Category Archives: about diabetes

Improving communication for the right reasons

Posted on April 11, 2018 by janekdickinson

One really can’t avoid articles about communication in health care these days. Patient-provider communication, provider-provider communication, it’s all over the place. Communication has always been key; we just seem to be catching on finally. There are still some gaps, though. … Continue reading →

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Hearing correctly

Posted on April 6, 2018 by janekdickinson

Have you ever had an experience where you heard something differently from the way someone else heard it? I’ve met with patients who, when asked what type of diabetes they have answer, “I don’t have diabetes. No one has ever … Continue reading →

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Apply to be on the ADA Board

Posted on April 5, 2018 by janekdickinson

Hey, colleagues! Have you ever considered giving back by being on the board of a professional organization? Now’s your chance! The American Diabetes Association is currently taking applications for their national Board of Directors. Here’s the link…take a look!

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Fasting with Diabetes

Posted on April 4, 2018 by janekdickinson

This morning I had fasting blood labs drawn. Fasting can be a challenge for people who take insulin. In the perfect world, our basal (background) insulin would keep us steady in our target range if we don’t eat. However – … Continue reading →

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The Gift of Agency

Posted on April 3, 2018 by janekdickinson

Have you heard of agency? I’m not talking about an organization or office. I’m hearing and reading agency, meaning the ability to act, more and more. I think of agency as feeling in control. One place it came up recently was in the … Continue reading →

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I “hope,” not “suffer”

Posted on April 2, 2018 by janekdickinson

I’ve often told the story of the health care provider who asked me how long I had suffered from diabetes. I told her (at the time – this was about 22 years ago), “I’ve had diabetes for 20 years, but … Continue reading →

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Advocating Ain’t Always eAsy

Posted on March 27, 2018 by janekdickinson

So this happened to me (and my daughter). I don’t know whether to feel embarrassed, upset, or just shocked. Because this is what I talk to patients and students about all the time – advocating for ourselves (and our patients). … Continue reading →

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Cell Phone Cyanosis

Posted on December 12, 2017 by janekdickinson

My kids are attached to their cell phones like some people are to oxygen. So I sometimes give them a hard time if they are away from their phones by asking, “Are you OK? Can you breathe?” What about diabetes … Continue reading →

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Menopause and Diabetes

Posted on December 5, 2017 by janekdickinson

Yikes! Who would write a blog post about menopause?? Who would read it?? As I quickly approach that time in life, I am thinking about things like cardio (heart) protection, blood glucose swings, sleep, bone health – all the things … Continue reading →

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Thankful for Insulin and More

Posted on November 23, 2017 by janekdickinson

It’s a good day to think about thanks. All the other days I’m so busy getting life done. I’m checking blood glucose levels, taking insulin, counting carbs, making appointments, going to appointments, working, working, working, driving kids, teaching kids to … Continue reading →

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