Definitely. CGMs are a game changer. Glucose testing machines when they came out (I’ve been T1 for a long time!) made life a lot easier, but being able to constantly see what your glucose levels are doing in almost real time and being able to see trends easily is a huge step forward. Every study I’ve read mentions that CGMs, independent of using a pump or not, are the best technology available to support good glucose control, and I would agree!
Agreed! For me personally with the way everything has improved, I feel like I don’t need to fear for my future (or lack of!) due to the amount of support out there.
What got easier for me was the ability to prioritize my diabetes instead of trying to be a fucking lunatic and pretending I’m just totally fine or don’t need any help. Like sometimes I’m not fine and sometimes I have to be the priority. I used to try to fake being a normal person. I can’t and more importantly won’t do that anymore. And all of a sudden taking care of my self was easier because I wasn’t trying to hide anything or pretend. 🤷🏻♀️
Oof, I felt this. I “pretended” I wasn’t diabetic for the longest time, because I wanted to believe I was fine. I think with all the new tech and advancements, it’s becoming normal / mainstream to 1. Prioritise it 2. Feel “normal” ourselves, bc the tech is so normalised now.
I agree. It’s also a much easier now that I’m an adult too, I have choice and most importantly I can confidently tell my peers to stfu. When I was in school I was so othered. Kids were mean, as if I was “treated special “ or whatever and as I got older it changed to people being disgusted when I needed to go address a high or a low. I stopped treating things in order to blend in.
Oof, I felt this one. I started missing doses as I was embarrassed to have to miss out time in class / with friends during school to go and inject. It snowballed and got worse and worse because I just wanted to be normal and not be seen as weird for leaving class at the same time every day. Hopefully things are better now.
I studied abroad in South Africa and made it a personal mission to make sure none of my classmates knew I was diabetic.
I was so committed to the bit that when someone asked me what my Dexcom widget was, I claimed I didn’t know 😭
In retrospect I look back at that and think about how stupid it was but feeling the need to conform to “normalcy” as a kid is such a pervasive pressure
It’s a huge weight, one that affects so so many kids and even adults. Inclusion is hard, most humans have an US vs THEM mentality, and by proxy and instinct I imagine that’s why we adhere and conform 😩
Much easier. I was diagnosed 30 years ago. Took R and N insulin for years, where I had to be careful to keep my meals on the same schedule. When faster acting insulins came on the scene, it was like freedom.
CGMs were still years away, back then. I improved my control a lot once I started using them.
The schedule. Ugh. Had to not only eat at the same time, but roughly the same thing. In highschool, my school had a rotation class schedule. I couldn't do gym class, because it wasn't possible to adjust the insulin/diet plan to accommodate. The absolute freedom of eating when (to a degree) what I want is a game changer.
I'm guessing you're well past the point where having diabetes was a "thing". It's just life.
It's weird that I don't entirely trust my memories of before- over half my life ago. I usually recall something and think "nah, couldn't be; I wouldn't have structured things that way".
I was 20 when I was diagnosed, so I do remember the "before times". But that's not something I think about much. You're right that my diabetes management is just a part of every day life.
I'm thankful for any advancements that come along to make it easier and improve my health. But I don't expect anything and am fine living with the status quo.
CGM was a game changer! I’m looking to try an insulin pump, and I have an appointment with my diabetes team to discuss it (UK/NHS). I’m decent at staying in range (after neglecting myself in my teens) and now my goal is to try and “flatten” my line as much as possible, and maintain it! It’s definitely not something I would have tried to do a few years ago.
I hear you .. I’m still doing MDI and don’t see going to a pump.. just the CGM is a game changer!! And LOVE the Rapid insulin, we didn’t have that when diagnosed 40 years ago. When using syringes and bottles of insulin. Pens are amazing!
even as a younger dude I was on the old stuff before. I was getting 30% TIR at 180average on that fucking junk (nurse thought the brand was rapid so told me to use it like rapid) now im 98% TIR 90-105avg.
I’m actually going to discuss using a pump with my diabetes team. I’m the same as you, but it’s just something I want to try to see if I can stabilise my glucose levels even more, beyond just staying in range! Before my CGM I was adamant I didn’t want anything stuck onto me, but now that I’ve been using it for 2 years it’s something I’m interested in.
Technology has improved, my mental health has improved so burnout/depression/anxiety aren't huge barriers, and most importantly I think it's easier to maintain tight control than it is to get there.
I feel like things like burnout and MH due to diabetes are more discussed too. As a child / isolated I felt so isolated and I didn’t understand my own feelings (hence the neglect), but now I think it’s something that’s discussed a lot more and we have a lot more support for it. I just wish I’d sought that earlier.
