Today is the fourth day of Diabetes Blog Week, hosted by the amazing Karen at Bitter-Sweet. Each day I will attempt to blog about the topic put forth to diabetics across the world.
Click for the Changes – Thursday 5/14 Link List.
Today let’s talk about changes, in one of two ways. Either tell us what you’d most like to see change about diabetes, in any way. This can be management tools, devices, medications, people’s perceptions, your own feelings – anything at all that you feel could use changing. OR reflect back on some changes you or your loved one has seen or been through since being diagnosed with diabetes. Were they expected or did they surprise you?
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Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes! Love me some David Bowie!
The one thing I would love to see change in the Diabetes World (besides a cure and so many other things) is more recognition of adults with t1d. I realize that in the DOC we are everywhere which is Ah. Mah. Zing!!! But in my “real world life”, sans internet, we easily fade away.
I personally have a great group here in Denver of type 1 adults. We meet at least once a month, have Facebook pages, Twitter and an email chain. They are some of the best people I know. While there are about 20 of us who meet regularly, I know there are hundreds if not thousands of us within a 20 mile radius… but how do I reach them?
I wish JDRF, ADA, myself through DCAF, somewhere, somehow, would create a job for me so I could create meet up groups across the nation. In each state, each city. That every endo, doctor office, diabetes organization, would spread the word to adult patients.
And technically, that’s what I am trying to accomplish myself, one piece at a time. I started a group here in Denver. I have become active in my local JDRF chapter on their Outreach Committee to make sure the Rocky Mountain area knows there are people like us out there. But it needs to be on a national scale that is then implemented to all local chapters.
COME ON JDRF! HIRE ME NATIONALLY SO I CAN MAKE THIS A REALITY!
So that’s what I really want to see. There is a need for adult groups and awareness. I don’t want to get lost in the shuffle after I’m no longer a child. Kids grow up, adults are diagnosed at all ages. There needs to be a place for us.
And on that note I am off to a Community Outreach meeting with JDRF right now to see how they can help serve the needs of t1d groups such as; Grandparents, Teens, African Americans, Adults, Mentors, Families. It just needs to happen! I demand satisfaction!
Push My Buttons to Turn Me On 
Hi. I’m in Colorado Springs while my husband is stationed at Fort Carson, and I’d love to hear more about your groups in Denver. It’s hard to get and stay connected moving around so much. But I’d love to try! I like feeling connected and can only do so online, usually. 🙂
Thanks.
Bethb
Yes, I’ve often wished that JDRF did more “adult” nights. I would love to meet more in my area!
I think they are slowly trying to get more adult programming at JDRF but so much of JDRF is run at the chapter level. We have an adult group here, but I don’t know how common that actually is. I’m glad you’ve been able to get something going in Denver! I love having an IRL group of D-friends.
YES! This is so important. I was diagnosed with type 1 when I was 26 and felt completely alone. It’s been hugely helpful to meet other type 1 adults, and I would love to see more of a large-scale support system to do so.
Jillian you rock! I’m so glad I met you years ago and so grateful for the friendships I’ve made through the A1Team.