the pump!!! I have visited this site several times in the past to look for resources, especially for dining out!!!!! your site was very easy to go through especially for someone like me who knows nothing about computers, thank you again for all the time you have put into this site to help newcomers like us. sherry and kate Linsenbigler
A letter from Brenda 11-11-2003
Hi Kim, Hello sweet little Ashley
I was reading your story and I must say it brought tears to my eyes. I could not stop reading as your mother told your story and how scared she was. I was scared with her! I am so happy that you are so much better. :-) You are a beautiful child Ashley.
Kim, thank you for telling your story and also for the help on the carbs and foods that are good for you. I too am a diabetic (but I am 40 and learned this 2 years ago) and I have a really hard time with the weight and eating way too much stuff that is not good for me. My doctor told me to try the South Beach diet so that is why I wanted to know if you had a list on carbs. I want to try this and hopefully it will be something that I will be able to do everyday. My biggest problem is I love starches and bread.....
Brenda
A letter from Walter Rowe 11-22-03
I appreciate the information that you have provided on your site. While
I haven't yet been diagnosed as diabetic, I have the diagnosis of
insulin resistant with metabolic syndrome. Last labs my blood sugar was
126 and HbA1c was 6.2 My Doctor stated that if I lost weight, all these
problems would go away, and I wouldn't become a Type 2 diabetic, or the
onset would be greatly delayed. As of today, with a quick weight loss
diet for a week, and since September 03 trying to eat right, I have lost
about 20 pounds. A lot of my diet has been Chinese food, and subs. I
just spoke to a Laotian whose diet is mostly Chinese and Laotian meals,
and am told that Chinese food is high in fat and calories. In view of
the progression of diabetes which you wrote about, I am worried that it
may be the diabetes making me lose the weight. If you have a chance, I
would really appreciate your thoughts on this scary matter. No matter
how old a person may be (I'm in my mid 40s), diabetes is a very
frightening condition to handle.
Regards,
Walter Rowe
A letter from Cynthia Cook 11-27-03
After an emergency visit to hospital I was just diagnosed with asthma, high
blood pressure and diabetes. Because I hadn't had a regular dr. the
information given me was very elementary. I am so grateful for your
website. With all of the trauma and medicine in me my mind does not seem
clear, but your site is. Your little daughter may not have been lucky to
develop diabetes, but it's clear that she really lucked out in having you as
a mother. All of the websites on diabetes, but yours is the only one that
is invaluable. Many, many thanks!
I really believe that you do know more about diabetes than doctors.
Most appreciatively,
Cynthia Cook
A letter from Leigh 12-01-03
Hello Ashley!
I myself also went into a diabetic coma 1 year ago when i got diabetes. It was the scariest thing ever! Here is my story.. One morning i was late getting up for school so i was rushing to get a shower in the 15 minutes i had ( i could not be late for my 8th grade year too much socialization to do!) haha! What i didn't know was that i was going to be missing almost 3 weeks of my wonderful social life because of diabetes. Right when i was about to get into the shower i started feeling dizzy and very lightheaded and all i remember was passing out onto the floor. When I woke up in the hospital i could not believe it, i was hooked up to machines and IV's were in my arms. I was terrified. My mom told me that i had diabetes and that i would have to give myself injections every day of insulin. I started crying hysterically. I couldn't have diabetes, why i haven't even heard of it! When the doctor came in he explained it more and told me that my blood sugar was 1067 and i had lowered it to 846. ( i will never forget those numbers) He told me in order to go home i had to get it into my normal range.. 80-120. I thought it would never happen! It took me two weeks but i finally got rid of my ketones and my blood sugar was normal.
Now, I am 15 years old and have had diabetes exactly one year. I am currently using the novolog pen and lantus because i am still in my "honeymoon phase" although for the past week i have had extremely high blood sugars ( 200-400) my lowest has been 199 so i think i am out of it! I want the pump so bad!
I have also went to diabetic camp. I live in Michigan so my camp is called camp Midicha. i loved it , having kids around going through the same thing you are is a fun experience and you don't feel like the "odd one out".
I know you might not have given this a thought but i know it was one that came right to my mind when i found out i had diabetes......... BOYS! I thought oh my gosh what if i will never have a boyfriend because of diabetes? Will they think I am weird?
The answer is no! ( thankfully haha) My boyfriend Ryan is actually very helpful with my diabetes. On homecoming i had my long dress on and at dinner i did not want to have to go to the bathroom and take off my dress ( i give my shots in my stomach) so Ryan gave me my shot in my arm. ( lemme tell ya i was very nervous about that! Ever since the hospital i have been the only one to ever give myself a shot!) When i test my blood sugar we play a guessing game on who can guess my blood sugar! ( of course i always win because i can feel myself gettin shaky or thirsty! haha) And he even tests his also! I have also given him injections ( of salt water) but it is fun to watch him squirm! All my friends are very helpful to! well i have to be going! I hope all is well with your health!
