Monthly Archives: July 2018

The most important thing in diabetes

Posted on July 30, 2018 by janekdickinson

I cannot tell you what it is. I do know that it varies from person to person. What do you consider the most important thing in diabetes? Prevention? Accurate information on the street (in media)? Access? Insulin for all? Better … Continue reading →

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Know your diabetes medications

Posted on July 27, 2018 by janekdickinson

People with diabetes very often need medications to manage and keep blood glucose levels in a safe range. We do this in order to protect our blood vessels and reduce the risk for long-term complications. In order to take medications … Continue reading →

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The “ic” word

Posted on July 23, 2018 by janekdickinson

Time to discuss the “ic” word (diabetic) again. I’ve discussed this with many people, and it is safe to say that about half of people (based on several surveys) with diabetes either refer to themselves as diabetics, prefer to call themselves … Continue reading →

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Turn surviving into thriving

Posted on July 20, 2018 by janekdickinson

“When you’re surviving you can’t dream” Michael Ketterer. Well that’s profound. When I think about examples of people surviving, it’s clear to me that this is true. When we are focused on getting by, getting through the next moment, day, … Continue reading →

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Focusing on success in diabetes

Posted on July 16, 2018 by janekdickinson

Uncontrolled, poor control, poorly controlled, bad control, and even their counterparts good control, well controlled, and so on. These words, along with compliance and adherence, comprise the language of judgment, shame, blame, and guilt in diabetes. They focus on failure. … Continue reading →

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Trekking Poles

Posted on July 13, 2018 by janekdickinson

I finally caved and bought trekking poles after a PT friend was hiking with me and suggested poles would help me with knee pain going down hill. Here’s an informative article about poles. I’m not advocating this particular brand of … Continue reading →

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Adapting failure in a success-oriented approach

Posted on July 9, 2018 by janekdickinson

I am still thinking about what I heard about health care being a “failure-based system,” and I can’t helping insisting that it’s possible to adapt that failure mindset into a success mindset. What would a success-oriented approach or system look like? … Continue reading →

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Surgery and Diabetes

Posted on July 6, 2018 by janekdickinson

I am avoiding surgery as long as I can; hopefully I never have to have it (again). Sometimes, however, surgery is unavoidable and that’s OK! I had two c-sections and I don’t regret them at all. If you can safely … Continue reading →

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Diabetes in a failure-based system

Posted on July 2, 2018 by janekdickinson

“Health care is a failure-based system,” is what an MD said to me recently. I can think of many ways we are working with/in a failure-based system. The language is just one. The judgment, shame, blame, and guilt that run … Continue reading →

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