Carb Dictionary

20 months ago when we were forced to start a new journey of life that involved Type 1 Diabetes, I heard stories of people who knew carb counts by heart.  It amazed me at the time to think that some one can look at a plate of food and calculate the carbs off the top of their heads while I was meticulously scouring the Calorie King book that is a T1D companion.  I couldn't imagine life without that book and there was always a copy right beside the insulin. 

Christmas morning I had an "ah-ha" moment and I had to smile to myself.  I hit a milestone!  And while I know that very few people will understand, I am very proud of myself! 

After watching the girls open their presents and playing a little bit with the toys, we needed to eat breakfast so that the girls would eat lunch when we went to Great Grandma & Grandpa's.  While getting the cereal poured, Ellee checks her sugar.  When I heard the beep, I glanced at the meter with hopes that she wasn't through the roof from the night before.  A huge smile: 90! 

Last Christmas and Thanksgiving were a nightmare for me.  Anyone with a 4 year old knows that it's hard to keep track of what they eat at a holiday buffet.  These meals are stressing with a child that you have to give medicine to for them to be able to process the food they eat.  Did they eat everything you gave them?  Did they sneak any food that you don't know about?  It's a wing and a prayer - you just have calculate and watch for hypo/hyper signs.

This year was better.  I haven't looked at the carb book for a while.  Some times I'm slightly off, but 95% of the time in range.  Dinner on Christmas Eve consisted of Ellee snacking on the assortment of food.  Did I panic or freak out because I didn't see the portions, No!  I smiled and allowed her to be a kid and enjoy one of the best things about Christmas - all the great food!  I calculated the carb intake for what I knew she ate and dosed her.  The next morning - 90!  Not only did I keep her within range, but I had her right at her target number! 

I smiled to myself because I am right where I want to be:  controlling this disease, not letting it control us!  If we have to live with this, we will make the best of it!