Diabetology

And I discovered that really is a word (I think it was Carolyn I was talking to about that, but anyways...). So, for the past two days I've been at an outpatient diabetes clinic with John, a 69yo MPH-RD. Quite a rare person. He has a massive depth of knowledge about diabetes and a true passion for what he does. However, every single one of his 12 patients that had appointments for the past two days were no shows. So I have yet to see a patient with him. He did however have me create a potential meal plan for this one patient that we are supposed to see maybe tomorrow. I tell you what, John is all about fiber and eating tons of vegetables. That meal plan was packed full. John himself has an immaculate diet. No sweets or white flour for him. Or Cook-Out milkshakes for that matter. Ever. I would fall apart if that were me. But he definitely practices what he tells patients to do! He says they can't respect you if you don't follow your own guidance. So he really tries to set a perfect example for them.

John had me check my HbA1c on Monday (5.4, so no diabetes here thank you) and had me give myself a shot of saline so I would know how it felt to give myself insulin. I am also currently on a continuous glucose monitoring device, which is supposed to monitor my BG for a full 24 hours. Getting set up for that device was no fun, no fun at all. First, I stuck the needle (which is about 1 1/2 inches long, so not too terrible) into the subcutaneous fat on my stomach. It stung quite a bit, and I got a little dizzy and had to sit down. Then I felt nauseated, and John ran to get a glass of water and the trashcan for me. I didn't end up vomiting, but I was nearly there. Then John tells me that the device isn't communicating with the computer correctly, so we have to stick the needle in a different spot. Dreadful. We decided to insert it into my side since there was more fat there, and thank goodness it worked better and I didn't pass out or anything. So now I have the little monitoring system in my side, and I have to check my blood sugar 4 times before tomorrow so we can calibrate the device. I'll let you know how I do!

An interesting fact I learned today: Red yeast rice can be used to lower cholesterol if patients can't tolerate cholesterol-lowering medications. It has natural statins in it (and is basically where they got the idea for statins from!). Also, John told me about the Novo Nordisk plant in Clayton, NC where they make synthetic insulin, so if anyone wants to go visit, I'm in!