A tattoo about living with diabetes? What do you have in mind. I was thinking about getting one (it would be my first) but I didn't want something that made everyone think of diabetes when they saw it. Instead, I wanted something that was subtle but reminded me of what it meant. What's your idea, Andy?

Andy, you said you would keep reaching out to type 1's. You have more to give than just that. I am a type 2 and I realize that all of us are diferent. No 1's or 2's are the same and I fully understand the difference in our diabetes. But you give each time you post. Maybe all we need is just to see someone else's viewpoint for the day or a look at another person's coping mechanisms. My son is a 1 and I am a 2 but he has also taught me a great deal. I learn from each person that shares here on dLife. On here it doesn't matter how different we all are, we have a very great deal in common. And I really enjoy reading your posts. I guess what I want you to know is that you reach a lot more people than you think.

Thank you SO MUCH Saundra. I really appreciate you letting me know those things. It makes me feel good to hear that I also help out "type 2's" as well :) I am sorry if sometimes I only refer to type 1's. I really dont know to many type 2's and I guess I am a little ignorant about that. How old is your son, if you dont mind me asking? Thank you again.

I don't mind at all Andy. He is 40 now and I am 58. He has been a type 1 diabetic for about 10 years now. And like you he is very athletic. He has been a body builder and won a number of competitions, played football and just last year tried out for a spot on one of the professional teams here in St. Louis and made it. They hired him and he was having a ball. Of course he was the oldest on the team, but was not slow or weak. He has always prided himself on how strong he is. He went out for wrestling in school and won those easily. But when he tried out for boxing he broke bones in his opoponent's face and couldn't stand that, so he quit boxing. He works hard to hold onto his weight. When he eases up on his workouts he tends to lose too much weight. He is a commercial artist and is extemely talented. His design and the work he did won a national award for his business last year. My son, his wife and daughter live about 13 miles from us.
I have 5 kids and 8 grandchildren. My youngest daughter isn't married and moved back home to help me out last year. I am in a lot of trouble with my kidneys, heart and liver and had been trying for quite some time to get my doctor to listen to me when I went to see her about how bad I was feeling. I had no idea I was diabetic. All of my kids are very supportive and my youngest daughter uses her off days to help me with heavy things and shopping for groceries. I am extremely fortunate. I am a nurse and have a master's degree in oncology, and one if counseling, but haven't been able to work for quite some time.
It doesn't seem to matter how much knowledge you have about anything. Having diabetes is a whole new ballgame. But I have a wonderful cheering section and a wonderful and strict though understanding help from my son. He has truly been solid gold in helping navigate through all the things we have tried to use to handle my diabetes. He encourages me, he explains he pushes when I need it and helps me understand what to ask for. And I keep coming back here to dLife to the great people here. You make a difference in my life just being able to read what you have to say. And all the peopole who post and share make a difference because we are all here for each other. I am extremely fortunate Andy. Thanks for all that you do.