advertisement

December 2nd, 2008
Category:
Type 1Type 2Oral MedsInsulin & Pumps
ChildrenFoodHighs & LowsRelationships
ComplicationsEmotionsIn the NewsFitness
Women's IssuesMen's IssuesReal Life


Will there be a pair of white diabetic tube socks in your stocking this year? Zebra-patterned pump skins? Beaded alert bracelets? Sugar-free treats? A T-shirt that says, "I'm So Sweet I Need Insulin?"

I'm curious about your thoughts on giving diabetes-related holiday gifts to your favorite diabetic. Sorry, person with diabetes. I'm not so sure how I feel about it. I did consider getting a lightning bolt pump skin for Charlie for his stocking, but the more I thought about it, the ickier it felt.

"Diabetes gift" seems like an oxymoron to me. I think I'd prefer to separate the disease from Christmas as much as possible. Sure, he'd probably like a pump skin, but how about instead of a gift we just call it a supply. And instead of Christmas, we just give it to him on a Thursday.

One website I found was pretty funny. "What to give a person with diabetes is not always easy," the article began, begging the almost impossible question: What can you buy a person with diabetes?

Uh , earrings come to mind. People with diabetes do have ears.

CDs? Again, people with diabetes do have ears.

Books are another option. In the last 10 to 15 years, much progress has been made and at least 75 percent of adults with diabetes can now read at a fourth-grade level.

I don't know. Maybe I'll just wrap the box of insulin that just came in the mail and throw it under the tree for Charlie.

"Whoa! Whoa! Don't shake that one too much, Charlie."

"No way!!!!!"

"What is it, Charlie? Show the camera."

"No way!!!!!"

"A three-month supply of fast-acting Humalog insulin!!!!! Thank you Santa!!!! This is awesome!!!! How did he know we were running low? Mom can we prime the pump right now with it? Please, please, please???"

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.



Login to rate
Rating (1):
1
2
3
4
5
Email this Comments (5) :: Add a comment

I'm with you - especially when it comes to children. Christmas is magic, diabetes is not.


Yeah, not when it comes to children.

But there is not much that I need and I really wanted a beaded alert bracelet (in the hopes that I would actually wear it), so that is what I am getting from my mom.

But as a kid - absolutely not!


Totally! I have to live with this disease every minute of every day, I do NOT want Christmas (or birthday) presents that remind me of it more. I know people are trying to find something 'special' but jeez. I like the earring idea!


No diabetes presents under the tree or in the stocking this year. He only has a few pieces of candy for the stocking and there are the real sugar-laden thing.

Merry Christmas to you and yours Carey.


Re the website: I agree with you. Why would people with diabetes be any different to buy for?

It would never occur to me to buy something diabetic for Brendon. No matter how cool the diabetes accessories are made to look, it wouldn't be something to give as a gift.
That's like buying your wife a vacuum cleaner for Christmas.


Would you like to comment?

Join dlife for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

advertisement
Carey Potash
Carey is a full-time hater of diabetes. The benefits stink. His 6-year-old son, Charlie, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 22 months old. Carey's parenting humor has appeared in various websites and print magazines. He resides in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his wife and three children. (Read More)

Latest Posts: Thankful | Diabetic in the Mist | The Adventures of Gleevec and Sutent

Michelle Kowalski
Michelle Kowalski, a writer, editor and photography hobbiest living in Phoenix, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in February 2005. In January 2008, as part of her quest to start on an insulin pump, Michelle learned that she actually has type 1 diabetes. (Read More)

Latest Posts: The Greasy Wheel | Waiting Impatiently for CGMS OK | Back to the Find-A-Doctor Drawing Board

Our Other Bloggers: Lindsey Guerin, Kim Doty, Andy Bell, Julia, George Simmons, Nicole Purcell, Kerri Morrone, Scott Marvel, Rebecca Abma
  1. Almost Better than Sex Cake
  2. Caribbean Chicken
  3. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with Applesauce
  4. Cauliflower "Mac and Cheese"
  5. Angelic Deviled Eggs