Unwanted Visitor.....

TALLIA

We wait all week for sunday because mostly everyone in our familly is self employed...but sundays are the day when the pace isn't so frenetic......we get things done on sunday that we cant do the rest of the week......simple things like laundry, showering, eating....only kidding we normally try to do these things more than once a week...maybe twice...at least the showering.....

I start with a run to the grocery store to get basics for the week......on my way to the store i go by my sister Donnas  to see if she needed anything at the store...noone home...i call her .......she is sitting in the grocery store parking lot of where i am going .... she is in the parking lot because tallia, my neice , is eating, she has to eat her blood sugar is low....."D" has intruded on their day.....ok fine....we can deal with "D"... an unwanted bother but we wave him away like an errant fly......he disappears for a while....we park and run into the store.....but before we run in we take necessary supplies.....keys debit, card and test kit.....i tuck the test kit into my shoulder tote so i dont put it down anywhere......i see donna stop in her tracks and turn to me and say  "do you have the test kit?" ....i immediately tap my pouch and reassure her that it is attached to my body, have no fear i wont put it down.....she visibly relaxes....first of all ...in case we need it for tallia to test....second....the damn thing is so expensive..we could not afford to lose it......health insurance would probable not cover it!!!! ...so once again, we have an unwanted visitor .."D"....please just give us a few hours off....even a few minutes......leave us alone for a little while.....

We are going to check out,... we seperate bags as we are in seperate cars, i am looking for the test kit...., where is the test kit?, always on your mind, i tuck it into her "BIG BAG O' LIFE" we leave in any vehicle Tallia is traveling in  .......i tell her i will follow her home because i want to see the new sewing machine she bought. (She has been challenged lately with the influx of orders from tallygear so she and her husband matthew decided to make the decision to invest in a new machine.....so off i was to see this new gizmo)

The sun is still out...the weather is beautiful, its nice and warm ....we inspect the new machine, donna sews a belt for me , giving me step by step commentary on the new and improved  machine.....it is so cool...and it will make her job easier of sewing, you can see she is happy.

We are sitting and talking about all this great stuff and tal asks if she can have a snack......sometimes you bolus , sometimes you test, this was a time to test.......330!......WTF!....tallie puts in for a correction and she looks up at us all and says " I have no insulin!".....WTF!...."D" cant you just leave us alone?
apparently her pump must have beeped low insulin, and she did not hear it...why isnt there a stop gap measure built in to the pump that it beeps until you acknowledge that your insulin is low or empty?!#$%^&&%%...i cant believe she or we did not hear it...(.i think the pump companies should consider putting in an alarm that can be only shut off manually.)

Right then and there, the day stops, and goes in a different direction, there is a quiet united effort to take care of "D".....we dont even like "D", why the hell do we have to keep taking care of him?....

We take care of "D" because it affects our beloved "T".....

9:00 p.m. ...hours later and "D" is still here......still battling a high of 277....."D" is like a spoiled child always wanting all the attention.....



   

tummietote under my scrubs

I recently had clinicals for a nursing assistant class I was taking. I needed to have a place for my car key and cell phone because we cold not take anything into the facility with us. I could not believe the comfort.After an eight hour shift of bending, lifting and moving residents...I never knew it was there...I will post a pic of me with scrubs on this post tomorrow. I am going to call it my "scrubs belt"....

Camp Auntie Deb started last week.....

What a week!... I thought working at the afterschool program I do during the school year with 10-15 kids a day for 3 hours was tough......I am telling you taking care of a child with juvenile diabetes for full days is tiring...I dont know how mt neice, Tallia, Deals with this disease 24 hours a day.....never mind her mother who is her pit crew 24/7/365......I think I lost some weight this week....I have to better prepare myself for next week.....
This is my plan.....
have all juice and snacks available at my fingertips....my husband works at home...so we have a small refrigerator in our shop and another one next door at my mothers house.....i will go to the local fruit stand at the beginning of the week and have all green veggies cut and washed for that day.....all in seperate ziploc baggies...ready to go.....along with ranch dressing for dipping....:).... my other neice Kat is also going to be spending time here this summer, she is non-diabetic, but lets see if we can get her to eat as healthy as her counterpart cousin this summer....maybe we will all learn a healthy thing or two this summer from Tally.

