D Blog Week 2017 #1: The Unexpected

It has been said that the only thing consistent about diabetes is that it is inconsistent. The 8th annual Diabetes Blog week sponsored by Bittersweetdiabetes.com asks us to ponder the unexpected.

"Diabetes can sometimes seem to play by a rulebook that makes no sense, tossing out unexpected challenges at random. What are your best tips for being prepared when the unexpected happens? Or, take this topic another way and tell us about some good things diabetes has brought into your, or your loved one’s, life that you never could have expected?"

We reached out to our social media followers to get their thoughts on the subject.

We always have ice packs and frozen water bottles in the freezer in case of a power outage, to keep insulin cool. Me and my daughter are both T1. We have backups for our backups (hoarding sounds worse) of supplies. We have a go bag with T1 supplies and food products ready to go at all times, we do have tornadoes here in Ohio. We can be out the door, or in the basement in under 30 seconds. - Leslie L.

T1 brought friendships in my life that I never would have had otherwise. My life is filled with strong moms and dad's that I never would have had the pleasure of knowing if it weren't for T1. There is beauty in the ashes. - Meggan F.

Shortly after my kiddo was diagnosed, I took him to a movie. I was trying to get him a soda, and I turned around and asked the handsome man behind me in line whether Coke Zero has sugar in it. He thought I was just a vain woman worrying about her weight, and he responded a little bit curtly. I clarified: "I'm only asking because my son is diabetic and I don't want to give him something with sugar." The man's face lit up. His four-year-old had type one. He told me she was already giving herself her own shots; his face shone with pride. We ended up having this great, warm conversation in line before splitting up to go to our respective movies. -Susan A.

Unexpected- the amazing network of friends and support that we've gained not only for my child but for our family. We've made friends that have become like family. What started as an overwhelming experience has become positive and worthwhile. - Cheri T.

The most unexpected thing being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes gave me was good perspective, and how to properly deal with hardships. While I may hate it as I'm going through it, I'm able to view life and hardships from a completely different perspective that I would not have been able to otherwise, and that perspective has followed me into adulthood. I thank diabetes for that levelheadedness and calm in the face of hardship or adversity, even if I'm cursing it in the same breath!--Jessica P.

Life with diabetes is definitely a roller-coaster. But even with the highs and lows (couldn't resist a diabetes joke!) there have been some great things that have come out of having T1. I have gotten to go backstage at a national tour of a Broadway show and met the star who also has T1. I've gotten to meet country singer Eric Paslay, another T1. I've been photobombed by Raelynn, another country singer who has T1. My family has gotten close to other T1 families whom we might not have even known if T1 weren't in the picture. - Kate C.

Thanks to all who commented. Tomorrow's topic is The Cost Of Chronic Illness: "Insulin and other diabetes medications and supplies can be costly. Here in the US, insurance status and age (as in Medicare eligibility) can impact both the cost and coverage. So today, let’s discuss how cost impacts our diabetes care. Do you have advice to share? For those outside the US, is cost a concern? Are there other factors such as accessibility or education that cause barriers to your diabetes care?" Let us know your thoughts!