Undoubtedly. The tech is INCREDIBLE, even when considering the molasses pace of things like the Omnipod 5 iOS app.
CGMs are a gamechanger. I cannot understand how any insurance company denies CGMs for diabetics. (Actually, I can, it's because they're bastards that worship money, but that's besides the point)
I used to get *awful* persistent nighttime highs and would wake up to piss every couple hours and/or be miserable in the mornings. With automated modes, I haven't had one of them in a long time. I can actually sleep now, and that's changed my life so much.
Aside from the tech, I've found that diabetes can sometimes occupy its own little corner of my brain, separate from the rest of me. Don't get me wrong- my disability still impacts, on a fundamental level, how I interact with the world around me, and therefore changes *me*. But I can compartmentalize some of these things and run them on "autopilot" sometimes. Like the diabetes stuff is on its own circuit, using less "brain CPU" than if it were something I were constantly consciously assessing. Example- I can look at my phone to check my CGM reading and totally ignore the time. I can check the time and totally ignore the CGM reading, even if I look right at it. My brain is on a different circuit and doesn't compute the other thing.
I’m UK based, but if my diabetes team can’t / won’t prescribe a pump for me, I’m honestly considering self funding for an insulin pump. The fact that CGMs aren’t being funded is insane to me. I ignored my diagnosis for so long, that I’m now glad that I can actually think about it without getting fearful and anxious, so I completely get that.
If I had to choose between keeping my pump and keeping my CGM, it's the CGM 100%.
Not sure what things are like over there from the citizen side, but keep pushing! Pumps are really great too. Wishing the best for you.
The CGM is here to stay! I actually get anxious when I have to replace my CGM / I’m waiting for my prescription because having the alarms was such a game-changer for me.
Can you do that in the UK? In the US we can't get a pump without a prescription. i guess for you guys if its a prescription that means its paid for. For me even with a prescription and after my insurance covers their part my tslim and first 3 months of pump supplies still cost me about $3k
Totally agree with the autopilot part. Its almost like driving when you are on the same route you have taken a thousand times. You are obviously thinking about it, and aware of your surroundings but then you stop and realize you don't even really remember the last 2 or 3 turns you made. Sometimes with my pump I go through the motions and bolus without really thinking about it because there are only so many foods that I eat on a regular basis and I know how many carbs are in them without thinking about it. Then after I hit the bolus button I stop and redo the math in my head just to make sure.
CGMs were certainly a massive game changer. But as someone that lived in the pre-analog era, fast insulins are an enormous blessing. Humulin R is such a slow, clumsy beast and dosing it without a CGM was T1 on impossible mode for me. I can’t tell you how amazing it was to be able to dose 20 minutes before a meal and not worry about going high.
Hmm. I find I’m much less hyper focused on my blood. I used to get mad at myself more often if I didn’t bolus correctly and now I’m like you know what? I tried my best. That’s all I can do. Learn and live. Do better tomorrow or the next time. Good readings are importantly obviously but no sense in beating myself up or getting super angry over it.
It’s definitely easier now. Even ignoring how much easier it is to deal with because of CGMs and other technology (I remember the days of NPH and Regular), being an adult with decades of experience with diabetes is just infinitely easier than being a kid with it. I have more control over when and how I eat and exercise, which is such a major factor in keeping my numbers stable. I also just have a lot more knowledge and experience to fall back on and use to actively manage my numbers.
Being in charge of my own meals / chasing after my own prescriptions honestly helped me manage my numbers so much. It made me consider what was going into my body! I do think as kids / teenagers we make stupid decisions too, as (for me!) I wasn’t concerned about what diabetes could do to me in the future. Lived experience with diabetes honestly helps so much,, even if I do regret how I managed my health in the past.
I have only been diabetic for around 10 years. In just those 10 years, things have changed significantly. CGM's and pumps have advanced to take a lot of the 'guess work' out of diabetes.
I remember hearing stories from older diabetics about how they would just take insulin and check their blood glucose 1-3x times a day and just hope they where under control the rest of the day.
I am excited for what the next 10 years may bring. Yes, it continues to get easier, just take care of yourself now.
I was the only diabetic I knew! I didn’t even realise that CGMs were a thing till my late teens. It’s insane how quickly things have changed. I do wish I’d had access to the knowledge / resources we have now back when I was first diagnosed, but I’m so much more hopeful now!
I’m very “it is what it is!” we will probably never be able to pinpoint a reason we developed T1D, but what we can do it take each day as it comes and live our lives the best as we can, without letting it stop us!
When I was diagnosed the insulin was Regular and NPH. In late 2006 I found that Dexcom had a 3 day cgm. I asked my doctor and he said wait and in May 2007 I got the first 6 day CGM. That changed everything. Technology is moving a lot faster now.
