The conference was run by Dr. Steven V. Edelman, founder and director of TCOYD. I scrambled to take notes on the flurry of information that he delivered. He impressed me with his vast knowledge of the three forms of diabetes, his eagerness to improve the quality of life of those living with the disease (including himself), and his quips.
After the first morning session, we spent an hour perusing the health fair. We visited the various booths, collected pamphlets and samples, and chatted with representatives. The most informative booth for me happened to be Dexcom.
I have become increasingly more interested in obtaining a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) due to my frequent bouts with hypoglycemia. The benefits of a CGM include: a tighter rein on glucose control, reduced highs and lows, and it gives the possibility of achieving stellar A1C levels without the risk of life-threatening hypoglycemic episodes.
Everyone I came in contact with spoke very highly of Dexcom's continuous glucose monitor. We spent a great deal of time speaking with one of the Dexcom representatives and I feel confident that this is the brand I will use. My reasons include:
- Better control: I regularly test my glucose levels with approximately 8-10 fingersticks a day. The CGM tests around 288 times a day.
- Trend Graphs: These graphs inform me if I am on the rise or decline.
- Sensor: Dexcom's sensor is small and can be worn up to seven days.
- Bluetooth: The sensor delivers information to a wireless handheld device.
- Hypo Safety Alarm: Above all else, this is the biggest selling point for me. This alarm informs me if I am at or below 55 mg/dl and cannot be dismissed. Thank you, Dexcom! I look forward to getting a full night of rest without the fear of unnoticed lows resulting in a coma!
Our second morning session commenced with Aaron Kowalski, PhD, Research Director JDRF, speaking about the artificial pancreas project. The artificial pancreas would ease the risk of user error with two devices emitting information to the computer, that would then release the appropriate amounts of insulin and glucagon to the body. It goes one step beyond the pump and closer to a cure!
After a banquet-style lunch, we made our way back for the afternoon program. I greatly enjoyed the sessions where I got to sit and listen to two men I had the privilege of speaking with earlier on in the day.
Charlie Kimball opened the first workshop, speaking about his career as an open-wheel racecar driver, life with diabetes, and how it hasn't stopped him from following his dreams. He performs careful monitoring behind the wheel with his Dexcom CGM taped to the wheel and an emergency tube of orange juice running through his helmet-- very creative!
Douglas Cairns gave his story at the closing session. Originally a Royal Air Force pilot, Cairns developed type 1 diabetes at the age of twenty-five, during the time he was serving. He developed the symptoms associated with the disease and went to the doctor out of concern. His doctor informed him that he had diabetes and was permanently grounded. His dreams were shattered, but he didn't give up on flying, eventually coming to the United States where people living with type 1 diabetes are permitted to fly personal planes. To date, Douglas has set a world record and flies his aircraft to raise money for diabetes research. He is a great example of a person that was dealt a bad hand and turned it into good.
I am so happy my father and I attended the TCOYD Conference & Health Fair. It was a great resource for me and it gave me the opportunity to discuss topics with people within the diabetes community.
Best part of the day? Drum roll please... two and a half months after being diagnosed, my A1C is...
6.6%!
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