T1D Story-Book Set

Posted on November 23, 2018 by Buckroth

Regarding the endless and heartfelt California wildfires with resultant calamities, 2018, monetary efforts to help displaced and wounded animals has been arranged through the NCPA (Northern California Publishers & Authors organization).

As one of many author members of this organization, I am happy and grateful to participate in this multi-author book-signing fundraiser in the FieldHaven Marketplace, 454 F Street, Lincoln, California on Saturday, November, 24, 2018 from 11 am to 3 pm. This will assist the FieldHaven Center with their ongoing rescue efforts and medical care of numerous animals affected by the Northern California wildfires.

Happily, I am donating three sets of books, three books per set, as they pertain to a diabetic dog:

“Me & My Money…a child’s story of diabetes,” written by A. K. Buckroth, illustrated by Amy Pichly-Meyer.
“Me & My Monet Too…a child’s story with diabetes, Book Two” written by A. K. Buckroth, illustrated by Amy Pichly-Meyer.
“Kisses for Cash, Kali’s story…T1D meets T2D, Book Three,” written and illustrated by A. K. Buckroth.

This series begins with Kali, an eight-year old T1D (Type One Diabetic). Diagnosed with this disease at the age of two, she firmly believes she knows everything about this disease. Until she decides to use her saved-up allowance to adopt a puppy, her responsibilities grow! Appropriately naming the puppy Money, they become beloved friends.

Then something huge happens! Through Kali’s knowledge of this disease, she has suspicions – suspicions that turn out right…Money is diagnosed with diabetes!

In Book Two, Kali, now ten years old, comes across more personal challenges and responsibilities that expand her knowledge of her and Money’s diabetes. Courage continues with school, friends, projects, adventures, and necessary social adjustments.

Book Three introduces us to one of Money’s great adventures and what he finds in the nearby river. Quite riveting. Can you imagine what that could be? That’s not all, oh no. For one thing, Kali’s Grandmother, a T2D, comes to live with Kali and her parents. Surprise, surprise, surprise! Can you guess what Grandma does? Well, this is where Cash comes to play.

As this particular Saturday has become known as “Small Business Saturday,” hopefully that will help with attendance.

For more information, contact the NCPA – www.norcalpa.org.

This event is about giving and helping innocent animals in their time of need.

Thank you for your support!
ML Hamilton, President NCPA; Denise Lee Branco, author and event coordinator; A. K. Buckroth, author & participant.
Posted by Andrea Roth (aka: A. K. Buckroth)