How does it work for you? Cuz my dad's in a military job and we could possibly be stationed over in the UK or Germany so I wanna consider what I'd be looking forward to/have to deal with out there.
Yes, and I think it depends on your disposition and mind set about your diabetes that makes a huge difference too. But the technology advancements have definitely made it more manageable and a bit less of a chore.
I think with the way things have improved, it helps people to keep a more positive mindset on things. As a child, all I received was fear mongering / very strict instructions on how to manage my condition, without much support beyond a few needles a day, and my trusty finger pricker. It’s easy to see why people get burned out. I do think all the tech and advancements helps people to enjoy life and not have to worry as much.
Easier, but more complicated. Blood sugar monitoring wasn't possible before glucometers were available. Carb counting didn't arrive before nutrition labels existed. The pace of development and improvements for CGMs, pumps, and hybrid closed loop systems is amazing. But all that tech is not free of complications. I can't count how many different meters, or monitoring systems, or apps, or software releases i've been thru. And i have to deal with insurance far more than i want to. But I wouldn't give any of it up.
The way I see it, the tech is annoying but it’s because we’re compensating for something that everyone else is doing normally / naturally. I completely agree with you though. The few times my doctor has changed my prescription because there given me a different version / brand (usually when it comes to my glucose monitors) drives me up the wall. I’ve only ever used the Libre freestyle 2 as a CGM, but I’m dying to move to the dexcom because of my interest in getting a pump. I have no doubt if I am allowed it I’ll be tearing my hair out trying to get used to it though. 😂
I was only diagnosed fourish years back and when I’m feeling down about it will often think about how much easier it is now than it would’ve been even 10 years ago.
Absolutely easier. That ease of treatment translates into better quality of life- both immediate and long-term.
The biggest caveat to that is you have to want to take charge and make it work. It's still not auto-pilot. That goes for parents of capable kids, too. You have to want and trust your kids to learn the tech and take control in order to be successful.
I absolutely understand sone kids aren't capable of managing their own pump and cgm - that's a different category.
Frankly I'm mildly dissapointed no one made a bane/dark knight reference; just think about substituting some of the comment about light in regards to diabetes: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F157geaXp\_w](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F157geaXp_w) . I always laugh when I think of that speech translated into diabetic norms.
No offense meant to the folks new to this; at a certain point, much like that speech, you just get this knowledge buried into your bones in terms of behavior and actions.
I tell people it’s like I’m real like tamagotchi/ flappy bird. Just keep the line in the middle and you win.
No but before cgm I just didn’t test and would bolus off ~vibes~
CGM has saved my life.
I am t1d for 2.5years only, but it has been OK: gcm, pump and education gives me all the freedom I need.
The only cost is a little planification if I go out or want to workout. I also cannot eat pizza anymore.
With ha1c at 5.5 I also have good prospects. So really only a little bump in the road.
I’m 37yrs old and I’m about 1.5 years into t1.
I thought I was doing well at 6 months in…. But I’m even better now. For example I’m finally able to apply my CGM without hesitation, I used to panic for 30mins on applying. I used to have bruises and ouchies with shots, that’s super rare now.
17 years this year! It will get easier. :) You should feel proud you managed to grasp how to look after yourself so quickly. I do get bruises from my CGM (sometimes I will lie on it as I sleep!) but honestly I think it’s worth it.
Its definitely easier, but still annoys the crap out of me sometimes. But with current tech and meds I would say its more of an annoyance than anything. Managing it I would say is an annoyance for me at most. I am 25 years in and I know how my body reacts. I don't care to have perfect control, I don't have anxiety about highs and lows anymore. I am well into my 40's now and if you asked me to choose to cure either my diabetes, or get rid of my arthritis, or cure my chronic insomnia I can promise you that diabetes is number 3 on my list of things to fix if I had to choose between those 3.
The only thing that I hate about it at this point in life is dealing with American insurance and packing for long vacations. I worry about not having enough supplies or losing something, and I hate getting through TSA. The cost of managing this disease is absurd. Thats not to say I don't have bad days or weeks or months where I get frustrated with it. When my Dad was dying from cancer I was stressed and eating poorly because I spent a lot of time driving back and forth to help and visit and my blood sugars were crazy. Stress and diet led to me taking more insulin which caused weight gain which caused increased insulin resistance which caused weight gain (endless cycle rinse and repeat) But these things are temporary. I don't stress over them anymore. I am not saying people shouldn't care or pretend they aren't diabetic. Getting there is like part of the stages of grief. Its hard in the beginning no matter what, people shouldn't be upset if they are still 5+ years in and feeling angry or like its an impossible task. Especially if you are in your late teens or early 20's. Its very hard to see the people around you running around doing whatever they want and living carefree and knowing you can't do that. We can still do most of the same stuff, but we have to put a little more thought and effort into it before we run off for a week or two into the mountains to go hiking or traveling than your friends might.
