Bring me your diabetes happies, your small victories, your moments of joy! What does diabetes bring to your life that doesn’t suck?
You know what doesn’t suck? Being tuned into my body. I pay close attention to my physical and mental health because diabetes forces me to, but I consider that a good thing. I see my healthcare team often. I have become increasingly less reluctant to share where I struggle in pursuit of better health. My body has needs and because of diabetes, I’m always listening.
And also on the doesn’t suck list? The feedback loop of diabetes. Sure, a lot of the time the results I’m seeing on my meter or CGM aren’t what I’m hoping for, but the feedback loop can be powerfully productive at times. Like when I only have 20 minutes to cram in a quick cardio workout. Was it worth it? Will I see benefits? Those are questions that people without diabetes might ask themselves, but I can see the downward slopping arrow on my CGM as proof that exercise makes a positive difference. I know, thanks to the data, that even the short stints are worth it.
You know what else doesn’t suck? Having an excuse for fruit snacks in my purse that can’t be argued against. What, you’re not deep into your 30’s with a pack of bedragged Annie’s fruit snack bunnies snuggled up against the pocket of your favorite purse?
You know what doesn’t suck? Passing along cyborg tips on the fly. Yesterday at the gym: “What’s that on your arm?” “This is an insulin pump infusion set – it connects to my insulin pump. I do this instead of taking shots.” “Oh yeah? No more shots?” “Nope. I have a steady stream of the good stuff going in all day long.” The guy smiled. “I have to tell my aunt about that. She’s still taking a bunch of shots.”
You know what else doesn’t suck? Instant buddies. Like the time at the airport when I had my pump clipped to my boot, the tubing snaking down my leg all casual. I ended up in a really nice conversation with this dad of a girl with type 1 diabetes. Or the lifeguard that other time. Or all those times I’ve met a PWD or the loved one of a PWD in the wild, and how instant and intense that connection is.
What else doesn’t suck? That feeling when people get all squirrelly talking about having to get a flu shot and you go all badass and give yourself an injection while they’re shaking in their insulin-making boots.
You know what else doesn’t suck? The diabetes community. So much inspiration and power, so many incredible stories of people continuing to kick ass despite a lazy pancreas. Friends have become extended family, and even though we can’t make insulin, we can still make a difference and make an amazing life for ourselves.
The Good stuff:
Camp! While I wasn’t diagnosed until mid-30s, my two oldest have taken advantage of week long Diabetes Camp. And our whole family has enjoyed weekend retreats!!
Seeing a tween light up because your daughter has the exact same 1/2 unit insulin pen she has.
Sharing tips and tricks with others. Seeing others post about trying out or trialing new technology or updates!
The Diabetes Community!!!!
OMG how did I forget CAMP!!!!!?
You were still stuck on the coleslaw issue. 🙂 You’ll be ready to mention camp next week!
You know what else doesn’t suck? Getting to see your growing baby every four weeks during pregnancy, having a big team of doctors watching out for your growing baby and getting to know more about your baby before they are even born than the average mama-to-be. Yeah, pregnancy and Type 1 has lots of challenges, but there are definitely some perks.
You know what else doesn’t suck?
I am a better father, husband, grandfather and man because diabetes taught me empathy, compassion and the need for love.
and what else doesn’t suck is the ability to be more mindful, compassionate and caring for oneself and others
You know what else doesn’t suck?
Knowing your diabetes experiential learning, plus compassion, will one day pay off in a career you might’ve not otherwise considered!
You know what else doesn’t suck?
Having a family of 5 that eats healthy and is very knowledgable of what goes into our body. My Type 1 daughter is our youngest at 11 and her two teenage brothers are better educated on nutrition, health and food than most adults.
Having a CGM that means I don’t get up at 2am to test my daughter. Have been testing in the night for nearly 6 years now.
Having the bond with my daughter as I tend to her in the middle of the night all these years. She will grow up knowing the love that surrounds her.
Sharing the emotional road of parenting my daughter’s disease with my wife who uploads the pump, does the quarterly check ups, keeps on top of things and generally manages the illness. God knows how single parents cope.
Your answer hit home, though our situations are reversed. I’m the PWD who cares for my non-PWD daughter who has significant disabilities. Yes, we’re up in the night and grateful when we don’t have to be. Can I indulge in a little self-pity? Sometimes, but not “this” time. Can I be a little less vigilant? Sometimes, but not “this” time. Do I appreciate the care and love her Dad provides? Profoundly. Do I take better care of myself? Yes, because it’s not just some goal; it’s a commitment. None of that sucks.
I forgot to mention that I’m a PE teacher and what doesn’t suck is coaching Type 1 kids and being able to give them and their parents comfort that I am knowledgeable and on top of things. They don’t have to worry while their children are in my hands. I see the look of confidence in the kids as I talk to them and help them manage their own challenges of Type 1.
What doesn’t suck are the absolutely incredible people I have met and get to work with also living with diabetes. I never would have figured out my passion for helping others had D not given me the opportunity to figure it out.
Know what else doesn’t suck???
Being able to help newly dx’d PWD and watch them gain confidence in their ability to take care of themselves and grow confident in their individual knowledge of their new disease!!
Plus all the AWESOME people I get to interact w!! DOC rocks!!!
Not having to shave ones armpits and legs. I am always hearing girls complain about that.
hmmm … just not feeling it, can’t think of anything good about diabetes, yet. Oh, how about, someday .. I won’t have to worry about buying shoes that fit because my feet or toes will be amputated? No? hmm .. I’ll keep digging, maybe some ray of sunshine will come to me. sigh ..