“Hitting a Nerve: My Diagnosis Story” by TeganLane

Posted on November 23, 2018 by Buckroth

The Faded Denim Dress:
As I sat on the floor next to my 3rd grade cubby, I carefully chose the thickest part of my tiny eight year old thigh, and pinched a few inches between my thumb, and index finger. “Does it hurt?” my class mate asked, as she intensely monitored my every move… cringing, wincing, squirming, knowing what was coming next. “Yes, of course, it hurts,” was the answer that came to mind, but instead, I shook my head, and with a down turned smile of sympathy “No, I’m use to it” were the words that came from my mouth.
I pushed the needle into my tender skin until I broke its first layer, injected myself with a roughly calculated amount of insulin, snapped the bright orange cap back onto the tiny syringe, threw my kit back into my cubby, and walked, with my slightly queasy friend, back to our elementary school’s cafeteria for lunch time.
My Mom tells me I was such a nervous child. Nervous and sickly… “you were scared of everything! Chronically anxious. I mean you were terrified of eve-ry-thing! I’m talking about two or three nurses having to hold you down to give you a shot. And Oh my God, loud noises. You seriously almost had a heart attack when the firetruck came to your preschool. I didn’t believe you’d be able to handle it…” —It’s been terribly hard being brave
It was the weekend before Halloween in 1996. My mom had taken my brothers, and I to stay at Lake Byrd Lodge, a spacious, wooden structure, built on the shores of Lake Byrd. “There was candy laid out for you kids all over the lodge,” my mom recalls to me. “Treats for Halloween. I didn’t notice anything funny about your behavior that weekend. You were eating a ton of sugar, but so was everyone else”
The following Monday we headed to my pre-school at Plymouth Congregational Church in Coral Gables, FL. My mom hadn’t remembered, but that morning was picture day… she was in a major tizzy about my less than perfect outfit. So, she grabbed me by my little hand, and dragged me to the church’s, “poor box.” As she shuffled through the pile of hand-me-downs something caught my attention, I was fixated on a faded denim dress. “This one,” I said to her, and she slipped me into the cloth I would remain in for the next seven days.
We stopped by my pediatrician’s office for a quick visit that afternoon when I came home whining about a tummy ache. After running some routine tests, Dr. Vega came in to our examination room visibly upset. “Do you or your husband have any chronic illnesses?” “No.” Mom answered. “What kind of diseases run in your family?” he pried on. “What’s going on here?” She questioned, “What’s wrong? You’re starting to scare me.”
When I arrived to the hospital soon after my blood sugar was in the 800s, the highest reading the Miami Children’s Hospital staff had ever seen. I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes that day, when I was four years old
I remember being scared. I remember missing home. I remember all the people who came to visit. I remember my dad crying. And my mom being taught how to administer shots by practicing on an orange over, and over, and over again. But mostly I remember trick or treating through the pediatric ICU. That year I was a wolf.
I have never lived in a reality without needles, finger pricks, calorie counting, or portion control. It’s all I’ve ever known, and for that I am thankful. But as I’ve grown, lived and learned, navigated the complexities of life, I have realized the profound effect my diabetes has had on me, and how I’ve pretended for so long that it didn’t.
As a child the embarrassment I felt about my chronic illness was constant heartache. Like most young kids, I wanted so badly to fit in, not to be different, but I was, and I hated my disease for it, in turn I began to hate myself.

Diabetes Emergency Preparedness Plan from the Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition

Posted on November 15, 2018 by Buckroth

“DO YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAVE DIABETES AND USE INSULIN?

“Make a plan to stay healthy during natural disaster or emergency. Managing diabetes can be even harder when you are dealing with a major storm, loss of electricity, and possible evacuation from your home. Building a “diabetes kit” now can save a lot of worry and time when a disaster strikes.

“A checklist template is included for your use. Your diabetes kit can be stored in an easy-to-carry waterproof bag or container to hold the documents, information, and supplies that you will want to have with you.

“Important Information to Keep In Your Kit – Write down or copy the following:

• Type of diabetes you have

• Other medical conditions, allergies, and previous surgeries

• Current medications, doses, and time you take them. Include your pharmacy name, address and phone number.

• Previous diabetes medications you have taken

• A letter from your diabetes care team with a list of your most recent diabetes medications, if possible.

• A copy of your most recent laboratory result, like A1C results

• Make, model and serial number of your insulin pump or CGM. Include pump manufacturer’s phone number in case you need to replace your device.

• Doctor’s name, phone number, and address

• Phone numbers and email addresses for your family, friends, and work. Include out-of-town contacts.

• A copy of your health insurance card • A copy of your photo ID • Cash

Source: Adapted from American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) – My Diabetes Emergency Plan.

For additional emergency preparation resources for people with diabetes, visit: http://mydiabetesemergencyplan.com/ and www.DiabetesDisasterResponse.org • Questions? Call 765-314-DDRC (765-314-3372).

• Additional week supply (or more) of all medications, including insulin and Glucagon, if prescribed. If you lose power and you have unused insulin, don’t throw it out! In an emergency, it is okay to use expired or non-refrigerated insulin.

• Protect your insulin pump from water.

• Supplies to check your blood sugar, like testing strips and lancets. Don’t forget extra batteries!

