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      Honestly anyone living with you , you're the only one, lives with diabetes. Kinda vague on the "living" term.
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      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How many people in your immediate family — your parents, siblings, or spouse — live with type one diabetes?
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      How many times in 2023 did you have an appointment with a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist?
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      How many times in 2023 did you have an appointment with a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist?
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      How many times in 2023 did you have an appointment with a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist?
      After 20+ years as a Type I, my appointments are with my endo, where I end up educating him on the latest research. Most endo's patient population is almost exclusively Type 2 and are not as plugged into Type 1
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      If you have ever had extra supplies from a device, you no longer use, what did you do with those extra supplies? (Check all that apply)
      First and foremost, please don't trash anything extra you may have! Find an outlet, may not be FDA sanctioned, but someone somewhere can use your extra supplies! I've built up a small backup from replacements for my own use (CGM sensors/pods that went bad). However, I'd tried Lyumjev (didn't work out) plus had a couple of extra glucose meters, test strips, lancets, and carriers that I donated to an org intended for help to Ukraine. Hopefully, it helps kids/adults in need. I served in the military overseas and saw directly how great the need can be, both peace and war environments. If you have extra, please find an outlet for insulin, meters, test strips, et al...whether here at home or overseas...please don't trash the stuff!
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      Louise Robinson likes your comment at
      If you have ever had extra supplies from a device, you no longer use, what did you do with those extra supplies? (Check all that apply)
      I've given them to the Endocrinologist office to share with those in need
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      Karen Tay likes your comment at
      If you have ever had extra supplies from a device, you no longer use, what did you do with those extra supplies? (Check all that apply)
      Kept some, gave some away, and, after a while, tossed out the old supplies I had kept.
    • 1 day, 11 hours ago
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      If you have ever had extra supplies from a device, you no longer use, what did you do with those extra supplies? (Check all that apply)
      Local free clinic
    • 1 day, 11 hours ago
      Karen Tay likes your comment at
      If you have ever had extra supplies from a device, you no longer use, what did you do with those extra supplies? (Check all that apply)
      The only extra I have had was G6 over patches when I switched to G7. I gave them to someone using G6.
    • 1 day, 11 hours ago
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      If you have ever had extra supplies from a device, you no longer use, what did you do with those extra supplies? (Check all that apply)
      Gave to Endo office for someone who can use.
    • 1 day, 11 hours ago
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      If you have ever had extra supplies from a device, you no longer use, what did you do with those extra supplies? (Check all that apply)
      I have a support group for type 1 women only and if someone in our group needs something we let the facilitator know and she keeps track of who might need supplies or have extra. you cannot advertise prescription items online for free or Facebook. may restrict you. so beware of that.
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      I rarely have extra supplies but when I do, I give them to my two grandsons who have T1 diabetes.
    • 1 day, 11 hours ago
      Mick Martin likes your comment at
      If you have ever had extra supplies from a device, you no longer use, what did you do with those extra supplies? (Check all that apply)
      The only extra I have had was G6 over patches when I switched to G7. I gave them to someone using G6.
    • 1 day, 11 hours ago
      Mick Martin likes your comment at
      If you have ever had extra supplies from a device, you no longer use, what did you do with those extra supplies? (Check all that apply)
      I did donate a bunch of extra test strips once (to endo's office), but wish I could figure out what to do with old Omnipods. I ended up with 3 extra boxes when they switched me to the new system a few months ago, but none of the usual places want them/can take them. I hate to throw them away knowing how much they cost. (Thankfully I only paid the co-pay, but still it hurts to see them wasted.)
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      KCR likes your comment at
      If you have ever had extra supplies from a device, you no longer use, what did you do with those extra supplies? (Check all that apply)
      I did donate a bunch of extra test strips once (to endo's office), but wish I could figure out what to do with old Omnipods. I ended up with 3 extra boxes when they switched me to the new system a few months ago, but none of the usual places want them/can take them. I hate to throw them away knowing how much they cost. (Thankfully I only paid the co-pay, but still it hurts to see them wasted.)
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      I like Lyumjev too! Works faster for me.
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      Been at this for 40 years now. Not much a CDE can teach me at this point. More the reverse, actually.
    • 2 days, 11 hours ago
      MT likes your comment at
      How many times in 2023 did you have an appointment with a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist?
      After 20+ years as a Type I, my appointments are with my endo, where I end up educating him on the latest research. Most endo's patient population is almost exclusively Type 2 and are not as plugged into Type 1
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      7 video calls in preparation for going onto a closed loop system
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    How do you handle unsolicited advice and judgements about T1D from family and friends?

