Living with T1D can be difficult, but many folks experience positives living with T1D too! No matter how small, is there anything you're grateful for related to T1D this year? Select all the options you're grateful for or share more about your experiences in the comments!

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- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS likes your comment at
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  Only "illness" that makes it really difficult to control my blood sugar is getting steroid injections into my cervical spine or fingers. I leave my basal rate on my pump at 250% and need much higher bolus doses and many "extra" doses if my blood sugar remains really high. I tell the MD's that it turns my insulin into tap water and try to avoid it, experience with having gotten these injections over the past few years has helped, but having blood sugars of 400-500 despite much higher basal and bolus dosing is so frustrating!
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
  
  AnitaS has commented in the same post you commented in :
  When you experience an illness that makes your blood glucose levels more difficult to manage (whether because you are unable to eat, the stress of being sick, or any other reason), what resources do you refer to for help managing your blood glucose levels while sick? Please select all that apply to you.
  When I had surgery last year and couldn't exercise for a few months, my time-in-range was very good. I was shocked but I shouldn't have been as exercise is one of the things that make my diabetes harder to keep under control. During recovery, I didn't have the ups-n-downs in blood sugar that I usually have when I exercise.
- 6 hours, 45 minutes ago
  
  Randell Cole has commented in the same post you commented in :
  Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs Tests New Insulin Program
  How can I get on the Mark Cuban test program ?
- 6 hours, 45 minutes ago
  
  Randell Cole has commented in the same post you commented in :
  Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs Tests New Insulin Program
  How can I get on the Mark Cuban test program ?
- 6 hours, 45 minutes ago
  
  Randell Cole has commented in the same post you commented in :
  Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs Tests New Insulin Program
  How can I get on the Mark Cuban test program ?
- 6 hours, 45 minutes ago
  
  Randell Cole has commented in the same post you commented in :
  Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs Tests New Insulin Program
  How can I get on the Mark Cuban test program ?
Clear All

Living with T1D can be difficult, but many folks experience positives living with T1D too! No matter how small, is there anything you’re grateful for related to T1D this year? Select all the options you’re grateful for or share more about your experiences in the comments!

If you use an insulin pump, which of the following factors best describe when you will get a new pump (assuming your current pump still works)? Select all that apply!

Sarah Howard

32 Comments

Molly Jones

I have numerous chronic conditions, one of which is disabling, and become happier as I age.
I have learned not to take anything for granted and to be grateful for many things I have that so many people around me or in other parts of the world do not. Extended family support, resources, scientific research, and social education (even if it is not perfect) in the society I live in. I would not be alive or acceptable in so many parts of the world.

5

2 months ago Log in to Reply
Ahh Life

We deal with human nature in the raw.

It’s being positive about the things that life has to offer, regardless of whether the circumstance is what you imagined or wanted.

7

2 months ago Log in to Reply
mbulzomi@optonline.net

I have a hard time with all the Diabetes groups for the last 55 years. We can fly people to the Moon, we can allow over 5 million undocuments people into this country and spent well over 7 billion dollars of our tax dollars to support them, but nothing revolutionary in the field of Diabetes cures?? I guess big bucks’ control all. To all Happy Thanksgiving.

2

2 months ago Log in to Reply
1. TEH
  
  It’s all about the $$$. Finding a cure would stop the cash flow to the insulin and diabetes sypply companies. Medtronic and Eli Lilly had huge sales. They need to spread some of that around. Sorry, don’t mean to be a downer today.
  
  2 months ago Log in to Reply
2. Marty
  
  Having recently retired from a career in biomedical research, I can’t let this pass without saying how grateful I am for all of the academic researchers who devote their lives to advancing our understanding of health and disease. Most biomedical research is carried out by idealistic young scientists who work 40+ hours per week for low pay with the dream of making a significant contribution to our well being. In addition to the all of the technological advances in BG tracking and insulin delivery, the results of their hard work include deeper understanding of the ways our immune systems go awry and destroy beta cells and the development of replacement beta cells that will produce new treatments and possible cures in the future. I see much to be thankful for.
  
