No One Likes a Bully

Let's face it - bullying is not exclusive to children or teens. Bullying behaviour is quite often carried out by adults as well. And never more so than online.

I have been the victim of a bully for a couple of years now. Just one person. One person who has decided that she doesn't like me - even though she doesn't know me. I feel sorry for her - I really do - but I will not lower myself to her level - ever. I will however continue to attempt to make things better - try to make peace. Not just for myself but for others.

Bullying bothers everyone. It doesn't just affect the person being picked on. The ramifications often spread far and wide, especially in online forums and so-called "support" groups. Bullies create a climate of fear - where everybody is scared to speak out or take action. I hate watching others stand up to the bully only to then become a victim themselves.

So WHY do people bully others? Bullies are usually looking for attention. They have an innate need to be popular or get what they want and they usually will do anything to make themselves feel important. This is why I feel sorry for her. To have to do that to other people so that she feels ok about herself must be a sad and lonely place to be indeed.

So how do we best deal with a bully? Firstly, it is important to feel good about yourself. Know that you are a good person. Secondly, avoid the bully if at all possible. If this is not possible, do not engage them, try not to show your emotions and definitely, do not bully back. I have, over much time, learned to step away from the situation and ignore the behaviour. I will not allow her to have any control over my life, who I am and what I do.

I hope that if others are experiencing such things, they too can learn to distance themselves. Know that you are not alone.

The Animas Family

Its amazing how life turns out sometimes -

I haven't wanted to work for so many years - preferring to focus my attention and energy on caring for my daughter and doing volunteer work.  And now, it is that very volunteer work that has led me to the perfect job - a job that I am now ready for.  A job that I am so excited about.  A job that I couldn't have planned better if I had designed it myself.

I am now an employee of AMSL Diabetes, the Australian distributors of Animas insulin pumps and Diasend.  I am an extremely proud member of their Diabetes Customer Care Team and I am THRILLED.

To say that the team at AMSL have welcomed me with open arms would be an understatement.  From the minute I met my fellow workmates at the ADEA/ADS Conference on the Gold Coast, I have felt like I am "home".  This is where I belong.  This is what I have been waiting for - without even knowing it.

Disclosure Statement

In full disclosure, I am a paid employee of AMSL (Australasian Medical and Scientific Ltd). I work in the Diabetes Team - the Australian distributors of Animas Vibe and Diasend.

My employment with AMSL will not affect how I discuss our use of their products and any opinions expressed here are my own."

The App That Makes It All Happen

I have already heralded the arrival of the Sanofi iBGStar® and told you about its many redeeming features.

Today, we are going to take a closer look at the App that makes this little meter really shine.

The iBGStar® Diabetes Manager App can be purchased for free from the App Store and can be used in conjunction with the iBGStar® or without - if you want to manually input your BGLs and additional data.

This modern, innovative tool - when used with the iBGStar® blood glucose meter - gives you convenient, on-the-run access to data to help you manage your diabetes.


You can track blood glucose levels

You can track carbohydrate intake



You can track insulin doses

 

You can tag readings for pre and post meals and night time.  

There is also the ability to add notes to each blood glucose level.

 

Food Information

Activity information

Insulin Information

Dosage Information

Other information

You can even add your own notes to suit. We have added several such as Pizza, Soccer, Basketball, Forgot to Bolus, Temp 100%, Temp 200%, Temp Off, Sleep In, Social Day and Correction Override.  Once that note is attached to the relevant record, it can either be kept for future use or deleted.

The App allows you to view and analyse your data through Trend Charts, a Logbook and Statistics for various time periods.  You can also share your data - this will be especially relevant to send to your healthcare provider.  We also use it for C to send data to me when she is away.

All in all - the Sanofi iBGStar® has everything you could possibly need to make your diabetes management just that little bit easier - and certainly more fun.  I highly recommend that you take a look at this little beauty and give it a go.