Maintaining A Strong Mindset with Type 1 Diabetes

[@emmamcintosh9694]

Jen, thank you for this. I’ve been watching all of your videos and find you a truly great inspiration. I have had t1 diabetes for 36 years and have also faced retinopathy and neglected my diabetes for a while. So much of what you’ve discussed, I agree with! It’s so wonderful to know that I’m not the only one who has these ideas, feelings and thoughts. Keep positive...as I’ve always said, I rule my diabetes as much as I can, I never let it rule me. My diabetes is my life long friend. Thanks so much again ❤️👍

[@JenGrieves]

Hi Emma, ah thank you so much for such a lovely comment. I was actually so nervous to post this one for fear of coming across as preachy - I certainly haven't got it all figured out! Your outlook sounds so great - here's to you and 36 years of rocking life through all the diabetes chaos 😊 x

[@emmamcintosh9694]

Jen Grieves no way! Not preachy at all! I’ve shown it to all my family too. You keep rocking your diabetes too! 👍👌

[@ShesDiabetic]

This video is quite simply FABULOUS. As ever, you’re incredibly eloquent and superbly thoughtful in your content and delivery, Jen. I just think this video is fantastic, and actually I totally need this right now. Thank you, that’s all I can say! THANK. YOU! ☀️💕

[@JenGrieves]

Oh love, I appreciate this so much. I was a bit scared of this one because it's so complex and also so personal, so that it's SO unbelievably reassuring to hear. I hope things are ok for you? And more importantly, when are we going to have coffee?! xx

[@Carol_Pearson]

One thing that really helps me is being able to work from home. When I lived in Chicago, I would sometimes wake up incredibly late because of hypos, and then I'd have to spend an hour on the train going to the office, and normally I prefer to start work early, so walking in late would cause me to be super stressed, which would make things worse. Now, I just have to walk down the hall, and am not as behind schedule if I have a morning like that. Obviously, the fact that I am now on the Dexcom G6, and TSlimX2 pump (which suspends delivery if I start going too low) helps those late night/ early morning hypos not be too severe.

[@anniina5623]

Have you tried to change your basal or insulin ratios?

[@JenGrieves]

Hi Carol! I've found the same - I have long periods of being away with freelance work, and then big periods working from home. It was a conscious decision for me to leave my full time job to work this way, and my health was a big part of it. My bloods are just so much more stable when I don't have the stress of commuting, but I know it's a luxury to be working this way. I'm glad things are more stable for you, and as the technology just keeps getting smarter it's making life with diabetes so much less of a drain for me. Thanks so much for your comment! x

[@Carol_Pearson]

@@anniina5623 The issue before was I was on insulin pens, which measured only in full units, so bolus and basal were not precise. Now that I am on a pump, it is fine tuned enough that I can adjust those rates without as much risk of dropping.

[@Carol_Pearson]

@@JenGrieves Yeah, it also helps that I moved closer to where my parents live, so if I ever get overwhelmed, I can call on them to help. Technology is making management much easier, since we haven't found a way to cure the issue.

[@esthermoran4713]

@@JenGrieves thank you so so much for this video :) it's so good to hear someone else knowing how I feel, been T1 for 25yrs and so many of the same scenarios have happened for me. I'm currently working part time and feel in my bones that I never will be able for full time work due to complications, delighted to know it's not just me being dramatic!

[@rexhowells7015]

Thankyou Jen, Great video, spot on. I find these video's, so helpful, and so nice to relate totally with what is been said. Before I retired, had two work colleagues I had lunch with, both type 1. Just realised how much I have missed that link , but the diabetes community on line has helped fill the gap of not been alone with this condition. Thankyou again, Rex

[@ThrumWorldWalker]

Thanks for your videos, Jen. I've just started my type 1 journey and I really needed some positivity. You're amazing too.

