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My Diabetes Christmas List

By Nicole Johnson

Last month I wrote about my diabetes anniversary, so I thought it was only appropriate to follow that up with my (diabetes) Christmas wish list for the next several years with this condition.  

1.    A Cure!  (I had to write that, who doesn't want to get rid of diabetes?!)
2.    A smaller CGMS.
3.    A pump / sensor combo that actually works and is reliable!
4.    A lancet that doesn't hurt.
5.    Non-invasive glucose testing / monitoring.
6.    A genetic test that can prevent diabetes in children.
7.    A way to actually get good health insurance if you have diabetes and are not part of a big group.
8.    A diabetes community that works together instead of working in silos.
9.    Government support for a diabetes point person/leader that works trans-agency. (Willing to serve if necessary! -  grin)
10.    A universally understood diabetes symbol. (We have a symbol. It just isn't understood the way it needs to be.)
11.    A diabetes superhero that makes everyone with this disease laugh.
12.    Prime time television placement of characters with diabetes in major sitcoms.
13.    A Prime time television special on diabetes - Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, and Metabolic Syndrome.
14.    A leg pouch for the pump that actually stays on your leg.
15.    Development of a pump pillow.

Diabetes is tough for all of us, but when we dream, it releases some of the stress the disease causes.  Creating this diabetes Christmas list helped me laugh a little, but my wishes are serious.  These are some of the things that are in my heart.  Maybe taking a little time this wish season to write down your diabetes dreams will do you good too. Hey, won't it be fun to check the wishes off our lists one day?

I think in the next year we will be able to check a few items off this diabetes Christmas list.  I know several companies are racing to create smaller CGMS units and better comprehensive pump/sensor combo devices.  This is what I am most looking forward to in 2009.  I hope to be surprised by a few other wishes being granted.  

A lot of my wishing has to do with PR around diabetes. I hope someone adopts this cause in a grand way and brings diabetes into the forefront more that it has ever been before.