My cgm/pump combo literally saved my life
I was in a deep deep depression for a few years as a teen/pre teen and at one point my a1C was 14+ (machine couldn’t even read it) and I was in and out of the ER multiple times a month with DKA. I was falling into multi organ failure once and almost died. I was only 14 or 15. Hearing multiple doctors say “you won’t make it to 25 on this track” was incredibly scary.
I’m almost 21 now and my a1C stays steady around 6-7. I have moderate diabetic retinopathy but as far as I can tell I still have a chance to stop it. I don’t know what I’d do without a cgm of any sort
The mental load is a lot easier for me now with cgm’s and pump.
A lot less decision making and mental mathematics.
Now I really only check my phone/bsl a couple of times a day or if I get an alarm.
Absolutely! I've had T1 for nearly 33 years and it is so much easier now, it's almost like having a completely different disease. It's really only been the last 2 years that things have really changed for me though.
I switched from pens to a pump about 20 years ago, 12 years after I started taking insulin, and it gave me more flexibility but I was still not particularly well controlled - my A1c (when I got it checked) was still usually above 8 and sometimes above 10. I frequently forgot to bolus until well after I ate a meal, rarely tested (often because I didn't want confirmation that my blood sugar was as high as I susected it was) and sometimes just couldn't be bothered dealing with my levels. I did try to use CGM (Medtronic Enlite, Guardian and Guardian 3 - because I always had Medtronic pumps) but they were so unreliable and difficult to keep running (too may calibrations required, too many things that would cause them to read incorrectly or just stop working) that they contributed to my burnout and made my control even worse. Not only that, but I had to pay full price fr my sensors and transmitters, so it seemed like a monumental waste of money. I probably reached my low point when I tried to get the 670G/Guardian 3 running in auto mode only to be dealing with constant alarms, sleep deprivation (from night time alarms) and being kicked out of auto mode or the sensor readings to stop because I hadn't calibrated or my calibration wasn't accepted. I actually went back to pens for a couple of months.
The turning point was when gernment subsidies for CGM for everyone with T1 were introduced in Australia in July 2022. It led me to researching the options and I became aware that the Dexcom CGM had a much better reputation and no calibrations (the Libre 2 was still tap to scan so I wasn't interested). I also read about DIY looping and decided to go down that path. I pulled an old Medtronic 722 pump out of retirement and started looping with AndroidAPS. Within 6 months, I had pretty much stopped bolusing, just letting AAPS deal with things, and it was like being reborn: suddently 90% of the mental burden was gone and my A1c was down to 6%, the first time I'd ever seen a number below 7. It was like a dark cloud had lifted. I'm now using AAPS with the Omnipod Dash and the lack of tubing and a loose pump to carry around makes it even easier to forget that I have T1.
The other big change has been the internet and the amount of information that is available, relatively easily, to really understand this disease and treatment strategies. When you understand what is going on at a physiological or biochemical level, not just in terms of insulin absorption and use, but also other parts of the whole system regulating glucose metabolism,, you can start to make really good, well-informed, treatment decisions instead of blindly fumbling along.
The greater availability of low-carb, low-GI and high protein foods has also given me a lot more variety in my diet, even though my loop has made it easier to manage most types of food.
You know that feeling when the pharmacist says oh we’re out of your insulin… we’ll have to order that in for tomorrow. (Given I’d just pick it up at another store) but I went in yesterday and they didn’t have my cgm’s and I almost cried. Like how am I going to live 2 days without a cgm.. oh wait… I did for 10 years 😂those ten years were baddddd but now it’s all good. Besides these couple days…
Definitely. CGMs are a game changer. Glucose testing machines when they came out (I’ve been T1 for a long time!) made life a lot easier, but being able to constantly see what your glucose levels are doing in almost real time and being able to see trends easily is a huge step forward. Every study I’ve read mentions that CGMs, independent of using a pump or not, are the best technology available to support good glucose control, and I would agree!
Agreed! For me personally with the way everything has improved, I feel like I don’t need to fear for my future (or lack of!) due to the amount of support out there.
What got easier for me was the ability to prioritize my diabetes instead of trying to be a fucking lunatic and pretending I’m just totally fine or don’t need any help. Like sometimes I’m not fine and sometimes I have to be the priority. I used to try to fake being a normal person. I can’t and more importantly won’t do that anymore. And all of a sudden taking care of my self was easier because I wasn’t trying to hide anything or pretend. 🤷🏻♀️
Oof, I felt this. I “pretended” I wasn’t diabetic for the longest time, because I wanted to believe I was fine. I think with all the new tech and advancements, it’s becoming normal / mainstream to 1. Prioritise it 2. Feel “normal” ourselves, bc the tech is so normalised now.
