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    • 1 hour, 48 minutes ago
      Amy Schneider likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      I keep my opened insulin in the refrigerator too. When traveling I use a FRIO evaporative pouch.
    • 3 hours, 15 minutes ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      Between your regular T1D care visits, what questions tend to come up that you wish you could ask a diabetes expert? Share your thoughts in the comments.
      I want a thumbs down icon!
    • 3 hours, 15 minutes ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      Between your regular T1D care visits, what questions tend to come up that you wish you could ask a diabetes expert? Share your thoughts in the comments.
      I seldom have any questions other than RX refill request which I submit through the patient portal. If I do have treatment questions, I typically do my own research, and if not satisfied with what I find out, I submit a question in the portal.
    • 3 hours, 15 minutes ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      Between your regular T1D care visits, what questions tend to come up that you wish you could ask a diabetes expert? Share your thoughts in the comments.
      When I come up with a question between visits, I usually just do some research.
    • 5 hours, 28 minutes ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      I keep my opened insulin in the refrigerator too. When traveling I use a FRIO evaporative pouch.
    • 5 hours, 28 minutes ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      Sorry. Of course I store unopened in frig. Opened in my room as I use it up in 30 days
    • 5 hours, 29 minutes ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      No, I keep it in the oven! ;) Same answer as the last time they asked this ridiculous question!
    • 6 hours, 11 minutes ago
      Becky Hertz likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      Unopened yes, and now even opened just in case. I am getting a new health [lan (thank goodness a much better one - with better doctors and hospitals in network!) so it's worth it. But I can't get any appt - even for a PCP until September. I've been occasionally buying out of pocket insulin, pump and CGM supplies (in my mind, hoarding is a character asset for T1D people). I need to have my enough stuff to see me through, Of course, I am hoping there''s an appt cancellation.
    • 7 hours, 34 minutes ago
      Bruce Schnitzler likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      Unopened yes, and now even opened just in case. I am getting a new health [lan (thank goodness a much better one - with better doctors and hospitals in network!) so it's worth it. But I can't get any appt - even for a PCP until September. I've been occasionally buying out of pocket insulin, pump and CGM supplies (in my mind, hoarding is a character asset for T1D people). I need to have my enough stuff to see me through, Of course, I am hoping there''s an appt cancellation.
    • 9 hours, 31 minutes ago
      alex likes your comment at
      Here’s What You Need to Know About the Dexcom G7
      This article explains the Dexcom G7 features in a clear and easy way, especially for people new to continuous glucose monitoring. Very informative and helpful. Sportzfy TV Download
    • 1 day ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Have you ever been told you couldn’t physically do something because you live with diabetes?
      Long time ago - told there were certain occupations I would not be allowed to do because if T1D. Pilot, air traffic controller, military, etc.
    • 1 day ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      I have been told many times "YOU CAN'T EAT THAT!" ONLY to frustrate them and eat it anyway and then bolus accordingly.
    • 1 day ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      I think it is a common experience for most people with T1D. People do not understand anything about it. I do not take it personally. I try to educate when appropriate.
    • 1 day ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      Lol hell when haven't they. Lol
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Being 4 years of age, I think I can be forgiven for not knowing much of anything at all. That was 3 quarters of a century ago. ⎛⎝( ` ᢍ ´ )⎠⎞
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I was only 2 when Diagnosed 70 years ago. My small town doctor admitted he didn't know much about T1D, and fortune for my parents and I he called what is now Joslin Clinic, and they told him how much insulin to give me. He taught my parents, who then traveled over 350 miles to Boston, to learn about how to manage T1D. My doctor learned more about T1D, and was able to help 2 other young men, that were later DX with T1D in our small town. I went to Joslin until I turned 18 and returned to become a Joslin Medalist and participated in the research study, 20 years ago. Still go there for some care.
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I was 7 when things changed in my home. My older brother was hospitalized for 2 weeks. When he came home, we no longer ate the way we had before. This was 1956. Dessert alternated between sugarless pudding or sugarless Jello. I learned that bread and potatoes had carbohydrates and that turned to sugar. There was a jar in the bathroom. It seemed my brother was testing his urine every time he went in there. There was a burner and pot on the stove designated for boiling syringes. I watched my brother give himself shots and I remember how hard it was to find someone to manage his care if my parents had to travel. Diabetic Forecast magazine came in the mail each month and there were meetings of the local diabetes association that my mother attended religiously. My brother got a kidney and pancreas transplant at age 60 and before he died lived for 5 years as a non-diabetic. A few years later I was diagnosed. Sorry he was not able to make use of today’s technology. I often wonder what he and my late parents would think about me, at age 66, being the only one in the family with type 1.
    • 1 day, 3 hours ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Being 4 years of age, I think I can be forgiven for not knowing much of anything at all. That was 3 quarters of a century ago. ⎛⎝( ` ᢍ ´ )⎠⎞
    • 1 day, 7 hours ago
      kilupx likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      My brother was type 1 since an early age. I was only diagnosed in my late 40s
    • 1 day, 9 hours ago
      Phyllis Biederman likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Absolutely nothing. Diagnosed in late December 1962 at at the age of 8 years and was told I was going for a stay in hospital because I have "sugar diabetes".
    • 1 day, 9 hours ago
      Bill Williams likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Being 4 years of age, I think I can be forgiven for not knowing much of anything at all. That was 3 quarters of a century ago. ⎛⎝( ` ᢍ ´ )⎠⎞
    • 1 day, 10 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I was diagnosed in 1976 at the age of 18 while in college. One weekend, I was drinking a lot of water and peeing frequently. I remembered having read a Reader's Digest article on diabetes, and I told my friends I thought I might have it. Two days later, the diagnosis was confirmed.
    • 1 day, 10 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Absolutely nothing. Diagnosed in late December 1962 at at the age of 8 years and was told I was going for a stay in hospital because I have "sugar diabetes".
    • 1 day, 10 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I knew I couldn’t or shouldn’t have my two fav things in the world: Pepsi cola and chocolate. I was 42, and suspected very strongly that I had it, and ate a large piece of chocolate cake before my doctor’s appointment (sounds more like I was 12). Fast forward 25 years later: I never had a real cola again, but do occasionally have chocolate. I’m way healthier than I was back then in terms of diet. I no longer have irritable bowel, and I’m lucky to be able to afford what I need to combat the ill effects of this chronic disease. I’m blessed, and grateful for insulin.
    • 1 day, 10 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      It was 35 years ago for me. I had no experience with T1d. I was starting to show symptoms and my sister-in-law quickly researched T1d and told me what she found. I went to my GP a week or two later. My BG was over 600. He sent me to the hospital right away. Blood test confirmed it.
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    Do you have a T1D-related tattoo?

