The Night Before D-Christmas—2017

Santa Claus magic dustWith special apologies to Clement Moore. I present what has become a DiabetesDad tradition……an updated, ‘Twas the Night Before D-Christmas for 2017

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The meters, CGMs, and supplies were put away with such care,
In hopes that Santa would bring the cure with him this year.

The children were nestled from head to their feeties,
While thoughts in their head were no more diabetes.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, she prayed for the cure too,
A dad still wonders what else could he do.

Remembering this year; and things we did see,
Like MiniMed’s Hybrid they call the 670G;
Away to the D-Community to see who was a hero on fire,
It’s those who battle T1D who really inspire

As costs continue to rise and wallets get thin,
We fought hard for lower costs of insulin.
The community raised voices loud and concise,
Costs are too far and need to be lower in price.

It was tough this year as great ones left out the door,
Just some were Keith Campbell and Mary Tyler Moore.
Their voices were loud and their voices were clear,
They will surely be missed, wish they could stay near.

Others will take the lead and we will all see
Better products, more work, and good advocacy.
Better pumps, insulin, and CGMS by the score,
There’s plenty coming and we’re screaming for more.

Although some tough times happened and we were sad,
Animas closing, costs too high and true, we were mad.
But onward we go staying positive all the way,
There’s so much to do, and it all starts today.

Fighting for many and trying to be fair,
Coverage for one, coverage for all, even with Medicare.
Human trials, products, not just for our self,
Diabetes tattoos, even CGM for Elf on a Shelf.

Hurricanes were cruel where they would roam,
Far away sure, but also at home.
Many worked hard helping where they could,
So many doing and helping as they all should.

Many stepped up to help and grabbed at the ball,
Helping some was no good, it had to be all.
Helping others and giving so very deep,
Hours and days they all went and went without sleep.

When you look outside at the fresh fallen snow,
so many are doing and so many you don’t know,
Think of those who inspire and soon you’ll see,
Things will move forward and continue to be.

Life is not the greatest fighting this disease.
Continue to ask as you drop to your knees
That things will get better and rightfully quick,
Good things to come, and not all from St. Nick.

So listen carefully as you think what needs to be done,
If you have an idea, take it and run.
Don’t leave it to others; it’ll be just a few,
“Don’t do nothing” is what you really must do.

And if you think you’re done, tired, and feeling sort of sore,
Think of your loved one with diabetes, it’ll make you do more.
And if not for you, it will be for their sake,
We won’t stop at all till they get a break.

And then, in a twinkling, one day we’ll hear on the roof,
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
And the only thing needed in Santa’s bag for sure,
Is when diabetes is gone because of a cure.

So we will all continue to work, the ‘where’ is up to you,
But you have to make the decision on something you’ll do.
And one day we’ll scream and exclaim, “diabetes is gone from sight,”
The Happiest Christmas ever, and to all a good-night!
I am a diabetes dad.
Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.

Good-Bye 2016….and Thank……YOU!!!!!!

calendar-page-offWell tear the page off the calender, 2016 is history.  Much has surely happened this year and as I reflect on it, I realize that so much good happened in the year.  I know many feel differently, and that is fine as they are entitled, but I’ve never been one to stay focused on one item or one event.

I survived being at 9/11, I survived my child being diagnosed with diabetes, I have survived losing a brother (in law), a father, a father and mother-in-law who I cherished, a second child being diagnosed and an entire list of items that will depress you to know end–and many people over the years have been in office who I did not want or who I wanted…..and I will be danged if whatever this year bought will make me react any differently.

The sun will rise tomorrow and with it a new day. And it is THAT way in which I live.

I will choose the GREAT things that happened over the year in the battle against undiagnosed Type 1 Diabetes.  I’ll cherish Beyond Type 1, Insulet, dPac, Susan Weiner, Kim May, Michelle Berman, Debbie Healy, Bennet Dunlap, Little Reegan’s Family, Kycie’s Family, Elizabeth Stein, DiaBEAT THIS!, and those who have stepped on the gas pedal and chose to share their lives to end these occurrences and, in some cases, when they were even victims themselves.  I’m grateful to the many who gave a platform to spread the word.  I’M GRATEFUL TO THOSE WHO EVEN HUNG A POSTER TO SPREAD THE WORD.

I’ll cherish those advancing the better treatment for those who live with diabetes every day.  I’ll cherish those organizations who continue to help people, advocate, and spread the word.    I’ll cherish those who despite great odds, continue in that search for a cure. I’ll, personally cherish, a new granddaughter, an engaged daughter, a move to a new home in a new state, and always my wonderful family.

