Birthdays and Diabetes

Birthdays and Diabetes.

It can be scary, yes.

But let's also not forget, they need to be fun, too!

I often hear families fret over birthdays, birthday parties, etc. I've been there and done that too. I know how scary it can be, especially when its one your invited to and don't have a handy list of carb information available.

Why am I talking about this today?

Because, Wednesday was Little Man's birthday! Happy Birthday Little Man!

Little Man with his Birthday Cupcake on his 7th birthday.

Yes. That is a Real cupcake. No "reduced sugar". No "Sugar free". Real cupcake... and he loved it! :-)

D-parents, myself included, tend to get stuck in the habit of sticking to the sugar free/reduced sugar stuff all year round. While, I'll never advise not to do that (in fact, most people, diabetic or not, should watch their sugar intake for health reasons!)... I will say this much.... It is OK to allow our little munchkins some sugar sometimes! A piece of candy here and there around Easter time... a piece of real cake (or cupcake, since they are easier to count carbs for as they are already portion properly!) for a birthday a few times a year, etc... that is A-OK, and, if nothing else, kind of important to do as well!

Why is it important? Because, we want our kids to feel just like every other kid, right? That's why we strive to make sure they are not treated differently in school, other places, etc, right? So why not for their special day as well?!

Its pretty rare that I allow a lot of sugar filled stuff. I've always kind of been like that, even before his diagnosis. I've always been a stickler for fresh fruits and veggies as snacks, junk food on occation.

I'll admit, when he was first diagnosed, I was overprotective about this sort of thing. In fact, his first two birthdays with diabetes, we did reduced sugar ice cream, angel food cake type cakes with sugar free cool whip for icing. That sort of thing.

Last year, we decided to bite the bullet, and try out regular cupcakes and ice cream. A fear we had to face, we felt. We knew that, theoretically, as long as we covered the carbs, he should be fine... but, as you all can probably relate... it didn't make it any less scary!

We knew that, at his diagnosis, the dietitian had actually told us "if your going to give him candy/cakes/cookies, etc... its better to give him the real sugar than sugar free stuff, because of the sugar alcohols"... but for a long time, I just couldn't wrap my brain around that! So, we took the leap, and prayed.

This year, I can say, we felt confident giving it to him, because we knew it was OK! Moderation is key, as with anything.

Will I make a regular sheet cake for him? Probably not yet. But, it's not so much because I'm afraid of how it will affect his blood sugar. Its just because, cupcakes are easier to portion control and figure carbs for. I, for one, choose simplicity when it comes to this sort of thing. Diabetes is confusing enough, and there's enough guess-timating involved in it... if there's an easy, no guessing solution I can take... I'll take it!

How do you handle birthdays?

Do you give your d-child regular cupcakes/cakes/ice cream, or do you make something special for them?

Inside The Sugar Free Mind Of... Nicole Rekart!



Megan Rekart, dxd T1 @ age 13

 Today we are interviewing D-Mom Nicole Rekart about her T1 daughter, Megan.

Nicole homeschools her children, raises awareness for diabetes, and is a stay at home mom.

Megan was diagnosed at the age of 13 years old.  We asked Nicole to share her diagnosis story with us, how it affected their family, the support system they have, amongst a variety of other questions.

This is their story:


Can you tell us about when Megan was diagnosed?
   Megan was Diagnosed July 21,2010. We took her to the doctor
as she was having yeast infections symptoms.To our suprise when the Doctor came in to tell us that we needed to go to the
hospital as Megan was possibly Type 1 Diabetic. It was a terrible feeling, We as parents could not take this terrible disease
away with a antibiotic.

How old was Megan at the time of Diagnosis?
   Megan was Diagnosed at the age of 13 years old.

What emotions did you go through at diagnosis?
   I as a mom was beside myself. I was angry that I did not know the symptoms
I was upset I could not cure this with a doctors appointment, I was stressed because our life would change in so many perspectives
and I was scared that I did not have all the answers. (Why, What and how did this happen.)

