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    • 4 hours, 5 minutes ago
      kilupx likes your comment at
      If you’re on an insulin pump, what is your glucose target range?
      I don't have a choice. I'm on the Tandem X2 pump, with Control IQ software. It is automatically programmed for a target range of 110. If I had a choice, I would put it on 100.
    • 4 hours, 5 minutes ago
      kilupx likes your comment at
      If you’re on an insulin pump, what is your glucose target range?
      My alarm range is 70 - 180.
    • 4 hours, 32 minutes ago
      Anita Stokar likes your comment at
      If you’re on an insulin pump, what is your glucose target range?
      The whole "target" question is a mess. I think most of us here (T1D people who are proactive etc) define "target" as where we want to be after a meal or correction bolus has done it's job. Pump mfr's (and many Endo's) define "target" like they define an A1C goal: averaging 110 over time. Lots of "discussions" (notice the quotes) with my Endo about my targets (I don't accept the "standard goal" of 70-180, I prefer aiming for 70-140). So so answer today's question, my alert ranges are 70 and 120 for high (I correct if I have no IOB, but may have food on board). My target bg (post bolus) is 80-90.
    • 6 hours, 32 minutes ago
      Fabio Gobeth likes your comment at
      When people talk about diabetes, are there trigger words that bother you? Please share what they are in the comments.
      They don't call people with MS "sclerotics". In my career (first response) I interacted with lots of people in crisis, I tried to remember to ask if they were "dealing with alcoholism", "do you have schizophrenia" , that sort of language.
    • 6 hours, 33 minutes ago
      Fabio Gobeth likes your comment at
      When people talk about diabetes, are there trigger words that bother you? Please share what they are in the comments.
      I avoid the word ‘diabetic’. It feels like a label. There are more things that define me than being a ‘diabetic’.
    • 8 hours, 41 minutes ago
      Vicki Andersen likes your comment at
      If you’re on an insulin pump, what is your glucose target range?
      My alarm range is 70 - 180.
    • 8 hours, 54 minutes ago
      Julianne likes your comment at
      If you’re on an insulin pump, what is your glucose target range?
      My range is 70 to 150
    • 9 hours, 39 minutes ago
      Janis Senungetuk likes your comment at
      Before you chose an insulin pump, did you do a “saline trial” (a pump filled with saline instead of insulin)?
      I remember "injecting" an orange as a trial.
    • 10 hours, 2 minutes ago
      Janis Senungetuk likes your comment at
      Before you chose an insulin pump, did you do a “saline trial” (a pump filled with saline instead of insulin)?
      Charles, I have the exact same problem. I found a guy on Etsy up in Canada that made a 3d printed fixture that helps. It's not 100% but it works most times. The needle on the stringe has a lot of variablity that may require moving into a place on the white dot to get it to fill the cartridge. I am only suggesting it. Your milage may vary. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1177982431/exakt-tool-for-tandem-tslim-insulin
    • 10 hours, 4 minutes ago
      Janis Senungetuk likes your comment at
      Before you chose an insulin pump, did you do a “saline trial” (a pump filled with saline instead of insulin)?
      I wore a saline trial Tandem and a saline trial Omnipod when I was switching from a Medtronic 521 to a new pump. I chose Tandem and have been a very satisfied Tandem pump user since 2012.
    • 10 hours, 44 minutes ago
      Anthony Harder likes your comment at
      If you’re on an insulin pump, what is your glucose target range?
      My alarm range is 70 - 180.
    • 10 hours, 44 minutes ago
      Anthony Harder likes your comment at
      If you’re on an insulin pump, what is your glucose target range?
      I don't have a choice. I'm on the Tandem X2 pump, with Control IQ software. It is automatically programmed for a target range of 110. If I had a choice, I would put it on 100.
    • 11 hours, 20 minutes ago
      Marty likes your comment at
      If you’re on an insulin pump, what is your glucose target range?
      I don't have a choice. I'm on the Tandem X2 pump, with Control IQ software. It is automatically programmed for a target range of 110. If I had a choice, I would put it on 100.
    • 11 hours, 21 minutes ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      If you’re on an insulin pump, what is your glucose target range?
      I don't have a choice. I'm on the Tandem X2 pump, with Control IQ software. It is automatically programmed for a target range of 110. If I had a choice, I would put it on 100.