    Home > LC Polls > Do you have a T1D-related tattoo?
    Previous

    Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at T1D Exchange! Share something T1D-related that you’re thankful for!

    Next

    If you use an insulin pump, how many years have you been using the insulin pump you’re currently using on?

    Samantha Walsh

    Samantha Walsh has lived with type 1 diabetes for over five years since 2017. After her T1D diagnosis, she was eager to give back to the diabetes community. She is the Community and Partner Manager for T1D Exchange and helps to manage the Online Community and recruit for the T1D Exchange Registry. Prior to T1D Exchange, Samantha fundraised at Joslin Diabetes Center. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelors degree in sociology and early childhood education.

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    37 Comments

    1. KIMBERELY SMITH

      What is that

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Jane Cerullo

      Have been thinking about getting one for years but can’t decide on what I want.

      3
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Stephanie Cruickshank

      My tattoo says “I>^v”
      I am greater than my highs and lows

      5
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. stillarobyn

      No, but I’ve thought about it a lot. I have to find the right design for me.

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Lawrence S.

      No. I wear a necklace and a bracelet, daily, that tell that I am a diabetic. It also has emergency contact people and phone numbers.

      3
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Ready Nerd

      Tattoos were not suggested fo me due to my T1 at 12yr old.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Ready Nerd

        I have a bracelet that notifies anyone of my insulin pump and internal defibrillator

        3
        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. JOAN ULMER

      Thought about getting a DM1 tattoo but haven’t. Asked my niece who is a EMT if they look for DM1 tattoo indicator, she said No.

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. Franklin Rios

      My tattoo: Diabetic – No added sugar and the diabetic symbol the blue circle.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. jurgen vercauteren

      would be nice to share some pictures of nice T1D tattoos!

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Yaffa Steubinger

      I answered ‘no’ but I do plan on getting ‘Type 1 Diabetic’ on my left forearm.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Tina Roberts

      No, but I’ve seriously been considering it.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Katrina Mundinger

      I have a grey circle (lots of confusion on the internet a couple years ago when I was researching different diabetes symbols) with “diabetes type 1” and red and purple splatters.

      While I know not all EMTs would necessarily notice it, I have had absolutely no success with medic alert bracelets. They always either snag my hair painfully when I’m asleep or they break within 2 months of wearing. Necklaces get in my way too…

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Scott Doerner

      I want to get one,

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. Lisa Sierra

      I wish I had thought of getting one when I got my other 4 tattoos

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. Brian Vodehnal

      It’s a T1D on the bottom of my right wrist.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. Jennifer Wilson

      No, but it is a neat thought. However, I thought that it was discouraged for diabetics to get tattoos, right?

