Mosquitos’ Quest for The Sweet One

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Reva

Gather around fellow mosquitos. Closer, I won’t bite. Oh wait, yes I will. Haha only kidding. Let me tell you a story about the human of all humans. The most rare and mystifying human treat that ever existed. Most of you will go your whole little mosquito lives without ever experiencing the delectable blood of this human. But for a lucky select, you will experience a meal far beyond your wildest expectations. For you see, this human has blood that is intoxicatingly sweet in flavor. They are called diabetics but we call them “The Sweet One”. One drop and you will think that you died and went to heaven. You can smell these divine humans from over 50 meters away. Their thrilling scent will lull you towards them. Follow that scent!

Now listen to me, if you ever to happen upon The Sweet One, suck as much blood as you can! Do you understand?! Don’t stop at one bite, keep going! Call your friends over, all of them! You do not want to miss out on this opportunity to indulge in the treat of a lifetime!

You’re probably thinking, how can such a human exist. Sweet, sugary blood? Impossible! Well, I fly before you having tasted this coveted blood myself. Sure I almost died trying to taste it, but you know what? It was worth it.

So fly forth my mosquito brethren, and feast upon The Sweet One!

Image from http://www.rosslab.neurobio.pitt.edu/mbi/

This is seriously what I think mosquitos say to each other. I’ve always been a mosquito magnet, accumulating more bug bites each summer than everyone else. I joke and say it’s because my blood is so sweet, but I’m not sure if there is any scientific fact to that. The closest I could find was Mike’s post on Diabetes Mine where his vet told him people with diabetes are more susceptible to bug bites, including mosquito and fleas. Anecdotal evidence however, seems to clearly supports this.

Either way, every mosquito that gets a bite of me (there were over 20 in the past 2 days!), better realize how lucky he is to have bitten The Sweet One!

Quarter of a Century Birthday Bash!

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Reva

Today’s my 25th birthday! I invited my diabetes to the party…well, kind of.

#FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Reva

Background: If you aren’t familiar with the meme #FirstWorldProblems, here’s an explanation I found that pretty much sums it up:

“First World Problems are frustrations and complaints that are only experienced by privileged individuals in wealthy countries. It is typically used as a tongue-in-cheek comedic device to make light of trivial inconveniences.”

You can check out some examples on twitter.

Anyway, it got me thinking about some privileged inconveniences related to Type 1 Diabetes. With so many very real obstacles and challenges to deal with everyday, it is nice every once in awhile to try to see the more trivial problems and the comedic side of dealing with diabetes as well. Although I must admit, it was pretty hard to think of these.

If you have any that you’d like to add, I’d love to hear them!

The store only has the generic glucose tablets left #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

My new pink CGM clashes with my colored case #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

This packet of fruit snacks for my low doesn’t have any of my favorite flavors in it #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

I bolused for those chips but now I don’t feel like eating them #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

My friend thinks all these people are calling me when my purse vibrates, but really I have no messages and its just my CGM going off #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

My infusion set tape leaves funky tan lines when I’m tanning #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

My CGM is going off in the other room, but I don’t want to get out of bed to read it #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

My glucose meter isn’t backlit so I can’t read it in the dark #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

They were out of pink colored infusion sets, so I had to order blue #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

The free drinks at this event are all regular and not diet #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

I have all these free glucose meters but they all use a different brand of test strips #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

When people ask if my insulin pump is a pager, I feel like I seem outdated and behind the times #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

My lulu lemon yoga pants don’t have pockets for my pump #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

My outlet is full and I can’t charge my glucose meter, CGM, iPhone, and laptop all at the same time #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

My CGM doesn’t have a tone that I like #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

The sugar-free option tastes bad #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

I always end up with more syringes than infusion sets at the end of the month and have to change my order the next time #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

There are 1000 diabetes related apps for droids but only 600 for iOS #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

The coffee shop is out of Splenda #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

All my diabetes devices wont fit in the clutch that matches my outfit #FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

My insulin pump is only dunk proof and not water proof
#FirstWorldDiabetesProblems

Dear GiGi, From Management

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Reva

Dear Dexcom G4 Platinum (or Gigi for short),

I want to extend a personal welcome to you as you take up your new residency at Arm for the next 10-14 days. I know that the move was slightly difficult, especially one handed, so I’m glad to see that you are settling in nicely. This must be a big adjustment for you, being somewhere completely new, but I think you’ll enjoy the change of scenery while the restoration occurs at your previous location at Abdomen. I’m hoping that you will continue to stick around.

Gigi, if we’re being completely honest with one another, I was a little hesitant to allow you to move to your current location. It’s nothing personal, it’s just that the last occupant was a bit of a pain. I’m hoping that you and I won’t have to deal with similar issues. As you may have noticed, your new location is a bit more public. I’d appreciate it if you could lie low, but I realize that unfortunately, that’s not really part of your design.

I hope that you are comfortable though, Gigi. The area you are inhabiting is a little too cushiony for my liking, but perfect conditions for you. I know how you enjoy having that little extra to pinch. Your location is under continuous renovations; I’m looking for a sleeker, stronger look, but it’s a work in progress.

There is another reason why I’m writing to you though, besides to welcome you. I’ve actually had a few complaints from some guests about you being extra “grabby” and “clingy”. This particular complaint was a bit concerning from Purse Strap:

“I was minding my own business, attempting to disembark from Shoulder when Gigi aggressively grabbed me and I got hooked around her, causing me to yank her and eliciting a yelp from the Human. I was both startled and deeply dismayed.”

Similar complaints were filed from Shirt, Bra Strap and Sweater. I’m asking that you please stop getting caught up with our guests. If you can refrain from this activity, I believe that you will have a smooth and enjoyable stay at Arm.

Thank you for your understanding. I appreciate your service and trust that we will not have any more problems in the future.

Sincerely,

Management