​On November 10th, I partnered with Dermalogica Scottsdale to put on a fabulous charity event benefitting Beyond Type 1! Beyond Type 1 is an organization close to my heart as they educate, advocate and are on the search for a cure for those living with Type 1 Diabetes! This event would NOT have been possible without the help of MANY MANY local Arizona businesses who donated their time and resources for this fun pop-up party! + huge thank you to all the attendees! I have highlighted all the wonderful people who made this possible and you can check out all the photos below! 

​Halloween has arrived! Yes, while Halloween time does mean candy, it doesn’t have to mean rotten teeth or high blood sugar! I am so excited to announce that for the next YEAR, I will be teaming up with Crest to promote healthy teeth and beautiful smiles! You can circle back monthly to see that month’s message from myself and Crest! First- let’s close out this month with some Halloween fun!

Hi Friends! Super exciting news! I had the opportunity to create some simple but tasty low carb snack recipes for Healthline.com! There is a crunchy, savory and sweet option for all your cravings! Click HERE to check them out! Let me know if you try them for yourself! 

​Hi friends! I have a really special treat for you today! Please help me in welcoming Becca from Cooking with Confetti to GlitterGlucose.com! Becca is a woman of many talents and happens to live with an autoimmune disease also… but I’ll let her introduce herself below! 

If you are like me, you love any reason to get dolled up and throw on a pretty dress! Now if the occasion happens to support Type 1 Diabetes research then that is a MAJOR plus in my book! Back in May, I was able to attend the JDRF Imagine Gala in Los Angeles, CA. JDRF hosts galas nationwide as a big fundraiser for Type 1 Diabetes research. If you have ever wondered what goes on at a JDRF Gala, I am here to share!

Nope, you didn't read that backwards! ​I’ve been attached to my insulin pump every day for the past 3 years. Even though I LOVE and value my pump VERY much, I have long dreamt of a “pump break” but I could never commit. I always thought I was brave and could just “cut the cord” and be fine. When it came down to taking my pump off suddenly all these questions and fears came to mind. Would I even remember how to calculate the proper dose? I haven’t had to think about the math and numbers that go into injections in a LONG time. Would I really be diligent in recording my blood glucose numbers and time/amount of dose given? Probably not. The biggest thing for me was how I would keep track of insulin on board? My insulin pump is SO helpful in helping me avoid stacking insulin and going overboard when correcting and dosing. My insulin pump does so many things that multiple daily injections just can’t offer me… until now! 

Hi Friends! ​I was recently featured by Lauren’s Hope Medical ID Jewelry! Click below to read my “Story of Hope.” I talk all about my diagnosis and how I am able to show off my personality and love for fashion even with diabetes. 

​On May 5th I was able to host an amazing event with Dermalogica in Scottsdale!!! I feel so incredibly blessed to have made friends with the girls at Dermalogica. They have been so kind to me and my followers ever since I met them in August 2017. Dermalogica is not a company specific to diabetes but the way they have come out to support me and the T1D community has been truly beautiful. If you have the opportunity to stop by the Scottsdale location, please thank them for supporting the Type 1 community! 

​Flying by air can always be a little nerve racking. “Did I bring enough? I feel like I forgot something? Is TSA going to be an issue? Will my carry-on be allowed?” Now add Type 1 Diabetes to the mix and suddenly all those questions are elevated times a million. There have been many conversations about traveling with Type 1 on my Instagram (@glitterglucose) so I thought I should make this post as a reference with all the info you need to know when flying!

​I am so excited to FINALLY share an amazing product that I have been testing and using since March 31. When I first heard the concept of this product, I thought it was too good to be true. I have needed something like this since diagnosis! When I heardit actually existed I had to put it through the ringer and make sure it was actually fulfilling the need I was desperate for! Here we are! I loved it, it has saved me and now I get to share with you! + I have a coupon to share!
​(Code: Glitter for 20% off!