• Extra supplies for insulin pump or CGM • Cooler and reusable cold packs • Note: Do NOT use dry ice and do not freeze the medication

• Empty plastic bottle or sharps container to safely carry syringes, needles and lancets

• Items to treat high blood sugar such as pump supplies (infusion sets) and/or syringes

• Items to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), like:

• Juice • Hard candy (not sugar-free) • Regular soda • Glucose tablets

• Honey • Glucagon

Other Supplies to Pack

• 2-day supply of non-perishable ready-to-go food, like:

• Pre-packaged tuna, beans, cheese and cracker snacks etc.

• Nuts or nut butters • High-fiber/protein granola bars • Dried fruits

• Anything according to dietary restrictions

• A 3-day supply of bottled water (or more) • Toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, trash bags

• Pen/pencil and notepad to record blood sugar, other test results and any new signs/symptoms

• First aid supplies like bandages, cotton swabs, and antibiotic ointments or creams

• Extra clothing, including socks and undergarments

• Cell phone and charging supplies for phone and pump including battery pack

• Flashlight and batteries

Other Recommendations

• Make sure that all your vaccinations are up-to-date.

• Choose a meeting place with your family in case you are separated.

Write down location and include in your kit.

• Wear a medical ID or medical alert bracelet or other form of identification in case you are

evacuated to a relief shelter.

• For children, write down name of school, address and phone number.

“NEED HELP? 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) Contact The American Diabetes Association Center For Information, MON.-FRI. 9:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M. ET. Representative are regularly updated with information on how to access medical support, shelters, pharmacies and more.

EMERGENCY DIABETES SUPPLY HOTLINE: 1-314-INSULIN (314-467-8546). The DDRC hotline has been activated for physicians and health care providers to notify us of diabetes supply shortages and request support.”

Pray, Pray, Pray

Posted on November 12, 2018 by Buckroth

“Why Catholics Say the Rosary”

“The Rosary as we know it was developed in the Middle Ages. It evolved out of an ancient practice in which people who could not read Scripture recited 150 Our Fathers for the 150 Psalms. Strings of beads, called ‘pater-nosters’ were used to keep track of the prayers.

“Over time, this practice merged with the Scriptures greeting to Mary (‘Hail Mary, full of grace…’) and with meditations on the lives of Christ and Mary.

“In groups or in a family, one person can say the first half of each prayer, while others respond with the second half.

“The Rosary is, at its heart, a biblical prayer, which is why Scripture verses are often used for meditation with each mystery.”

“How to Pray the Rosary”

“Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Pray the Apostles’ Creed while holding the crucifix (part of a set of Rosary beads.)
Pray an Our Father.
Pray three Hail Marys.
Pray the Glory Be, announce the first mystery, than pray an Our Father.
Pray ten Hail Marys (called a decade).
Pray the Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer.
Before each decade, announce the next mystery, followed by an Our Father. For each set of ten Hail Marys (or beads on the Rosary string), pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on the mystery.
After the five decades are completed, pray the Hail, Holy Queen and the concluding Rosary Prayer.”

In these 21st century days of strife and hardship, of neglect and forgotten promises, prayers are consoling to the human mind and soul.

When you need to know more, please let me know by leaving a comment.

Thank you…A. K. Buckroth

You’re Invited….

Posted on August 17, 2018 by Buckroth

Come Walk With Me! October 20th and/or October 7th.

Do you like to walk? Would you like to walk with me and others, many of whom you know? Many with whom you’ll become fascinated? Acquainted? Well, everybody’s got a story, right?

The following are Upcoming, 2018, Community Events, Family Friendly with a Wonderful Cause!

Walk4Literacy.org (google this link for all the informational details) has all the details you need to get involved. As I say, “Four miles ain’t nothin’.” Join me. Be a part, a peice.

AND…

Know a diabetic? Love a diabetic? care for a Diabetic?

Walk.JDRF.org October 7, 2018 AND/OR JDRF.org/NORCAL October 20, 2018

Through “Andrea’s Angels,” the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is making fundraising climes toward a cure for diabetes. Thorough details can be found in the links above. “What’s a cuppla more miles?” lol.

