Diabetes Self-Management Blog

Jan Chait

Jan Chait

Jan Chait was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in January 1986. Since then, she has run the gamut of treatments, beginning with diet and exercise. She now uses an insulin pump to help treat her diabetes.


Prescribe Insulin? Nah! Too Much Trouble

Taking insulin is too much of a burden for people with Type 2 diabetes, say 66% of primary care doctors surveyed at one hospital in Pennsylvania. People with Type 2 diabetes believe taking insulin means they’ve failed to manage their condition, 69% of primary care docs opined…

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Jan Contemplates Becoming a Hermit

Ever had one of “those” weeks? Sheesh! Both my Type 2 diabetes and my disability (one leg doesn’t go all the way to the ground) were out to get me…

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Did Type 2 Diabetes Have Anything to Do With Taking My Father Away?

Dad and my little brother were watching John Wayne movies one day last week when Dad gave a big sigh and, as quietly as that, passed over to a world where he could once again walk through his beloved woods, read the books he liked, and hold cogent conversations…

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How Was My Week? It Had Its Ups and Downs.

Maybe we should all pack day bags with our diabetes essentials in them when we go out to events. Say to watch a parade, or a ballgame, engage in a day of shopping…or cheer on somebody running a marathon…

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It’s Spring and the Travel Bug Is Hitting

The children, as I call them — although they’re young adults now — lined the deck wall-to-wa…er, railing-to-railing last night. My granddaughter was back from spring break, so her best friend was here, too, as was BF’s boyfriend. My grandson’s friend was off work today, so he was here to spend the night. Then there was another friend or two of somebody-or-other. My eyeballs were spinning in my skull. I need to escape…

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Is the Snow Gone? Can I Start Planting Yet?

Now what have I gotten myself into? I agreed to take part in a community garden whatever-it-is in a couple of weeks. Board members of the synagogue I belong to looked at some unused land we own and decided a community garden space would be a good use for it. So they’re having this informative something where they’ve invited community groups and gardening folks and I’m the accessible gardening exhibit…

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Diabeastie Go Home!

After yesterday — and last night — I am tired of playing diabetes. I don’t want to deal with it any more. Just make it go away. If only…

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Climbing My Way Out of Hypoglycemia (Finally!)

After a visit to the endocrinologist last week, I feel as if I’m finally getting a handle on my blood glucose — thanks to a good doctor who knows what he’s doing and can commit math!

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The Tooth, the Whole Tooth, and Nothing but the Tooth

Another week has passed and I finally made an appointment with my dentist to take care of the tooth that got pulled out by a piece of candy a couple of weeks ago…

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Wishing the Week That Was, Wasn’t

It was Purim’s fault. Yes. That has to be it. Purim, for those who are unaware, is a Jewish holiday that follows the formula of “they tried to kill us, we won, let’s eat.” It is traditional to give food to friends, contribute to charity, listen to the Book of Esther, and have a festive meal…

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Disclaimer of Medical Advice: You understand that the blog posts and comments to such blog posts (whether posted by us, our agents or bloggers, or by users) do not constitute medical advice or recommendation of any kind, and you should not rely on any information contained in such posts or comments to replace consultations with your qualified health care professionals to meet your individual needs. The opinions and other information contained in the blog posts and comments do not reflect the opinions or positions of the Site Proprietor.


When Good Management Efforts Go Wrong
Sometimes the best of intentions leads to the worst of outcomes. Here’s a chance to learn from the mistakes of others.

Insulin Resistance: What It Is and Why It Matters
Most people with Type 2 diabetes and some with Type 1 have insulin resistance. In either case, it makes blood glucose control more difficult.

How Much Do You Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
This common problem often responds well to healthy lifestyle measures: exercise, stress reduction, and careful food choices.

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