How has the diagnosis changed your life?
  We live a new normal.I recently quit my job, Our school was unable to reassure as
of Megan's care. I homeschool Megan, We eat coutning Carbs and we know have a number range to stay in. We preplan all events or trips.  Your family?  Our family has changed as  our youngest daughter has decided she is also going to be a home school child. Our youngest daughter has gone to classes with us and knows the same if not more about how to care for Diabetes then we do. Your marriage? We have had to learn that Date nights are rare. We have learned Mom does not get much sleep
anymore. We have turned our lives to God. We have always believed God is our guide but, we have really learned to give our stress and pray to God as without him in our lives we would just have so many more questions.

Did you have a good support system when Megan was diagnosed?
  The hospital was great. Our family does not truly understand, No one has really stepped up to take classes or try to understand so we do not leave Megan with them. Our friends have changed. We love our friends new and old but surround oursleves with faith and people who try or do understand the life as a Type 1 Diabetic. 

Did you get involved in a diabetes support group soon after diagnosis?
  yes, I have many forums I visit, I have many new T1 Parent friends from Facebook whom without them I would not be strong, Positive and confident about Diabetes. If so, online and/or offline? On-line...

What online diabetes communities/support groups, if any, would you recommend and why?
   Facebook has many forums you can join. T1 Hang Out,   A cure for Graces, American Diabetes website, JDRF website is amazing.I have found Face book to be a huge tool as these parents are faced with what I am everyday and no they do not have a medical degree but, they guide you to the right directions and they keep your stress-level down :).

What part of the world are you from?
  United States, the state of Missouri.

If someone reading this interview post who lived in your state/providence was living with Type 1 Diabetes and wanted to connect with you for support, would you be OK with that? If yes, how could they contact  you? Yes! I am on face book (Nicole Ruszala Rekart)
or they can contact me via- e-mail nrekart@sbcglobal.net

In your opinion, what is the hardest part about living with Type 1 Diabetes, and why? The hardest part is getting people to understand that it is not a diet change, there is no Cure, and that I am not a super mom, I do what I do because My daughter is my life and she needs me to be all I can be.

Can you say/think of anything positive you have found about living with T1 Diabetes since diagnosis? Yes...I actually can say That we are a closer family, We rely on one another and we work together, I feel as if I have more knowledge and I am more in tune with our bodies, We are meeting many wonderful new friends. I am a stronger mom.

What can  you think of that you allow, despite of caring for a child with T1? My entire life has changed I am a better person as I take life and everyday like it is a gift!

What diabetes-related non-profit organization, if any, do you support, and why? I support JDRF, We are recently invovled with American Diabetes Association and we are working on a web site for Megan Rekart Racers.

Do you have a blog about diabetes? Facebook profile? Twitter? Facebook Fan Page? If so, what are your links? Not at this time, We are working on it :).

What advice would you give to a family newly diagnosed?  Always ask your doctor first. No questions is a dumb question. Do not listen to the negative, Do your research, get invovled and gather around positive people and not negative Nelly's.

What 3 things would you like more families not living with Type 1 Diabetes to know? We need a Cure Type 1 Diabetes is completely different then Type 2. Our children did not eat to much sugar or eat poorly to get T1 Diabetes. We are all good parents who would love nothing more then to say Our children use to have Type on Diabetes. I dislike hearing I could never hurt my child by giving them a shot, Because in reality I am not hurting my child I am keeping her alive.

Do you work outside of the home, work from home, or are you a stay at home mom? I teach my children as they are home-schooled.

Thank you for participating in our interview Nicole! We have enjoyed getting "Inside" your "Sugar Free Mind" and learning more about you, another strong "D-Mom"! Keep up your faith, advocating and educating for Megan, and helping the D-community strive for a cure! All your hard work will pay off, one day!

Would you like to be a featured "D-Mom", "D-Dad", or T1 survivor here and be interviewed by us? Email me at T1DTeamLenny@gmail.com with the subject title: Interview!

*Featured* Inside The Sugar Free Mind Of... Alexis Newell



Alexis Newell & her son Justice

 This week, we travel "Inside The Sugar Free Mind Of..." Alexis Newell!

Alexis is a devoted wife; mother of a Type 1 Diabetic son, Justice; blogger; volunteer for the JDRF; and the 2011 Walk Chair!

Her son, Justice, is a youth ambassador for the JDRF; active, fun loving Type 1 child!

This is their story...

