The Power of People (with Diabetes)

Photo courtesy of Kerri/sixuntilme.

Saturday was special.  I spent the entire day in Conshohocken, PA at the Children with Diabetes Focus on Technology conference, surrounding by some of my favorite people in the DOC, plus some local D-pals.  I did learn a few new tricks, and of course got to walk away from the event with some excellent conference swag, plus an unexpected supply surprise (more on that tomorrow). 

I think the biggest thing I learned is just how important it is to be with other people with diabetes.  Whether we were tweeting from an iDevice or a phone,--we literally had 7 iPhones and 2 iPads at our table during the first session of the day--chatting up a fellow "green bracelet" in line at lunch, or playing BG Bingo after dinner, just being around people who get it is liberating. 

For the record, I had the second lowest post-dinner BG at 156 mg/dl.  The winner was our buddy Faye with her 89 mg/dl, which had the bonus of being "twinsies" with her Dexcom. 

Friends without diabetes are great, especially friends who are supportive, kind, and always willing to lend a hand when asked; however, friends with diabetes just "get it" in a special way that normal people cannot.  On Saturday, we may have been giggling and snarking a little louder than other conference attendees.  We compared bags--everyone was carrying a pretty large one since diabetes requires so much stuff all the time.  We talked numbers without judgements, without one sideways glance.  Everyone reached into their pockets and waistbands because at least one person somewhere in the room was beeping. 

I think this is what it's all about, that moment of becoming a majority in a group after being a misunderstood minority for so long.  Thank you, Diabetes OC, for introducing me to such amazing friends. 

The whole experience makes me consider attending Friends for Life this summer in Orlando.  We shall see what's in the budget and the summer plans.  We shall see.