I'll be honest here and tell you that I spend a lot of time complaining. About various things, to be sure, but a favourite target of mine consists of things that I would change, if I could, to make my diabetic life a little easier –or at least more pleasant. So here is my list, as it currently stands, of things that would be different and/or better if diabetics were running the show. Feel free to add any additional ideas in the comments section!
- ALL clothing would include smart, pump-friendly details and pockets. Think swimsuits, formal wear, pyjamas, dresses, etc., etc., etc.
- Sharps containers would be everywhere, just like garbage cans and recycling bins, because I don't really like carrying around used needles and things. It always makes me feel a little shady.
- There would always be Splenda. Everywhere.
- The category of diet fountain pop (soda?) would always include several options; not just cola. And fancy, yummy coffee drinks would always include a sugar-free syrup option. Cinnamon Dolce, anyone? (Edit: apparently sugar-free CD is available in many places – the gods have answered my prayers!)
- Every public bathroom stall would have a fold-down tray table, like on airplanes, so I could test and/or inject easily and discretely, and not drop things on the floor. Every time.
- Restaurants would always give a countdown to when my food will be ready, so I can pick the perfect time to bolus. Plus, all menus would include accurate carbohydrate counts, in addition to a variety of delicious low- and no-carb options!
- Insurance companies would not get to decide how many test strips or needles or insulin I can use in a given time. And I'd have more of a say in what is considered necessary for my own diabetes care (and should be covered by said insurance companies!).
- Glucose tabs and other necessary but non-medical items would never be kept behind the counter at drug stores.
- Airport security would always let me bring juice in my carry-on. Not just sometimes, when they happen to feel compassionate.
- Chocolate would be magically and deliciously carb-free. And not in the weird way that sugar-free chocolate is currently and questionably made. No, this chocolate would be good!
- Delicious things like pizza and lasagna wouldn't mess up my BG for hours and hours ... and hours ...
- People would just know what an insulin pump looks like, so I wouldn't have to awkwardly answer questions about it. And for that matter, they would also all know what a low looks like (like my mom does!), which would save me the embarrassment of explaining myself and my ridiculous (and sometimes alarming) behaviour.
- There would definitely be a cure by now.
- The world would be an even better place!
- Doctors wouldn't give just 3 refills on my prescriptions for insulin, test strips, and other things I will very likely need everyday for the rest of my life. Is there some law against double-digit refills??
- The packaging for diabetic supplies wouldn't be so darn difficult to get into! Is it just me, or are boxes of text strips like impossible to open without tearing them apart?? (Yes, scissors would help, but the 25 foot journey from my bathroom to my kitchen is usually just too much to bear)