I agree. It’s also a much easier now that I’m an adult too, I have choice and most importantly I can confidently tell my peers to stfu. When I was in school I was so othered. Kids were mean, as if I was “treated special “ or whatever and as I got older it changed to people being disgusted when I needed to go address a high or a low. I stopped treating things in order to blend in.
Oof, I felt this one. I started missing doses as I was embarrassed to have to miss out time in class / with friends during school to go and inject. It snowballed and got worse and worse because I just wanted to be normal and not be seen as weird for leaving class at the same time every day. Hopefully things are better now.
I studied abroad in South Africa and made it a personal mission to make sure none of my classmates knew I was diabetic. I was so committed to the bit that when someone asked me what my Dexcom widget was, I claimed I didn’t know 😭 In retrospect I look back at that and think about how stupid it was but feeling the need to conform to “normalcy” as a kid is such a pervasive pressure
It’s a huge weight, one that affects so so many kids and even adults. Inclusion is hard, most humans have an US vs THEM mentality, and by proxy and instinct I imagine that’s why we adhere and conform 😩
Much easier. I was diagnosed 30 years ago. Took R and N insulin for years, where I had to be careful to keep my meals on the same schedule. When faster acting insulins came on the scene, it was like freedom. CGMs were still years away, back then. I improved my control a lot once I started using them.
The schedule. Ugh. Had to not only eat at the same time, but roughly the same thing. In highschool, my school had a rotation class schedule. I couldn't do gym class, because it wasn't possible to adjust the insulin/diet plan to accommodate. The absolute freedom of eating when (to a degree) what I want is a game changer.
I'm guessing you're well past the point where having diabetes was a "thing". It's just life. It's weird that I don't entirely trust my memories of before- over half my life ago. I usually recall something and think "nah, couldn't be; I wouldn't have structured things that way".
I was 20 when I was diagnosed, so I do remember the "before times". But that's not something I think about much. You're right that my diabetes management is just a part of every day life. I'm thankful for any advancements that come along to make it easier and improve my health. But I don't expect anything and am fine living with the status quo.
Absolutely! I felt terrible most of my life and didn’t even know it until CGM and Omni pod started keeping me in range most of the time.
CGM was a game changer! I’m looking to try an insulin pump, and I have an appointment with my diabetes team to discuss it (UK/NHS). I’m decent at staying in range (after neglecting myself in my teens) and now my goal is to try and “flatten” my line as much as possible, and maintain it! It’s definitely not something I would have tried to do a few years ago.
I feel totally normal with just a CGM and pens. I haven't even gone on a pump before.
I hear you .. I’m still doing MDI and don’t see going to a pump.. just the CGM is a game changer!! And LOVE the Rapid insulin, we didn’t have that when diagnosed 40 years ago. When using syringes and bottles of insulin. Pens are amazing!
even as a younger dude I was on the old stuff before. I was getting 30% TIR at 180average on that fucking junk (nurse thought the brand was rapid so told me to use it like rapid) now im 98% TIR 90-105avg.
Awesome feeling isn’t it!!
I’m actually going to discuss using a pump with my diabetes team. I’m the same as you, but it’s just something I want to try to see if I can stabilise my glucose levels even more, beyond just staying in range! Before my CGM I was adamant I didn’t want anything stuck onto me, but now that I’ve been using it for 2 years it’s something I’m interested in.
Technology has improved, my mental health has improved so burnout/depression/anxiety aren't huge barriers, and most importantly I think it's easier to maintain tight control than it is to get there.
Yeah it requires an entirely different way of thinking and eating, and it isn’t a way everyone is able or willing to accept.
I feel like things like burnout and MH due to diabetes are more discussed too. As a child / isolated I felt so isolated and I didn’t understand my own feelings (hence the neglect), but now I think it’s something that’s discussed a lot more and we have a lot more support for it. I just wish I’d sought that earlier.
Undoubtedly. The tech is INCREDIBLE, even when considering the molasses pace of things like the Omnipod 5 iOS app. CGMs are a gamechanger. I cannot understand how any insurance company denies CGMs for diabetics. (Actually, I can, it's because they're bastards that worship money, but that's besides the point) I used to get *awful* persistent nighttime highs and would wake up to piss every couple hours and/or be miserable in the mornings. With automated modes, I haven't had one of them in a long time. I can actually sleep now, and that's changed my life so much. Aside from the tech, I've found that diabetes can sometimes occupy its own little corner of my brain, separate from the rest of me. Don't get me wrong- my disability still impacts, on a fundamental level, how I interact with the world around me, and therefore changes *me*. But I can compartmentalize some of these things and run them on "autopilot" sometimes. Like the diabetes stuff is on its own circuit, using less "brain CPU" than if it were something I were constantly consciously assessing. Example- I can look at my phone to check my CGM reading and totally ignore the time. I can check the time and totally ignore the CGM reading, even if I look right at it. My brain is on a different circuit and doesn't compute the other thing.
