I've got gadgets and gizmos a plenty. I've got who's its and what's its galore. You want thingamabobs? I've got 20. But who cares? No big deal. I want more.

Last night was the BIG birthday party, and what a party it was.  We started the evening out at a JDRF fundraiser at a Griffin's game (a Redwings farm team).  It was great.  A room full of people with T1 diabetes, or who care about people with T1 diabetes.  Talk about feeling at home.  I enjoyed about 600 potato chips (which resulted in a blood sugar to match) while listening to the coach speak, who has T1 diabetes and was diagnosed while playing in the NHL.  I always wonder how professional athletes manage this disease.  I struggle to manage it while chasing a two year old around.  Granted, chasing a toddler is a full time job in itself, and diabetes is also a full time job- I suppose it would burn anyone out.

So I am in this room listening to the coach speak (who was REALLY good) and when he gets to talking about hockey I allow myself to appraise the room.  Whenever diabetics get together you can almost guarantee two things- food and pharm reps.  And when the food isn't there, the pharm reps bring candy.  In all honesty, I couldn't care less about the candy in this room.  There are gadgets and gizmos EVERYWHERE.  I am a gadget and gizmo goddess.  I love me some technological junk to manage this blasted disease.  At this point I am drooling. 

I had two goals entering this room.  1. Talk to the Animas rep and find out when this great new product they promised me 2 years ago is going to come out.  2. Get myself this new lancet from OneTouch that is suppose to be painless.  An aside note, when these companies say painless, what they mean is less pain.  It's not that finger pokes hurt, but anything that leaves your fingers calloused with black dots isn't a good time.

So the coach is still talking about hockey (which is cool, I just don't know anything about it) and I am planning my route.  Definately Animas first.  I have to talk to this guy and get the inside track.  I call the company at least monthly and they never leak, maybe this guy will though.  If nothing else my dedication to the product ought to buy me a free lancet.  Then I will work my way around.  I have never heard of one of these pumps.  A Spirit...is that new?  It doesn't look new.  How did I miss that when I was pump shopping.  Hmm.

The coach takes his last question and is thanked.  He did a great job.  And I'm not just saying that because he's diabetic.  It's true, I am prejudice towards T1's.  I feel like we are on the same team and feel an instant comaraderie even with complete strangers.  Alright, talking is done, BREAK.

Dang someone beat me to Animas rep.  Well, he doesn't appear to have lancets and I doubt he'd tell me anymore than I already have.  I might even know more than he does.

Alright, the Omnipod.  The Omnipod was a very close second when I was pump shopping.  I talk to the rep a bit.  She is wearing hers, of course.  It is much smaller than I remembered.  Maybe it just seemed smaller because there is no tubing or belt clip.  Hmm.  That thing is still pretty sweet.  They recently teamed with Dexcom too to get working on an integrated system.  Of course the rep notices that I am still wired/tubed.  I tell her I test drove the Omnipod and almost went with it.  She tells me that for $149.99 I can go with it still.  The more I think about it the more I like this option.  Summer is coming, I could wear a sun dress...  No tubing.  I'll have to make some calls.

I see the Bayer rep who I've met before.  She is very sweet.  They have some great new kids options and a really cool glucometer, but it doesn't talk to my pump so I'm not interested.

The Spirit.  Apparently I haven't heard of it because it's really old technology.  They might be one to watch though.  If they have the oldest product out there they might be the next one with something new.  No leaks of info though if they are working on something juicy.  Hmmm.  I talk with her about the Omnipod.  Apparently you can put that thing anywhere fatty tissue is.  ANYWHERE with fatty tissue.  I wonder if I can get two and call it a lift.

Last is Medtronic.  I have a love hate with Medtronic.  Everyone has or has had a Medtronic but me.  They have the market cornered at this point.  What I love about them is that they have the integrated CGM.  That is a major benefit, especially when responsible diabetic is now carrying around two huge devices on her hip.  Trouble is this.  Diabetes isn't their only thing.  In fact, diabetes is only a little bit of their thing.  My grandpa has a Medtronic- a Medtronic heart defibulator.    That's their thing.  I know the other companies have their hands in other things too, it just seems like Medtronic is more hearts to me.  I donno.

I am excited about all this cool stuff.  I got business cards from most.  Everyone wants to know you when you run a support group.  "I can speak.  I know someone who can speak.  You have speakers right?"  No one wants to be left out of a group that talks to diabetics about diabetes and ways to control it.  So that's good news.  I really am considering the Omnipod.  I've got a couple of questions, but that might be next.

Like I said before though "I've got gadgets and gizmos a plenty.  I've got who's its and what's its galore.  You want thingamabobs?  I've got 20.  But who cares?  No big deal.  I want more."  (That's Little Mermaid, btw).  That's right I want more.  All this stuff is great.  It sure does help manage diabetes.  That is the trouble though, it helps MANAGE diabetes.  It does not cure it.  It does not prevent it.  Insulin is not a cure, an integrated system is not a cure, an artificial pancreas is not a cure.  These things are great technological advancements that make living with diabetes more possible, but they do not cure it.  They do not stop deadly lows or damaging highs.  In case you weren't sure, I am a crummy pancreas. 

And that is why I must give a thank-you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who supports me.  Those who came last night provided a $100 contribution (total) towards the cure.  I cannot thank-you enough.  I also need to thank everyone who supports me day in and day out.  Living with or around me is no easy task.  Trust me, I know.  I know I have changed, I feel different.  I try hard not to be different, but I am.  Thank-you for walking me through this everyday.  Without your continued support and love (sometimes tough love), I couldn't and wouldn't be even half the pancreas I am today.

God Bless you all.