The #HappyDiabeticChallenge which many have been following and contributing to on Twitter over the month of November, has proved to be enjoyable and interesting. I am pleased that I managed to post on every one of the 30 days, and I found it interesting to be made to reflect on these themes about diabetes. It seems a shame that they just drift away on a Twitter timeline, so I decided to curate my 30 posts into a blog post. I hope readers will enjoy seeing it all in one place, with selected illustrations and links.
Of course, all my blog posts need a song title, so I chose a 60s classic from the Kinks to reflect the November theme and the idea of daily posts: Autumn Almanac. Click on the title and enjoy it while you read on...
So here it is - my #HappyDiabeticChallenge for November 2018:
Day 1 - Introduce Yourself: I'm Adrian, #T1D for the past 21 of my 61
years. Retired teacher, married with 3 adult children. Lover of gardens, cats,
football, music, conversation and silver linings: diabetes has been a curse but
also a source of new friendships & opportunities.
Day 2 - Type of Diabetes: I'm Type 1, initially misdiagnosed Type 2 at
the age of 40 back when adult onset Type 1 was thought to be rare.
Day 3 - Pens, Pump or MDI: I'm unequivocally MDI
Day 4 – Diabuddies: My definition of diabuddy is "Anyone who is, or who supports, a person with
diabetes" And they bring a wonderful silver lining to the cloud of
diabetes. I count several diabuddies among my very closest friends. You know
who you are.
Day 5: Diabetes and Style: Hmmm. Not
sure what that means. "Style" is not a word commonly associated with
me. But I do think my @FreeStyleDiabet reader has added style, thanks to my
#DeutscheDiabuddy @PEP_ME_UP
Day 6 - Biggest supporter: I wouldn't want to single out any of my #diabuddies
who are such great supporters, so I'll say it's Mrs L. She's been with me for
19 years without D & 21 years & counting with. Always puts up with my
"carry on regardless" attitude
Day 7 - The Bright Side: Two slides from my talk at #TADTalk2017 -
"12 good things about diabetes"
Tongue in cheek (so please don't get cross), but I hope it strikes a chord
with some. It's a serious & exhausting condition, but there are positives.
Day 8 - Fave Diabetes Accessory: Well, it wouldn't be me if I didn't say my
@FreeStyleDiabet, especially on a day with NHS access once again in the news.
But my #JellyBabies box is also always with me.
Day 9 - Blood Sugar Roll Call: “Here Miss” 6.8 at 08:38am
Day 10 - Tattoos & diabetes: I don't have any tattoos so (with permission)
here's a pic of my favourite, on the arm of my diabestie @ellierosehuckle. A
#hummingbird, a thing of beauty with an apt & subtle nod to diabetes,
evoking the role of balance & sugar
Day 11 - Low Carb Snacks: The words "low carb" seldom cross my
lips and certainly never precede the word "snack". Crisps all the way
for me.
Day 12 - Lancet Change Monday: I think I was cleaning my hens' teeth last
time that happened. #gbdoc
Day 13 - Diabetes & Mental Health:
I am VERY aware of my own good
fortune. Meeting many fellow #pwd has brought home to me the struggles that so
many others living with diabetes experience. I salute their honesty &
resilience. It's a tough condition.
Day 14 - #WorldDiabetesDay: A perfect opportunity amidst all the
excitement of this day to acknowledge & thank all the health care
professionals, charities and advocates who do so much to help & support
those living with all types of #diabetes
Day 15 - Diabetic cost of living: well I hope mine may be about to fall by £100
pm with yesterday's #Libre news. A timely reminder that, despite the embarrassing
political chaos unfolding before our very eyes, we are luckier than many.
#Insulin4all
Day 16 - My motivation? Remaining positive by trying to do the right
thing & helping where I can.
Day 17 - Blood: Lick or Wipe. Fortunately a less common issue thanks to
@parthaskar @cahmn @DiabetesUK @JDRFUK et al, but I'm 100% lick, then try to
guess BG from the sweetness of taste. I used to be pretty good at it. Is that
weird #gbdoc?
Day 18 - Society & Diabetes: you don't have to look far on SocMed to see
the cruel or plain daft stuff that's said about diabetes. In real life, I tend
to encounter just embarrassed ignorance tinged with sympathy. Like from that
radio interview with the PM on LBC.
Day 19 - Diabetes Essentials: In reality, insulin is the only true essential
(ask @PeteDaviesType1 for perspective on d-care from 50+ yrs ago) But accurate,
frequent monitoring is essential in the context of a full & active life
Day 20 - Where are you from? Born & raised in Bolton, Lancs., of
Londoner parents; lived short but significant parts of my life in Oxford,
France & Liverpool; then past 32 years in rural Fylde, Lancs. All relevant
& influential on my thinking & outlook.
Day 21 - Exercise & Diabetes: I'm by no means an active sportsman these
days, but I keep active and I find activity, or lack of it, are VERY
influential in trying to maintain reasonably steady BG levels.
Day 22 - What are you thankful for? The #NHS; supportive & loving family;
good health other than #T1D; an instinctively positive mindset; not having #T1D
during childhood & youth; and above all, the lovely friendships &
opportunities arising from #gbdoc
Day 23 - Blue Friday. As opposed to some other
colour of Friday which parts fools from their money. Bit stuck on this one.
How about a Blue Playlist? Click on the link and enjoy.
Day 24 - Fave Diabetic Book? I haven't read any book about
diabetes since reading this after diagnosis in 1997. I've still got the book - it looks rather
quaint these days.
Day 25 - Diabetic hero/heroine: Where to start? Banting & every researcher working on meds & tech; Docs
& DSNs who care for & support us; diabetes charities; & #diabuddies
who do their thing with practical/emotional support, techie expertise or
humour.
Day 26 - Advice for Newbies: Difficult: there's rather too much advice out
there! Perhaps best to say there's no "right" or "wrong"
way to do diabetes. Take time to watch, listen to & observe others. Then
choose wisely & never claim you've cracked it.
Day 27 - Fave Testing Finger: Outside of little finger. Why? Least used for
other tasks I guess. Not that I do many fingerpricks these days thanks to
@FreeStyleDiabet
Day 28 - Diabetes & Technology: I've had no cause nor wish to embrace pump
technology, having found MDI perfectly adequate for my needs & lifestyle. I
am, however, fully convinced of the huge benefits to all #PWD (inc #T2D) of
some form of continuous monitor.
Day 29 - Goals: to live out a long & contented life free
from complications. For others: the same, but with the hope for younger #pwd
that innovations in medication & technology can minimise or even eliminate
the burden of diabetes.
Day 30 - Beyond Diabetes: A great one to finish the month. I always
look beyond diabetes in myself & others. In my friendships with
#diabuddies, I always aim to keep diabetes in its place: a very deep &
significant bond, but beyond diabetes is the person.
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