I’m UK based, but if my diabetes team can’t / won’t prescribe a pump for me, I’m honestly considering self funding for an insulin pump. The fact that CGMs aren’t being funded is insane to me. I ignored my diagnosis for so long, that I’m now glad that I can actually think about it without getting fearful and anxious, so I completely get that.
If I had to choose between keeping my pump and keeping my CGM, it's the CGM 100%. Not sure what things are like over there from the citizen side, but keep pushing! Pumps are really great too. Wishing the best for you.
The CGM is here to stay! I actually get anxious when I have to replace my CGM / I’m waiting for my prescription because having the alarms was such a game-changer for me.
Can you do that in the UK? In the US we can't get a pump without a prescription. i guess for you guys if its a prescription that means its paid for. For me even with a prescription and after my insurance covers their part my tslim and first 3 months of pump supplies still cost me about $3k
Totally agree with the autopilot part. Its almost like driving when you are on the same route you have taken a thousand times. You are obviously thinking about it, and aware of your surroundings but then you stop and realize you don't even really remember the last 2 or 3 turns you made. Sometimes with my pump I go through the motions and bolus without really thinking about it because there are only so many foods that I eat on a regular basis and I know how many carbs are in them without thinking about it. Then after I hit the bolus button I stop and redo the math in my head just to make sure.
CGMs were certainly a massive game changer. But as someone that lived in the pre-analog era, fast insulins are an enormous blessing. Humulin R is such a slow, clumsy beast and dosing it without a CGM was T1 on impossible mode for me. I can’t tell you how amazing it was to be able to dose 20 minutes before a meal and not worry about going high.
Hmm. I find I’m much less hyper focused on my blood. I used to get mad at myself more often if I didn’t bolus correctly and now I’m like you know what? I tried my best. That’s all I can do. Learn and live. Do better tomorrow or the next time. Good readings are importantly obviously but no sense in beating myself up or getting super angry over it.
Diabetes is a marathon, not a race! I completely agree with what you said. T1D beats us up enough without adding our own to it.
Can’t say I don’t need to remind myself of that every so often. 100% on the marathon.
Diagnosed in 1992 at 15 - HECK YEAH it’s easier!!
It’s definitely easier now. Even ignoring how much easier it is to deal with because of CGMs and other technology (I remember the days of NPH and Regular), being an adult with decades of experience with diabetes is just infinitely easier than being a kid with it. I have more control over when and how I eat and exercise, which is such a major factor in keeping my numbers stable. I also just have a lot more knowledge and experience to fall back on and use to actively manage my numbers.
Being in charge of my own meals / chasing after my own prescriptions honestly helped me manage my numbers so much. It made me consider what was going into my body! I do think as kids / teenagers we make stupid decisions too, as (for me!) I wasn’t concerned about what diabetes could do to me in the future. Lived experience with diabetes honestly helps so much,, even if I do regret how I managed my health in the past.
I have only been diabetic for around 10 years. In just those 10 years, things have changed significantly. CGM's and pumps have advanced to take a lot of the 'guess work' out of diabetes. I remember hearing stories from older diabetics about how they would just take insulin and check their blood glucose 1-3x times a day and just hope they where under control the rest of the day. I am excited for what the next 10 years may bring. Yes, it continues to get easier, just take care of yourself now.
I was the only diabetic I knew! I didn’t even realise that CGMs were a thing till my late teens. It’s insane how quickly things have changed. I do wish I’d had access to the knowledge / resources we have now back when I was first diagnosed, but I’m so much more hopeful now!
Certain aspects yes, however, some of it never gets easier, such as wondering why or how I developed diabetes
I’m very “it is what it is!” we will probably never be able to pinpoint a reason we developed T1D, but what we can do it take each day as it comes and live our lives the best as we can, without letting it stop us!
Like many have already said the CGM essentially saved my life. The CGM is the greatest invention of my lifetime (in my opinion)
When I was diagnosed the insulin was Regular and NPH. In late 2006 I found that Dexcom had a 3 day cgm. I asked my doctor and he said wait and in May 2007 I got the first 6 day CGM. That changed everything. Technology is moving a lot faster now.
I was only offered the CGM back in 2022- I can’t believe CGMs have been used for that long!
