I wasn’t sure about participating in this year’s #dblogweek. I started my blog almost a year ago (after many years of considering it) and started after #dblogweek because I thought it would be too much pressure to start my blog with 7 posts in a week. A year later, I still think it’s a lot of pressure, but we’ll see how it goes!

To start, for more info on #dblog week and to discover the blogs of those participating go here:
Sixth annual diabetes blog week.

The first topic is “I can…”. I’ve written recently about some of the things that I can do and have done while living with diabetes for the last 18 years. So today, my post is going to be simple. I’m appreciating the fact that I live in a country where I have access to diabetes technologies and that most of my diabetes supplies are covered 100% by the French social security system (including the batteries for my pump and meter, but excluding all continuous glucose monitoring or flash glucose monitoring equipment).

This is not the case in so much of the world so I don’t take for granted that I can choose which meter I use to monitor my glucose levels and how I administer my insulin (pump vs. MDI). I am currently taking advantage of this choice in that I have been having issues with reactions to my infusion site tape, so I’ve been trying out new sets. I feel lucky that “I can” do this with just a phone call to my pump supply company.

Skin rashes aside, I rarely have occlusion problems with my angled infusion sets. Unfortunately almost every time I have tried a 90° set, this happens:

…with the obvious consequences! But since my skin issues persist, I am still on the hunt for solutions. This week I’m trying out some Orbit sets for the first time. I don’t have full conclusions yet as to whether these 90° sets might work for me, but so far so good. I like the fact that the tape is totally different than most sets and so far, after 36 hours I haven’t had any redness or itchiness. And so far, no elbowed cannulas or crazy high blood glucose levels. I also love the fact that the set can swivel 360° on itself so I can move the tubing if it gets in the way of my clothing, or sleeping.

https://vine.co/v/emxJbe1vA30/embed/simple

Of couse, if you play too much with the 360° swivel, this happens:

(Please pay no attention to the infusion site scars that dot my belly!)
(But go ahead and notice how the blue tubing matches my blue pump!)

Diabetes isn’t always easy to live with and presents different types of problems at different times but I’m glad I have a choice in how to deal with each issue and I’m confident that I can find a solution to these pump site rashes. Perhaps with Orbit. But if not, I’ll try another set or some kind of barrier.