Write back if you can!
Leigh
A letter from Irma 12-03-03
HI,
I was browsing your web site and wanted to congratulate you on your effort and wish you luck with you daughter. Also, I notice that you failed to mention a third type of Diabetes and that it may be good that you do so. It is known as MODY (Mature Onset Diabetes in Youth) and it affects 1-2% of people with diabetes, although it often goes unrecognised. It usually develops before the age of 25, runs in families from one generation to the next and needs to be treated by diet or tablets and does not always need insulin treatment. The cause of the diabetes is usually some type of enzime defficiency that affects production of insulin by the pancreas (in that sense is like Type I) or that affects how the body recognizes sugar levels (like a Type II). It can appear in children as young as 2 years old. I know because my family has it. I was diagnosed when I was 8 years old, and my niece, who is 2, was diagnosed a couple of months ago. My grandmother had it and died at 98 years of age.
I am mentioning it because you may want to add this info to your web site, as the main problem for us MODY diabetics is that we do not fall neatly into any of the two usual categories and therefore doctors tend to recommend the wrong treatment. It is not less serious, just different, but lacks of information affects us greatly.
In case you want to know more, you may want to consult this very helpful UK web site,
Diabetes Genes
Thank you and best regards,
Irma
A letter from Holly Crow 12-04-03
I've enjoyed reading about Ashley's journey (and yours!) on your site.
I'm a type 1 diabetic, although I was initially diagnosed as a type 2 and
treated as one for 2 years. When my oral meds stopped working and my A1C
kept creeping up, I went to an Endocrinologist who recognized immediately
what was happening. He diagnosed me as a Type 1 and I started insulin
injections the next morning. I am taking 4 injections a day. It's been
a huge adjustment for me. I'm 36 years old, have two young children and
work full time.
My Endocrinologist is preparing me for the pump, which I'm a little anxious
about, but really excited too. Right now we're trying to figure out my
carbohydrate count/insulin ratio so that I'll know how to program the pump.
That's how I came across your site - looking for nutritional information for
restaurant foods. I really appreciate the research you've done. I
took your advice and emailed one of the restaurants that does not offer
nutritional information. I've attached the email for your information.
Thanks again!
Holly Crow
A letter from Juan Perez 12-09-03
Hello
First of I just wanted to say thank you for having such a fantastic
resource. Your web site has provided me with more information than I have
been able to find anywhere else. I was just diagnosed with diabetes and am
still coping. The whole diet things has me in a tail spin and tying to
understand what to eat and how much can make a person crazy. Also your
presentation of information comes across so well that I, for the first time
in a week felt like..., "hey you still can enjoy food". Thank you, thank
you, thank you.
Yours Truly
Juan Perez
A letter from Jenna Brown 12-15-03
I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your family's story and putting up such wonderful information. I am newly diagnosed as diabetic and as mostly newly diagnosed, was floundering as I was trying to find information about diabetes before I started my education classes. I came across this site on a Google search and was very impressed with the level of content and dietary information. I keep much of the information you have provided with me for doing exchanges until I become more comfortable with this.
Ashley, best of luck to you. Your family sounds wonderfully supportive of you in helping you cope with your diabetes. I truly hope that you live a long and happy, diabetes complication-free life.
Thank you again!
Jenna Brown
A letter from Sara Roark 12-23-03
Hi my name is Sara Roark my son Caleb was diagnosed a year ago with diabetes, he was two at the time. I took him to the doctors and the doctor was going to send us home with antibiotics for a bladder infection. I told him that I thought he might have diabetes and that I wanted him tested, he actually laughed and asked me if diabetes ran in our family, I told him that it didn't, but I knew something was wrong with my baby and antibiotics was not the answer (understatement). I think the only reason he tested Caleb was to prove me wrong - I wish that he had, but the test showed that he had keytones in his urine. We were sent to children's hospital to the emergency room. I had my daughter who was 4 and I was 5 months pregnant at the time, and my husband was at work. I was told that we were lucky that we caught it early his sugar was in the 400's and he was dehydrated but able to get IV's in his little arms. I'm not a forceful person by nature but have had to become assertive in order to keep him healthy. We have tried multiple types of insulin and are using Lantus and Humalog right now, but he is still having a lot of trouble being regulated. He is high and then low within the hour without have eaten anything or having any excessive activity, it is frustrating.
My brother in law sent me a link to your web site - it is comforting knowing I'm not alone.
Thank-you for have your site out on the Web
Sara
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