If you could invent any diabetes technology, what would it be?
A single device that would integrate the functions of a phone, blood glucose meter, insulin pump remote, and continuous glucose monitor.
—Helen Knopf, Brooklyn, N.Y.
A type of insulin that can detect when your blood glucose is dropping too low and turn itself off.
—Sydney Barouch, Flushing, N.Y.
Technology that would stop the onset of type 2 and eradicate diabetes.
—Katie Darby, Laurel, Miss.
An inexpensive, reliable, easily insertable artificial pancreas.
—Myra Everhart, Griffith, Ind.
What do you think is the biggest misconception surrounding diabetes?
That you are not supposed to eat anything with sugar.
—Kim Bruno, Mooresville, Ind.
That you have to be overweight to have either type 1 or type 2.
—Michelle I. Jaeger, Lawrence, N.Y.
That complications only come to those with type 1 and that type 2 is a mild, relatively harmless form.
—Katherine Segars, Hartwell, Ga.
That due to my diabetes I would not be able to get pregnant.
—Kira Lynn Voitle, Lincroft, N.J.
How does diabetes affect your love life?
My wife feels the need to apologize every time she accidentally runs her hand over my pump cannula housing.
—Robert Pflugler, Douglassville, Pa.
It has had no bearing on my love life. After 50 years his kisses are still as sweet, but that only raises my blood pressure, not my blood glucose.
—Brenda Manning, Harrisburg, N.C.
As a teenager, I know that diabetes really does affect relationships and dating. When I tell people I am diabetic, I can see them instantly panic. You have to learn to be patient with people. That can put a big strain on relationships but should not discourage you from trying!
—Amanda Foster, Burien, Wash.
What do you hope to do to be healthier in 2010?
Get back into exercising on a regular schedule, and stick with it this time. And eat more fish.
—Lisa Schmuecker, Blairstown, Iowa
Focus on keeping a positive attitude and spend more time doing things I want to do. This means being more active and less sedentary, which will make me happier and healthier.
—D. Matt Brown, Marietta, Ga.
Keep all my medical appointments and tests, lower my A1C, and continue learning and reading as much as I can about diabetes.
—Keitha Say, Milwaukee
Fully accept that I have diabetes and learn to live a longer life. My goal is to manage my diabetes with diet and exercise alone.
—Robin R. Ramsey, Cincinnati
How do you stay active in the winter?
I try to cross-country ski or snowshoe several times a week, and I use disposable hand and foot warmers.
—Mignon Vandevoir-Stetman, Steamboat Springs, Colo.
I get my English springer spaniel and my hoodie, and go for a walk.
—Kenneth Spear, Chickamauga, Ga.
I dog sled! I work 16 dogs in harness, September through March. It is a wonderful way to see the beauty of nature in winter.
—Helen Corlew, Petersburg, N.D.
When I am out of town on business, I walk from my hotel to a nearby restaurant rather than drive. This way I can get some exercise in.
—Joseph Camper, Fayetteville, Ga.
How do you or your kids celebrate Halloween with diabetes?
I stay home and give out candy to kids while my parents take my sister trick-or-treating. It gives me a chance to see costumes and avoid the temptation of candy.
—Caitilin Conroy, Scotch Plains, N.J.
My mom would swap my candy bag for money or a small toy. And some neighbors gave me fruit or books.
—Jennifer Baxter, Hermitage, Pa.
We have never found Halloween to be an issue. We do not ban candy or sweets—our daughter, who has type 1, just eats them in moderation.
—Denah Clark, Raleigh, N.C.
I go through all my carb count sources and inventory my son's candy. Any candy I can't find information for gets thrown away. The rest gets doled out 10 carbs at a time.
—Jamie Sciarrio, Spokane, Wash.
What development in diabetes care are you most thankful for?
The insulin pump. I have struggled for years with my dawn phenomenon. The pump was the best thing that has happened to me.
—Joey Webb, Minneapolis
The blood glucose meter. It allows us to use testing to review and improve diet and lifestyle, complemented by medications when necessary.
—Alan Shanley, Pottsville Beach, New South Wales, Australia
The continuous glucose monitor. I no longer have to worry that my daughter will go low overnight, and I can now sleep through the night, too.
—Jeanne Moore, Centreville, Va.
Simple things like test strips, which are easy to take for granted today.
—Richard White, Cleveland
How often do you visit a diabetes educator?
I see a certified diabetes educator about three to four times a year and get a lot out of the meetings.
—Duncan Roberts, Cleveland
Quarterly over the last year, until my health insurance plan would no longer cover the expense.
—Shelly Hassett, Kenmore, N.Y.
I'm coming up to my third session since being diagnosed in October 2008. I've toyed with canceling. I get much more practical advice from the ADA message boards.
—Keitha Say, Milwaukee
After three expensive visits, I quit going. For me, frequent testing and taking action as soon as I get a high reading help me understand what drives my sugar up and how to
control it.
—Carl Desko, Rossford, Ohio
How do your loved ones best support your diabetes management?
My wife is much more alert to my low blood sugars than I am.
—David N. Bateman, PhD, Charleston, Ill.
My family supports me each day by encouraging me to seek further education on a regular basis.
—Alan P. Stewart, Minnetonka, Minn.
My young grandchildren always remind me to take my shot or pills, and offer to let me walk with them while they ride bikes. They give me incentive to take care of myself.
—Nancy Fritz, Blandon, Pa.
My mom would constantly watch what I put in my mouth and would wake me up every night to check my blood glucose.
—Paula Henningsen, Waco, Texas