    • 22 hours, 56 minutes ago
      Bekki Weston likes your comment at
      When people talk about diabetes, are there trigger words that bother you? Please share what they are in the comments.
      When I'm told what I can eat or not eat. Usually not eat.
    • 22 hours, 58 minutes ago
      Bekki Weston likes your comment at
      If you miss a long-acting insulin injection, what are your next steps? Please share more in the comments.
      I apply it as soon as I remember. My long-acting insulin dose is already divided into 2 doses.
    • 1 day, 10 hours ago
      eherban1 likes your comment at
      If you miss a long-acting insulin injection, what are your next steps? Please share more in the comments.
      taking Tresiba helps since it lasts more than 24 hours. it depends when I figure it out. if it's before 10 am, I just take it as normal.
    • 1 day, 17 hours ago
      Patricia Dalrymple likes your comment at
      Before you chose an insulin pump, did you do a “saline trial” (a pump filled with saline instead of insulin)?
      I never knew about a saline trial, My first four insulin pumps were Medtronic. When it was time for a new insulin pump I asked what else was out there on the market. That's when I was introduce to Tandem. I am glad that I made the switch. My only problem is using a syringe to put the insulin in the reservoir. I have low vision and Essential Tremors which make the process challenging at times. Other than small issue it's is great.
    • 2 days, 4 hours ago
      maria prel likes your comment at
      When people talk about diabetes, are there trigger words that bother you? Please share what they are in the comments.
      No, it is just an opportunity for me to teach them a little about diabetes. I don't think most people are trying to be mean, they are just uneducated.
    • 2 days, 4 hours ago
      maria prel likes your comment at
      When people talk about diabetes, are there trigger words that bother you? Please share what they are in the comments.
      It is more about lack of understanding of diabetes management and attitude that accompanies it that bothers me the most. A friend was critical of someone who was just giving themselves (“shooting up more”) insulin because they wanted to eat something that “obviously” had carbs or sugar in it. His attitude was with derision because he didn’t understand. To him, the person was guilty of something for just giving himself more insulin to cover the carbs. It is the judgement without knowledge that bothers me the most.
    • 2 days, 4 hours ago
      maria prel likes your comment at
      When people talk about diabetes, are there trigger words that bother you? Please share what they are in the comments.
      1. You can’t have that! You’re diabetic. 2. Do you need some orange juice?
    • 2 days, 7 hours ago
      Dennis Dacey likes your comment at
      Before you chose an insulin pump, did you do a “saline trial” (a pump filled with saline instead of insulin)?
      I remember "injecting" an orange as a trial.
    • 2 days, 7 hours ago
      Dennis Dacey likes your comment at
      Before you chose an insulin pump, did you do a “saline trial” (a pump filled with saline instead of insulin)?
      I never knew about a saline trial, My first four insulin pumps were Medtronic. When it was time for a new insulin pump I asked what else was out there on the market. That's when I was introduce to Tandem. I am glad that I made the switch. My only problem is using a syringe to put the insulin in the reservoir. I have low vision and Essential Tremors which make the process challenging at times. Other than small issue it's is great.
    • 2 days, 7 hours ago
      Dennis Dacey likes your comment at
      Before you chose an insulin pump, did you do a “saline trial” (a pump filled with saline instead of insulin)?
      Funny how using saline would influence a decision. Yes, I understand the comfort part of it, but having it keep you in range would be an important factor in choosing a pump. You would actually need insulin to get that info.
    • 2 days, 8 hours ago
      TEH likes your comment at
      Before you chose an insulin pump, did you do a “saline trial” (a pump filled with saline instead of insulin)?
      I wore a saline trial Tandem and a saline trial Omnipod when I was switching from a Medtronic 521 to a new pump. I chose Tandem and have been a very satisfied Tandem pump user since 2012.
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    On a scale of 1-5, how important do you think it is for the T1D community to push back against diabetes jokes made on TV/in movies? 1 = least important, 5 = most important