And I will always and in all ways cherish you.  You who inform me, you who challenge me, you who teach me, you who believe in just ‘not doing nothing’, you who choose to make a difference, you who are my brothers/sisters-in-arms in a battle none of us want to be part.

If 2017 is not what you want it to be, MAKE IT what you want it to be.  We cannot do anything about what may come our way but we can certainly control how much it impacts us.  May 2017 be happy and healthy and may your inner wishes come true. Thank you for being part of my 2016, I look forward to what 2017 may hold for all of us.
I am a DiabetesDad.
Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’

Twas the Night Before D-Christmas 2016

santa-moonWith special apologies to Clement Moore.   I present a tradition……an updated, ‘Twas the Night Before D-Christmas for 2016

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with prayer,
In hopes that Santa would bring the cure with him this year.

The children were nestled from head to their feeties,
While thoughts in their head were no more diabetes.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, she prayed for the cure too,
A dad still wonders what else could he do.

Remembering this year; the so much good and fun,
Seems monthly there was news at Beyond Type1.
Away to the news to see who was a hero of fire,
It’s those who live with T1D who really inspire

As costs continue to rise on everyone’s supply,
So many wonder how they’ll get by.
D-bloggers continue to write of these capers,
It certainly can’t be left to all the newspapers.

While many wrote of Santa’s goodies in his sack
Many doing much more like those from dPac.
To those with diabetes these really are not funny,
You’re playing with lives; it’s not about money.

As parents search for the docs and schools that really do care,
So much about this disease just doesn’t seem fair.
But as we turn and realize the continual fear,
I have some wishes for so many during this year.

When you look outside at the fresh fallen snow,
Or out at the sea where cold you don’t know,
Think of those who inspire and soon you’ll see,
Those things have changed in the past and will continue to be.

Innovations like getting supplies to those in foreign lands,
There is Life of a Child, IDF, and a Foundation of Hands.
There were great ideas to help our kids remember,
Of those in the fight like Project Blue November.

We work very hard for a managed d-Life to be,
And there is much help like at CWD.
There was JDRF/Medtronic approved hybrid closing the loop,
And ADA’s Dancing Steps was really a scoop.

There are innovations and those like Tide Pool
And DRI’s BioHub news continue to gain fuel.
There are so many camps that continue to say,
Spend a week with us for an even better today.

From Faustman, ViaCyte an IRB survey from Glu,
Stopping missed diagnosis to end candles of blue.
So as the year ends and criticisms comes quick,
Good things will come, and not all from St. Nick.

So listen carefully as you think of all that is run,
There is so much more work that needs to be done.
Don’t leave it to others; it’ll be just a few,
“Don’t do nothing” is what you really must do.

And if you think you’re done, tired, and feeling sort of sore,
Think of your loved one with diabetes, it’ll make you do more.
And if not for you, it will be for their sake,
We will stop all when only they get a break.

And then, in a twinkling, one day we’ll hear on the roof,
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
And the only thing needed is Santa’s toy bag for sure,
When diabetes is gone because of a cure.

So we will all continue to work, the ‘where’ is up to you,
But you have to make the decision on something you’ll do.
And one day we’ll scream and exclaim, “diabetes is gone from sight,”
The Happiest Christmas ever, and to all a good-night!

I am a DiabetesDad.
Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’

NEWSBREAK: Animas Vibe Receives FDA Approval for Children Ages 2 to 17.

animas vibe deviceI received the following email from Bridget Kimmel, Senior Manager of Communications & Public Affairs for Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Care Companies Animas Corporation & Life Scan, Inc.  I know people have been speaking about this device and I share with you what was sent to me without edit.

I’m pleased to share that FDA has approved the use of the Animas® Vibe® Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System for the management of diabetes in children and adolescents, ages 2 to 17.

The Animas® Vibe® System was the first integrated system with Dexcom G4® PLATINUM CGM technology and is the only such system available in the U.S. for pediatric patients as young as age 2.

As an integrated system, the Animas® Vibe® System allows patients and their caregivers to view glucose data and administer insulin right from the pump, making it easy to fine tune insulin delivery to help manage their diabetes.  We know that effective glucose management early in life supports better health outcomes in adulthood; therefore, the Animas® Vibe® System is a great step forward in helping children and their caregivers in the U.S. take ownership of their diabetes. 

Expanding the global presence of the Animas® Vibe® System, along with providing solutions for children with diabetes and their parents, has been a top priority for Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Care Companies (JJDCC).  It’s been our goal as a company to not only develop the best treatment solutions available, but also ensure that every member of the diabetes community, including children, may access these tools.

For more details on the FDA approval, please view the press release we issued today here.

Orders for the Animas® Vibe® System are currently being accepted, with anticipated shipment to patients beginning this month. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me or give me a call at 215-688-6033.

