Guest blog: Just ask already.

Today’s post is from someone I started following early on after discovering the DOC. Jess, of Me and D fame, is always energetic and sharing a positive attitude when managing her diabetes. Personally, I think we have lots in common, too. I’m looking forward to meeting her in a few more weeks! Jess has had type 1 diabetes since 1993 (same year as me). She’s been using a Medtronic Minimed Pump since 1998 and began her tumultuous yet rewarding affair with their CGM back in November. When she’s not blogging and tweeting, you will likely find her curled up somewhere reading a book. Jess blogs at Me and D and is a Diabetes Advocate.

This summer, I’ve been doing some unintentional advocacy.

Since finding the DOC almost a year ago, I’ve stopped trying to hide my diabetes. I am no longer ashamed, or feel the need to act like I’m perfectly normal.

As such, certain things have changed. For example, I frequently clip my pump to the outside of my pants pocket for faster access to my CGM graph. And I’ve begun wearing my CGM sensor almost exclusively on my arms, because that’s where it works best for me.

As such, I’ve been getting a lot of questions, and even more stares. With it being summer and all, the sensor has been out for the world to see.

As part of my job, I went to the pool twice a week over the summer. Which is where I feel the stares most acutely. I want to go back to FFL where every other person had diabetes paraphernalia stuck to their bodies.

I wish people would just ASK for crying out loud, rather than just stare. I’m happy to explain what it all is. Just please ask me. Is it really that hard?

I work with kids. And the kids will ask. I tell them it’s my sensor, and usually that’s enough. Kids are great like that. And the only people I’ve ever had touch my arm sensor without asking are all under the age of 10, unlike poor Kim and Sara.  I even had a four-year-old ask if she could touch my sensor before she did!

So dear everyone who stares at my pump and/or CGM sensor: please just ask me what it is. That makes things less awkward for us all.

Thanks so much Jess! I have to admit, I have recently started doing the same thing. I love to wear my CGM in my leg, and in the summer, so many people can see it. Outside of work, I rarely hide my pump either. (And I only hide it at work cause it’s cumbersome with dress clothes). Thanks for sharing, and once again, helping me remember I’m not alone.