New Tallygear site is up and running...take a look at the new view window!

http://www.tallygear.com/

We met some Medtronic wonderful Representatives...

left to right- Donna Annese (designer of Tummietote by Tallygear, Tody Webster (rep for Medtronic) Bill Woods (publisher of 1happydiabetic), Doreen Merriam ( rep for Medtronic), Matthew Annese (CFO Tallygear), Tallia Annese ( model and inspiration of Tallygear)

1 happy diabetic

We had the pleasure of meeting Bill Woods from his well-known videos of 1 Happy Diabetic, we have been in contact with him for several months and was finally able to meet up with him at the Connecticut Expo Center in Hartford Ct. that was sponsored by the American Diabetes Association. He is just as happy in person and we thoroughly enjoyed talking to him....I was so excited that i asked him for his autograph!....we shared ideas , stories and some great information. We can't wait to see him at another event.

hartford expo diabetes trade show...we had a blast!!!!!l

JUST RELEASED ON APRIL 8, 2010.....we are on the edge...

Researchers Use Nanoparticle "Vaccine" to Cure Type 1 Diabetes in Mice


Using an innovative nanotechnology-based "vaccine," researchers were able to successfully restore normal blood sugar in mice with type 1 diabetes, and also slow the onset of diabetes in mice at risk for the disease. The study, co-funded by JDRF and published today in the online edition of the journal Immunity, has several key implications:



First, it provides important new insights into how to stop the immune attack that causes type 1 diabetes.

Second, it underscores the potential of "antigen-specific" therapies. Because the nanoparticle vaccine was designed with specific immune system proteins, it effectively blunted the targeted autoimmune response that causes diabetes without compromising the overall immune system - an issue that continues to be a challenge in developing treatments for diabetes.

And third, it suggests that antigen-specific nanovaccines, because of the effectiveness shown here, might also be developed to treat other autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. That could make the science more attractive to drug development companies.

Researchers from the University of Calgary in Alberta, led by Dr. Pere Santamaria, were looking to halt the autoimmune response that causes type 1 diabetes, but do so without damaging the immune cells that control and regulate the immune system or that protect against infections. So the team focused on developing a highly targeted antigen-specific immunotherapy - one, they explained, that could address the "internal tug-of-war between aggressive T cells that want to cause the disease and weaker T cells that want to stop it from occurring."



The researchers produced a unique vaccine comprising nanoparticles, which are thousands of times smaller than the size of a cell. They coated the particles with type 1 diabetes-relevant peptides, or protein fragments, that were bound to certain molecules that play a critical role in immune cell communication (called MHC molecules).



In the mice, the nanoparticle treatment expanded a type of regulatory T cell -- these cells ultimately suppressed the aggressive immune attack that destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. The researchers noted that the expanded cells shut down the immune attack by preventing autoreactive immune cells from being stimulated, either by the peptide contained in the vaccine or by any other diabetes autoantigen presented simultaneously by antigen-presenting cells. With the immune response that causes diabetes blocked, mice with type 1 diabetes regained normal blood sugars. And those that would have contracted the disease didn't.



The study also provides important - and promising - insight into the ability to translate these findings into therapeutics for people: Nanoparticles that were coated with molecules specific to human type 1 diabetes were able to restore normal blood sugar levels in a humanized mouse model of diabetes (that is, a mouse that has been genetically altered to biologically simulate type 1 diabetes in people).