  2
  
  2 months ago Log in to Reply
Yaffa Steubinger

I’m also so thankful for injectable insulin. Without it, we’d all be dead. Every time I ‘shoot up,’ I am thankful that I can eat what I want thanks to insulin. I know I’ll eat stuff today on Thanksgiving that I don’t normally eat and I may eat more than normal, but I’m going to have a good time even though I might use more insulin today.

4

2 months ago Log in to Reply
Amy Jo

Technology and a care team that are helping me successfully manage my 3rd pregnancy with T1D.

3

2 months ago Log in to Reply
cynthia jaworski

WOrking forward from the premise that I have t1, I am truly grateful for insulin andmy aprents who had my back from the onset.
On the other hand, I see only one single benefit that came about only because I am a type 1.about as a T1. I got to go to summer sleep away camp!!!!! My parents would never have sent me off for 2 weeks at the age of 10 it it had not been for that. And it was great.

1

2 months ago Log in to Reply
Eva

I give thanks for all those T1D warriors who came before me. They fought hard, speaking out to power for access to newer insulins, technology, diet and education. I also give thanks to those who share about how they “think” they developed diabetes. Whether it is from diet, viruses, chemicals, genetics or medicines (or a combination thereof), their stories inform and could help prevent diabetes in future generations.

2

2 months ago Log in to Reply
Steven Gill

I’ve tried to teach kids around me that bad happens to good people, just like good things happen to bad people. It’s what we do with it. Beyond the things I’ve checked above (technological and medical advancements; empathy; understanding my own needs; and my own “analytical ability”) I appreciate the nutrition labels not listed.here.

2

2 months ago Log in to Reply
Nicholas Argento

I checked off most of those. I am thankful to be alive, protected well by tremendously improved diabetes treatments, supported by loved ones present and those now in the next world, and proud to be a member of the T1D community- where we support each other. We are many, we are 1….

7

2 months ago Log in to Reply
Marthaeg

So thankful to be alive! As a latecomer to T1- 2 years ago at the age of 63 after a bout with Covid, my “golden years” aren’t quite what I was expecting but because of it I think I am finally learning to not sweat the small stuff and to find joy in the moment. Happy Thanksgiving!

2

2 months ago Log in to Reply
RegMunro

I’m very undisciplined generally, so T1D is slowly helping, but after 57 years I’m still awfully undisciplined

1

2 months ago Log in to Reply
1. Sue Martin
  
  I can relate to this. After 38 years, I would think it would be easier. But with better technologies, it is getting better.
  
  2 months ago Log in to Reply
Ernie Richmann

Attitude is like a flat tire, the road ahead will be rough until you change it. Many positives out there.

2

2 months ago Log in to Reply
Steve Rumble

Required regular contact with health care team keeps health issues from sneaking up on me!

2 months ago Log in to Reply
stillarobyn

The person who impersonated Eli Lilly on Twitter to draw attention to high costs of insulin.

1

2 months ago Log in to Reply
pru barry

I’d have to be nuts to say I am thankful for life as a T1 (68 years and counting), but as the years accrue, there is so much tied up with a life built on good diet, exercise, and certain limits. I am very grateful for the broader perspective, for appreciating those limits, and for knowing how to support my labradoodle, Charlie, when he was diagnosed more than three years ago.
I’m not religious in the usual sense, but have a sneaking suspicion that in this incredibly complex universe, there are forces which make sense when we pay attention. If life is too easy, I tend to stop being so careful about the things that need care. So probably, yes, I am surreptitiously grateful for my “constant reminder.”
I am also very thankful for all of you who share your wisdom, and remind me that I’m certainly not alone!
Happy Thanksgiving!

