Diabetes Blog – Happy-Medium.net

As I sit here watching the sunrise begin another glorious day on the beach, I’m filled with… well, a sense of relaxation, really, and an inherent question about why I’m out of bed this early on my vacation.

But stay with me– there’s a point, and it has to do with…

Perspective.

I’m quite fortunate to have this one week during the year, away from work and other distractions. I know many others who never take more than two or three days off at a time during their entire working lives, unless they wind up in the hospital. In other countries, heck, in our country, sometimes people have to work seven days a week for years at a time just to get by.

I also have this insulin pump that I use (which is giving me fits right now, but stay with me), that helps me manage my diabetes easier. Some people don’t have the luxury of having a choice between pumping or multiple daily injections. It’s just the injections, IF they’re lucky enough to get coverage that will pay for part of it, and IF they can afford the astronomical costs of the things that aren’t covered.

I have access to insulin, the wonder drug which will keep me from dying from the effects of Type 1 diabetes. Many in other countries do not have such access, and lack of access to this simple potion, that’s been in existence for nearly 100 years, threatens their very existence.

I have access to this fabulous Diabetes Online Community, where a wealth of support and encouragement awaits with the simple click of a button. Yet many are left wanting for understanding and education because they are unaware or unable to discover this life-affirming element to their diabetes circle of influence.

I’ll be honest… I’ve made the most of the opportunities I’ve been blessed with. But a lot of those blessings came as a result of where I was born, and the environment into which I was born.

I’m not sure if I have a big focus for Diabetes Awareness Month (which begins November 1, by the way). But I know I would like to do something to help people who, through no fault of their own, have little to no options when it comes to diabetes care. That includes people in my own country, the USA.

It’s easy to sit and complain about things that are wrong in the world. But I never want to forget about the children, the parents, the brothers, and the sisters living with diabetes who need our help. You can find them all over. And you can help them.

If you keep your perspective.
 
 
The Big Blue Test begins October 15. For every test taken, Diabetes Hands Foundation will make a $1.00 donation to a worthy diabetes effort. For more information, go to bigbluetest.org.