According to Teodora Staeva, Ph.D., JDRF Program Director of Immune Therapies, a key finding from the Alberta study is that only the immune cells that specifically focus on aggressively destroying beta cells (or on regulating these aggressive cells) actually responded to the vaccine therapy. That means the treatment did not compromise the rest of the immune system - a key consideration if the treatment is to be safe and effective in an otherwise healthy person with type 1 diabetes. "The potential that nanoparticle vaccine therapy holds in reversing the immune attack without generally suppressing the immune system is significant," said Staeva. "Dr. Santamaria's research has provided both insight into pathways for developing new immunotherapies as well as proof-of-concept of a specific therapy that exploits these pathways for preventing and reversing type 1 diabetes."



The nanoparticle vaccine technology developed by Dr. Santamaria and used in the study has been licensed by Parvus Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company spun out from the University Technology International LP, the technology transfer and commercialization center for the University of Calgary. Parvus is focused on the development and commercialization of a nanotechnology-based therapeutic platform for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.

TUMMIETOTE by TALLYGEAR new site almost complete......

www.tallygear.com will have a new look soon, we went green and used fatcow to design the new tallyygear site. their stuff is powered by wind, a renewable resource and that makes us feel good.  please stay tuned for the new look.....

livin' the good life.....

on chappaquidick island four wheeling ,

 insulin pump is protected in the tummietote by tallygear

http://www.tallygear.com/

tummietote by tallygear try it on the beach with the patented LOKSAK to hold your insulin oump to make sure that your pump does not get wet. Finally peace of mind and comfort too! You dont even know the pump belt is there because of the comfort of the fabric it is made with.

Contact http://www.tallygear.com/ to order.

(it is also a fashion statement if you want it to be...it looks like a cool accessory on the bottom of your tee and atop your shorts, or hide it underneath your tee....)

tummietote by tallygear sold on amazon

a soft sided lightweight personal storage belt. made of high quality spandex/nylon material that feels like a second skin and it molds to your specific shape to provide the perfect fit. It has 3 six inch pockets to carry/store all your small items. It also has an adjustable waist with a heavy duty velcro closure. The belt is easily kept clean with periodic washes in cold water/line dry. There are many colors/designs available. The belt is extremely stylish and can also be very discreet.The belt comes in 3 sizes-small fits waist size 24" to 32"-medium fits waist size 30" to 38"-large fits waist size 36" to 44". Solid colors are black, navy,green burgundy,white,beige.

http://www.amazon.com/

another funny one.....

TUMMIETOTE by TALLYGEAR

You are looking at a Tummietote by Tallygear at rest. Recently a friend of Tallygear, Bill Woods, of ONE HAPPY DIABETIC attended a JDRF meeting where Phil Ripkin, the Physical Fitness Guru of Diabetes was giving a lecture. There was alot of talk about pumps as he works for Animas. They were showing how to wear your pump and the best way to hide/ secure/ attach it to your body. Bill woods got up and explained the Tummietote to the crowded room with great excitement, although he did not have one to show them because he has received several in the last little bit from us but keeps giving them away! And we are very excited he is giving them because he the people he gave them to have been Diabetes educators who are wholly impressed with this wonderful idea that my sister has designed and produced.

Visit www.tallygear.com for more information on this very cool and comfortable tote.  It is adjustable by 6 inches in each direction and made of swimsuit material, the ideal fabric to be against your skin if you have to have anything by your skin....send them an email with any questions , questions are answered in a timely and friendly manner. We want your child, friend, loved one to have the security and comfort to LIVE GOOD with diabetes.


Live good,

deb

hannah montana juvenile diabetes episode part 2...

What kids say .....

Just because your blood sugar isn't always 'normal,' don't let anyone try to tell you you're not normal. Every single person is different. You happen to have diabetes. Other kids wear glasses or have asthma. Diabetes is just something you live with.

What do you say if someone makes fun? l More Kids Say

Erika, 17, California

"I have had diabetes for six years. I was recently put on an insulin pump and people always ask what it is and I used to tell them but half of them didn't understand so now I just say that it is my life support and they nod and walk off. Also, people used to ask me what I could eat and I would say, 'Well, what can you eat? Well, that's what I can eat too!'"

