Trekking With Diabetes

I have had type 1 diabetes for 21 years, and reading your article (“Tips to Trip By,” May ’08, p. 42) made me think of a trip that I took last summer. I hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, battling altitude sickness and dehydration the whole way.

Thank goodness for my pump and my loving boyfriend, who helped me go the distance and complete the trek. It is true—with the correct preparation you can travel anywhere and do anything!

Ali Grobe
Washington, D.C.

A Traveler’s Tips

I have also backpacked and traveled around the world quite a bit. I am now 72 and have had diabetes since I was 17. I am still in excellent health, and I’m a farmer.

I have a couple of comments on where I’ve run into trouble on my travels. Take extra test strips! They go fast when traveling—when you really need to know how your blood glucose is doing—and you cannot find some strips in many countries, let alone on top of a mountain.

You mentioned good items for a food pack for lows, but failed to mention the best: dried plums. They are easy to carry and they keep very well.

Ken Lindauer
Via the Internet

A Good Doc

I found the guest editorial “In Your Own Words” (May ’08, p. 9) quite interesting. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in April 2006, at age 53. After reading your article, I realize even more what a wonderful endocrinologist I have. She always asks me how I am doing and what she can do for me, and she is always sincere.

She is a wonderful diagnostician as well. She believes in me, which in turn gives me the confidence to keep on track. She encouraged me to take the step of getting an insulin pump.

My husband recently lost his job, and we do not have insurance coverage at the present time. But my doctor has made sure that I have enough insulin on hand until we are able to get affordable insurance coverage.

Connie Engel
Comfort, Texas

More on Celiac Disease?

The May ’08 issue had a small article on celiac disease (“A Tricky Diagnosis,” p. 35). I have been diabetic for 27 years and was diagnosed when I was 3 years old. I have done the insulin injections and got an insulin pump in 1998. I thought life was great until 2007, when I got the shocking diagnosis of celiac disease.

The article touched on the disease, but it made it seem like it is no big deal. It is actually very challenging to find foods that you can eat with celiac disease, and still be okay with your blood glucose levels. More information on celiac disease would be helpful for newly diagnosed patients.

Christy Lockhart, RN
Boiling Springs, S.C.

Diabetes Camps: Life-Changing

Your article “Happy Campers” (May ’08, p. 46) about ADA Diabetes Camps reminded me of my daughter Kelly’s experience. The year she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 10, her thoughts on the subject were: “I’m not going to any diabetes camp!” The following year she agreed to try it; and what a change it made in her life.

My daughter had been the only child in her school with diabetes, and at camp she finally met others who shared the same daily routine that she had to go through.

She continued to attend American Diabetes Association Camp for Kids with Diabetes held at Rotary Camp Sunshine near Rochester, N.Y., and became a counselor-in-training, and then worked as a counselor for many years. She has made lifelong friendships at this camp.

As for me, camp helped me feel comfortable with her going away from home for the first time, because of the experienced staff. I even became one of those staff members, working as a nurse coordinator, and the tremendous experience I gained led me forward to becoming a certified diabetes educator. Diabetes camp is definitely life-changing!

Cindy Tornes, RN, CDE
Pittsford, N.Y.

I am delighted to read the positive responses about summer camp (Mail Call, June ’08, p. 14). My 13-year-old son will be attending diabetes camp (Camp Kno-Koma in Charleston, W.Va.) for his sixth time this summer. It is a wonderful experience for the campers, and a learning experience that cannot be duplicated.

The kids spend 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with new friends and in new situations. The volunteer staff are all saints in my book.

My husband and I have volunteered to help the staff pack their medical, sport, craft, and other supplies on the last day. Parents, I urge you to volunteer to help, if you can. The staff do a terrific job, and deserve some thanks.

My son plans to be a counselor in a few years. What a wonderful way to say thanks for all the help he has received!

Judy Smith
Hurricane, W.V.

Keep Up the Exercise

The article “Powering Up: How to take a walk to the next level” (May ’08, p. 29) was tops. I’ve Nordic-walked for about three years now, and can do nothing but shout about the benefits. I have really enjoyed the articles on exercise.

Roger Woodward
Park Hill, Okla.

Diabetes Impacts Women Differently

I was glad to read the sidebar in the May issue, “Focus on Women” (p. 62), about how this ADA work group is paying attention to how diabetes specifically affects women.

I have type 1 diabetes and was diagnosed 9 years ago at age 30. It was certainly a shock, but more shocking are the challenges I have faced since my diagnosis.

I immediately began insulin therapy and have now used a pump for 5 years. I have not had children, and we are not certain that it is a possibility. I have also struggled with balancing work, a husband, and three stepsons, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. My greatest challenge is putting my diabetes care first without feeling selfish or guilty.

I am certain other women experience the same challenges, and the formation of the Women’s Work Group confirms this. Thank you for doing this, and I look forward to seeing the results of this project.

Erin LaCoste
Flint, Texas