[@evy5384]

Thank you for this fantastic video! I am struggling big time. I am doing a PhD and am not able to combine it with coming to terms with and managing type 1. I am now taking a 2 month leave from work to focus only on my physical and mental health and I was fortunate enough to have supportive employers that make it possible for me to make this choice. I really like your video, it really hit home. Thank you

[@JenGrieves]

Hi Evy. Thank you so much for your comment and your honesty - I'm sorry to hear things are tough. I think it's incredible that you've taken brave steps to prioritise your health and I hope you start to feel that fog lift - I can't imagine how much pressure you're under with your PhD, to then be managing type 1 on top as well as work is already so much before you even think about life and relationships and everything else! Your employer sounds like a gem, that's really fantastic to hear and I bet it's been such a relief to have that kind of support. Sending love to you! x

[@katherinemacdonald1551]

Love your videos..this one really helped me especially. I've been type 1 for 34 years. Thank you for such a positive smart message ❤

[@JenGrieves]

Thank you Katherine! That's so wonderful to hear x

[@amandaouellette7271]

Jen, I've been watching you since I was diagnosed in Sept 2016 (at age 23) and honestly you've kept me sane! Thank you for sharing your experiences and truths about your Type 1. It makes me feel not so alone. Please keep up your honest content!

[@JenGrieves]

Hi Amanda! Ahhhh that's so wonderful to hear, thank you SO much for your support, this is honestly the whole reason I make these videos - I totally get how isolating this all can be and also the pressure to be getting everything right all the time when it comes to type 1 . Nobody is perfect, especially not me :) I hope things are good for you, big hugs! x

[@captdennypa]

Well, Jen, you’ve done it again - another amazing topic and awesome video. Although I am only a Type II Diabetic, mine includes a few extra challenges including five myocardial infarctions, two strokes, and most recently, macular degeneration and partial loss of eyesight. Unable to legally operate a motor vehicle, I am saddled with more dependency on my spouse than I would prefer, and more often than not, sometimes feel like a prisoner in our home. I consider myself fortunate, however, for our friendship and am always seeking your sage advice and inspiration. Thank you, dear lady, for all you do for us, and especially for me!

[@JenGrieves]

Hey Denny! Thanks so much for your comment, it sounds like you're dealing with a lot, and the potential psychological impact of these physical challenges is not to be underestimated hey. I hope things aren't feeling too overwhelming - I too am very grateful for the support you offer me and my content. Thanks again so much for watching.

[@hayleygaucher5407]

Really enjoyed this video! I’m a 30 year old T1D in Ottawa (Canada) and I’ve also been diabetic for 20ish years. I see a lot of parallels in how we came to take better care of our diabetes post university and just overall life philosophy! Just wanted so share that I think you’re very well spoken and you have some great messages! :)

[@JenGrieves]

Hi Hayley! Ah it's all a bit of a journey isn't it!? There's no way my 21 year old self would have this outlook and that's cool, I think it's just part of evolving with diabetes. I'm pleased to hear things are good for you and I really appreciate your comments - I was quite nervous about this video so I'm really happy that you enjoyed it. I hope you're managing to keep warm in Canada! ❄️ xx

[@joshuabelow7558]

This was a great video and I'm really glad I found your channel. Personally I've been dealing with a lot of stress from the den such so watching this was a bit reassuring

[@philiphoward1044]

Jen, THANK YOU so much for taking the time to put together a perfect overview of life with Type 1. I have shared it with a number of my friends and family so they will better understand. I have had diabetes for approx 18 years and try to manage type 1 not let it manage me and my lifestyle. Can I ask what do you carry around or in the car to top up sugar levels when you are running low?

[@TheJaov]

Thank you, My Lady.

[@gavinrbeckett]

Love it. Great video, really like the way you’ve shared your thoughts and feelings. Lots that resonates for me. Thank you!

[@JenGrieves]

Thanks so much Gavin!

[@alexb.1320]

Nice set of tips. Watching numbers is my achiles heel, and the libre has saved my fingers. I'm sure you knew this comment was coming; you will need to show us that sexy sleep setup. =-) Keeping work mates in the loop is also important just in case something happens, better they have an idea of what may have gone wrong in the event of the worst, rather than wrongly guess something else.