Stephanie, Michigan

"When people call you stupid because of diabetes, just say, 'You know, because you're calling me stupid, that means that you're stupid and you know it so you're calling really smart people stupid just to make you feel better. But you should have thought twice before calling me stupid because it wouldn't have helped you anyway.' That will really shut them up. (Trust me, I've tried it.)"

Roger, 12, Texas

"Some people ask me if I'm from another planet or something. I just say, 'Yes, and soon we will invade your planet, and rid it of you humans.' They usually get scared and shut up."

Chris, 6 1/2, New Jersey

"One kid said,'You're stupid and you have diabetes.' (This was a boy who was having trouble behaving in school.) I just said, 'Well, would you like being in a hospital for half of a week?' He stopped teasing me!"

Chris, 9, Florida

"Sometimes my friends ask me, 'Are you a person?' I tell them, 'Yes, I am a normal kid just like you, except for my pancreas. It isn't pumping insulin like yours, so I have to take shots of insulin every day to control my sugar levels.'"

Ethan, 9, Virginia

"When I was first diagnosed with diabetes, kids used to call me 'diabetes boy.' It really hurt my feelings. But then I realized that I had something that no one else had in my school and that I was unique, just like my friend who is allergic to peanut butter and shrimp."

Becca, 10, Colorado

"When people call me 'diabetes girl' or 'diabetes freak,' I just ignore them and walk away, or I call them 'goofy' and say, 'How would you like to have my disease?!!!'"

Danika, 12, Germany

"A quick comeback that I thought of is: 'At least I have insulin to help me with my problem, but I don't think they have invented anything to help you with yours.' I haven't had to use it yet, but will if I have to." 

©Copyright 2010 JDRF

Find a pen pal with juvenile diabetes

http://kids.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=penpals.home

Below is a sample of kids looking for pen pals. The link is above.....please write to each other for support, and to have alot of fun!
A bulletin board full of pen pals with diabetes

Find a new friend who can relate.

Find by age: 4-6 7-9 10-12 13-15 16-18

More pen pals: Featured
Family & friends

Welcome to the JDRF Kids Online Pen Pals site, designed for kids with diabetes and their family and friends (ages 4-18). To send a message to a pen pal, click on the "Write to this Pen Pal!" link that appears in his or her profile box. You can also add yourself to the bulletin board by clicking on the "Add yourself" link above. Questions? E-mail us at penpals@jdrf.org.

Natalie, 10 - Kentucky

Hi, I would be very greatful to have a pen pal. I like to swim and sing. Though most of all I like playing with my pets. I have two dogs, one is black with white paws, her name is Polly. My other dog is different shades of brown all over. I lastly I have a rabbit and a guinea pig, my rabbits name is Cody and my guinea pigs name is Leroy. I also have a brother his name is Ethan and he is 7. My sister is 13 and her name is Lindsey. Thank you if you want to be my pen pal.

Posted: 2/16/2010
Write this Pen Pal!
Blake, 8 - Illinois

My name is Blake. I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when I was 6 years old. My favorite sports are baseball and football. I have a Bernese Mountain dog named Frisco. Sometimes I just don't like my diabetes. Last summer I was on the 7 year old All Star baseball team, so I know I can do anything even though I have diabetes. I would love to hear from you and hear about your life with diabetes.

Posted: 2/15/2010
Write this Pen Pal!
Alissah, 13 - West Virginia

I'm Alissah. I go by Alissah, Liss, or Lissa. Ive had Type 1 Diabetes for almost 4 years. Since June 1, 2006. I love diabetes camp, I go every summer. I'd love to have more diabetic friends.

Posted: 2/14/2010
Write this Pen Pal!
Jasa, 7 - Idaho

My name is Jasa and I am 7 yrs. old. I just got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a few days ago. It has been a challenge but I am being so brave! I like to play the wii, ds, sing, draw and play outside. I would love to talk to you soon!!!

Posted: 2/13/2010
Write this Pen Pal!

