Diabetes, type 1 diabetes that is, well, let’s say the word conundrum fits just perfect. It might be the only thing perfect about T1D, that is. I won’t take you through the exact etymology of the word “a confusing and difficult problem or question.” Throw in diabetes burn out, well, that is a double conundrum. If I can use a phrase like that, so let me tell you a short little story.

After a very inglorious 11 years, well almost 11, diabetes has seemed to have inflicted burn out on my older d-daughter. I don’t think I have helped either; I’ll own my failure. Let’s add it to my list. It is rough to my daughter like this.

Admittedly, I’d like to wake up and see a post from my buddy Mike at Diabetes Mine that the cure is 5-10 months away because it is being fast-tracked through the FDA. That would fix it. Poof, diabetes burn-out is gone, along with diabetes. We’d have to figure out how to recycle all the diabetes supplies. Half of it would be unused lancets.

Back to burn out. I don’t know how to fix it, but it won’t happen overnight. Every time my daughter turns around, if she bloused for this and that, it must be annoying. Feeling sick from high BG cannot either.

We’re hoping to get both the girls on the Control IQ. They already have the Tslim, and the upgrade to the G6 will happen this week. Perhaps having an algorithm take care of the forgetfulness, will take up the slack. I don’t care if that appears lazy to anyone, because the result is a reprieve for my daughter. That is a win, and I’ll take that even if it is cheating.

Another positive help might be different insulin. I have new insurance and we have options when it comes to insulin. The one she used in the last few years was ineffective. What I mean by this is she had to use a lot more. If we want to switch, only a prior authorization is needed. I eves dropped on the conversation my wife had with the pharmacy benefit company. They were most helpful. That combats d-parent burn out too.

I know this post is predicting a few things, but I base that on posts I’ve seen. It appears the next-gen insulin pumps are providing relief. Perhaps older DD will find novelty in this upgrade, see the results, and this foster greater interest in taking over a little more of her care. Having success over something can do that. It is basic human psychology. Or so I hope.

I guess a follow-up post is in store to share the success or failure of the upgrade. But I’ll hedge my bets that the Control IQ wins out. I’m not predicting a complete game shutout, but the improvement I do.

I am a dad against diabetes. Just call me D.A.D.

Tim