3 ms·

This is a bit melodramatic. I've lived alone with T1D for the better part of a decade without any problem. I went to uni, alone, without any problems. Frankly,

This is a bit melodramatic. I've lived alone with T1D for the better part of a decade without any problem. I went to uni, alone, without any problems. Frankly, I think depending on other people is a liability. I can't count on my hands how many times I've had to explain to people that you don't give an unconsious diabetic insulin, you call an ambulance and follow the instructions you're given. I just don't trust the average person enough to burden them with the responsibility. The only people I would trust to look after my unconsious body during a severe hypo are medical professionals - and there are medical professionals that I still wouldn't trust! Yes, the maths is unavoidable. Diabetes burnout is real. But if you've it had for nearly 3 decades, like I have, then you learn coping strategies. My advice is to spend some time finding a specialist who listens and answers questions. Use the devices available to you and learn them well. Don't make changes to your insulin regimen when you're angry or hypo. Most importantly, don't strive for unattainable perfection.

paulcole 5y ago
Everybody’s T1D experience is different and it’s not that melodramatic. Before I had a CGM I went so low at night my partner had to call 911 in the morning. Sure I bounced back and got a CGM, but only because I could afford one. I was terrified of going to sleep at night without a handful of alarms set to wake me.
lolc 5y ago
Yes living alone with diabetes is fine given modern treatment and some robust habits. Here's the instruction to the people I know I will be spending longer stretches of time with: When I look very tired, disoriented, or talk incoherently: fetch orange juice or some other sugary drink. Make sure I drink it. When you find me unconscious: roll me on the side, call an ambulance. You can put sugar under my tongue but do keep watching me. If you feel confident, apply the syringe from the orange box in the fridge. Thankfully, none of this has played out so far. Except that I had to rely on friends a few times when my sugar ran out. That's already plenty scary.

paulcole 5y ago

Everybody’s T1D experience is different and it’s not that melodramatic. Before I had a CGM I went so low at night my partner had to call 911 in the morning. Sure I bounced back and got a CGM, but only because I could afford one. I was terrified of going to sleep at night without a handful of alarms set to wake me.

lolc 5y ago

Yes living alone with diabetes is fine given modern treatment and some robust habits. Here's the instruction to the people I know I will be spending longer stretches of time with: When I look very tired, disoriented, or talk incoherently: fetch orange juice or some other sugary drink. Make sure I drink it. When you find me unconscious: roll me on the side, call an ambulance. You can put sugar under my tongue but do keep watching me. If you feel confident, apply the syringe from the orange box in the fridge. Thankfully, none of this has played out so far. Except that I had to rely on friends a few times when my sugar ran out. That's already plenty scary.