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Monthly Archives: March 2008

CFRD Fact #7

March 17, 2008 – 6:47 am

Autoimmune induced insulin deficiency is the cause of type 1 diabetes.
Insulin deficiency in CFRD is due to scarring and destruction of the pancreatic islet cells and their beta cells (the insulin producers).

CFRD is not associated with the autoimmune process and the autoantibodies seen in Type 1 diabetes
Scarring (fibrosis) occurs due to thickened mucus [...]

By Salty | Posted in CFRD Facts, Cystic Fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes, diabetes | Comments (0)

Feeling “normal”

March 15, 2008 – 3:33 pm

Dealing with a disease that takes so much from you is impossible for some to understand unless you are in their shoes. While growing up my parents tried their hardest to protect me from childhood ills. Trying to keep my lungs in the best possible condition. This caused me to miss out on [...]

By Salty | Posted in Challenges, Cystic Fibrosis, Dating, Life in General, Support | Comments (0)

Me, I want a huoooola hoop!

March 14, 2008 – 6:14 am

I have been searching for new fun ways to get exercise. I also admit I am a kid stuck in an adult body. A quick trip through the toy store and I am a happy girl! Growing up, I LOVED my hula hoop. White and pink striped, it smelled of [...]

By Salty | Posted in Exercise, Life in General | Comments (1)

CFRD Fact #6

March 14, 2008 – 6:12 am

Not Type 1 or Type 2
CFRD is most like type 2 diabetes, BUT requires insulin treatment like type 1 diabetes rather than diet and oral therapy like type 2.
Reasoning:

Caloric intake needs to be maintained to meet metabolic demands of CF
Oral medications used in type 2 diabetes can not be used in CF

Major side effects may [...]

By Salty | Posted in CFRD Facts, Cystic Fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes, diabetes | Comments (0)

More not so good news…

March 12, 2008 – 11:43 am

Today I received a note from my employer’s insurance broker. They are trying to help me get insurance coverage of an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor system.
Attached was the criteria Great West uses to decide who gets coverage and who does not.
Policy: Criteria #1
A. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) with [...]

By Salty | Posted in Challenges, diabetes, insulin pump, insurance | Comments (2)

CFRD Fact #5

March 12, 2008 – 6:09 am

CFRD is the most common co-morbid complication of Cystic Fibrosis patients.
The prevalence of CFRD increases with age

14% of CF patients > 13 years old
25% of CF patients 35-44 years old
approximately 43% of Cystics > 30 years old

By Salty | Posted in CFRD Facts, Cystic Fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes | Comments (0)

CFRD Fact #4

March 10, 2008 – 6:22 am

Factors unique to Cystic Fibrosis:

Under nutrition
Chronic inflamation with intermittent acute infection
Glucagon* deficiency
Altered gut nutrient absorption and transit time
Liver disease
Increased energy expenditure
Thin, low lipid levels, normal blood pressure

What does this mean?
Under nutrition – Under nutrition makes it more important for Cystics to get all the nutrition their bodies need to survive. This [...]

By Salty | Posted in CFRD Facts, Cystic Fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes | Comments (0)

Goodbye Grandma

March 7, 2008 – 12:36 pm

I got word this morning that my grandmother has passed on. She lived to be 93 years old.
Grandma has been suffering for a long time. As stubborn as she was, she kept fighting. I hold her stubbornness dear to my heart. It is the same kind stubbornness that keeps me fighting [...]

By Salty | Posted in Life in General | Comments (2)

Un-flippin-believable!

March 6, 2008 – 4:32 pm

Apparently I am not the only one having problems with GreatWest Health Insurance. I just found a mother who is having a VERY similar problem with GW, getting coverage for an insulin pump for her son. Here is her story, copied off of a diabetes forum:
“Great West Nightmare”
Hello all ….
Am brand new [...]

By Salty | Posted in Challenges, insulin pump, insurance | Comments (0)

Dealings with feelings

March 6, 2008 – 6:03 am

I have known about my Cystic Fibrosis for as long as I can remember, and having CF has had a lot of positive impacts on my life and personality. I have met a lot of amazing people through this disease. It has made me very strong and has made me want more than [...]

By Salty | Posted in Challenges, Cystic Fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes, Invisible Disease, diabetes | Comments (1)