Alright, so it's been a long time since my last post but this summer I'm going to create a new habit of updating this frequently. Today's post is about the transition from school to home.
So I'll be the first to admit that while I'm at school my diabetes management is lackluster. I check my blood sugars semi-regularly (throughout the day, don't go crazy) and input carbs as I eat but my regiment doesn't get more detailed than that.
Summer break changes many things, including how I handle my diabetes. Keep in mind I do have a younger brother with type 1 and two loving parents who are used to being full-time diabetes managers for a 14 year old.
When I go home my management goes as follows:
Day 1-5: minimal blood glucose checks, maximum carb counting and inputting, medium lying to parents
Now parents, don't freak out at this whole "lying" thing I just admitted to. It's not detrimental to anyone. But when I come home my parents shift into maximum overdrive with nagging and reminding me to check, to carb, to not eat this and remember to eat that, that sometimes just nodding my head yes and pretending that I did half of the things they ask me about is easier. It won't hurt anyone if I didn't actually have a second helping of salad at dinner, or if I forgot to put in my carb count until I was already sitting down for a meal.
Day 5-7: medium blood glucose checks, maximum carb counting and inputting, maximum lying to parents
Okay this is the peak of the "yes, mom" phase. After reaching the end of the normal week away from school and at home, parents think they are once again in control of everything. Newsflash: I am going into my senior year of college and nine times out of ten the decisions I make and act upon are my own and because of me. That is not to diminish the love I have for my parents, it's simply a statement of fact. Regardless of my motivation and actual decisions, however, it is crucial for both my sanity and my mom's sanity at this phase to ensure that she believes that she is in control. So I play along and nod my head at appropriate times, of course.
It's also worth noting, however, that this is also the peak phase of annoyance at said reminders. I felt like a drone every time either of my parents asked what my number was or when was the last time I checked, and especially if they asked me how many carbs I put into my pump. I've been at this as long as you have, mom and dad, have some faith.
Day 7-10: medium BG checks, medium carb counting and inputting, medium lying to parents
Once the routine is found and annoyance is only simmering instead of boiling, the system gets better. I improve upon my BG checking because I have my brother to give an example to (note my habits don't change because of my parent's nagging), I keep up a similar routine of carb counting, and my lying turns to a steady medium where I pick and choose what to tell them, but they don't know I'm picking and choosing.
From here on out the summer typically switches between phases of day 5-7 and 7-10. Being at home certainly improves my diabetes care, which I appreciate, but it also sometimes makes my eye twitch.
Having not been home for the summer in over a year, I notice the change in patterns much more than I did before. The comments by my mom over the phone while I'm at school, while still grating, are appreciated a bit more. That's not to say that when having the conversation about "making sure you're having protein with dinner, especially when you're making complex carbs like pasta" when in reality I'm making top ramen in my microwave because I have a midterm to study for, I change my tune. I will definitely continue to blindly nod my head yes from time to time.
I am learning to adjust back into home life, however, and am appreciating the diabetes-related reminders more than hate them as the pattern progresses.
I'll keep you updated in the months to come!
Best,
Heather
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