    Home > LC Polls > How do you handle unsolicited advice and judgements about T1D from family and friends?
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    When purchasing a new smartphone, do you consider the phone’s compatibility with T1D devices and apps?

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    Living with T1D can be difficult, but is there anything that you’re thankful for related to T1D? Select all the options you’re grateful for and share your gratitude in the comments!

    Sarah Howard

    Sarah Howard (nee Tackett) has dedicated her career to supporting the T1D community ever since she was diagnosed with T1D while in college in May 2013. Since then, she has worked for various diabetes organizations, focusing on research, advocacy, and community-building efforts for people with T1D and their loved ones. Sarah is currently the Senior Manager of Marketing at T1D Exchange. Sarah and her husband live in NYC with their cat Gracie. In her spare time, she enjoys doing comedy, taking dance classes, visiting art museums, and exploring different neighborhoods in NYC.

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    26 Comments

    1. Ahh Life

      The advice and consent arena is teeming with tyros. And some of them fail to recognize they are dealing with pros. You are professional in this business if you work at it more than a month or two. And if you’ve got 5 years experience, you’ve probably got enough to qualify for the hall of fame. 👏

      8
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Dawn Konig

      I usually say ‘I wish it were that simple’

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Mary Dexter

      Stare at them as if they just piddled on the carpet. Silently walk away. Unless one has only recently been diagnosed, there is no excuse for such stupidity. It is bullying.

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Joan McGinnis

      If anyone tries to give me advice(very rare) I just tell them not to worry about me eating I know how to manage my diet

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Jane Cerullo

      Most people don’t know difference between T1D and T2D. Even medical professionals. If they are receptive I try to educate a little. If not just smile and say thanks for advice.

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

      Family and friends tend to ask questions, more than offer advice. I might have heard an, “oh, I didn’t know you could eat that.” To which I respond with, “Yes, I can eat this, as long as I calculate my intake.” Or, the occasional, “I cooked this without sugar for you.” Which I usually answer with, “thank you.” Then my wife says, “Oh, I put sugar in some things.” Then, I chuckle to myself. The unsolicited advice usually comes in a third party form, where someone tells me about another diabetic they saw eating ice cream or cake, who either died or went to the hospital. My response depends upon what mood I’m in at the time. 😉

      3
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. Deb Loyola

      My family rarely acknowledges my Type 1.

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Wanacure

        Wow. Why is that? Is it based on their fear? If you cannot get acknowledgement and support from your family of origin, I suggest you form your own support group.

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. Patricia Kilwein

      If family or friends make suggestions, I take the time to explain why I have to do things the way I do. It’s a teaching moment. There’s no such thing as a stupid question. I’m amazed at how little ppl know about diabetes and equipment. After all I’m continually learning as well.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. TomH

      I know many have the reaction of getting perturbed/angry and after several years I may feel the same. But for now, I try to take it as an opportunity to educate on the reality of T1 and how to deal with it.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Janis Senungetuk

      It really depends on who, where and when. If the question/comment is coming from someone who’s willing to listen I’ll educate them. If it’s a diabetes police comment, I say “thanks” and walk away. After 66 years of experience I still have many things to learn, but I’m the expert on the way my body reacts to various foods and social situations.

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Linda Zottoli

        Second this (including the 66 years).

        1
        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Carolyn Burns

      It depends on the situation. I have found most people are not interested in learning anything about t1- they really want to tell me about someone who died or is blind from diabetes. I say oh that’s too bad. If someone really wants to know about t1d, I will have a longer conversation. After living w t1d for over 53 years, I find I have little patience for people’s rude comments.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Kristine Warmecke

      It depends on who and when it is. I’ve acknowledged & let it go, attempted to educate them and just ignored them. The hardest for me, is when a fellow nurse blatantly gives incorrect information to a patient – who then try to educate that nurse on the correct information but said nurse refuses to listen.

