I’m a bit different than most of the diabetes bloggers. I have Type 2, and use quite a few medical devices.
The first is an insulin pump — and there are other Type 2’s with pumps. I also have a CPAP machine and finally a lap band.
Yes, I am overweight. I have both genetic and environmental reasons for obesity, and there is a chicken and egg thing going on here, because I have had obstructive sleep apnea for at least 20 years as a result of a car accident. There is a link between obstructive sleep apnea, over weight and insulin resistance.
The genetic component is very strong — my father died of cardio vascular complications of diabetes as did his parents. All before they hit 65, in fact, my father was 46. The good news, I know this. My mother was diagnosed with diabetes in her 70s.
The environment component is very strong too. Grew up eating steak and potatoes, and of course, gravy. I’m a much healthier cook than my mother was, since my father was diagnosed young. I still have problems with choices. Thus the lapband.
The good news, is that I’ve lost 40 pounds since the lap band. The bad news is that it has taken a year to lose that 40 pounds.
As a result of diabetes and the insulin pump, I spend a lot of time checking my blood sugar and a lot of time at an endocrinologist office. Insulin also makes it heard to lose weight.
I try to be active — I run dog agility — right now competing with one dog and just started training the other. I haven’t taught them to alert but it does seem to affect them. Hey, one has only been with me for a week, give her time.