I am a DiabetesDad.

Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.

 

 

Are You a Basal-Tears, or a Bolus-Tears-Kind-of-Person; in Your Diabetes World???

insulin dripI was engaged in a conversation yesterday with a good friend and we came up with the following question; ‘When it comes to diabetes, are your tears via a basal-tear rate, or a bolus-tear rate?”

When you think about everything that happens in our diabetes world, do you sort of cry a little bit many times or do you work to keep everything in moving forward and once in a while the tears just pour out as if your eyes are just bolusing-tears?  A lot of little cries….or one big cry occurring when needed.

I’m absolutely amazed that no matter how positive-a-life I try to make sure our kids have, out of nowhere it seems…….bang; tears.  So I’m definitively a bolus-tear-kind-of-guy.

I also know that it’s okay.  It’s good to clear it out sometimes.  A release.  I know some people get sad every day, perhaps even cry a tear or two as well.  They are a basal-tears-kind-of-person…..a little, many times.   Clearly no one enjoys any of this, but also make sure you smile through those bolus/basal/tears every now and again as well.

Smile at an accomplishment, a joke, something ‘gone-good’.  When they come, make sure you enjoy those things as well.

My mom tells me that it’s because of my heritage that I read the obituaries every day.  It’s not a morbid thing (ever notice everyone dies in alphabetical order….except in Florida), I just check it as I read the news.   I’m sure a professional would tell me that it ‘means’ something that I do, but to me, it’s just checking out what is happening in the world around me…..another page to the news, as it were; for me.

But here is my observation.  Every single listing had a life.  Whether they were good or bad, happy or sad, rich or poor, in perfect health or suffered forever; there they all and what they leave behind is just that…….left behind.

My point?

On this earth we all have just one shot to redo anything everyday.  Think about that sentence.   I will always choose to live this life and grab every ounce of enjoyment out of it as possible.  For me, and for others.  If we can all try to leave this world just a tad better for others as well as ourselves than how we found it; that’s a life worth living in my mind.

So I may be a bolus-tear-kind-of-guy when needed……but during all other times, I choose to be an ocean-full of grabbing this life for all the wonder, laughter, and good it does have to offer, even with diabetes.  Come swim with me.

I am a DiabetesDad.

Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.

 

NEWSBREAK Report: T1D in Children Rising; and a Woman You NEED to follow “Closely”.

Going upKelly Close’s DiaTribe published a very interesting finding based on a recent study in Diabetes Care……it states (according to DiaTribe);
“……..more US children and adolescents have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in recent years: the disease’s annual prevalence in a large, insured population increased 53% between 2002 and 2013, from 1.48 to 2.33 cases per 1,000 people. The study used data from insurance companies to survey the rate of diabetes in ~10 million US children and adolescents younger than 18 years old, so it does not tell us how diagnoses of type 1 may be changing in adults. It is not clear why type 1 diagnoses are increasing so rapidly.”

Now if you look at those stats a little more closely, it used to be that 1.48 cases per 1,000 were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), and the new study shows that it is now 2.33.  Now in dealing with percentages, that means that almost an additional person per 1,000 cases is being diagnosed with T1D.  THAT’s alarming.

You can read Kelly’s full assessment/article by clicking here.

Click the link and read her article; pay close attention to her conclusion.  It will shake your cage and reinforce what many have stated for some time.  And if you do not follow her, you should.  Kelly has an incredible talent to call things as they are, usually with little sweetener (pun intended).

If you do not know Kelly, I can tell you that she is a shoot-from-the-hip kind of writer; and probably one of the most knowledgeable people on what is happening in our diabetes world.   Little, if anything, gets by her and/or her team.  She has taken her battle with diabetes (of over 25 years) and her desire to know every/any-thing she can, and after she ferociously learns for herself, she graciously shares with the world what she finds.

Kelly is also the same person who meets you with a warm smile (one of the biggest smiles I know) when you see her at one of the many conferences dealing with diabetes, taking place annually.  It’s not ‘unusual’ to see her and/or members of her team running from one session to another to capture, for us, what is going on.

Diabetes.  She writes about all aspects of diabetes.  ALL.  You may not agree with everything that is written, and truth be known, you shouldn’t.  I have often felt that if you want to be amused, you read the comics; if you want to learn, read writers who challenge you to think and to learn for yourself.  Writers should open a dialogue; and Kelly is the master.

So if you are always trying to figure out what is real and what is not; what are facts and what is rhetoric; what is the truth and what is mere fabrication….give yourself a New Year’s gift and follow Kelly’s DiaTribe more closely.  In a few months you will feel more educated, and in the know, about what so many merely think they know.

I am a diabetes dad.

Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.