Speak, Show and Tell…with author A. K. Buckroth

Consider this a [good] warning. Writing a Press Release for me has been intimidating. Not having used this form of communication since opening a sole-proprietorship in 1992, here I go again! I have been told time and time again that a Press Release is necessary. A Press Release has also been requested of me in order to share announcments in newsletters and newspapers. So be it – I will do it. However, much procrastination accompanies this task. You know what? I think I will have lunch and think further about my task-to-goal. Hmm. Would you care to join me? Two heads – or more – are always better than one! Thanks.

After having a bout with “insulin sensitivity” – another one of those confounding and numerous ‘sicknesses’ involved with diabetes, my endocrinologist gave me Apidra.  Due to using a buffered insulin called Novolog in my insulin pump for the last eight years, I felt it was time for a change.   I mean,  I physically could feel it was time for a change.  My  Novolog use had no longer fulfilled my expectations: blood sugar balancing.  It was just not working the way I wanted it to work!  My blood sugars were crazily sporadic for years until I went through a ‘bottoming-out period.’  After a reading of 512 with ketones, I was angry. 

As a pro-active and busy individual, my personal research into this quandary was self-convincing.  Sure, I was sick.  I blamed it on being ‘insulin sensitive.’  When my diabetes is out of control, not only is my body internally and outwardly ill, but my mind and spirit follow suit.  I can feel it.  My soul hurt.  I had to strongly convince this latest doctor that my insulin be changed.

As mentioned in “My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography,” a partial and personal belief to this conundrum involves the flippant hormone changes during menopause.  Through personal research once again, scientific research into this phase of a diabetic (woman’s) life is non-existent. You see, too many juvenile diabetics die before having the opportunity to experience this particular ‘adventure.’ 

The Apidra was a miracle solution!  After the first three hours of use, my blood sugar level not only dropped 200 points, but my self – inner and outer – became totally rejuvenated!  Amazing!  I could be happy once again!  Just a meagre three hours of use remedied months – months! – of issued fatigued and wearying fright.

After the initial focus of getting and maintaining wellness, I realized that storing and carrying this little vial of liquid preciousness was unexplainable. Throughout my life with this disease, insulin changes have occurred. No big deal.  But those vials were always the same shape and size, fitting perfectly into a necessary cold (refrigerate -able) carrying and storage case. However, Apridra vials are unique in shape and size.  They do not fit comfortably in any of the three carrying cases in my possession.

What to do?  Well, of course I researched wholesale and retail medical suppliers.  I even contacted the Apidra manufacturers. I was told “I know. I’m sorry.  We do not have a carrying case for that shape vial.”
Hmm.  As a Business major, my mind went to the learned topics of “marketing,” “forecasting,” “[consumer] forethought,” and [better] “product sales and distribution.”

Nothing has changed.  My requests go unheeded.  After four months of using this product, a much desired carrying case remains unavailable.
The design I have in mind is simple: expand the vial spaces in the existing case(s) specifically for the Apidra bottle.  Any takers?

Ahh, science.  Thank you for listening.

Strategizing with diabetes and life for half a century, I am proud to announce that I have been awarded a Bronze Medal and Certificate. Short of boasting, this honor confirms that I have been recognized for a remarkable achievement of a successful life with insulin-dependent diabetes. This fact, along with the life-saving and scientific development of oncoming facts concerning this disease, has inspired a prelude to another book. My brief biography may be found at www.MyDiabeticSoul.com.  I would like to commend all diabetics and their families for coping with this disease.  It certainly has been a challenge, but a blessed one.

Thank goodness I did not receive any new books for Christmas.  As an avid reader, I still have approximately 75 unread books to accomplish.  A usual 3 – 5 at-a-time book reader, I relish the opportunity to continue.   Happy reading to you!  A. K. Buckroth.

An e-mail friend of mine, Karen, just had her third kidney transplant.  Due to diabetes complications, this happened.  It is one of the facts of life with diabetes.  My kid-sister, Judy, awaits her third kidney.  All this to stay alive.  Judy has been on ‘the [kidney donor] list’ for four years now.  I think because her blood type is O-, which rare in itself, donors are scarce.