I’ve been teasing for a couple of weeks regarding big news on the horizon. In short, I was hoping to be a part of Artificial Pancreas testing later this month. Sadly, that is not going to happen.
It’s not all bad news. The study requires participants to have a hemoglobin A1c between 6.0 and 9.5. Mine came in at 5.9. So I’m out because I’ve been working out too much, aggressively attacking abnormally high BGs, and losing a little weight (3 pounds in the last month).
I had blood drawn last week and the result came in under the 6.0 mark. They tested again yesterday to see if there was any difference, and that’s when I got the 5.9.
It’s strange– while I was waiting for the result yesterday, and after I got the result, I felt very much like I used to feel when my A1c would be up in the 8’s. Like I screwed up somehow. Like I’ve failed and I’m entirely to blame.
But how can I be pissed about a 5.9? After having a night (and a few Pabst Blue Ribbons) to think about it, I think the thing I’m really bummed about is the fact that it may be too late to get someone else into this study. I hope not. I don’t want the AP team, I don’t want someone who’s been waiting for a chance to participate, to miss out on what this would mean just because I wound up on the wrong side of the fence.
In the end, I just have to process my disappointment and remember that it is not about me. It’s about you, or your kid with T1D, or your spouse with T1D. The important thing is for development and testing to be successful. It’s not important that I am personally a part of it.
So it turns out my big news is actually nothing. I am talking with the team about another study which, honestly, seems kinda cool. If that comes to pass, I’ll let you know.
In the meantime, let me take this opportunity to remind you that clinical trials are important, and your participation could be a crucial piece of the puzzle toward making life better for People With Diabetes.
To find out about clinical trials taking place around the country, go to clinicaltrials.gov and put “diabetes” in the search box. A recent search found over 10,000 clinical trials. The site remains open during the USA’s government shutdown.
A great resource for finding out about clinical trials and participating in research is Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet. Funded by a number of organizations including JDRF and ADA, TrialNet is set up to explore ways to prevent, delay, and reverse the progression of Type 1 Diabetes.
Today I’m disappointed for me. However, I’ll be thrilled beyond measure if your participation results in something truly great for all of us. Make a commitment today to be a part of something that changes our lives forever.
Diabetes Blog - Happy-Medium.net 
Comments
While I’m sorry that you’ll not be able to participate in this particular trial, I’m glad you have a positive attitude about your 5.9%. 🙂 You and I are both firm believers that trials DO help… and I hope that you’ll be able to participate in another AP trial soon….
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Hey Stephen – sorry to hear you can’t participate in the clinical trial as you were hoping. But congrats on that 5.9!! And thanks for spreading word about the importance of clinical trials, all around. Hope the one you’re talking to them about works out, and can’t wait to hear more about it. In the meantime, raising a PBR your way (well, I will, once it gets to be a respectable time of day…)
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Oh bummer, I’m sorry you aren’t able to be in the trial. 😦 That really stinks. But I guess it’s for the best possible reason (5.9). Great work on that!
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Ditto all of the above! And thanks for the links about trials and such. While I love my endo, he’s never given me much info about trials, and the DOC has been my prime source for the latest info. You rock!
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Same. Same. I tried to get into a clinical trial for the Enlite/530G thing and I was excluded based on my A1c. Best/worst reason I suppose.
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With a little effort, I’m sure you can get that A1c above six. Don’t give up! 🙂
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I guess that I’m supposed to congratulate you for testing out of the trial. But it would have been really cool to participate. I periodically look at clinical trials, but am now too old for most of them. And then the trials that are for other conditions, I don’t qualify for them because of Type 1.
With the current techno tools that we have along with the education and motivation from the DOC, there are starting to be more and more Type 1’s with A1c’s in the 5’s and even 4’s. We’re mostly excluded from all studies and actually punished by insurance companies who say we’re too healthy to continue with the tools that helped make us healthy. Can’t decide whether it is a win or lose situation.
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It’s crazy how much havoc a stupid little number can cause. I just read Karen’s blog about her A1C being too low, mine’s delaying my pregnancy hopes, yours is preventing you from participating in the trial-such a frustrating number.
I’m sorry you aren’t able to participate but that A1C is amazing. If it was me and I needed to be 6, I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to have a couple of cupcakes 😉
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