Struggling with Depression

My husband who has been a diabetic for 40 years experienced this last summer.  Since then he has gone on the Omnipod he has done so much better.  We just about begged for a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) at Joslin.  After many times that I found him with BG's in the 20's, and reviving him with glucagon, me getting little sleep because the drops were always at night until one happened during the day when he was driving and got in an accident, totaling the car.  He is so much better after being on the pump, his levels are all coming into range, education has helped, testing more frequently, counting carbs and being aware of the glycemic index.  work with you CDE and Endo, I do know how frustrating it all is, not to mention how frightening it is, but there is help. 

I just started taking cymbalta about a month ago and am curious how others are doing with it. I'm taking it for depression, but requested it from my doctor because it's also prescribed for diabetic neuropathy and I had been having pain in my feet (painful to touch the top of my feet, and funny sensations in my lower legs like drops of cold water splashing on me).  I'm happy to report that it works very well for the neuropathy symptoms, I just no longer have them.  Still not sure if it does much for the depression.  My boyfriend thinks I am better - more cheerful and less muddled.  Not sure I'm feeling it, he may be just being kind.  But I am hopeful and will give it more time.  It's been a lot to manage, learning that I have diabetes (type II) this year, and figuring out which medications work best for me.  I had a less serious problem than you did with hypoglycemia taking glipizide - which my doctor prescribed when I didn't respond well to metformin.  I didn't like glipizide because every afternoon I felt hypo and terribly hungry and ate too much in response and gained weight.  Seemed counter productive even though my BG numbers were better.  It was, in a word, depressing. So I got on Byetta and Cymbalta (and still taking metformin) and am now doing much better - no hypo experiences at all, eating much less (and more healthy) with much less pronounced appetitie, and BG numbers very good. 

There are so many dogs out there...the ADA (American Disabilities Act) gives you the right to take them everywhere, well for someone like you and me.

I was dxd 42 years ago, My dog has allowed me more freedom and worry-free moments than any meter.

A good dog will allow you to go through your life with more confidence, you'll still check of course, for meds. But he's always with me, sometimes I get pushy when I get low, they don't quit and hide, they get pushy right back...they have a job, it's you, nothing stops them. I teach mine to tell me when I run above 200 bg, then pop some humalog and I'm good.

Moose and I have been on planes, steam trains, glass tram, buses, horse and wagon, eaten out, movies, State Fair, Yellowstone Park...But he and I have put a lot of time into making us a team. He can tell if I'm Hi or Low, tired or grumpy, depressed, sad or just mad. That's the kicker you can't afford to get real mad (unless your fighting off someone), because they are always there for you. They will protect you, YOU protect them from others.

I have the same lack of warning, Moose has woke me at 100 bg. He seems to understand dropping sugars or peaking insulin? he nudged me so many times to get me awake, I had a sore arm for a week! He'll lay his head on my chest and look me in the eyes when I feel depression coming on. He sticks to me like glue, we've even gone to the hospital together. People are amazed at his talent. So am I really.

It's like having a 2-5 year old, your always have to have them feed and dressed (backpack) and people want to (pet them and) talk, there so cute...sometimes we are in training mode and can't allow interactions. Sorry and his patch reads "PLEASE don't pet In training". Kids are wonderful, educated on Service Dogs, but some parents...=)

Hope I've helped? Best Wishes!

Grins and Giggles,

Shoofly & Moose sd retired @ 9 years old