Can you tell us about when Justice was diagnosed? How old was he at diagnosis? Justice was diagnosed on 10/21/08, just 4 days after his 6th birthday. Days before there were no signs. He was looking great and enjoying life as a 6 year old child. We had decided to go back home to NY for his birthday. We caught a red eye flight and I worked the night shift so the boys ended up not sleeping before we got on the plane. So, when Justice wet his pants on our flight, I didn't give it too much attention. The rest of the night went well, or so I thought. Over the next 24 hours his urination and thirst became outrageous. Next came tummy aches, vomiting, and exhaustion. We honestly thought jet lag and maybe a stomach bug. But when he woke the next morning after 14 hours of sleep, not feeling any better but actually slurring his words, we knew it was something more serious. I called 911 and an ambulance took us to the ER. EMT was clueless, but the nurse in ER knew right away. "I smell the ketones on his breath, he's diabetic right?". Her words changed our lives, but her fast assessment saved his as well. Justice was admitted to PICU with a blood glucose level of 490 and in DKA (Diabetic Keto-Acidosis).

What emotions did you go through when he was diagnosed? I was terrified, sad, angry and felt like my whole world shattered. My little rambunctious healthy boy was no more, our lives as we knew it ceased to exist. As crowded as that hospital room was, I never felt more alone.

How has his diagnosis changed your life? Your Family? Your marriage? We don't sleep. Every decision we make for our day or our life generally is based on that readong on the meter. Some days are harder than others. No matter what is going on, Diabetes is present. It's a frustrating disease, seeing my son cry or get angry because he is feeling low or high, or cant do what he wants at that moment. I fear losing my son in his sleep; I fear future complications. My days are filled with this. But, my family unit is stronger, my marriage is stronger, I honestly have an amazing  husband who is a wonderful co-pancreas, my younger son Synsyre is Justice's biggest supporter. We have over time learned to not let Diabetes stop our happiness or us from living our lives. Its a huge part of it, but it doesn't rule us anymore.

Did you have a good support system when Justice was diagnosed? Honestly, no. We had just moved to Las Vegas a year before, so we didn't have many friends or family. But, since then a lot has changed! :)

Did you get involved in a diabetes support group soon after he was diagnosed? If so, online and/or offline? I didn't find the DOC (Diabetes Online Community) until April of 2010.

What online diabetes communities/support groups, if any, would you recommend, and why? Personally I love twitter, facebook, and blogging. I have found the best support through these outlets.

What part of the world are you from? I reside in Las Vegas, NV (United States)

If someone reading this interview post who lived in your state/providence was living with Type 1 Diabetes and wanted to connect with  you for support, would you be OK with that? If so, how could they contact you? Anytime! Email at justicespancreaticavengers@yahoo.com

In your opinion, what is the hardest part about living with Type 1 Diabetes, and why? The inconsistency. The never ending changes in insulin needs. The fear of lows. Trying to find that happy medium. Seeing my child hurt.

Can you say/think of anything positive you have found about living with Type 1 Diabetes since diagnosis? Nothing about the disease itself, but it has connected me with the most amazing people ever. I have gained a second family.

What can you think of that you do/allow, despite of caring for a child with Type 1 Diabetes? One thing we thought  we couldn't do which Justice loves is the buffets in Vegas. But, we do. Scale and all! There's very little we allow D to stop us from. Of course, there are things we still aren't ready for. Like sleep-overs or going to a friends house without me.

What diabetes-related non-profit organization, if any, do you support and why? Justice is a youth ambassador for JDRF and I am a volunteer. I was recently named this years Walk Chair.

Do you have a blog about diabetes? I blog at Justice's Misbehaving Pancreas
Twitter? @Sugar_nova 
Have a Facebook FanPage? Justice Against Type 1 Diabetes

What advice would you give to a family newly diagnosed? Take it day by day, number by number. Let your child know it's not their fault and always be a team. And please, no matter what your child says, be part of their Diabetes management and let them know they're not alone.

What 3 things would you like more families not living with Type 1 Diabetes to know? Type 1 cannot be prevented. It can happen to your child. My son can eat the same as yours, just more work to do so.

Are you a stay at home mom, work at home mom, or do you work outside the home? I am a stay at home mom and volunteer for JDRF. I am the 2011 Walk Chair

T1, JDRF Junior Ambassador, Justice Newell

Thank you so much Alexis for allowing us to get "Inside your Sugar Free Mind" and feature you here on Sugar Free Candyland! You're right, Type 1 Diabetes can be scary and frustrating, but with a little diligence, laughter, and support, we can do it! Congratulations on making the JDRF 2011 Walk Chair, and congratulations to Justice for becoming a JDRF Junior Ambassador! You guys rock!