    Home > LC Polls > On a scale of 1-5, how important do you think it is for the T1D community to push back against diabetes jokes made on TV/in movies? 1 = least important, 5 = most important
    Previous

    For people with T1D who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine: Did you have any of the following side effects? Select all that apply to you.

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    April is Stress Awareness Month and we’d like to know how different stressful situations impact your blood sugar. Please select any of the following statements that you feel apply to you.

    Sarah Howard

    Sarah Howard has worked in the diabetes research field 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 Marketing Manager at T1D Exchange.

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    34 Comments

    1. Henry Renn

      It is important bc the general public doesn’t know even the basics of the disease. Even dramatic shows exhibit misinformation. Jokes rarely reflect accurate information.

      3
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Alejandra Marquez

      when they do that it is saying more about then than me. They need to learn and get more information about diabetes

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. laura rutledge

      it matters to me less now but it had a strong, negative impact on me as a kid with type 1. i think that is why it should be of utmost importance.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Andy Gell

      I’m not sure I have ever really noticed diabetes jokes on TV or in movies.

      3
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. ConnieT1D62

        Jokes? The saddest joke about diabetes is how many health care providers know so little about the difference between T1 and T2 diabetes. Hah! I think it is more important to push back about misinformation.

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Nevin Bowman

      It seems we soon won’t have jokes. It’s a JOKE, so let it go, let it go.

      2
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Alyne Branson

      I’ve never seen diabetes as a joke on tv/movies and I don’t think it would bother me if I did. It’s the false information they give about Diabetes and confuse people even more about Type 1. Just recently on New Amsterdam they had an older lady diagnosed with Type 1 and they were showing the needle used for her insulin and it was HUGE. I laughed. Why would someone choose to show such ignorance on such a big level. Loose the drama…please.

      5
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Henry Renn

        Ditto. I mentioned misinformation on TV. How about someone in diabetic shock needing insulin? Yes if you want to drive bg down low enough to kill them.

        2
        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. Larry Martin

      Jokes are just that and sometimes spur thought. The Joke is the US Healthcare system where patients fight with health insurance companies frequently have to fight to find approved DME providers. I fought one year until April for them to tell me who I could buy Pump Supplies from. Thank goodness I knew how to game the system the year before and had plenty of supplies. I finally called the CEOs office and read the company the riot act.

      8
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. Amanda Barras

      Learn to take a joke and roll with it. Life is hard enough, and people force there opinions too much already, lighten up.

      2
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Ken Raiche

      Honestly doesn’t have any impact on me what so ever.. You’ve got to take everything with a grain of salt or sugar if you’d like. I’ve got more important things to be concerned about like my health, family, finance and well being.

      3
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Sue Herflicker

        I agree!

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. connie ker

      I chose “other” because having type 1 diabetes is not funny; on the other hand laughing feels so good and actually is good for the soul. This year there has not been much to laugh at, so if the diabetic on South Park is made fun of, laugh at it and go forward.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Carol Meares

      I put 5 but have never seen a diabetes joke on tv. I don’t watch much. I put 5 because of the young children with diabetes If it is a bullying kind of joke, 5. Yet, if instructive in the story then it depends how it is presented. I believe that all people with lifelong challenges in life need to be treated with respect and demonstrated in our entertainment. Humor can be good, but it does not have to be distasteful and strike against people with diabetes. Humor against the condition itself could be a better approach but done in a matter of respect and compassion for the people who have it.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Kristen Clifford

      There are some jokes that I can laugh along with, but others bother me. The ones that trouble me most are the ones where a person eats a large cookie/sundae/other form of junk food and says, “Well, I’ll probably get diabetes now.” T1D is NOT caused by sugar consumption, and considering how difficult insulin is to get for some people, that in itself isn’t something to joke about.

      3
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Danielle Eastman

      I think diabetes and those living with it deserve better, smarter, actual funny jokes and that we need to write them to get them. Kudos to all already doing so, that feels like front lines. I put a safe “3”, which is more of a reflection of my privilege. I thought a few moments and this feels like a “5” situation. Stigmas and misinformation breed shame and trauma and kill people.

      2
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. Mike S

      It’s not the jokes…as long as the jokes are actually funny of course. It’s the misinformation about diabetes overall and especially the confusion between T1 and T2 in general that drives me crazy. I’m much more concerned when a “serious” show or news segment misleads the general public with bad info. They are also not good about differentiating between T1 and T2. I’ve had too many coworkers tell me that treating a hypo is bad for my health. When I try to explain the reality, their response is too often, “Well I saw it on the news.” (I’m the one with the disease! I do know better than some ill-researched and badly worded segment!) Infuriating. You want to be a lazy writer and toss in yet another joke about too much sugar giving a character diabetes? I can take it. It’s the media feeding the lazy writers that misinformation that bugs me. Forget about fighting the jokes. How about fighting to give us T1s some real representation? How many T1 characters can you name on any show, be it a comedy or drama, that really portray the truth about our day to day lives? I’d love to watch a sitcom about a funny T1 who runs a cafe called Sugar Daddy’s. Or better yet, someone in one of the many dramas/procedurals who has T1 and it’s shown as just a normal part of that character’s life vs. a one note nod to “disease” of the week.

