[geosjt]

Hello everyone. While researching information about pumps, my wife found this site and forwarded it to me. Looks like lots of great information here. If you don't mind, I thought I might introduce myself and a few of my experiences.

I was diagnosed Type I in April 1987, right after my 13th birthday. Puberty, perfect time for a life changing diagnosis!

I've spent the last 20 years wanting to be normal, yet managing my diabetes relatively well in spite of that. My HA1C's are typically 6.7 to 7.4, so there is still some room for improvement. I've been on Lantus and Humalog for about 5 years, before that Humulin R & N. I'm currently trying to decide which pump to go with, the Cozmo or Minimed. I spent several years around college not once taking a blood sugar. I'm taking it 4-6 times per day now. Almost 20 years into it, I've never been diagnosed with any diabetes-related complications.

I have a massive sweet tooth. Perfect! Thank goodness for Humalog and taking insulin in reaction to what you eat!

I travel some for business, so managing meals / insulin / BS testing can be a challenge during those times. Going low at work is no good, as the main symptoms these days is reduced mental sharpness, yet my job is very heavy on brain power. Don't want to look dumb at work when I'm supposed to know stuff, ya know?

I have had 3 bouts of severe hypoglycemia, in 1990, 1993, and 1998. Each one is its own fun story that of course I've been told about because I don't remember.

I haven't associated with or spoken with any other diabetics about diabetes since I was 15. I've gone most of the way with blinders on, doing my thing, but not wanting to "revel" in being diabetic. In recent years I have started actually telling other people, after a while, that I am diabetic, which is actually quite a breakthrough for me. I am revolted at the prospect that anyone would feel sorry for me or take pity on me. Because I strongly feel this way, I still rarely offer up that I am diabetic.

Odd thing happened recently -- of the 15 or so people I work with on a daily basis, 2 of them are Type I diabetic. It's a statistical anomaly, for sure.

My home life is supportive. My wife, a former EMT, usually knows when I'm low before I do. My young daughters are supportive and helpful.

Overall, life is good. Things are going well now, and I plan for them too for a long time to come. I'll have some changes with switching to a pump, but feel like it will be a change for the better, my goal is to get consistent A1C's in the low 6's. I'm glad I found this community and look forward to reading more posts!