Would you, or someone you know like to be featured on Sugar Free Candyland and share your story with us? CLICK HERE to find out how you can be featured, or how to nominate someone you know to be featured here! "D-moms", "D-Dads", and adults with T1 are welcome!

Life For A Child

Wendy, at Candy Hearts, is on a mission!

She has vowed to raise $1 for every child needing life-saving insulin and other diabetic supplies who can not afford to buy it themselves.

Thats $100,000!! WOW!

I applaud her in her efforts, her enthusiasm and high spirits, and her "take the bull by the horns" attitude on this matter! WAY TO GO WENDY!

I encourage you all to go visit her blog, read her blog entry about what she is doing to help these families, these children, get the necessary medications and supplies they need to survive living with Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes & Daily Life

I recently had a friend move closer to where we live. One day, as the kids were at school, she had asked me if I wanted to go to Walmart with her.

Sadly, I had to tell her I wasn't able to. Why???

Diabetes.

If you're like me, I don't have a cell phone. I don't have a driver's license. We don't own a second car. And I have a Type 1 Diabetic child, who, at any given time, on any given school day, needs me to be available via phone for the... just in case moments.

"Just in case..." his blood sugar bottoms out.

"Just in case...." carbs are accidentally counted incorrectly.

"Just in case...." He has ketones while in school.

"Just in case...." he is accidentally overdosed.

"Just in case...."

Having a child with Type 1 Diabetes is a life-altering diagnosis. We all know that. We all know that it makes you change small parts of your life. Routines. For some families, even what kind of food they eat, (for families with Type 1 kids who are also diagnosed with Celiac Disease to be more specific.)

What many people not living with Type 1 Diabetes may not realize is that, this diagnosis can also mean struggles with scheduling things.

For our family, it can be very difficult for me to even schedule doctor appointments, dentist appointments, appointments for the kids, meetings with school staff to cover our IEP's and 504...

Even going to the store to buy groceries has to be scheduled just right!

Date night with my husband? What's that?

Unless you are lucky enough, like I am, to have a family member trained to manage and care for your T1 child, date nights with your spouse or significant other become non-existant.

Even if you are lucky enough to have a family member knowledgable in caring for  your T1 child, it can still be difficult to plan a date night with your spouse! Not only are you having to coordinate it with your own schedule, but also the other party's schedule! If they have something pre-planned for the day you want to have that date night, and they are unable to watch your child/ren... that blows your plans!

Living with Type 1, whether its you who has the disease, or your child, can be stressful, inconvenient, and tiresome.

On the plus side...

Amongst all the stress, sleepless nights, and tiresome days, every morning we smile a big smile, knowing that our child was well taken care of the night/day before! Knowing that our child was given the best we could give to them. Knowing that our children are special, gifts from God. And knowing that we are teaching our children not to ever let their condition bring them down.

Knowing that we are still allowing our kids to just be kids!

Inside The Sugar Free Mind Of... Bridget Winter



Bridget Winter, and her son Clifford, dxd at 6 yrs old.

 D-Mom, Bridget Winter has agreed to talk to us today about her son, Clifford's (aka Cliffy), diagnosis story.

Bridget is a Work-At-Home-Mom with a company called ChaCha, and a company called Demand Studio, and she's an IBO with Amway Global. She is an avid advocate, diabetes supporter, and a wonderful friend.

Cliffy was diagnosed at the tender age of 6 years old. He is a strong, bright little boy with the most adorable smile! He never lets his Diabetes defeat his wonderful spirit!

Here is their story:

When was Cliffy diagnosed? Cliffy was diagnosed on Feb. 28, 2010. He was 6 years old.

What emotions did you go through at diagnosis? At diagnosis he was in DKA (Diabetic Keto-Acidosis), and unresponsive the first day. I was a big ball of mess. Didn't know what to expect or what was really happening.

