I have gone head over heels searching for a way to make it all work. Studying, getting more involved with extracurricular activities and making time for friends. I don't even have a job; makes me wonder how others juggle. But back to the relevant points - this is a diabetes blog indeed.
Two weeks ago I went to a concert with my dad (a group called Best Coast should you inquire) in SF. It probably wasn't the best call to make, as it was on a Tuesday night. I wasn't sure what time it would end at and how long it would take to get back to my dorm either. But I didn't want to let my dad down so I readily went.
The venue was quite crowded and we had minimal time to eat dinner beforehand. We ate at a little hole-in-the-wall sandwich joint whose name eludes me. I got a vegan sandwich (new lifestyle choice, don't judge ;) The vegetables tasted a bit odd and were unnatural in coloration, but I paid little attention. We then entered the Fillmore and enjoyed the show.
Cut to Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. Couldn't steal a single second of shuteye. Nausea ensued and the situation only worsened. I knew immediately that I had food poisoning. Never had it before, but I thought I could ride it out. For the next 3 days I projectile vomited and retched whatever I could (pretty much only water after day 1), couldn't eat at all and went to class. My blood glucose skyrocketed out of control regardless of injections and corrections.
The lesson to be learned is that sometimes some things cannot be handled alone. It was a vicious cycle wherein food poisoning was the cause but not the perpetuator. I couldn't eat for the first few days, which led to a breakdown of muscles and mighty thews. The rush of nutrients from tissue expenditure caused surging glucoses and ketones - a condition known as Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). I was severely weakened. So, I checked into the ER and sat tight for two days as I was brought back to steady glucose levels and a state of non-decay.
Moral of the story, get help should you need it. On a more positive note, the Bay Area Diabetes Summit was great! The children that I took care of seemed to enjoy it and, as per usual, Carb DM and DYF had a great set-up for parents and children. There was a good roster of diabetes non-profits and resources (including one such organization known as DASH :) out to inform the populous and spread awareness. And that always gives me the warm fuzzies. Good vibes all around.
Stay informed y en buena salud! Keep posted,
-Patrick
