It’s easy for me to “forget” I have diabetes, and continue my bad habits. I go to your blog to see how others handle their condition, and to keep it in the forefront of my mind to take good care of myself

* Are you Type 1, Type 2, or a parent or partner?

Type 2

* If you check back often, what do you like best?

Info on new treatments

* What topics interest you most?

New oral meds

* Where do you find the biggest “information gap” between medical providers and patients?

Mostly okay. My worst experience was the podiatrist screaming at me about high A1C numbers before getting any information about what I was doing to handle it.

* What helps you fill that gap?

N/A

* What’s your biggest daily D-gripe that seems like it could easily be solved?

Can’t think of one, really. I have sympathy for those who have to have refrigerated medication, though. That must be a real hassle! Hopefully, I’ll never have to find out.

Anyway, I enjoy the light-heartedness of your blog. I wouldn’t mind hearing more about your regular life, not just your D-life — like when you wrote about your trip to Europe. That was fun and informative. But even if you don’t change a thing, I’ll be a regular reader.

Here’s my thoughts on the questions you ask:

- Why are you here?

I like the personal touch in most of the posts. I really get a lot out of people’s “story” and life experiences while dealing with diabetes.

- Are you Type 1, Type 2, or a parent or partner?

I am Type 1. Diagnosed at the age of 5 in 1980. That makes me about 30 years old with 25 years of diabetes under my belt.

- If you check back often, what do you like best?

Everything new. All the new stories & experiences. I just wish I had the time to keep up on everything you (and the rest of the O.C.) posts! I’d love to be able to comment on everything I read. Just can’t manage it though.

- What topics interest you most?

Nothing special, again, I like to read about your unique experiences dealing with life.

- Where do you find the biggest “information gap” between medical providers and patients?

Tough question. My struggles are mostly with my personal discipline and behavioral eating. I do wish that the doctors had more time to spend with us. It’s always very rushed.

- What helps you fill that gap?

Being organized when I go in to the appt. Maybe having a list of questions or concerns ready, etc.

- What’s your biggest daily D-gripe that seems like it could easily be solved?

While in my humble opinion I don’t feel like it’s easily solved, motivation is my biggest gripe. It takes constant and consistant attention, continued diligence and lots of “energy” to keep everything under control every day. Sure, when things are running smoothly they roll right along. But when life gets going along with that is when things get interesting. It’s also something that is not as simple as a daily task that you can do and cross it off your list for the day – but rather multiple mental visits throughout the day. Maybe my attention span is short, but I have trouble staying focused on that all day every day.

- And: anybody interested in a DiabetesMine.com T-shirt?

Yes – but I’m always broke. Damn gadget addiction.

Great work Amy – please keep it up. You are making a difference in many lives and you are appreciated for it!

* Are you Type 1, Type 2, or a parent or partner? Type 2, dx’ed in 2005. I’m the 4th generation of Type II on my mother’s side.

* If you check back often, what do you like best? Personal stories of how you handle diabetes in your life, or your take on news items.

* What topics interest you most? Anything goes……

* Where do you find the biggest “information gap” between medical providers and patients? Oh boy. Don’t get me started. I’m a military dependent. During the diagnosis process, I saw 3 different doctors, all of whom had 3 different ideas of how my Type II should be handled, especially given the genetic factor at play. It was at that point I decided I’d better get extremely well educated on this so I could have a major voice in decisions, treatment, etc.

* What helps you fill that gap? Keeping current on new info, and constantly reading and learning about diabetes.

* What’s your biggest daily D-gripe that seems like it could easily be solved? Good question

Diabetes was an entirely different disease before rapid-acting insulin and lantus… with strict meal plans, rigidity, anything containing sugar on the forbidden list, and blood tests that took as much as *five minutes* (and required a “hanging drop of blood” the size of a piece of corn). No one even talked about post-prandials 10 years ago — controlling them was inconceivable. Living well with diabetes was a *huge* challenge back then.

You represent the new, “light-hearted” diabetes… but not the diabetes I’ve dealt with most of my life.

Wow, you have received a lot of feedback and comments. That’s wonderful. Sorry I couldn’t post yesterday, but it was a very hectic day for me at work and otherwise, but I’m glad that I could today.

Why are you here?
I love your site…I try to visit it when I can. I think you have a lot of interesting things to share with the reader and I find it both informative and something I can relate to, on a personal note.

Are you Type 1, Type 2, or a parent or partner?

I’m also Type 1. I was dx’ed about 3 years ago. In ways, it seems like it was yesterday, but in other ways it seems like I have dealt with this forever…if that makes any sense.
- Where do you find the biggest “information gap” between medical providers and patients?

I find my current Endocrinologist to be pretty knowledgable about this disease. However, as far as personality- he leaves a lot to be desired. Sometimes I think he comes across as arrogant and he tends to talk “down” to me…which I hate. I think it’s a common thing among doctors, sadly, and I think it makes a big difference in patients feeling comfortable and at ease at being able to discuss their feelings and issues they worry about.

- What helps you fill that gap?

I think trying to be as honest as possible with my doctor helps-letting him know how I feel and what I struggle with. I am actually seeing another (new) doctor in the practice at my next appt.- he supposedly reminds people of my ex-Endo. I’m looking forward to meeting him.

- What’s your biggest daily D-gripe that seems like it could easily be solved?

I have to agree with others about the infusion sets. There’s got to be a way to make them so they don’t kink as easily. Also, perhaps there’s an easier way to make injecting the sets/or regular inections better, so they hurt less.

Just wanted to add a big THANK-YOU for all the work you do on your blog. I can tell you put a lot of effort and energy into it. Know that we appreciate it and I hope to read (and learn) alot more from you

C’est la vie!