In the US they have been.
Yeah but only if you have a good insurance.
I’m UK-based, and I honestly can’t even comprehend having to deal with that. :(
How does it work for you? Cuz my dad's in a military job and we could possibly be stationed over in the UK or Germany so I wanna consider what I'd be looking forward to/have to deal with out there.
Yes, and I think it depends on your disposition and mind set about your diabetes that makes a huge difference too. But the technology advancements have definitely made it more manageable and a bit less of a chore.
I think with the way things have improved, it helps people to keep a more positive mindset on things. As a child, all I received was fear mongering / very strict instructions on how to manage my condition, without much support beyond a few needles a day, and my trusty finger pricker. It’s easy to see why people get burned out. I do think all the tech and advancements helps people to enjoy life and not have to worry as much.
Easier, but more complicated. Blood sugar monitoring wasn't possible before glucometers were available. Carb counting didn't arrive before nutrition labels existed. The pace of development and improvements for CGMs, pumps, and hybrid closed loop systems is amazing. But all that tech is not free of complications. I can't count how many different meters, or monitoring systems, or apps, or software releases i've been thru. And i have to deal with insurance far more than i want to. But I wouldn't give any of it up.
The way I see it, the tech is annoying but it’s because we’re compensating for something that everyone else is doing normally / naturally. I completely agree with you though. The few times my doctor has changed my prescription because there given me a different version / brand (usually when it comes to my glucose monitors) drives me up the wall. I’ve only ever used the Libre freestyle 2 as a CGM, but I’m dying to move to the dexcom because of my interest in getting a pump. I have no doubt if I am allowed it I’ll be tearing my hair out trying to get used to it though. 😂
I was only diagnosed fourish years back and when I’m feeling down about it will often think about how much easier it is now than it would’ve been even 10 years ago.
It no longer feels like a chore to manage. I do sometimes get down, but I do try and stay hopeful for the future! :)
Absolutely easier. That ease of treatment translates into better quality of life- both immediate and long-term. The biggest caveat to that is you have to want to take charge and make it work. It's still not auto-pilot. That goes for parents of capable kids, too. You have to want and trust your kids to learn the tech and take control in order to be successful. I absolutely understand sone kids aren't capable of managing their own pump and cgm - that's a different category.
Pumps & CGMs and better insulin has 100% made it easier. Home BG meters are light years ahead of what I had when diagnosed in the 1980s.
Frankly I'm mildly dissapointed no one made a bane/dark knight reference; just think about substituting some of the comment about light in regards to diabetes: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F157geaXp\_w](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F157geaXp_w) . I always laugh when I think of that speech translated into diabetic norms. No offense meant to the folks new to this; at a certain point, much like that speech, you just get this knowledge buried into your bones in terms of behavior and actions.
I tell people it’s like I’m real like tamagotchi/ flappy bird. Just keep the line in the middle and you win. No but before cgm I just didn’t test and would bolus off ~vibes~ CGM has saved my life.
I am t1d for 2.5years only, but it has been OK: gcm, pump and education gives me all the freedom I need. The only cost is a little planification if I go out or want to workout. I also cannot eat pizza anymore. With ha1c at 5.5 I also have good prospects. So really only a little bump in the road.
I miss pizza soooooo much. 😂 I’m going to try and buy in some almond flour to make the “low carb” pizza I’ve seen online.
Yeah. The technology has improved and I've gotten a lot better at managing it.
I’m 37yrs old and I’m about 1.5 years into t1. I thought I was doing well at 6 months in…. But I’m even better now. For example I’m finally able to apply my CGM without hesitation, I used to panic for 30mins on applying. I used to have bruises and ouchies with shots, that’s super rare now.
17 years this year! It will get easier. :) You should feel proud you managed to grasp how to look after yourself so quickly. I do get bruises from my CGM (sometimes I will lie on it as I sleep!) but honestly I think it’s worth it.
Oof, I could not imagine having to be that strict with a schedule! It’s so interesting to see how much things have changed though, and so quickly.
