Life of a Type 1 diabetic.

Abstract

This article discusses the life of a Type 1 diabetic. Everything is a danger. Stress, flu, infection, or a common cold could all lead to a hospital stay. There are many negative long-term effects: blindness, loss of a limb, heart attacks, etc. Every day is an effort to keep on top of things. The diabetes cannot be forgotten or ignored. The cost of living with diabetes is atrocious, between the devices, insulin, and other needed supplies. It is expensive to be sick. On top of the insulin pump, there are numerous supplies, such as reservoirs to hold the insulin, the infusion sets to put the plastic needle into the body, along with tubing to carry the insulin from the pump to the insertion point on the abdomen. There are also continuous glucose monitors (CGM), which include a transmitter, as well as sensors that have to be changed weekly. These items are much needed for people like the author, who after having diabetes for 24 years, find it difficult to feel low blood sugars. This difficulty feeling low blood sugars is quite dangerous, and may lead to seizures, brain damage, or even death if unnoticed and untreated. With CGM technology, the transmitter and sensors have saved the author on multiple occasions from seizures, or worse. They are a necessity, and the author needs the CGMs to protect her life. The author highlights a promise of hope in the Canadian Government's plan to financially cover "diabetic medications and supplies." And while it would not cover the expensive drugs not currently covered by the author's insurance, it does mean insulin and oral medications for Type 2 diabetes will no longer be paid out of pocket. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).