Cordially,

Andrea K. Roth (aka: A. K. Buckroth)

Traveling with Diabetes: Tips from JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)

Posted on August 9, 2018 by Buckroth

#Buckroth

Summer Travel Checklist

Planning a trip before summer ends?
Double check our packing list to make sure you have everything you need to manage your type 1 diabetes (T1D) wherever you go!

	A travel letter from your doctor with written approval to travel with insulin and syringes

	Insulin

	Syringes

	Insulin pens

	Test strips

	Lancets

	Ketone test strips

	Back-up snacks for quick carbs

	Emergency glucagon

	Equipment including blood glucose meters, CGMs and insulin pumps

You’ll find this packing list and more helpful ways to make the most of your summer—while keeping T1D in check—in JDRF’s Summer Guide.

GETTING IT OFF MY CHEST by Steve Liddick

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Buckroth

This blog regards the down side of complaining by award-winning author and publisher, Steve Liddick. I you are unfamiliar with Steve’s works, they can be found here: www.steveliddick.com.

I specifically posted this in mind of all the T1Ds around the world. You have been heard. This “reflection” is proof. Now, where was I? Oh….

GETTING IT OFF MY CHEST

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Steve

REFLECTIONS

by Steve Liddick

“You know how people say, “I don’t like to complain, but . . .?” Well, I don’t like to complain, Not just because it doesn’t do a bit of good to moan about this and that. No, I try to avoid complaining around other people because they don’t want to hear it. They have their own problems and don’t need to take on mine.

“You want to kill a conversation, just start complaining about something—anything—and watch as people drift away from you. The more often a discouraging word is heard, the more cloudy the skies are all day.

“Complaining takes many forms. Say you’re at a four-way stop intersection and some clodhopper pulls out in front you when it’s not his turn. You lay on your horn, make all kinds of specialty hand gestures, and scream nasty bits about the offender’s maternal parentage.

“Who do the other two drivers at the intersection get upset with? Not the aforementioned clodhopper who cut you off. They stare white-hot daggers at the guy making the fuss. Nobody likes a complainer?

“When people greet you with “Hi, how you doin’?” you are expected to say, “Great, how’re you?” Start unloading woes on them and watch as their eyes glaze over and they remember meetings they’re late for.

“I am here to tell you that, while nobody wants to hear your beefs, it is injurious to one’s health to keep it all bottled up. Something has got to give. An outlet must be found for the steam that is building, threatening to explode your head.

“Mental health professionals are of no use at all. In fact, when they say, “and how do you feel about that?” you know they’re not really listening and that just ticks me off that much more.

I can’t even get it out of my system by yelling at my wife. She knows where the frying pans are and I have to sleep sometime.”

Diabetes Research “Is Complicated”

Posted on July 16, 2018 by Buckroth

We’re excited to share with you the exciting research and progress being made on beta cell replacement therapies and what that means in our pursuit of a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D).

In our pancreas, we find beta cells: a type of cell located in the pancreatic islets that produce insulin. Unfortunately, in people with T1D, these cells are attacked and often destroyed by the body’s own immune system.

Scientists do not know why exactly this misguided attack happens, but recent studies are uncovering promising findings: that beta cells may become stressed before the onset of T1D and potentially trigger it and that we are born with a finite number of beta cells that die off in those with T1D. Some researchers are working on finding the cause of the immune attacks while others are focused on how to protect and replace beta cells. Restoring beta cell function could mean insulin independence—in essence, a cure. Below is a summary of how far your support has allowed us to progress in beta cell replacement therapies.

Islet Transplantation

Previous islet cell transplantations have showed a lot of benefits for those with T1D. Clinical trial patients have seen improvements in glycemic control and some islet recipients remained independent from insulin for up to five years. While these transplants are not possible for widespread use—there are a limited number of available transplants and a need for strong immunosuppressive drugs to protect the donor cells from the continued immune attacks—this research was a big step forward in T1D research and brought us closer to the next step: encapsulation.

