Either tell us what you'd most like to see change about diabetes, in any way. Ā This can be management tools, devices, medications, people's perceptions, your own feelings ā anything at all that you feel could use changing. Ā OR reflect back on some changes you or your loved one has seen or been through since being diagnosed with diabetes. Ā Were they expected or did they surprise you?
Sorry for the delay. Iāve been having a rough week..
In terms of changes, I think one thing that needs changing is the availability of diabetes management tools. Diabetes is one of the most costly diseases to live with and nobody really understands that. Test strips are almost a dollar a piece. Insulin can cost upward to over $200 a vial. This is insane. There are so many diabetics out that that STRUGGLE to get these vital items. This is necessary for LIFE. I also think itās ridiculous that pumps are so costly. I understand that they are medical devices, but I think it would be so beneficial if everybody had access to these wonderful devices. It can help people better manage their diabetes is the traditional methods arenāt working.
I really think that change needs to happen both in and out of the diabetic community. Type 1s vs Type 2s. There are other kinds that we are leaving out. We are all fighting a battle, and although itās not necessarily the same, I think we all deserve support. There are so many misconceptions out there so I think that the public needs to be more educated in general. Type 2s donāt cause their diabetes. Thereās so much shame and stigma around both types of diabetes; this really needs to change.
Iām also going to reflect on whatās happened to me since being diagnosed. Iām more open to this community and the stigma around it. I think itās important that we address these issues.
Personally, my immediate family worries a lot more about me now. My parents arenāt the worrying type, but I see their concern before every endo appointment I go to. My more extended family (cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc) treat me like a brittle and broken person. They see my pump or shots and they have so much pity in their eyes, itās seeping everywhere. They never pitied me before but now everytime I see them, they feel sorry for me. I understand where they are coming from, but I think itās just because they arenāt educated enough on it. This was definitely not expected for me. Maybe itās because of my culture, but Iām not used to it. And itās weird for me. I still love them though, but get-togethers are a little bit strange for me now. I have to count carbs and everybodyās concerned for me.
Itās my life. There are changes that need to be done. Iām trying my very best to do what I can. I educate people when I can. The cost of diabetes supplies...well thereās not much I can do about that. I wish I could. Iām a college student with super limited funds so I donāt think Iāll be able to do much ātil Iām a little older and have an actual income.