3

2 months ago Log in to Reply
Leigh French

Having medical knowledge from RN experience

2 months ago Log in to Reply
George O Hamilton

My thoughts are like many others already expressed. I have been insulin dependent for 59 years. I believe that other parts of my health condition (eating habits, weight management, exercise, heart health, etc) are much better than I would have experienced without my T1D life. I remember thinking in the 1960s that I would probably not live to see the 21st century. Instead, I am still wondering “What will I do when I grow up?”

5

2 months ago Log in to Reply
Stephen Woodward

Being able to give others information I’ve learned in my 52 T1D that can help them have a better T1D experience, and hearing from them that the information helped better their T1D life.

2 months ago Log in to Reply
dave hedeen

Should hav said tech; given chance to use 780g, decreased A1C 7% to 6.7 lowest value in 50 diabetic years

2 months ago Log in to Reply
1. Lori Lehnen
  
  Had this question come a day earlier, my response may have been different. For the first time since being diagnosed a year ago, I was able to spend time with my nephews, ages 12-14. They know this is a challenging disease and because of me, they are at a genetically higher risk. To help assuage their fears, I spoke positively about all the exciting new advances and we had fun seeing how food and exercise affects blood glucose using my CGM. This really helped me see a brighter future. I am truly grateful for those who suffered before me and helped push research forward and for those who developed the technologies we have today.
  
  2
  
  2 months ago Log in to Reply
Jillmarie61

I’m thankful for my new OmniPod5 I got on Tuesday. My blood sugars are in even tighter control (85% of the time) than with the Tandem TSlim X2 (less than 70% of the time) so far.

2 months ago Log in to Reply
Ceolmhor

I’m eating better and enjoying it more.

1

2 months ago Log in to Reply
Lawrence S.

Probably the best thing for me to come out of being a diabetic is my awareness of good nutrition. Before I was diabetic, I had no awareness of the different values of food, i.e.: fats, carbs, proteins. I ate anything. My diabetes brought me to a healthy, well balanced diet that I can measure.
I’ve always exercised. But, my diabetes gives me impetus and meaning for my exercise.
I really do appreciate having this connection with All of you on this T1D Exchange site. For many years, I felt that I was out there alone. I had no idea there were so many of us out there. I value your comments and input. Thank you.

3

2 months ago Log in to Reply
1. sweet charlie
  
  I feel the same!!
  
  1
  
  2 months ago Log in to Reply
Jneticdiabetic

I once met a sweet older T1D gentlemen. He had just had a severe low and had scratches on his face from seizing. It’s hard to feel great about T1D in those moments, but he told me he was grateful for his T1D diagnosis because it had made him take better care of himself than he otherwise would of and overall he was healthier because if it. Lovely reminder that there’s a silver lining to every situation life throws at us.

2

2 months ago Log in to Reply
AnitaS

I am thankful that I am coming up on 50 years living with T-1 and I am still living without complications. I know many other T-1 people aren’t as lucky through no fault of their own.

2

2 months ago Log in to Reply
Jeff Perzan

Approaching 58 years with T1D. Thankful for (almost) always eating a healthy diet and for the discipline, discipline, discipling required to maintain good control.

1

2 months ago Log in to Reply
Tom Webb

This is my 50th year of living with diabetes and have seen and lived through the changes in treatment. I was 7 and was taking 1 shot in the morning and used urine to check my blood sugar with clinitest tablets and a color chart. I now check my blood sugar and have a dexcom g6 with a tandem pump. My ha1c is the lowest I have ever had and I am under better control.

2 months ago Log in to Reply
T1D4LongTime

I am grateful for support of my T1D and Tandem online community members and my family. A BIG positive for my endo and his staff too. The aggressive marketing of Dexcom CGMs on TV has been a blessing too with less explanation as to what the CGM is and what is does. A greater awareness of T1D in the general public would be welcome, but it is very slow in coming as the public lumps us all as Type 2 (in my opinion).

2 months ago Log in to Reply