(Standardized State) Testing. (Standardized State) Testing. 1-2-3.

"When I'm high, I feel like I'm swimming in Jello and it makes me mad. When I'm low, I can't think, and my body feels like Jello. It scares me." -- Sugar, age 9

Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards -- i.e. AIMS Testing -- started yesterday for Sugar.

I refilled her pump with fresh insulin and changed the battery in her meter this morning.  Mr. Rose inserted a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor a few days ago. I brushed up on some nutrition basics, and perused a few websites about foods that help to fuel brain function.

I made sure she had at least 60 minutes of exercise the day before, a shower before bed, and a good night's sleep.  I tested her blood sugar every 2 hours between 10pm and 6am  in an attempt to catch any fluctuations that might require an intervention, and also to make sure Dexcom was portraying an accurate graph of her numbers.

I got up early to give her breakfast bolus 2 hours before the start of testing with a solid 20 minute pre-bolus in a attempt to slow/minimize/prevent an astronomical breakfast spike which could interfere with cognitive function.

I served up GF breakfast burritos with salsa (corn tortillas stuffed with eggs, cheese, and sausage) alongside some strawberries sprinkled with cinnamon and a glass of milk  ----> an emphasis on protein to help slow the absorption of carbohydrates.

I told her I believe in her, and reassured her that God has blessed her with a very smart brain.  I told her I'm proud of her no matter what and not to worry about the tests, because I already know she'll do great.  I kissed her forehead, we slammed a high five, and then I sent her into the world to prove to the State-Standardized-Testing-Powers-Who-Be that she's, well, awesome.

My goal is to set the stage for success, but knowing the nature of Type 1 Diabetes...the unpredictability and random response to a change in variables, I just wasn't sure what to expect.  Stress affects BG levels.  So does a change in the weather (it was chilly/windy yesterday). She has a bit of a cough, and said her ankle was hurting from dance the night before, and was frustrated that her sister wanted to wear one of her shirts ------ > check, check, check...it all affects blood sugars.

Here's how Day 1 played out:

Day 2 is underway.

To be continued...