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November 20th, 2009
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Nope, this post is not about Thanksgiving or the dawning of the Holiday Season.

 

It's about the calls I receive from my family that are diabetes -related.  Often, I don't hear much from them on this front.  But lately, it's been a flurry of calls...

 

First, about the insulin syringe recall. Frantic calls from both of my brothers, who are apparently aware of my insulin sensitivity (ie: "2.5 times your usual dose would probably KILL you") but not aware that I've been using an insulin pump...  

 

Then, the diagnosis of the daughter of a family friend last week found me on the phone with Bob's mom, agreeing to serve as a resource for this newly diagnosed family.  "Sure, I'm happy to do whatever I can."  I said through tears.  Knowing exactly what they're up against.  

 

The call volume peaked at about 10:00 yesterday morning.  "Did you see???"  "Did you hear???"  "Oh, my God, what comes next???"  My mother, Bob's mother, both brothers, my father, all in succession.  Having heard the news about a possible breakthrough cure, they all wanted to be sure I knew.  

 

My mother was surprised I wasn't more excited. 

 

As I explained to her that it appeared the drugs used to cure these mice had some pretty serious potential side effects and that some drug interactions might even make use of one of the drugs impossible for me, she commented "Well, they wouldn't be announcing it on TV is it wasn't a real breakthrough, right?"  

 

"I guess," I said.  "We'll see what happens."

 

"Well it sounds like good news to me..."  

 

My brothers wanted to know how soon I'd be getting this cure.  They are both afflicted with half-listening syndrome, I think.  They heard "diabetes" and "cure" and tuned out, "up to 5 years away" and "human trials far off..."

 

Bob's mother was very excited and wanted to know whether she should call the family she'd called me about just a week before to share with them the wonderful news of this breakthrough cure.  I advised her against it, telling her that they'd very likely hear about it at the hospital.  I also recommended she read all she can so that she could have an informed conversation with them should the topic come up.

 

And then there was my dad who, thank goodness, seems to be on the same page as me about this development.  Cautious, careful, guarded, suspicious.  "It's cancer drugs, some of those can be poison," he pointed out.

 

"I know," I said - going on to list some of the potential side effects and drug interactions.

 

"Well, it's far off anyway.  Let the doctors figure out the ins and outs and then - if or when - I hope when - they kick this out to humans - you can make the decision that's right for you."  My dad said.

 

Wise man, that dad of mine.  

 

What kind of calls do you receive from family that are diabetes-related?  And how do the tone of those calls change when the words "possible cure" come up?



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Luckily (or not I guess) my family knows only what I inform them about diabetes. Or if they know, they never bring it up to me.

I am not sure if that is such a good thing.


My family NEVER even asks me about my Diabetes, how I'm doing, and are pretty clueless when it comes to my health. My mom even at one time asked if needed insulin when my BS was low.


My dad's reaction was a lot like yours...cautious. My brother didn't mention it at all. My husband and I saw the story together; he reacted much like my dad. The rest of my family either treats me like a newly diagnosed 12-year-old or thinks I was cured a long time ago--sadly.


Hello, Hello, Nichole are you out there? You have not written forever!


Oops, Nicole


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Michelle Kowalski
Michelle KowalskiMichelle 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)
Lindsey Guerin
Lindsey GuerinLindsey is a typical, yet unique, Texas girl who loves shopping, movies and reading. She loves to travel and take risks. She dreams of diabetes cures, never-ending cheesecake and her own airplane. The rest you can discover in her blog! (Read More)
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