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Ernie Richmann

      No tattoos but I do have a few scars.

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Marty

      No tattoo, but I do have a red “sleeve” on my watch band that says “Type 1 Diabetes” and a second sleeve with a QR code that leads to a website with more of my health info. I hope an EMT would notice them.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Becky Lamont

        I have pointed out my Type 1 diabetes bracelet but have been disregarded by the EMTs most of the time. I have only had EMTs about 7 times in 57+ years, but it was disconcerting. I have never been completely unconscious & it was only due to low bs.

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Janis Senungetuk

      After wearing a MedicAlert bracelet since 1966, with the one time I needed it to be used it wasn’t looked at, I considered a tattoo. I asked an EMT (who also lives with T!D) if it was something EMT’s are instructed to look for. He said no, because tattoos are not considered valid medical information. Hospitals evidently don’t think MedicAlert bracelets are worth teaching staff about either. When I was brought into the ER and admitted my bracelet was removed along with my watch and rings. MedicAlert was never contacted.

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Lawrence S.

        Interesting. That’s very disappointing.

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. rick phillips

      Hell no

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. Trisha Oldenkamp

      I use a medical alert bracelet and just recently asked my daughter, who is an emergency medicine doctor with experience of being an EMT if being “tagged” so to speak, is useful to first responders/emergency medicine. She said no because they can’t rely on them. They do their own evaluations/tests as well as treat the immediate situation with the potential possibilities in mind. So now I’m wondering if medical alert jewelry/tattoos are necessary?

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Lawrence S.

        I do wear a bracelet and necklace. But, I wonder if my insulin pump would be a good tip-off for the EMT’s?

        1
        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Janice B

      I thought about it so I would not have to have a medical ID. Then found out police,paramedics, and hospital staff do not give credence to a tattoo. They say that they are sure if it is in support for someone or for the person with the tatoo.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Sharon Gerdik

      For my 70th birthday in 2020 I got a tattoo celebrating 70 years of life and 35 years as a T1D. My owl is sitting on a needle/syringe.

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Sharon Gerdik

        I tried to attach the photo but it wouldn’t allow.

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. AnitaS

      Not tattoo related, but have any of you been getting e-mails to answer the daily questions and it asks you to sign in again? Then after I sign in again, I look at the previous days’ questions and even though I have already answered previous days’ questions, it shows that I haven’t answered. This happens quite frequently and I find it annoying. Sorry, just wondering if others are having the same problem.

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Jen Farley

        I get repeat emails but only due to having 2 emails with the same account information. Double check that might be the problem. I was not sure if this was a junk mail site. Glad to find out it was not and changed it to my regular email.

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. Beckett Nelson

      I have the blue ring and phoenix on my calf, and the chemical formula for Novorapid with a green circle for looping on my forearm

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. Nicholas Argento

      I have an entire narrative on both arms devoted to my life w T1D. It memorializes and celebrates those I have lost on the left. The right starts w the Japanese symbol for guardian and tributes to my guardians who protected me from hypoglycemia, then has the symbol of the healing arts and international symbol of diabetes, followed by a symbol of persistence and good luck, the koi, and then the symbol of cure. Took a while but I’m glad I did it.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. Jennifer Bounds

      I have several parts to my T1D tattoo. The blue circle is for Diabetes Awareness and is of blue daisies and blue rose with a Monarch butterfly. The dasies I drew on my BG logs as a kid and the rose bc I’m from the City Of Rose’s. In the center it reads Diabet1c with the first “i ” have a blood drop for the dot and “t1” being in red. I also have the date that I was diagnosed in Roman numerals V1•1V•MCMXC11. I will note that the placement of the Roman numerals was suppose to be below the circle but the artist said it would make the circle look oblong. I think it’s over crowded inside but it gets the point across that I live with T1D. I have this medical alert tattoo on my left forearm and have shown it to many 1st responders and one Family Physician with the majority recognizing it right away, some I pointed out just the “t1c” in red and they got it. I have not had an emergency where it’s come into play and that’s great but having this tattoo gives me a little reassurance if I should be found unconscious somewhere. I also use the stickers on my CGM and insulin pump that say that I have T1D.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    28. Kristen Clifford

      Not yet, but I really want one! I’ve even designed one

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    29. Kelli Christiansen

      I have the diabetic ribbon with the blue diabetic circle. It says DM T1

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    30. Jenny Richardson

      Yes! “T1D💙” on my wrist

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    31. Bret Itskowitch

      I don’t think I need a reminder that I have T1D. I believe that when others see me injecting at a restaurant, that’s impacting public awareness.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply

    Do you have a T1D-related tattoo? Cancel reply

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