​If you’re reading this you are probably close to the happiest day of your life! Congrats!
 
Diabetes never takes a day off- not even on your wedding day. Everyday diabetes is about preparation and your wedding day is no different. By reading this, you are already off to a great start! I’m sharing some tips with you that can help you enjoy your special day even while diabetes lurks in the background. 

The Freestyle Libre is the newest FDA approved device to hit the USA market! I have seen so many of my European & Canadian followers using the Freestyle Libre for years now! I was always so intrigued and thought it could be the perfect glucose monitor for me. The second it was announced that it was approved in the United States, I immediately got in touch with Abbott to get my hands on this device! I was honored to be part of a group of influencers who received the Freestyle Libre before it hit the market! I was actually the first Latina in the United States to try it!

Valentine's Day is almost here! If you know me you know I love all things pink, glittery and girly! Here are a few of my favorite things that would be fun to gift for Valentine's Day! XOXO

1. Medical ID: This Sterling Silver Heart Charm Necklace serves as a medical ID & can be custom engraved! Use promo code "glitterglucose" for 10% off!

2. Apple Watch cuff: This Apple Watch cuff makes her watch so beautiful & classy! Use promo code "GLITTERGLUCOSE" for 10% off! 

3. Prada Sunglasses: Who can say no to designer? Plus these pink Prada sunglasses are classy and fun! 

4. Kate Spade Heart Earrings: These earrings can be gifted to celebrate Valentine's Day but can be worn any day of the week! 

5. Nick Jonas Edition Headphones: These headphones are so beautiful and comfortable! Plus they are in collaboration with the most famous T1D! 

6. Quilted Heart Crossbody: This bag is so perfect for the girly-girl in your life!

7. Cure T1D Shirt: Obvi we all want to Cure T1D! Celebrate Valentine's Day with this pink girly top!




*Some links may be affiliate links

I'm just a girl living my glittery, girly, glamorous life but I happen to be chronically ill. Type 1 Diabetes is a BIG part of my life. If you are reading this, most likely you are diabetic too- after all my website and Instagram are mostly diabetes focused. I am really thankful that through my persona Glitter Glucose, I am able to share every aspect of my life. Like I always say, Diabetes is a part of me but NOT all of me. That leads me to this post here! ​
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 This weekend was an amazing experience. Mercedes Benz held a golf tournament in Scottsdale benefitting JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). I know nothing about golf but my husband is a golf addict. Of course I love any opportunity to support JDRF so I asked Kevin if he would play in the tournament. He recruited his friend Byron and they teamed up in the Mercedes Benz Tournament at The Phoenician Resort. For every player JDRF donated $100!!! I found this to be very generous considering the entry fee was only $159. Thank you so much to Mercedes Benz of Scottsdale for donating to such a deserving cause!
As I often volunteer for JDRF, I asked MB if there were any opportunities for me to get involved. They put me at the Hole-in-One as a witness. If someone actually made a hole-in-one, they would win a brand new Mercedes Benz! Unfortunately, no one made it. I was really counting on my husband to win me a new car! After my hole-in-one duties were finished, I drove my golf cart around looking for Kevin. Him and Byron were playing so well!!! I knew there would be a big chance for them to actually win the whole tournament. ​

If you know my story, you know that it took me a long time to find my way in the diabetic world. I felt lost and alone for YEARS before connecting with other diabetics online. Through social media I have gained a virtual place where I am no longer alone. Still, IRL (in real life) I had never seen someone “like me.” Not once had I ever seen someone else wearing a pump, giving injections, checking blood sugars, etc. The online community gave me a new found confidence but most importantly, a new found purpose. I knew what it felt like to feel out of place and alone. My new purpose became that I would never want someone to feel that way again. I decided to dedicate my life to bringing awareness, supporting others and raising funds for a cure. It’s a big task and I knew I would need backup. That’s when I discovered the American Diabetes Association and my life has forever changed. ​

I have some exciting news to share! Beyond Type 1 has asked me to be part of their Beyond Type 1 Global Ambassador Council! I am part of an amazing group of people who LIVE BEYOND Type 1 diabetes. We are all doing our part to bring awareness for Type 1 Diabetes.

