Diabetes is a Personal Disease

Three years ago, I wrote an article explaining my decision to not get a pump.  If you missed it, you can read it here.  I felt like I should write a follow-up post after reading a very inspiring Facebook post by a fellow diabetic, Caroline Levens.

Many people look at the picture she posted and think, "Why would you give yourself so many shots when you could just get a pump?"  The answer really isn't as simple as people think.

1.  Pumps aren't always the preference.
Believe it or not, some people don't like pumps.  Whether they hate being tethered to something or they don't like the inconvenience of having to change the infusion site every 3 days, or they don't want to deal with insurance headaches or pump malfunctions, some people don't like pumps.

2.  The method of insulin injection is not necessarily as important as receiving the injections.
If the pump works for you, great!  Stick with it!  If shots work better, great!  Stick with them!  Don't try to tell people they need to switch just because you like one over the other.  What works for you may not work for them.  You don't know their story.  Don't offer unsolicited suggestions if they seem happy with their choice.  In Caroline's case, she's not asking for pump suggestions.  She's showing us what a month of shots looks like, because that's her choice and she's happy with it.

3.  Just because she's taking more shots than YOU think is normal does not mean she's doing something wrong.
NEWSFLASH:  She's taking all those shots to keep her blood sugars normal and, if that's what it takes for her to achieve normal blood sugars, all the more power to her!  Don't go bashing people or accusing them of not being diabetic because they don't fit the "diabetic mold" that you've got preconceived in your head.  Diabetes is not a one-size-fits-all disease.  It is very much a personal disease, and everyone is going to manage it differently.  Don't go telling someone they aren't doing it right when they haven't expressed anything of the sort.      

I'm glad I chose to stick with shots.  That was the best decision for me.  I'm also happy that I chose to get a Dexcom.  I've been able to keep each sensor in over a week and it's been such a blessing.  I don't feel tethered to anything -- in fact, I feel freer!  The wireless aspect must be what makes the difference.

Do what works for you.  You deserve normal blood sugars.