This Spring has certainly taken a different turn from what we were all expecting, March came in like a Lion and went out like a Lion with a serious toothache, April showers brought May cabin fever and now we find ourselves on the doorstep of a summer that we’ve never experienced before.
We are not about speculating here at IDS, so I won’t even begin to predict how things will reopen, or when. What we can do is have some thoughts about dealing with some definite changes in our world and how that can affect our diabetes management.
As of mid-march the CDC had recommended the cancelation of all gatherings or events in excess of 50 people. But we are seeing most summer youth programs, conferences, concerts, fireworks and other large gatherings being canceled well into September. This leaves a big gap in normal social routines for us all. Many of us depend on these events for help us recharge, refocus, and gain momentum to keep our diabetes management going. So how can we stay connected, refreshed, and informed?
Continuing to connect with our diabetes community through virtual events, groups and forums is important.
These events often serve as a recharge for our management batteries that get so worn down. They are also important touchpoints for young people to feel less isolated and more empowered by peers. College Diabetes Network, Children With Diabetes, JDRF, Taking Care of your Diabetes and many more organizations are hosting online events. From gathering people together by location for zoom tag ins, to having speakers, presenters and even vendors participate in online “conferences”, there are lots of options.
Podcasts and blogs are a fantastic way to find out new info and motivational moral boosters for your diabetes management. Diatribe, Juicebox, Diabetes Sisters, are a couple of our tops. These are organizations For people with diabetes BY people with diabetes offering real-world perspective that can be so refreshing and enlightening.
You will find the educators from IDS engaged with each of these organizations. and more. as we continue to reach out to not only our clients, but our community. Because diabetes is not something we do in isolation, though it can be isolating. Having our Tribe, our community, our fellow PWD’s to remind us that we’re sharing a lot of common struggles, victories, concerns, and assurances, is key to a healthy life with diabetes. Staying home changes how we connect, and can actually increase how connected we are.
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