Thank you for the reply. I really had exactly the mindset that you suggest, for 35 years. t1 was just another thing I dealt with. Things changed two years ago after a bout of Retinopathy. Everything became scary. Then two months ago I lost my Dad and that was what pushed me over the edge. I just found a support group this week and it was fantastic. I also managed to find a therapist who specializes in helping with panic so I am hopeful. Last night the infusion set I had put on 4 hours earlier, failed. Blood everywhere. That’s never happened to me before. Instead of having a full blown panic episode, I managed to breath through it and was really grateful I have been using the auto soft 30 with my Tslim that lets me easily change the site without extra steps that cause anxiety. I have an incredible doctor as well. I see her tomorrow.
I’m at 37 years also I recently set the alerts higher on the advice of the diabetes educator. I had them set too low not even realizing it really. That has resulted in about a week of no alarms so far. delegating is really tough for me also. I have been trying it more lately and nothing gets done or if it does, it’s half done. it must be so hard to manage for two. But we do what we have to do. Thank you for the suggestions!
I’m so sorry. I didn’t like my CGM because it failed constantly and because I have no body fat was very painful. I test constantly with test strips because I’m brittle. Hope things start feeling better for you and you figure a better way. Good Luck
The American Diabetes Association has an online mental health provider directory: Mental Health Professional Directory Listing | American Diabetes Association
Consider trying a CGM with MDI. I’m 50 years as a T1D and use the Dex G7 with MDI of Tresiba 1X daily plus Humalog before meals. Unlike pumps, injections ALWAYS WORK without alarms. I’m a light eater so it’s only 2 or 3 shots per day. I also have the Dex set to alarm low at 80, allowing me to treat a low before it gets scary. If you want to speak to another long-timer by phone or email- I’d be happy to, just let me know. -Joanne
if I might add, Freestyle Libre is another CGM to consider. It provides alerts, but does not have Dexcom’s bells and whistles - specifically it does does not loop with an insulin pump - so it should be less expensive than Dexcom if you have to pay out of pocket.
Abbott Freestyle Libre2 happens to be the second CGM to be FDA Approved for insulin dosing; there are only three such approved CGM.
The Libre2 is one of three that are available to be selected for use for CIQ in the updated Tandem t-Slim X2 pump. The Libre2, Dexcom G6, and Dexcom G7 [the only devices FDA Approved for insulin dosing - no meters yet approved] will be selected by a toggle in the t-Slim.
Great point Dorie ! Insurance coverage might dictate which CGM system is covered (or “preferred” under the plan). Both Libre & Dexcom offer reduced prices for patients paying out of pocket (i.e paying cash due to lack of coverage ). Having used all of the Libre versions as well as the Dexcom G6 & G7, my preferred CGM is the Dexcom G7- very easy to apply/set-up with far fewer failed sensors.
Hi Spooky,
Sorry I’m so late to this thread! Also sorry you’re going through this! I know that for me, I went into counseling when I was in my late teens because I knew I wasn’t taking care of myself. At the time, I had lived with T1D for close to 20 years. Thankfully, with the help of a therapist, I ended up going to a new endocrine who got me to realize that I had a choice to make. I could let my blood sugars stay out of control and end up with complications down the road, or I could get my blood sugars under control and live a long, healthy life. I chose the latter, and have now lived with T1D for 59 years without complications!
My point is, you have to make the choice. Your feelings and emotional responses are up to you. For me, I currently use a pump and CGM. I carry several forms of glucose with me at all times - - hard candy, glucose tabs, a juice box, etc. In addition, I keep my blood glucose meter with me just in case my CGM fails. I do not carry insulin with me because I live in the Desert Southwest, and it gets too hot (especially in the summer months!). I do have extra infusion sets and my prep items (skin protection. alcohol swabs, etc) in my bag. That way, if there is a pump problem, I can try a new infusion set. If I run out of insulin, I let my boss know that I need to go home to take care of it. If I see I am low on insulin before work (which is usually the case), I will take a pre-filled reservoir with me in my lunch box (to keep it cool). Then, when I go to lunch, I can change it out.
As you can see, there are a lot of things that you can do to make sure you are ready for any issues that might arise without having to stay at home. My motto - - “Be Prepared.” - - Yes, I was a Girl Scout, but their motto definitely applies here! 
As to the question of which CGM (above), I use the Dexcom G6 with the Tandem pump. Dexcom works quite well for me. So, when my insurance said they don’t cover Dexcom, I had my endocrine submit for Prior Authorization to get it covered on the basis that it works with my pump. They now cover the Dexcom! So, whichever pump/pen/CGM works for you there are ways to get it covered!
Hope you find the help you need and that maybe my way of handling it all is of some help to you! Please let us know how you are doing! I’m sure we will all be hoping for the best for you!
~Pam K.
T1D 59 years and counting!
Pam I know you have been doing this a while so I’m just tossing this in for “newbies” who may be concerned about protecting their insulin from extreme heat: there are Frio packs and similar devices you can use to keep your insulin safe - and some are specifically designed for vials or pens.
At one office I kept my insulin in the department fridge, inside a prescription bottle. Everyone in my department knew I took insulin so it was not a problem.
And there are mini fridges that hold up to 6 cans of soda that you can keep on your desk. Check the specs to make sure your pens or bottles won’t get too cold.
Dorie,
Just to clarify, I do use Frio pouches and they work very well. I do not carry insulin vials with me though, unless I know that I will need a refill before I get home.
Pam K.