      3
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. ConnieT1D62

        Kristine – Eegads! I hear you about nurses and other health care providers who haven’t received current and updated information in diabetes care and education themselves, who then try to give inaccurate and misguided information to patients in clinical settings. I have run into it many times in hospital and home care settings.

        A really sad and dangerous scenario is when an educated PWD with sophisticated self-care knowledge has to put up a fight to defend the right to keep and use their pump and CGM with HCPs who are unfamiliar and/or untrained in use of diabetes technology. It becomes a matter of life and health, and in some instances can be a matter of life and death. I was in an emergent health concern situation (unrelated to diabetes) myself a few years back and the ER nurse labeled me as “non-compliant diabetic” because I refused to take off my pump and cgm.

        2
        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Jneticdiabetic

      I don’t hold it against people for not understanding diabetes. I was diagnosed at 18 y/o and was also blissfully ignorant going into this. As others have said, each question or comment is an opportunity to educate. I’m in diabetes research and could go on and on. They may get more than they bargained for!

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. Janice B

      After thanking them for their concern my response is “please do not tell me how to manage my health, I have it covered”.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. George Lovelace

      Give them an “Official Food Police Badge” and laugh

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. William Bennett

      I had no idea what the symptoms I was experiencing when I got it meant anything. Fortunately someone else did or I’d have been in DKA in a day or so, acc. to my doctor. So it doesn’t surprise me that other people are as ignorant of it as I was before I started HAVING to know something about it. More than I ever wanted to know, actually.

      But I did answer that I try to educate people. Most of them are interested enough. Hardest thing is explaining how it’s the “medication” as WELL as the disease that are difficult to control.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Molly Jones

      It depends on how it is delivered. Sometimes I actually listen and want to research questions asked/ hypotheses delivered from a few, other times I inform them of what is currently being done, or just nod my head in agreement to have the missionary be quiet.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. BOB FISK

      In my 57 years as a diabetic, I’ve not encountered a lot of advice from family and friends. However, when I do experience this, I listen carefully to see if there is something I am not aware of. Several times I other people have put me onto something that has been valuable to me. I will correct any misinformation and do a bit of education. Since I spent my career in medical education, I have a leg up on most people regarding knowledge of diabetes, and everyone is aware of that.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. ConnieT1D62

      I acknowledge their feedback and concerns, ask them if they have any real questions or concerns that I can answer to help them understand what T1 diabetes is and how it differs from other kinds of diabetes, educate them about lifetime self-care responsibilities with T1 diabetes, and then let it go.
      If they are truly interested enough to listen, they usually drop their assumptions, attitudes and fears about diabetes and say “Wow. I never knew that” and very seldom, if ever, interject unsolicited advice or judgements again.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. connie ker

      Educate them by what you have learned or take them along to your Dr. apts. I listen to endo dept. people before family or friends. The big topic of confusion is the difference of Type 1 and Type2, LADA, and Gestational. In senior care facilities, diabetics are all treated the same regardless. The nurses run by charts and cannot do corrections of insulin.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. Steven Gill

      Ummm… I accept they care even if uneducated. I’ll listen then include my experience, explain any inconsistencies. There are two Type 1’s in the family so the rest get to put up with our conversations.

      The toughest for me though is twice 911 was called during low episodes, after levels stabilized was instructed to eat. Knowing if I argued or questioned the advise could be considered combative (many diabetics have trouble there) I went ahead and ate that carb rich dish. Then afterwards showed how my levels went so extremely high because of what I ate and how I had to SLOWLY lower the levels. But again it was my mistakes to have the need for their assistance (both times after a tough and rigorous 10-11 hour day at work).

      Better than having folks terrified of being around me.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Carlene Vaitones

      I educate them a little. What’s annoying is when they don’t believe me because they know all about diabetes since they saw “Steel Magnolias.” Aaaarrrg!

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Cheryl Seibert

      Some people think they have all the answers and don’t listen to logic or medical facts. Those people I say “thank you” and then ignore them. Some people are open to education on T1D and are interested in learning more.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply

    How do you handle unsolicited advice and judgements about T1D from family and friends? Cancel reply

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