Dueling Diabetes

When Rachel Baumgartel was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in March 2005 shortly before her twenty-ninth birthday, she was no stranger to diabetes in its different forms. Not only does she have a family history of type 2 diabetes, but her husband has had type 1 diabetes for over twenty years. Rachel continues to control her diabetes with diet and exercise, providing a contrast to her husband Greg’s need for insulin.

While seeking out support and information about diabetes following her diagnosis, Rachel found an online blogging community of people with diabetes and parents of children with diabetes. Sharing her own experiences on her blog, Tales of my Thirties, has been a motivating factor in treating herself, as well as a good way to understand her husband’s life with diabetes.

Rachel is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Besides building a freelance writing career, she is currently employed at a small supplier of IT-related products in Boulder, Colorado. Rachel will bring her double-duty diabetes experiences to the dLife community in her column, Dueling Diabetes.

Cutting Corners
How a struggling economy affects diabetes care.

Ever Ready
Being prepared for all emergencies, big and small.

Giving Insulin A Shot
Debating the pros and cons of moving from metformin to insulin.

Getting Technical
Deciding if the new technology is right for your diabetes life.

Diabetes Rhetoric
When we need a break from talking about our disease.

Extraordinary Moments
Examining the moments when instinct becomes inspiration.

Us Versus Them
The divide between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Marking a Duel Diagnosis
Looking back on hers, and her husband’s, diagnosis day.

Sex and Candy
Dealing with diabetes in the bedroom.

Cold Season
Sharing germs with the one you love

By the Seat of My Pants
Tweaking and adjusting to make diabetes-friendly holiday dishes.

On the Road
Good diabetes management plans will travel.

Managing Moods
Finding a renewed interest in staying positive and living life.

Making It Work
Finding the healthy balance between work, life, and diabetes.

When It’s Time to Take Your Medicine
Latest addition to regimen strengthens resolve to improve health.

Judge Not
Diabetes management is ultimately in your own hands.

The Recipe of Love and Understanding
Meal preparation often peppered with talk of diabetes.

For Better and For Worse 
Exercise routine nets positive and negative results on diabetes.

Doubling the Challenge
One household faces dual diabetes.


Disclaimer
dLife's Daily Living columnists are not medical experts, but everyday people living with diabetes and sharing their personal experiences. While their method of diabetes management may work for them, everyone is different. Please consult with your diabetes care team to find out what will work best for you.