December 7, 2012

Diabetes, 2012, new places ‘and more’


My 2012 relationship with diabetes was about it moving to new places. Those brought new emotional challenges and more. Our T1D son move on to college and his diabetes challenges moved with him. The younger moved on to high school. Both are settling into to new places and dragging along their diabetes. These have new stresses. In the larger diabetes community I also see a desire to move, from talking about diabetes to taking actions.



Having a child move to college requires a different level of trust and confidence. Fortunately we have had ongoing coaching to work to that from the day of diagnosis. I think we have tried to prepare for diabetes moving out but it is still a new source of stress. We trust him and still we worry. Txt messages help.

Moving into high school is a big step, maybe bigger than college in terms of finding how to fit in with others. Naturally diabetes doesn’t make stepping into high school any easier. Seriously does diabetes make anything easier? No.  So why should high school be different? Diabetes is the Lord High King of making someone feel different. Not helpful in an environment where feeling different is already an issue. The good news is she choose to play ice hockey. Hockey has proven to be a wonderful thing, new, fun and physically demanding. It is still early in the season but the preliminary results are it does wonders for appetite, engaging with other, fun and even stabilizing sugars. Yay hockey!



The DOC has talked a lot and I am excited by efforts to move from talking about diabetes to doing stuff about it. That doing takes on a host of different meanings. It can be as simple as one on one conversations to help someone else become more confident and empowered. It can be making video, web sites, holding local support meetings and more. The and more is very exciting.  In my case part of the ‘and more’ has been starting DSMALive ‘Rents with my good friends Lorrain and Cherise.



I look forward to more and new ‘and more’ in 2013. Like my friend Mike I will focus on doing something.


How about you?


This post is my December entry in the DSMA Blog Carnival. I always forget maybe the Blog Carnival can be my 'and more'. If you’d like to participate too, you can get all of the information at http://diabetessocmed.com/2012/december-dsma-blog-carnival-2/





4 comments :

  1. Wonderful and scary Bennet. I have no doubt that you have prepared both your dear boys very well for the continued demands of diabetes. I too have tried to focus all my transitioning of D care to my kids in preparation for them moving on I hope I succeed as well as you have. So glad you are involved with RENTS - Ive only caught a few shows but all of them great. Best wishes in 2013.

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  2. Thanks Christina I am sure you will do great transitioning.

    If you want to catch up on a 'Rents show they are free on iTunes:
    https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dsma-live-blog-talk-radio-feed/id436483532

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  3. Even though my experience with the DOC is limited, I have to agree with your views. I enjoy checking in here now and then, and I even checked out the DSMA 'rents broadcast a couple of weeks ago! I found it very interesting, even though I don't have any kids.

    Hope your 2013 is terrific.

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  4. "Seriously does diabetes make anything easier? No." TRUTH, right there. That's why I'm so glad we all have each other for support and guidance!

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