The Global Ambassador Council is a group of 24 young influencers (ages 23-33) all living with Type 1, with representation in Canada, England, India, South America, Scotland, and the USA. They serve as thought partners and advisors to the Founders, Leadership Council and Team, actively leveraging their own networks to help the organization in a number of ways. The GAC participates in brand advocacy, programming and a broad range of one-off support depending on the individual Council member’s interests, passions and profession. 

Beyond Type 1 is a new brand of philanthropy leveraging the power of social media and technology, changing what it means to live with a chronic disease. By educating the global community about this autoimmune disease, as well as providing resources and support for those living with Type 1, we will bridge the gap from diagnosis to cure, empowering people to both live well today and to fund a better tomorrow. 

I will be hosting more meet-ups and events on behalf of Beyond Type 1! Make sure to let me know what city you are in so we can coordinate! You can also click here to get involved: JOIN US

​P

For 6 years I worked at a company that I loved but had long outgrew. I never made an attempt to leave because of one reason; I live with a chronic illness. Leaping into a new routine with so many unknowns made me uncomfortable. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes after already being at my job for 3 years. I was already excelling so the only hard part now was throwing a chronic illness into the mix. This led to many sick days, leaving early and days that seemed to move in slow motion. Luckily for me, at this job I made my own schedule, worked at my own pace, and worked alone. “I’m gonna have to stay here forever” I thought. “No one is ever going to understand. I don’t want to explain myself to coworkers. My boss Meghan already knows and is beyond accommodating. I’m comfortable.” For all of the reasons above, I stayed 3 more years. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy but I knew I wanted and NEEDED more.
 
I’m happy to say that one day, on LinkedIn, I got a message from Itzia who is now my new boss. She asked if I would be interested in meeting to talk about a position she had available. At first I thought about not even replying. I thought “I can’t! Working in retail is already hard enough and I already have a dream position. Why would I fix something that wasn’t broken?” Then I thought, “I’m on LinkedIn for a reason. I want to meet and connect with people in my industry.” I already convinced myself that I didn’t want the position. No way could I leave the comfort of my free schedule, no coworkers, work-at-your-own-pace life but I decided to meet with Itzia anyway. On the car ride there I had a meltdown. “Why are you even going? Why are you wasting this lady’s time? You don’t want the job. YOU CAN’T DO THE JOB!” but my little Fiat landed me there anyway.
 
I arrived and was greeted by Itzia. We talked, walked around the store, and I realized I wanted the job, I wanted it bad but I had already blown it. My mini melt down caused me to be late. Although I called ahead to say I would be late, I assumed my fate was decided which was fine with me initially… I didn’t want the job anyway right? As the meeting concluded, I walked out the door thinking, “Wow I blew an awesome opportunity.” I talked myself into not wanting a job before I even knew the circumstances. This positon was a dream: Visual Coordinator for a luxury men’s store. While I wouldn’t make my own schedule, it was no nights, no weekends, work independently. I could adapt to a new routine with my medical condition easily and I blew it… So I thought! Itzia called me that same day and offered the position!!!
 
I am happier than I ever thought I could be at my new job although many challenges have come my way. I want people to understand that Type 1 Diabetes is a very serious chronic disease. It is an auto-immune disease with no cause and no cure! It does not come from lifestyle or eating too much sugar. When people think DIABETES, they think of the diabetes they’ve seen on TV, or the diabetes their grandpa has. This is different. MY PANCREAS DOES NOT WORK. I have to act as my own pancreas every second of the day. I wear an insulin pump which supplies me with the insulin I need. My blood sugar is affected with every movement I make. This is a typical day at work for me:
 
It all starts the night before. My feet are throbbing from my nerve damage due to my condition. I have the option to take Gabapentin which will help ease the pain. Every night I consider taking it but it knocks me out cold. “What if I don’t wake up on time for work the next morning? What if I don’t wake up at all?” Guess what? I go without the Gabapentin since it is optional.
 
