So I recently obtained a new insulin pump which has led to me having to have more conversations about my type 1 diabetes and even though I’ve been diabetic since 1999, I feel like every couple of years I need to refresh the topic.

First of all I have learned that so few people actually understand diabetes.

Upon learning this information people will tell you that their grandparent is also diabetic.

Or they will give you this sympathetic look.

Because of the growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes in this country, and I’m because I’m chubby many people will assume that I caused my own diabetes.

I’m always thirsty even when my blood sugar is good.

And I don’t care how much you warn me about aspartame. I need Diet Coke, juice has too much sugar, as does milk, lemonade and Gatorade. We deserve one carbohydrate free drink with flavor.

I have developed a very complicated relationship with sugar where it’s my natural enemy but it also has saved my ass many times.

I always have to be prepared with a bag of supplies usually containing extra insulin, an extra infusion set, low blood sugar fix (my personal go to is starbursts) and my glucometer.

I’m so good at counting carbs now.

I’ve needed prescriptions since the age of 9 so I walk into my pharmacy like a boss.

My mood is very effected by blood sugars, and I tend to be a little lethargic when it’s high and little irritable when it’s low.

High blood sugar

Low blood sugar

I feel like I pee more than normal people

Excercise is also very complicated because it can dramatically lower your blood sugar so I often have to eat before and after which can feel counterintuitive.

Wearing a pump is fashionably awkward, you never get to sleep naked, and you have to fit in on formal wear and in the early 00’s people assumed it was a beeper.

Everyone once is awhile you get smug when someone is complaining about a cold or some shit and you’re like “well I have a serious chronic illness, there is like a walk and everything”

I’ve gotten really used to looking shady af with all my syringes in my bathroom cupboard.

Traveling sucks, packing weird supplies that if you forget you are straight up screwed and the TSA does not like your pump or bag because it’s full of needles.

And mostly I have learned is that you will have the most conflicted feelings about Steel Magnolias.