[@JenGrieves]

Totally agree about work mates Alex, it's all fine until it's not fine after all! Glad the Libre is working for you - technology really is moving so fast isn't it? The implications for us t1s is only going to keep getting better and easier and also cheaper I hope :)

[@alexb.1320]

@@JenGrieves It cetainly is. As tech marches on, what it can do to make life easier gets more impressive.. CGMs/Libre have made it so easy to monitor your b.s. that it almost (almost) makes it a non-issue. Anywhere, anytime, and no one around you needs to be the wiser about it. And as somebody with a sometimes dirty job, the best part is, I don't need to wash up for the finger prick, just scan and go, and if I'm working on anything especially greasy or oily, just keep the reader in a plastic bag, instant results without contamination. To think, we have gone from waiting 45 seconds and a huge drop of blood, to 5 seconds and a little drop of blood, to !instant! and No drop of blood in the past couple decades. Like you said, it is only going to keep getting better and easier. Yeah, cost definately needs to get in check especially for those who have no choice but to go out of pocket.

[@TheDiabeticJourney]

I can so relate to this! Thanks for the informative video 💙

[@JenGrieves]

Thank you! It's such a complex subject, I'm glad you found it useful.

[@Dee-th8ph]

thx lovey. this was just wonderful.

[@JenGrieves]

💛

[@BadSeed409]

Yeah when my BG is over 200 I have trouble sleeping. The perfectionism is killing me

[@JenGrieves]

Ah, sorry to hear that. I think it's just so much pressure to be a 'perfect' diabetic, because the numbers are only part of the picture. It's really helped me to let some of this go and exercise kindness with myself when things aren't going exactly as I would hope. Sending love x

[@giselletorres4156]

I feel, that's me when my blood sugars are over 180 and when my blood sugars are under 80. I hope to have a Dexcom to ease things.

[@Jonathan-bo7ef]

Wow! Thank you =)

[@rogerwaldram4295]

Hi Jen, love your vlogs as you know. Just to say I use an Accu-Chek Mobile for blood checks-it has a 50-test cassette & attached finger-pricker with easy-change needle complete with warning when you have few tests left. Cheap to buy from Boots for you, Amazon for me here in France. Mention this since you said you were good at running out of stuff. Have a nurse coming next week for first of 3 meetings for Omnipod training with admission to Bordeaux Diabetic Hospital on 28th, that I don't fancy. Exciting times, oh & as a PS Lo-Do offer low-carb round thingies that are only 3g CHO, not much taste but great for pizzas & wraps. My next task is look for KZbin vlogs on low-carb & Omnipod. Many thanks for what you write & love your cooking vlogs also. All the best, Roger. ❤ Just need our cartes de séjour now thanks to the Brexit Bull**t. 🤬

[@JenGrieves]

Hi Roger! Great to hear from you - exciting times about the Omnipod. I'm sure the hospital stay isn't too welcome but I'd have loved such thorough training when I started out on mine, no doubt you will learn a lot and be better equipped for day-to-day life with the Omnipod. I will be interested to hear what you make of it as a pump. I've seen adverts for Lo-Dough, my cookies keep pushing them into my feeds - I've obviously been searching a lot of recipes lately! I hope to do more content around food this year as it's something I enjoy playing around with for my health. I hope the residency comes for you, who knows what will happen with all of this hey!! Jen

[@rogerwaldram4295]

@@JenGrieves We get Librés free here & I'm hoping I'll have more 'time in target'. I find Amazon Movies addictive-currently watching 'Vikings' & discovered today I am not too keen on herrings after they were mntioned there! Also love playing with Alexa & getting her to turn on Chris Evans on Virgin Radio before I come downstairs. Loving life at the moment & sirloin steak wedges & salade with Merlot next-not too low-carby! ❤😉