Diabetes Update

Brenda Novak’s auction for diabetes research will be wrapping up at the end of the month.  Looking at my two items, bidding has reached almost $100.  My thanks to everyone who’s bid so far.

Following mizkit‘s lead, I think I’m going to up the ante.  Bidding on the book is currently at $23.  If that crosses the $40 mark, I’ll throw in a signed copy of The Faery Taile Project as well.

Critique of a short story or novel chapter
Autographed copy of The Stepsister Scheme

I’ve lived with diabetes my whole life.  My father was diagnosed type 1 when I was born.  I was diagnosed about 10 years ago.  I’ve seen how the technology has changed.  From glucose strips that had to be dipped in urine and color-matched for a very rough approximation of your blood sugar levels four hours ago, we now have meters that will take a drop of blood and give you a reading in 5 seconds.  I started out taking 6 or so injections every day.  I now have a pump that gives me more flexibility and only requires me to stab my own gut every other day.  (Though I do have to shave my belly … there’s always a trade-off.)

And compare that to 80 or so years ago, when diabetics had to sterilize their own glass and steel syringes, then sharpen the needle themselves.  And don’t forget to rub cotton along the needle to check for burrs.

It’s still a pain-in-the-ass disease.  I’ve been fortunate, and have so far kept mine under pretty good control.  But it would be awfully nice to cure the damn disease and be done with it.

If you’re interested in my own story, I posted about my diabetes last year, on the 10th anniversary of my diagnosis: Happy Diabetes Day!