Fact: I’m not a spring chicken anymore. I’ll be 54 in about two weeks. So you’d think I’d be someone who rejects everything new, clinging to my old habits and my old way of life (pun intended) as long as I possibly can.
If you think that, you’re wrong.
Okay, well, you’re not entirely wrong. I drive a thirteen year old truck (still in great shape), I cling to every last dollar like it’s my last dollar, and I’m not much of a Coldplay fan. But I recognize that Old School definitely loses out to New School when it comes to my diabetes.
Sure, I hung onto my previous insulin pump for nearly six years before getting a new one. But I did get a new one, and it seems to be working fine. I like the new color too (blue). And although I’ve been using the same meter for a few years now, in my opinion, it’s the best for me, so I’ll continue to use it as long as I can afford the strips. Which may not be very long. However, if something better for me comes along, I have no problem choosing that one and leaving my Accu-Chek Nano behind.
I’m always surprised when I come across people at a gathering where they are so excited for the future of technology, but almost in the next breath tell me that they can’t quite bring themselves to consider a new CGM, or a new meter, or even updated, free technology that’s available out there on the interwebz.
The truth is, innovation is only good if we actually put it to use. If we see something out there that might work for us, might help us manage our diabetes better, why not consider it? Where would I be if I hadn’t started on an insulin pump six years ago? Where would I be if I hadn’t learned more about counting carbs and sugar surfing?
The caveat to all this is, of course, that not everything new works for everyone living with diabetes. New things might mean more options; they don’t necessarily mean new requirements. But sometimes new is helpful. Researchers are finding new successes in typically Type 2 medications being used by Type 1s. They’re also finding success when they see some Type 2s start on insulin sooner.
Looking back, it seems like each decade brings different options for dealing with our diabetes. And that’s always good, even if I don’t always adopt every new option right away. Even though I’m a little Old school, I know that thinking New school and looking for the latest in technology and ideas will always benefit me and my diabetes.
Diabetes Blog - Happy-Medium.net 