How has the diagnosis changed your life? Your Family? Your marriage/relationship? I am in constant worry about him, if h e will wake up, if he drops low at school, it's gotten better but not easier. On the pro side we now eat better and more healthier, and are more aware of the symptoms of T1. Chad and my relationship was only a little over a month new when Cliffy was dx'd. But, he stuck right by him and I and has been a huge help.

Did you have a good support system when diagnosed? Our system at dx included Chad, (in person at the hospital), my mom ( via phone), Chad's mom, sister and brother-in-law, step-dad, friends from work (via phone, online), my family (via phone, cousins, aunts)

Did you get involved in a diabetes support group soon after diagnosis? If so, online and/or offline? Didn't find the DOC (Diabetes Online Community) until around April when I first met DIane Ranaghan. She talked to me online when Cliffy was life flighted to Children's due to passing out from a hypo.

What online diabetes communities/support groups, if any, would you recommend and why? CWD online site, Type 1 Hangout via FB. Both great and supportive groups. Type 1 has done the card exchanges which the kids have enjoyed.

What part of the world are you from? Deep Freeze Pennsylvania

If someone reading this interview post who lived in your state was living with Type 1 Diabetes and wanted to connect with you for support, would you be OK with that? If yes, how could they contact you?  Yes, via Facebook or email is fine.

In your opinion, what is the hardest part about living with Type 1 Diabetes and why? The hardeest part is knowing right  now I can't cure my son of this disease and it takes over his body daily. I can only "manage" it and some days even though I'm trying my hardest, I feel like a failure.

Can you say/think of anything positive you have found about living with T1 Diabetes since diagnosis? Healthier lifestyle, better outlook on life and how precious it is, take it one day at a time.

What can you think of that you allow, despite of caring for a child with T1? Clifford does everything he used to with the exception to indulging in candy and cookies :)

What diabetes-charitable organization, if any, do you support and why? DRI (Diabetes Research Institute) and Dr. Faustman's research

Do you have a blog about diabetes? Bridget Writes
Facebook profile? Yes, CLICK HERE
Facebook Fan Page? Yes, CLICK HERE

What advice would you give to a family newly diagnosed? Hang in there, it does get better even though it might seem like your world has come crashing down, the sun will rise again and you will just have a new "norm".

What 3 things would you like more families not living with Type 1 Diabetes to know? 1.) Diabetes is an unpredictable disease, 2.) My son can still eat things normal kids can. 3.) His Type1 diabetes cannot be reversed /and or he can't grow out of it.

Do you work outside the home, work from home, or are you a stay at home mom? I am a work at home mom at ChaCha and Demand Studios, and I'm an IBO with Amway Global


Thank you Bridget for being our First Ever "D-Mom" to be featured on our blog and allowing us to get "Inside YOUR Sugar Free Mind"!! Thank you for sharing Cliffy's diagnosis story with us, for striving for a cure, and for being a wonderful, supportive friend!

Do you want to be a featured "D-Mom", "D-Dad", or T1 here?  Would you like to get your diagnosis story heard? Want to be interviewed? Then shoot me an email at T1DTeamLenny@gmail.com with the subject title: "Interview"!

A Funny Story, and New Announcement!

I just had to share this funny story with you all!

Last night, while my husband and I had dentist appointments, we were sitting in the office room waiting for the doctor to come back in. Lenny somehow starts talking about teeth falling out.

So, we go into the story about the "tooth fairy" with him, and explained to him that she gives him money for every tooth he looses!

Without missing a beat... the first thing out of his mouth was:

"Money that I can donate for a cure??"

This little guy, he never ceases to amaze me!

We told him that if he wants to donate his money to a cure, he can. Or he can use it to buy a toy, or save it, or do whatever he wants with it... its his money!

Earlier in the visit, as he was talking to the nurse and doctor while I was getting some dental work done, out of the blue he told them that he has diabetes. All I could do was smile. I am so proud of him for being willing and brave to tell even perfect strangers that he has diabetes!

Now, for my exciting announcement!

We have a new project launching soon, right here on Sugar Free CandyLand!

We will be interviewing one D-mom, (and dads!!!), as well as adults with Type 1 Diabetes! We will feature one person living with Type 1 every Thursday, so be sure to drop by and check out what other parents and adults with Type 1 have to say!

Would you like to be interviewed, too?

Email us at T1DTeamLenny@gmail.com with the subject title "Interview" to express your interest in sharing your story with us!