Encapsulation

Encapsulation aims to take the benefits of islet transplantation while eliminating the need for immunosuppressive drugs. By adding a protective barrier to beta cells before they are implanted, we can shield them from immune system attacks while still allowing insulin and glucose to flow through the cells and the pancreas. Researchers are getting close. A recent partnership between Eli Lilly and Sigilon Therapeutics—based on JDRF-funded work—is testing a cell encapsulation strategy that would make beta cells essentially unrecognizable to the immune system and free to function as they are meant to, while Novo Nordisk has recently announced its commitment to bring beta cell replacement closer to clinical trials.

Gene Modification

Other studies are exploring how to protect cells from the immune system attack from another angle. JDRF-funded research is seeking the answer to a vital question: How can the beta cell protect itself from the immune attack, without the need for a capsule or coating to shield it? Based on exciting progress made in genome editing technologies, T1D researchers are looking to edit the DNA sequences in the beta cell responsible for attracting immune cells. This technology could eliminate, or lessen, the need for encapsulation altogether by altering beta cells to alleviate the stress that triggers the attack and to protect themselves from autoimmune attacks.

Beta cell replacement therapies have incredible potential to reduce and even eliminate the dependence of those with T1D on insulin. The research is complex, but we want to make sure you’re kept in the loop as the research unfolds because we know it will have tremendous impact for everyone connected to T1D.

Author of the Month, July, 2018!

Posted on July 14, 2018 by Buckroth

Author of the Month

	Award-winning author A. K. Buckroth’s books speak to understanding diabetes and how to deal with it. One in eleven Americans is diabetic and this topic truly deserves attention. For the interview with A. K., see http://junegillam.com/2018/07/09/a-diabetes-historian-delivers-life-saving-stories-in-style/	A. K. Buckroth, Award WInning Author

Viruses May Cause T1D and Other Autoimmune Diseases

Posted on June 7, 2018 by Buckroth

Posted in Diabetes Research NewsMay 22, 2018

“Viruses are the cause of many health conditions and affect the body in different ways. As scientists learn more about these viruses, they can develop targeted strategies for preventing and treating them. A major breakthrough was recently discovered involving a very common virus known as the Epstein-Barr Virus or EBV.

“EBV is most commonly known for causing mononucleosis (mono) or the “kissing disease” since it is often transmitted via saliva. By age 20, more than 90 percent of the population in developed countries will be infected by the disease. This rate spikes in under-developed countries with more than 90 percent of the population being affected by age 2. There is no cure for the virus – it remains in the body for life, though may not have a noticeable impact.

“However, researchers have found that the effect it can have at a cellular level may be more significant than previously realized. Scientists from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology have published a study potentially linking EBV to seven diseases, including T1D. One of the Diabetes Research Connection’s own Scientific Review Committee members, Matthias Von Herrath, was an author on an article cited by the study in its research.

“Typically, the body responds to viruses by increasing the production of antibodies by B cells. These antibodies then attack and destroy the virus. However, with EBV, the virus actually takes over the B cells and re-programs them using transcription factors. This alters the way that B cells respond and can change their basic function, which may increase the risk of developing other diseases. The scientists have narrowed it down to one factor in particular – the EBNA2 protein.

“Transcription factors associated with this protein attach to and change sections of person’s genetic code. Depending on where they attach, it could contribute to different diseases including T1D, lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and more. Identifying what is happening on a cellular level could help researchers to develop more targeted treatment options and potential cures for these diseases. The study also opens doors for more in-depth research regarding how transcription factors may affect other gene variants and diseases.

“These findings are very encouraging in better understanding some of the underlying factors that may contribute to T1D. More research is necessary to explore each disease in particular and the potential impact from EBV and the EBNA2 protein. The Diabetes Research Connection is excited to see where these discoveries may lead moving forward and how it could change the future of T1D treatment. The DRC provides funding to early-career scientists pursuing novel research studies on type 1 diabetes to improve prevention strategies, treatment options, and management techniques as well as potentially find a cure. Learn more about current projects and provide support by visiting http://diabetesresearchconnection.org.”

Happily copied and pasted for you by A. K. Buckroth, #buckroth.