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On a scale of 1-5, how much do you think T1D impacts decisions you make in other areas of your life? (1 = the least possible impact, 5 = the most possible impact)
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This is a tough one to answer. I answered it looking at does it lead me to not do things because of T1D and for the most part I don’t let it impact my life in that way. On the other hand, planning for T1D impacts nearly every aspect of life so when I do make the decision to do or not do something, the planning for diabetes certainly has an impact. So in this way, it’s major.
I had 4 and changed it to 5. Not to be overly dramatic, but it can be a matter of life or death, or at least a trip to the ER if you don’t think about it. I always go low when I change my pump site, I go low when I vacuum, I can go low for no reason I can detect, sometimes the insulin seems to be stronger. Highs are equally dangerous. When I travel it is the last thing I think about before I leave the house: do I have everything? Should I go boating? I live near the gulf. Waterproof does not include salt water. Am I gonna forget one day to take my pump off before I go in the water? Before I go anywhere: do I have food? Do I have my glucometer? Can I even take a purse into a sporting event or do I have to think about that (the answer is yes). It is constant, at least for me because I am a planner and don’t want to ruin other people’s experiences because I haven’t thought things through.
I put 2 because I often make the same decisions I would if I didn’t. However, HOW I do those things is completely affected by T1D. Such as: I will still go on a long run on Sundays as I would have if I wasn’t T1D – just not in the afternoon, not without bringing gels along, and not without telling someone and having my Dex connected and working!
I try to live my day to day life a normally as possible. However, T1D impacts every decision I make, like it or not. What seems to impact my day to day life more than my T1D is my Celiac disease.
I put 4.
After 45 years of T1D I usually run on autopilot. But when I think about I take my T1D into account every time I walk out the door. How far will I walk, how long will l be gone, do I have glucose tabs with me, food …….
We live an active full life but diabetes is always there to affect our decisions. We still do most things that we used to, but not all and not the same way. For instance, diabetes has changed the way we travel. We used to go further, stay longer, and travel lighter. Now, two months is the max that we’ll go away and we have an entire piece of luggage devoted to diabetes supplies.
T1D factors into almost every decision I make. It does not restrict me from doing anything, I merely need to plan for it. Open Water Swimming, eating at restaurants, playing with my kids, waterpolo, gardening and doing the lawn, going for long hikes, etc… it doesn’t matter. Just need to know where your BG is, where it’s going, and know how to correct. After 17 years it’s like walking on river rocks and chewing gum. You’re gonna trip & fall a bit, but you can keep going.
I chose #1 because T1D is a full time job each and every day. I am a senior, widow, living alone; so I have to be mindfully present day and night with numbers and dosages of insulin.
I put 4. People without T1 will never fully understand the incessant multi-tasking our brains are required to do every moment of every day in order to keep our bodies functioning as best they can. Yes we get used to it (humans are resilient like that) and yes we don’t let us hold us back, but I don’t even remember what it was like to live without T1. Stay strong, everyone!
I put a 5 since my T1D affects pretty much every decision I make.
Eudaimonia is the only thing that would get a 5. ( ◡́.◡̀)(^◡^ )
However, the T1D being so ubiquitous does come in at a 4. I fully embrace the “fix it & forget it” philosophy, but equipment failures, biological failures, man-made insurance failures, to name a few, make this a much bigger challenge than it ought to be. (っ＾▿＾)💨
I guess it really comes down to the individual and hire they are controlling the disease. Honestly I really don’t think there’s anything that a diabetes can’t do if you set your mind to it. For me it’s not to much of a problem being properly prepared for whatever it is that your going to embark on is a good first step. All that to say 2 is the number I selected I’m pretty thorough about everything involving my condition and my needs.
It depends on how you mean impact. It does not change WHAT I choose to do, but it impacts HOW I do things: timing, preparation, etc. Therefore, I answered with a 3.
24/7, I pack T1D with me wherever I go, whatever I do. T1D is not who I am but it is definitely a part of who I am plain and simple. When I plan for it, my life is so much better, every activity, every inactivity and everything in in between.
5 – T1D impacts planning and decision making 24/7/365. It is a constant underlying thread that is intricately woven into the fabric and design of the magic carpet journey that is my life.
Life with T1D has had a definite impact on my journey over the past 66 years. Plans have been derailed and choices limited, but I have pursued and persisted in achieving my goals.
I said 4 since my T1D factors into so many decisions every single day. I’m very grateful for the technology that at least helps guide so many of my decisions.
Also grateful for the technology. Have always been careful about nutrition and always been active. Subject to serious lows so always carry snacks, enough for everyone.
I said 3 but have lived with it for 47 years so probably it affects my decision making more than I’m aware.
I wavered between saying 4 and 5. I said 4 because I overthought it and figured it doesn’t affect small things like what I decide to watch on TV, but then again I watch a lot of T1 stuff, so 5 it is! I can relate to everyone’s comments here. Wishing all of us good health filled with easy blood sugar days.
This question doesn’t capture the perspective of T1D caretakers. Which school a child go to in order to accommodate the medical needs, can a parent work and what work hours, is it wise to go on vacation to a location without a hospital for hours, etc
I answered “3” because it depends on the decision being made. T1D had little impact on daily decisions and tasks. However it has a big impact (5), any kind of long term travel decisions (air vs car, I avoid overseas travel due to potential issues with customs). Travel has the biggest impact and, in the past, the decision to have children also had a big impact.
I chose 2, as epilepsy impacts my decisions more than any other medical concern I have. I have all I need for diabetes to be fairly well controlled, and it is part of my daily life.