Big things we learned:
1) Sugar surfing is Dynamic Diabetes Management (DDM). It isn't a set of rules, it's a way of thinking and responding to individual situations.
2) Diabetes care MUST be individualized. One size does NOT fit all.
3) Even non-diabetics do not have a straight-line CGM graph.
4) Start small. It takes years of practice and patience.
5) Control exists "in the moment."
He explained new vocabulary (flux, drift, nudge, shove, turning a curve, taking the drop) all related to watching your graph and responding appropriately. You can learn to pre-empt a spike or a drop if you are paying attention.
Micobolusing and microcarbing were 2 techniques he talked about for making small changes based on what the graph is telling you (and of course confirming numbers with a fingerstick before making a correction).
He also talked about finding the balance between alarm fatigue and infomation/BG awareness, in reference to setting high and low alerts on your CGM. I thought this was important. Sometimes I think my guys have their high alert set too high, but hearing the high alert stresses them. They have it set to a level where they will take action, not the top of their desired range. That range can be changed over time as they become better sugar surfers.
After it was over, I asked the guys what they thought.
Seth said, "What he said made a lot of sense. I do some of those things already."
Jason said, "I'll try it!"
So, I think it was a great way to spend a Saturday morning. I highly recommend Sugar Surfing, if you have the opportunity to attend! It's another way to help us KDA!
 |
| Isn't this what we wish it could always look like? |
