I've had diabetes for 34 years now. Type one.

[Tripod]

I'm thankful that it hasn't been worse for me to this date. The problem I have now, is that I can't sleep, and when my blood sugar goes low, I'm un aware. I'm just venting now...

[kickysnana]

1. January insomnia, sorry you can't even go out for a walk or fishing.

How are they coming on islet transplant, stem cell transplant, pancreas transplant? I also keep hearing about wearable meters for fragile diabetes, are they available? Do they work? Mary Tyler Moore is still doing OK yet it seems. I saw her on Betty White's Birthday show.

I can smell when someone has to much sugar but I don't know what too little smells like, but animals can sense when things are not right and I have heard of untrained pets helping folks with monitoring their sugars. My sisters cat tells her when her potassium is dropping too low but they have been together many years now.

[Tripod]

4. That is a great point!

My younger cat Jet always tries to get my attention when my sugar is low at night. He will lick my face, and try and help. I hadn't really thought about it much until you brought it up. Thank you Kickysnana. This helps me.

[tpsbmam]

2. I have a close friend with type 1 diabetes.....

I'm awed at how well she copes. She's a "fragile diabetic" who is constantly battling high/low blood glucose. I actually got to know her when she started cleaning for me after I ended up paraplegic. She's the cousin of a friend of mine. She became my valued, close friend over time. She's amazing -- she's stronger and more able to do whatever than most men I know, and she just bloody well does it. I'm the one who stops her when she's around me. I can tell when her blood sugar has dipped -- she keeps pushing and pushing. I even told her she was fired a couple of times if she didn't stop. (I was totally kidding and she knew it....at least I got her to stop and eat something to bring her blood sugar back up!)

She has a son who's the light of her life -- I"m so happy she had him. He's 7 now -- she went into kidney failure when she was pregnant with him but has recovered almost normal kidney function since.

I know she's had problems with insomnia at times. I know she's done what I've done (I get it associated with both MS and chronic renal failure). She mostly relies on melatonin. I do the same, though there've been times I've done both melatonin & diphenhydramine (Benadryl). I've tried both Ambien, which I hated, and I think the other one was Lunesta, which was better. Ambien gave me whacked out dreams, as it does many people, and my sleep cycle was totally unhealthy -- I was getting an hour, MAYBE two at a time with Ambien -- it left me worse off than the insomnia itself. The best for me most of the time is melatonin alone or in combo with diphenhydramine.

I feel for you -- insomnia sucks!!

[Tripod]

3. I have been greatful for melatonin.

But it only works 1/2 of the time now. It used to work most of the time, a year ago. Maybe I'll try something else too. I appreciate the reply.

[tpsbmam]

5. Yeah, that happened to me, too, re: melatonin....

It did help with I combined it with diphenhydramine, but I have no idea if that's even a safe thing to do. I looked it up but didn't find any answers. I was frankly desperate when I did it and finally just took it and prayed! That is TOTALLY unlike me -- I'm usually ultra-cautious with medications, both prescription & OTC. Shows what one will do when desperate, huh? It might be worth asking a healthcare professional about it -- it did work for me and I've done it many times now with no ill effects, but it's risky behavior nonetheless!

[Tripod]

6. I probably should ask someone in the health field.

I'm a little affraid of mixing drugs. Even over the counter things. I'm thankfull for your reply.

[grasswire]

7. you can always ask a pharmacist...

...and not spend the money on a visit to the clinic. Pharmacists are so helpful and knowledgeable! Also, there are sites on the internet where you can check for drug interactions. You type in what you are taking or want to take, and the answer will come back with any potential trouble.

[Tripod]

8. That helps.

I forgote that I have a pharnacist in my family.