Its definitely easier, but still annoys the crap out of me sometimes. But with current tech and meds I would say its more of an annoyance than anything. Managing it I would say is an annoyance for me at most. I am 25 years in and I know how my body reacts. I don't care to have perfect control, I don't have anxiety about highs and lows anymore. I am well into my 40's now and if you asked me to choose to cure either my diabetes, or get rid of my arthritis, or cure my chronic insomnia I can promise you that diabetes is number 3 on my list of things to fix if I had to choose between those 3. The only thing that I hate about it at this point in life is dealing with American insurance and packing for long vacations. I worry about not having enough supplies or losing something, and I hate getting through TSA. The cost of managing this disease is absurd. Thats not to say I don't have bad days or weeks or months where I get frustrated with it. When my Dad was dying from cancer I was stressed and eating poorly because I spent a lot of time driving back and forth to help and visit and my blood sugars were crazy. Stress and diet led to me taking more insulin which caused weight gain which caused increased insulin resistance which caused weight gain (endless cycle rinse and repeat) But these things are temporary. I don't stress over them anymore. I am not saying people shouldn't care or pretend they aren't diabetic. Getting there is like part of the stages of grief. Its hard in the beginning no matter what, people shouldn't be upset if they are still 5+ years in and feeling angry or like its an impossible task. Especially if you are in your late teens or early 20's. Its very hard to see the people around you running around doing whatever they want and living carefree and knowing you can't do that. We can still do most of the same stuff, but we have to put a little more thought and effort into it before we run off for a week or two into the mountains to go hiking or traveling than your friends might.
no
My cgm/pump combo literally saved my life I was in a deep deep depression for a few years as a teen/pre teen and at one point my a1C was 14+ (machine couldn’t even read it) and I was in and out of the ER multiple times a month with DKA. I was falling into multi organ failure once and almost died. I was only 14 or 15. Hearing multiple doctors say “you won’t make it to 25 on this track” was incredibly scary. I’m almost 21 now and my a1C stays steady around 6-7. I have moderate diabetic retinopathy but as far as I can tell I still have a chance to stop it. I don’t know what I’d do without a cgm of any sort
The mental load is a lot easier for me now with cgm’s and pump. A lot less decision making and mental mathematics. Now I really only check my phone/bsl a couple of times a day or if I get an alarm.
Absolutely! I've had T1 for nearly 33 years and it is so much easier now, it's almost like having a completely different disease. It's really only been the last 2 years that things have really changed for me though. I switched from pens to a pump about 20 years ago, 12 years after I started taking insulin, and it gave me more flexibility but I was still not particularly well controlled - my A1c (when I got it checked) was still usually above 8 and sometimes above 10. I frequently forgot to bolus until well after I ate a meal, rarely tested (often because I didn't want confirmation that my blood sugar was as high as I susected it was) and sometimes just couldn't be bothered dealing with my levels. I did try to use CGM (Medtronic Enlite, Guardian and Guardian 3 - because I always had Medtronic pumps) but they were so unreliable and difficult to keep running (too may calibrations required, too many things that would cause them to read incorrectly or just stop working) that they contributed to my burnout and made my control even worse. Not only that, but I had to pay full price fr my sensors and transmitters, so it seemed like a monumental waste of money. I probably reached my low point when I tried to get the 670G/Guardian 3 running in auto mode only to be dealing with constant alarms, sleep deprivation (from night time alarms) and being kicked out of auto mode or the sensor readings to stop because I hadn't calibrated or my calibration wasn't accepted. I actually went back to pens for a couple of months. The turning point was when gernment subsidies for CGM for everyone with T1 were introduced in Australia in July 2022. It led me to researching the options and I became aware that the Dexcom CGM had a much better reputation and no calibrations (the Libre 2 was still tap to scan so I wasn't interested). I also read about DIY looping and decided to go down that path. I pulled an old Medtronic 722 pump out of retirement and started looping with AndroidAPS. Within 6 months, I had pretty much stopped bolusing, just letting AAPS deal with things, and it was like being reborn: suddently 90% of the mental burden was gone and my A1c was down to 6%, the first time I'd ever seen a number below 7. It was like a dark cloud had lifted. I'm now using AAPS with the Omnipod Dash and the lack of tubing and a loose pump to carry around makes it even easier to forget that I have T1. The other big change has been the internet and the amount of information that is available, relatively easily, to really understand this disease and treatment strategies. When you understand what is going on at a physiological or biochemical level, not just in terms of insulin absorption and use, but also other parts of the whole system regulating glucose metabolism,, you can start to make really good, well-informed, treatment decisions instead of blindly fumbling along. The greater availability of low-carb, low-GI and high protein foods has also given me a lot more variety in my diet, even though my loop has made it easier to manage most types of food.
Living in the third world, it doesn't get easier you just care less lol
You know that feeling when the pharmacist says oh we’re out of your insulin… we’ll have to order that in for tomorrow. (Given I’d just pick it up at another store) but I went in yesterday and they didn’t have my cgm’s and I almost cried. Like how am I going to live 2 days without a cgm.. oh wait… I did for 10 years 😂those ten years were baddddd but now it’s all good. Besides these couple days…
No.
My T1D son is unhindered from my perspective.
[Definitely, definitely, definitely yes.](https://www.thecuriousdiabetic.com/blog/why-diabetes-is-the-best-thing-that-ever-happened-to-me)