Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Nyadach on February 15, 2013 at 2:35pm

Thank you for the great talk Bill and nice site for us to nose around for further info. Thanks again :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by pancreaswanted on February 16, 2013 at 4:00pm

hello, i just watched the video and am so glad i did. the psychological/emotional side to this D nightmare is massive. i am definitely downloading the little booklet from the diabetes behavioural institute for some special people.
listening to dr polonsky talk about his patients/clients reassured me that i am normal, and that is really a positive thing. i have only been t1 for less than two years and my responses to meter numbers has only just changed from very emotionally charged (read: tears and wanting to throw meter out my fourth floor window) to more practical and focussed responses, how do i fix this, what do i need to do for next time-type thinking. it wasnt a concerted effort to change my responses, it just sort of happened and has put an end to the stress of testing. somewhat.
i thought it was good that it was more conversational instead of the one-sided way it has been done previously.
thanks!
-em

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on February 17, 2013 at 9:14am

I found the video very interesting. I liked the concept of "disengaged" replacing "denial" (and, perhaps, "non-compliant" too, while we're at it?). I think that's a lot more accurate about what seems to be reported from people in that situation. I am glad to hear a psychiatrist make that distinction. Dr. Polonsky seems acutely aware of the hazards that labeling and communication from medical providers pose to people with diabetes.

I also like his characterization of himself as "the host of the party" at group meetings. I think that it's really important for people with diabetes to establish connections, even virtual ones, with each other and that even a highly trained and sympathetic professional lacks a certain experience we get from our experiences.

The only slight quibble I had was in saying "the A1C number is never going to be perfect" because I think there are quite a few people floating around whose A1C numbers are, in fact, perfect or, at least "normal" using at least the definitions used by labs. I would like to see someone, perhaps someone in Dr. Polonsky's field, approach the issue of what people with normalized or closer to normalized BG do differently. Is it just a different approach or, as is sometimes speculated about, is it an endless honeymoon or some other "hardware" issue? If it is something different about the approach of people with more normalized BG, the cost, always a big issue these days, would be relatively low and perhaps it could be "translated" into a different medical approach to spread some techniques in a more organized manner to improve the results for the whole community. It seems like a study could be designed but I suspect that the problem may be that doctors are uneasy with people who's A1C is much below 6.5 as many doctors cite the "hazards" when that comes up.

I also liked the discussion of the CGM w/ Emily, the doctor "this data is great" vs. Emily "It was driving me nuts!". I think I may get both results out of it but it was nice to hear people talking about it.

Re the "event" questions, I like them but am usually at work so I miss the fun. I made a couple last year on spare days off and I found them interesting. I like the videos and also that the Tu Team is continually tinkering with the format and delivery to work to improve things, sort of like continually tinkering with the format and delivery of insulin and food? hee hee...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Spring on February 18, 2013 at 9:26am

I think the chats are great Emily.I don't always get to listen to the whole chat but try..I would like for Dr. Polonsky to be a regular,and help us and our loved ones with the emotional side of diabetes.Seems that is overlooked way too much.
I would like to hear from young camp group leaders and college organization leaders that have d groups ...anyone that deals with healing and bonding people together so no one feels alone,especially the young.It is hard enough growing up without d but seeing others do it successfully has to be healing.
I think it would be fun to have one chat once in a while that has nothing to do with d...maybe people that have d but share their hobbies or special talents...hey,Manny's wife does wonderful art..maybe she could share that or Marie on her beautiful quilt making or you and your talent for dance and teaching it...Just my thoughts :) Thanks so much Emily for all your doing ..

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Francie on February 23, 2013 at 5:42pm

Very refreshing, feeling refocused and humbled. I tend to bristle up and think no one knows what we go thru everyday, but after watching, it brought me back down to understand that not everyone deals w/ what we deal w/ everyday and I need to understand non diabetics issues just as much as others need to understand ours.

• ▶ Reply