This weekend, like so many parents, Slade and I struggled with how to talk to our children about the unthinkable tragedy in Sandy Hook. We agreed right away that we wanted to have some sort of conversation with our son and daughter before they went back to school. But how to explain something that makes…
Good BG control came up recently when I spoke to a few parents considing an insulin pump for their child with diabetes. I love the pump (we have the Animas One Touch Ping). Benny’s been using his for more than five years and it allows flexibility and precise dosing. No shots is a nice bonus,…
It’s true. I’m leaving WBT. December 14th will be my last day. I wasn’t fired and, as of this writing, I haven’t been replaced. This was my choice. I don’t have a new job; this is either the dumbest or the bravest thing I’ve every done. Maybe it’s both. There are a few reasons for…
This is Diabetes Awareness Month so there are a lot of events to tell you about. First up was a first for me. Tending bar! I was asked to be a Celebrity Bartender at VBGB in uptown Charlotte, along with NASCAR legend Humpy Wheeler and JDRF Board president Mark Copeland. All our tips went to…
This is the obligatory post where I tell you that my son can go trick or treating. He can eat any sort of candy and please don’t give him the sugar free stuff. But this will be our sixth(!) Halloween since Benny’s diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and we’re so used to the routine it’s…
Looking forward to a diabetes camp reunion at the ADA walk next month. We’ve got our own team of walkers and the ADA is giving away a free week of camp to one lucky family. Benny had a great experience his first time at camp this summer – this week our local CBS affiliate interviewed us about it. Benny was excited…
The little things make me happy. We replace the cartridge in Benny's insulin pump about every three days. It's always a balance between using up as much insulin as possible and making sure it doesn't empty while Benny's at school or sleeping. I hate the waste, but I can't take a chance he'll tap out. We usually make it…
I took the baby monitor out of my son's room. He's 7. I know what you're thinking - that's way too soon. No? Well, you probably don't have a child with type 1 diabetes. One of our biggest fears is an overnight low blood sugar. Low BG (hypoglycemia) is dangerous at any time, but sleeping through it is something else altogether. If you're asleep, you can't…
Had a great time at Give Back With Zach earlier this month. It's a big party for the first Panthers away game and helps raise money for childhood cancer. There's a wonderful story here, but it's really better told by my coworker Keith Larson. This event always looks like a good time, but we've never been able to…
I gave my annual diabetes talk to Benny's class this week. I always have fun with that and he enjoys being the center of attention that day. This year, Benny wore his JDRF Walk shirt to class, but kept it hidden under a sweatshirt until it was time for our talk. Then he dramatically unzipped –…