My Life as a Diabetic; Don't Try This at Home

by JoAnn Prager

Diabetics really do need to test. So much happens to you in a day, an hour or even fifteen minutes that if you don't test when you don't feel right, and you diabetics out there know what I'm talking about, you will not be able to stop the inevitable. It could just be nothing. Or it could be something.

If it's something, it's nice to be able to be on top of it rather than opening your eyes to find about three of those handsome (or pretty, if you are a male), Fire Rescue or Ambulance Drivers standing or bending over you and asking questions. It always takes me a moment to figure out if I'm dreaming or awake. When I open my eyes to see those buff and always nice rescue people it's hard not to fantasize. At least until the first question is asked. In your present state you are hoping for questions like are we busy Friday night or what's our sign. Instead, they are more like these questions, "Do you know where you are?" or "Who's the president?" or "What day is it today?" or even, "What's your name?" It kills the moment, especially if the answer doesn't immediately come to mind in my presently bemused state. And the sinker is you still have to pay the big bucks for the "date".

If you are normally trying to avoid testing it's pretty easy. I still do it, but I'm only human. Excuse me, I mean procrastinator. Sometimes I don't want to stop what I'm working on and test. For me, I have to keep moving or I sit down and that's the end of the housework for the day. I'd rather sit with the kids and watch cartoon shows than have to do housework. When I'm in the mood for cleaning up I don't like to stop. I usually tell myself that I'll test as soon as I finish folding the clothes in the laundry basket, then I tell myself that I'll test as soon as I put away the aforementioned folded clothes, etc.

You might have an idea of where this might be leading. Sometimes it's just not convenient. Usually, I just do it when I get the next break. That doesn't happen often in a mother's day but you almost have to make it happen. Determination is the name of the game. It only takes five minutes or less and I'm never sorry that I tested.

My kids know when I'm not feeling well, because they hear the clinking. Let me explain. I always reach for a tall glass, the gallon of 2% milk and the Hershey's syrup. I've done that for every reaction since I was first married. My kids usually don't suspect anything until they hear that clinking sound. My three kids always want a glass, too. I know they don't like it but I have to drink mine first. They are good about waiting their turn, though, and always say, "Thanks, Mom", when I give them their glass and sippy cups, respectfully, full of the chocolate goodness. There is ten minutes of complete and blissful silence in my house. It's wonderful. And then it's over.

About the Author: JoAnn Prager lives in Beaverton, Michigan. Been a type I diabetic since 1977, married since 1988 and switched from multiple daily injections to an insulin pump in 2001. She has three beautiful children, a beagle/Springer spaniel and works two part-time jobs until the writing thing works out..

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