Friday, November 14, 2008

Sugar Free Socks for World Diabetes Day


Today is World Diabetes Day, meant to raise awareness of diabetes.  In support of this, I'm dressed in blue, the official Diabetes Day color, and I have some things to share with you.  First up are some socks I knit for a dear Diabetes BlogPal to wear last month in a walk-a-thon.


Cast on: 3 October, 2008
Completed: 19 October, 2008

Yarn: Artyarns Supermerino
Needles: US3 (3.25mm) DPNs

Needless to say, this pattern is near and dear to my heart.  And so is Crystal, so when she told me she wished she had a pair of these socks to wear on her walk, I didn't hesitate to knit them up for her.  It's a really fun and quick pattern, and a portion of all pattern sales is donated to the ADA.

Up next I wanted to raise you awareness a little.  I think my blog pals know more about diabetes than your average person, just from reading my posts.  But last week, my cousins alerted me to a misconception that I'm sure many people have.

As I pulled out my meter to test my blood sugar, someone said "It's really great that they have those new machines out.  You don't have to prick your finger anymore".  Yes, that is true . . . but there is a catch.  These "new machines" still need blood to run the test.  No, you don't necessarily have to prick your finger.  You can prick your arm.  You can prick your palm.  You can prick your thigh.  My family was surprised by this.  Watching the commercials on TV, which simply say you don't have to prick your finger, led them to believe your blood sugar could be read without drawing blood.  Maybe someday . . . but not yet.  As for me, I still prick my fingers, because the blood from your finger will give you the most accurate reading.

So, I hope I helped raise your awareness a bit more today. If you'd like to hear a little more, hop over to my diabetes blog and read today's post, A Day in my Diabetes Life. And if you see someone wearing blue today, ask them to tell you a little more about diabetes (and send them my regards!). 

5 comments:

Melissa said...

I hate how misleading those advertisements are!! Drives me absolutely batty!!
Love, love, love the socks (did I buy that pattern when you came out with them?? I can't remember)

Qutecowgirl said...

Here is a question for you. I have a problem with low blood sugar and sometimes when it is not behaving (mostly from my meds) I have to keep an eye on it by pricking my finger. I have to use my fingers since it does give the most true reading. My question is why? I can not seem to get an answer.(which is kinda scary if you think about it)

Oh and those advertisements can be so misleading. I have freaked out family because I was on a inhaler that may cause sudden asthma death. Yeah that commercial was reassuring to my mom.

=)

Ragan Knits etc... said...

Down with bad commercials.

Your socks are wonderful!!!!
And...what a terrific reason to make them.

kathy b said...

Well those ads fooled me too! You have raised my awareness today. I LOVE the socks you knitted for your friends walk. BLue it is ! Im praying for a cure!

Jessica said...

Gorgeous socks! And good for you for setting people straight. Those commercials can be so misleading!!

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