8:30am- I prick my finger to check my blood sugar in the car while I’m sitting in traffic on the way to work. I could eat at home but I’d rather eat closer to 9am so my blood sugar doesn’t drop too low before lunch.
 
9:00am- I get to work and start my usual duties.
 
10:30am- Prick my finger again. LOW BLOOD SUGAR. I knew that before I even checked. Why? Because vision is blurred, my hands and legs are shaky, I am weak, and I feel a burning sensation running through my veins. I eat a snack to raise it back to normal. But can I do that in peace? Sometimes. But usually I hear a remark saying “That’s the disease I’d like to have” or “You are always eating!” or “Look at you just chilling, eating, taking a break.” People only see that part. Luckily they will never have to experience the feeling of their blood sugar dropping and the burning and shaking that comes with it. If I had waited a few minutes more, I might be on the floor in a coma. I scarf some gummy bears or Cheetos down really quick and get back to work.
 
1:00pm- Lunch. Again another prick to my finger. How do my finger tips still have blood in them after 8-10 finger pricks a day? Anyway, after running around the store, taking the stairs, carrying mannequins and boxes all over, my blood sugar has gone low again faster than I thought. I eat a good meal and eat enough so I can get through the day without another low.
 
2:30pm- My feet are on fire which probably means by blood sugar is high. They are throbbing due to my neuropathy problems related to my condition. I’m too busy to stop and check right now.
 
3:30pm- I’m moving slow. I’m being asked if I’m frustrated or upset. That means its time for me to check my blood sugar again. I’m probably dealing with a high blood sugar now. Yup I check, I’m HIGH. I use my pump to administer more insulin and it should be coming down soon enough. At lunch I wanted to make sure I didn’t go low, I over treated and now I’m high. Can I ever win?
 
5:00pm- I may have been too aggressive with the insulin because I wanted to get back to work sooner. I feel my blood sugar crashing again. I have a snack and again hear some smart remarks. “Should you even be eating that? Eating again? I wish I had a pump so I could just take a break and eat whenever.” I’d gladly give away my diabetes to anyone who want to take it.
 
5:30pm- I’m now off and can manage my diabetes at home and get ready for it all again tomorrow!
 
The above is just my diabetic timeline at work. These situations would arise at any job I had. They would arise if I was just at home. Its part of Type 1 Diabetes. Of course in-between my diabetic struggles, I’m keeping busy, dressing mannequins, doing window displays, making the store look BEAUTIFUL and my many other duties. I LOVE MY JOB. (A lot of it is due to Itzia being so understanding and empathetic. I am in no way asking for special treatment, I give 100% even with this disease.) I don’t think I was meant to be anywhere else at this very moment. Honestly, I know they could have hired someone with more experience and qualifications than me but fate brought me to the company. I was meant to be here. Every day I will strive to exceed expectations, learn my new role and make the company proud. I am so passionate and most of all, THANKFUL that I have a job that I love. I let Type 1 diabetes hold me back career-wise for many years. I finally landed right where I am meant to be and I encourage you all to set your fears aside and follow your heart.
 
Xoxo
Paloma
 
P.S. Special thank you to Meghan Barry, my former district manager from Beeline/Old Navy. I met her the DAY AFTER my diagnosis. We got on a plane, my body was so out of whack and I threw up after takeoff. What a way to impress my boss right?! Ever since that day she has continued to be beyond supportive and understanding. She was literally there since the beginning of my diagnosis and even though I no longer work for her, she continues to be supportive. I couldn’t of asked for a better boss or company to work for as I figured out my new normal. Thank you!!! ​