No writing for ages then two separate topics in one post. Keep up at the back, this could be a fast one - unlike my running, which we’ll come to shortly …..
Part Un
So the last time I whittled on it was about how advancements in technology are all about the least worst (or other adjective) option for people living with diabetes. Another area where life is just painful in the world of all diabetes types is admin. So much chuffin’ admin.
When not juggling glucose levels to a manageable range, it seems the rest of the time is spent organising and correcting errors in the system. A prime example is a recent change for Martha. The end result was needing her long-acting Lantus insulin being added back to her prescription and needing some additional test strips for a new blood glucose meter as her old one was kaput. Not too hard a challenge you’d think? Well I won’t go into the details but the end results were returning from the chemist with an insulin cartridge, instead of disposable pen, and the wrong type of test strip that wasn't compatible with any meter we had. Added on top of that the pharmacy misplaced some insulin of mine at the same time I went to collect hers
Now getting this resolved doesn’t sound too inconvenient: An email to the wonderful diabetes specialist nurses, who send a new letter to GP who amends prescription, writes a new one and I collect. But it’s the time and hassle fitting all of this into our day and then making multiple trips to the pharmacy. I also appreciate the extra waste of misprescribed drugs as these cannot be taken by anyone else once handed over and I had walked out of the pharmacy.
And this is on top of the standard admin crap of ordering other supplies, booking and attending appointments and just keeping on top of stuff
Now reading back the above it sounds like a bit of a pointless rambling whinge; and yep, you’re right. But it’s another example of the unseen challenge of living with a long-term condition such as diabetes. And that leads me nicely on to Part Deux
Part Deux
Back in 2009 before I started my diabetes turnaround I decided I was young and healthy enough to try and run the (last) Flora London Marathon. My diabetes management at the time involved a fair chunk of guesswork but somehow I made it round in a rather annoying 5 hours 3 minutes.
After a few random challenges in the middle involving bikes and fire (not the same challenge thankfully), and a massive incentive in the form of Martha’s diagnosis, I decided to enter again and run to raise money for JDRF UK. Their focus is to work towards lives without Type 1 Diabetes and also reduce the impact of it while searching for that golden cure. Sounds like my kind of charity!
And so I’m now just over 5 months away from standing on the start line in a park in Greenwich with 26.1 (yes that 0.1 matters!) miles ahead of me without an Uber or underground to get me to the road in front of Buckingham Palace. The training has started but I’d forgotten how hard running actually is on the body and my knees are feeling it already. However the incentive is easy to keep in mind. If I can keep going every penny I raise will go towards making Martha’s (and mine I suppose) life easier and healthier in the future.
On my fundraising page - oh yes, you knew that was coming - I shoved in a paragraph that’s been bouncing around my head a lot lately…..
Type 1 Diabetes is strange condition. Living with it is a continuous 24/7 job that requires constant thinking about everything that gets eaten, drunk or any activity undertaken; that includes simple stuff like nipping out for a quick walk or doing the housework. Paired with that is continually adjusting insulin or food to allow everything to happen. Because me, Martha and the rest of the family do this continually and with so little fuss it's almost invisible to others how much of our daily life is spent trying to do this successfully; and it's blooming hard work! Staying alive every day when your body is actively trying to kill you is as much fun as it sounds.
If you like what you read here and if any of it has been helpful at any point I’d be very grateful if you would be able to click the linked donate a £, $, € or ₪. Every single penny, cent or agora is appreciated.
Obligatory link - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/davesowerby2022
That’s all for now. I must get out on the road as I know there’s no substitute for miles in the bank. Although I hope to achieve a faster time than 2009 thanks to improved health I also know the 13 years extra age in the legs will be working against me.
I will keep posting updates on the running on here as the leap from a man who struggles to keep running for more than 20 minutes to one who can do it for a few hours progresses. Hopefully.
Wish me luck, I'll need it!
Have a great day and may it be free of diabetes admin.
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