I want to talk about family a little bit. I have said some of this before, but even if I am repeating myself, it’s worth saying again.

The family members get it just as bad as the T1D’s or worse.

For example:
1. My mother was my primary care taker growing up, and scared for my life every second of the day. Guaranteed I am the sole reason for her alleged gray hair and constant anxiety.
2. My brothers were ignored because my care was a primary issue.
3. My friend has 2 of 3 sons with T1D and the son without feels left out.
4. My children often suffer the consequences of my disciplining them when my blood sugar is too high or too low.
5. My wife tolerates my social decisions based on what my blood sugar is rather than me relaxing and having fun.

Non of this is fair for them either. And they can’t complain because they aren’t T1D. They feel guilty for even thinking it.

T1D is a family disease. It affects all members of the family in one way or another.

Now, this isn’t a Debbie Downer message, because the solution is also family driven.

Ask my brothers what it has been like for them to participate in the Hope on 2 Wheels and JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes events.

Ask the Papola family what it has meant to them that Tony is involved in the JDRF Ride to Cure event and what it has done for their overall family fitness.

Ask the Harleysville Bike Works shop manager, Jason Meyers, what it has meant to his wife, that he has decided to participate in the JDRF Ride to Cure event next year.

Ask Hope on 2 Wheels Co-Founder and JDRF Ride Coach, Scott Kasper, what it has meant to his non-T1D son, that he will be able to ride for his brothers.

It’s a family affair all the way around: management, fighting for better care and fighting for a cure.

If you have T1D, thank your family for having your back. Remember that when they ask you what your blood sugar is, it’s not a challenge, they are just concerned.
If you are a family member of someone with T1D, thank them for taking ownership and taking care of themselves.

All of the CGM’s are still in, post 4 mile run.  I’ll really test them in the am with my 6-7 mile run.  I don’t know if the researchers are ready to deal with this PITA…..

Now, time to clean up and go find something to eat.  Never had trouble with that in Boston.

General thoughts during my run…..(uh,oh, this should be good….)

1. How much money will it take to get the AP to commercial market?

2. What are the remaining hurdles to get it to market?

3. How many T1D’s would wear it?

Let me know what you think….

Just met my AP for the weekend! AND got the four (4) sensors installed. You’ll see the following:
Two (2) Navigators
One (1) Dexcom G4 (not on the market yet, don’t be jealous)
One (1) Minimed EnLite
Now to check in at the hotel, get a run in and get some dinner.

While the AP (on a med pole) isn’t yet ready to go for a run with me, I am excited to see how well it all works together.

You guys getting excited yet?

I have been planning for this for some time.

I am participating in a JDRF funded research study for the Artificial Pancreas.  Crazy, I know.  Who, in their right mind, CHOOSES to participate in a research study?  Well I do.  And maybe I’m not in my right mind, but I have been living with  T1D for almost 30 years and BOTH of my children are producing 2 of 4 antibodies known to kill islet cells and cause T1D.  So, maybe I’m not in my right mind, but I choose research.

Technically, this study is the combination of multiple medical devices already on the market: Continuous Glucose Meter (CGM) and Insulin Pumps, (2 are used, 1 for insulin and 1 for glucagon) that are networked together with a computer algorithm that controls the pumps based on the information from the CGM’s.

But what this really is, is something greater.  I am participating in this study to feel, for the first time in 30 years, what its like not to worry about what my blood sugar is.

In case you didn’t catch that the first time….From Friday at 12 noon to Sunday at 6pm I will not have to worry about what my blood sugar is.  Let that soak in for a minute…………………….

Now that is something.

I will get into the details of what the Artificial Pancreas is, what it means to me, and what it can mean to all of those currently living with Type 1 Diabetes.  Follow along and find out what is happening for those already with T1D, for those who are at increased risk, and to cure T1D.