Overnight Change

Today let’s talk about changes, in one of two ways.  Either tell us what you’d most like to see change about diabetes, in any way.  This can be management tools, devices, medications, people’s perceptions, your own feelings – anything at all that you feel could use changing.  OR reflect back on some changes you or your loved one has seen or been through since being diagnosed with diabetes.  Were they expected or did they surprise you?

I’m traveling back to high school today. 

My pediatric endo started suggesting a pump for me at least 2 years before I went on the pump. I had no interest. I was doing well on Lente & Regular and I liked the predictability of my life and I knew what I needed to eat and I knew how to stay healthy. There was nothing anyone could say to make me want an insulin pump. I remember a camp friend, who had the same doctor, who wanted an insulin pump more than anything. The endo didn’t think she was actually ready for this transition. (Keep in mind that insulin pumps were NOT the norm at that time.) I remember her telling me how crazy I was for not transitioning to the insulin pump when our doctor was encouraging this. And could I talk to the doctor for her?! 

Diabetes camp friends

I ran cross-country and the team decided to go to Olive Garden after practice one night. We decided at practice. We wanted to get to dinner, but I had to borrow a cell phone (and find someone willing to let me use their precious minutes). I called my dad who worked down the road from my school, who drove to our house 30 minutes away, then back to give me my insulin. I was so embarassed that my diabetes could make all of us late. He handed over my insulin and off we went. That night after I got home I talked to my mother about NEEDING the insulin pump. I realized that life won’t always be able to be worked around my eating schedule. It took one day for me to want to radically change my diabetes care. Six months later, I was on a pump and I haven’t looked back. 

What have you changed in your diabetes life? Check here for other changes.