As part of Diabetes week, one of my previous posts was featured as a guest post on the Diabetes UK Blog earlier in the week, but I felt I should try to put up at least one new adventure here to mark the occasion. My post today is about the unspoken connections I’ve so far made, the inspiration of my post will explain what I mean a little better!
My idea came when we were on a train to the airport at the weekend. We were joined in the quiet coach by a group of water polo players who chatted very loudly, but I was pretty much zoning out until I caught the words “I inject myself”. Tuning back in (imagine a meerkat reaching up 
), I managed to piece together a conversation about splitting long-acting insulin into two equal injections and why.
I have to admit, I eaves-dropped the rest of their conversation: I’ve been thinking about splitting my Levemir too, so I found it quite informative. The whole situation made me realise though that implicitly every person with diabetes is connected, and even the times when we make wordless connections between us can be informative, encouraging or comforting. For me, most of the time, it is all I need to get on with my life: hearing a conversation, reading a story, or observing another person from afar. Even though at the time I don’t feel a need to reach out, a connection is still made.
On the train, I thought of chiming in, but I didn’t really think it would be very appropriate, so I quietly observed. It was great to hear someone else initiate their mates into the Diabetes Hall of Knowledge, answer their questions and speak openly about their diagnosis and life with this chronic illness. I’m also not sure the person realised it was the first day of Diabetes Week, but they definitely did their bit for making people more aware.
The situation also reminded me of the time I caught a girl quietly testing her blood glucose at the airport: it was a pretty snazzy meter which made me a little green-eyed, but no one else in the group I was travelling with noticed what the girl was doing. It is almost as if diagnosis initiates you into this secret club of diabetes: code words, hidden finger-pricks, covert injections, revealing scars … This secret society mostly just works on knowing glances and encouraging smiles: unspoken connections between two strangers, who actually if they admit it deep down probably know each other quite well. They get it, but don’t always feel the need to voice this out loud.
I guess the secret society already has a symbol (the blue circle), but maybe it’s time we work on the other key features: an anthem, a secret handshake, or a conspiracy theory? I’m thinking similar to Freemasonry, but less sexist?
I guess I just wanted to say that making a connection does not necessarily have to be obvious: next time you see someone inject in public, give them an encouraging wink… Or if you see a stranger give you a knowing smile when testing your blood sugar, enjoy the feeling of a silent ally: someone who gets you, but also lets you get on in life.
Until next time,
The … Diabetic
a.k.a. the strange eaves-dropping person winking at you!
hmmm, how am i going to tell you apart from the people that glare at me when I inject in a restaurant lol
Hi Scott,
I won’t be the one who looks as if they’re about to lose the eye balls out of their sockets! 
I’ll be the one giving you a cheeky, understanding wink
The … Diabetic
Hi There,
I’ve just started reading your blog today and wow it’s fantastic. I was diagnosed Christmas 2011 and i’m 28, and after the initial acceptance and becoming quite OCD over it, now I think i’m regressing but reading your posts has certainly inspired me.
I will certainly be adding this to my favourites and will be following. I think my biggest problem is I don’t know any people with Diabetes so I really need to start interacting. All-in-all though my hba1c was 6.9 so I can’t be doing too bad.
Keep up the good work
Steven
Hi Steven,
Thanks for the kind comments.
The blogs I read most are over on the right, and in The United Diabetic I wrote about finding the online community through blogs and twitter, so some more tips on how to connect with others can be found there.
My HbA1C is hovering around the 7 mark, but would like it to come down a little more. I have massive post meal spikes which make me want to hibernate so need to find a solution for them.
Take care!
The … Diabetic
No problem everything I have read on your blog mirrors my T-zero onwards so I can relate to everything you are writing, inclusive of my much adored Aviva Expert
I am certainly going to join some online communities and perhaps start doing my blog again, I kind of started one as an initial diary for myself but then I needed a break.
I also think I am going to go to the local support group as I feel direct interaction with other diabetics will help alot.
Post-meal-spikes!!! Yes they are frustrating, my ratio is 30:1 at present but I think I need to look at adjusting this, pre-meal tonight 6.5 post meal 10.8, and I even gave myself an extra unit of novo.
My biggest problem at the moment is my Basal (Lantus), T-Zero i was 8 units now I am 20 and some days my fasting glucose is perfect 5.5-6 otherdays it is 10-12 and some nights I’ve been having night-time hypos. Fortunately it’s DSN day for me on Thursday.
Have you looked at CGM’s, this is certainly a path I want to look at going down in the future, but preferably a non-pump one.
Thanks
Steven
Yeah I usually get the big post meal spikes too 10 – 15 usually but if i have any more insulin I drop low about 3 hours after, doh
Think I am still honeymooning TBH which doesnt help
I seem to need twice as much insulin at breakfast time and also always drop 3-4 mmol between 1600 – 1800 no matter what i do even though i stay stable the rest of the day
I was diagnosed August last year with T1 at the grand old age of 31
I am trying to keep track of all the number on my playbook using ‘ontrack’ so I can at least see trends etc
Only person I know with diabetes really is my auntie, in all fairness she is quite an inspiration as she is in her 70s and was diagnosed at 19 so must be doing something right, she is old school though and still mixes her own insulin etc
Let me know if you decide to start blogging again, would definitely be interested in reading about your experiences.
Would love to try CGM but my clinic doesn’t have one. I think I could benefit more from a pump though: easier to fit exercise in and small doses (my novo ratio is 10g:1u, and 10u levemir at the moment, altho think the novo ratio needs revising). Am going on a DAFNE course soon so hopefully that will help.
Hi Scott,
I think I’m pretty similar although I think
my activity levels have helped extend my honeymoon period. My ratios change a lot after a 2 week beach holiday.
I’m going to try injecting earlier for meals to help get rid of my spike. Just as a trial (I read “Think like a pancreas” which made me think of trying this – it’s a good read).
I hope we can all be as inspirational as your aunt: what a lady!