      6
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. Steve Gold

      I’ve never seen or heard of one. So what problem are we pushing back on?

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. Natalie Daley

      I’ve never heard jokes about diabetics is any kind. Why create an issue that doesn’t exist?

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Kristine Warmecke

      I said 5, only because when I was still able to work I heard a lot of distasteful and uneducated jokes from my fellow healthcare providers. Then hear them say the same thing to patients. smh

      3
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Ernie Richmann

      Like some others have commented, I am more concerned about misinformation. Social media is flooded with misinformation as well as disinformation on all topics.

      2
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Jonathan Strait

      Seriously?!? Jokes are what you’re concerned about??

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Christina Trudo

      depends on the nature of the joke, but overall, these jokes on TV are only a fraction of the discriminatory and stupid stuff out there. I’d focus more on legislation, rights violations.

      2
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. StPetie

      It’s a joke for heaven’s sake.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Becky Hertz

      I’d rather see efforts going in to making insulin affordable and not having two different structures for co-pays with Medicare. If I were in MDI my insulin costs would be $180 a month ($90 for tier 4 need), in pump, because it’s part B I’m paying about $235 a month.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Kristine Warmecke

        How do you get for cheap on Medicare? Mine through Part B is $864.

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Sasha Wooldridge

      I think it’s more important to portray it accurately, even when it’s the subject of a joke. It’s so misrepresented and that feeds into the misconceptions the general public has about it.

      3
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. Leona Hanson

      I have never heard of a joke about diabetes but if they do have a joke do it about real diabetic life. we as diabetics have done some stupid things that we know to be funny so why not joke about as long it’s real get diabetes out there so more people know more about diabetes. Help us fight for the things we are fighting for !!!!

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. LuckyPineapple

      I personally LOVE diabetes memes. (If you haven’t, go look them up..!)
      But I don’t care if people joke about diabetes in real life or on tv. I joke about it all the time. Sure, people don’t know what they’re talking about when they say “oh man, this ice cream is gonna give me diabetes”..but it doesn’t bother me any. Sometimes I’ll order some kind of big pancakes or a brownie at dinner and call it ‘diabetic death’. Having diabetes for your whole life sucks, so why not make a little light of it.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. John Henninger

      Haven’t heard a T1D Joke … ever. This is not an issue. If it was I would remind folks “Sticks and Stones can break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” Get on with life.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. NAK Marshall

      The only ones that bother me are if they refer to people causing it ourselves. I love seeing a TV character with type 1 if it is represented fairly correctly, just to raise awareness. I’ve been type 1 for 61 years and when the Steel Magnolias movie came out, my mom and dad went to see it not knowing what it was about and had to leave part way through because it terrified them. I was still young and we didn’t know all the wonderful things coming for type 1’s !

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    28. Ahh Life

      OK, here’s my crack at it. A scientist, a pharmaceutical CEO, a politician, and a minister go into a bar. The scientist says I’ve got the greatest gee-whiz invention for T1D since Methuselah was a teen ager. The CEO lifts his glass and says he’ll make millions and millions. The politician says he’ll design a system where everybody who needs it gets it and it’ll be dirt cheap. The minister folds his hands and says, “Let us pray, let us pray, let us pray.” They all finish their toasts, wipe their chins and walk out of the bar.

      Nothing happens. But a little Rumpelstiltskin type of a guy holds up a little vial. A bystander asks him what’s in the bottle. “Frustration.” Rumplestiltskin says, “Pure, unadulterated frustration. It’s sold for years and has continued to sell as good as ever. May it go on forever and ever.” And they all lived happily ever after, each dusting off their respective silos and keeping them clean.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    29. Molly Jones

      If the jokes were not against the diabetic, rather the public or current incorrect beliefs and were informative, they may be good and informative, also remembering that medical scientific finds change often. I would want none of my medical conditions 110yrs ago.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    30. Sally Numrich

      3. Sure I would love for everything to be accurate. But people being people, many times the information/news is not accurate. And this leads to all the stupid things I hear from people.
      Do I lose sleep over it? No, but I spend a lot of time trying to correct those inaccuracies.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply

    On a scale of 1-5, how important do you think it is for the T1D community to push back against diabetes jokes made on TV/in movies? 1 = least important, 5 = most important Cancel reply

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