Molly, 17 - Texas

My name is Molly. I am 17 years old. I have had Diabetes for 15 years now. I have a Animas Ping insulin Pump for 5 years. I race motocross, play volleyball, and im very active in 4H. I don't let diabetes control me i control my diabetes. i try to stay positive. If any one wants someone to talk to please email me i would be happy to email back! :)

Posted: 2/13/2010
Write this Pen Pal!

Courtney, 17 - New Jersey

Hey! My name is Courtney and I was diagnosed with type one diabetes on December 9, 2000. I am currently using the Omni pod insulin management system. If you want to talk, message me, i'm open to talking to anyone! (:

Posted: 2/11/2010
Write this Pen Pal!
Alayna, 7 - Minnesota

I was diagnosed with diabetes in October 2009. I am in second grade, and I love to read Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and Magic Tree House books. My favorite color is light blue. I have a dog named Riley he is gold. I love Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez. I play soccer and t-ball and I like to sing.

Posted: 1/12/2010
Write this Pen Pal!

Bryson, 4 - Illinois

Hi i am Bryson and I am 4 years old. I was told that i have diabetes in November 2009. I don't like getting my fingers poked but my mommy has told me that it will help the doctor help me to feel better. I don't like the insulin shots either! i am getting use to some of the changes and i got to show all my friends at school what i have to do now that i have diabetes! Mommy and I have done a lot of research that has helped us understand it. and i get to wear a dog tag that says "I HAVE DIABETES" i have a big brother and a little sister and they watch me get all this done so i don't cry and i tell my sissy that it makes me better.

Write this Pen Pal!

About JDRF Privacy Policy Contact Us

©Copyright 2010 JDRF

Above is Tallia Emily , one of the faces of Juvenile Diabetes.

Testimonial for the Tummietote! We love to hear this stuff.....

To Whom it May Concern:


I recently ordered a tummietote from your company for my 9 year old daughter. I wanted to pass along how thrilled we are with your product! My daughter was diagnosed at 41/2 years old and went on the pump at age 6. We have tried all kinds of pump pouches. I received an email with your web address from our diabetes support group and checked it out. We were ready for a new pump pouch and was looking for something to keep her pump closer and protected to her body because she plays tons of sports. The day your tummietote arrived, Nora immediately put it on and got a HUGE smile and said "I can do jumping jacks!" and "it doesn't even look like I'm wearing a pump!". How wonderful to be able to be active without her pump pouch flopping around on her and being able to conceal her pump (not that she ever wants to...she is usually showing it off!) Thank you for taking the time/money/care to develop and sell this wonderful product! Please be assured we will pass along our excitement to our diabetes support group!



Thanks again and keep up the good work!

--

Jen



The story above is exactly what we were thinking when we came up with the tummietote and the title of this blog.......

LIVE GOOD,

deb...

Diabetes Snacks, Treats and Easy Eats for Kids: 130 Recipes for the Foods Kids Really Like to Eat

When children come home from school or sports, they want a snack. Not some gourmet meal, just something simple and tasty and quick to fix. For those with diabetes, these snacks can be especially hard to come by. And with incidence rates rising sharply — one in three American children born in the last five years is expected to become diabetic — it’s a problem more and more families are facing. This book offers a happy solution, with 130 recipes for the types of things youngsters really like to eat that are also healthy and help them stay within diabetic guidelines. It contains a wide array of choices for every meal of the day and to satisfy every hunger pang in between, with healthy renditions of favorites like Pizza Puffs, Chicken Nuggets, Taco Salad, Turkey Quesadillas, Puffy German Pancakes, Strawberry Sundae, Mini Chocolate Cupcakes, and many more.                                    Get this book at http://www.amazon.com/

Live good,
deb

Tummietote by Tallygear

Tallia with the pink camo tummietote on while riding her bike.

This is a shot of the tummoetote in action on Tal's trampoline, notice she doesn't have to hold the insulin pump in place. It stays in place snugly against her body.

you cant beat the comfort and flexibility of the tummietote by Tallys mom.

Swinging on a nice summer day, no worries...