ASweetLife’s five year anniversary was back in October, but 2014 was such a busy year we didn’t have a moment to celebrate (and barely even noted the occasion). So, now as the year comes to a close I’d like to say OMG – we’ve been doing this for five years. Five incredible years. Mike and I came into this with high hopes of contributing to the diabetes community. We had no idea how much you all would contribute to us.
I don’t want to mark five years by talking about the failures and successes. I just want to say how much the diabetes online community has contributed to our lives (even made diabetes a “good” experience in some ways), and we’ve learned so much more from you all than we wouldn’t have learned from any professional.
Mike and I sometimes laugh about the fact that when we started this magazine in 2009, we had some worries that we wouldn’t be able to drum up enough content to sustain it. Turns out, there is so much to write about life with diabetes we can’t come even close to covering it all with our small team. But, I’m proud of what we’ve done and I’m honored that I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many kind, smart and talented writers. So, here’s a toast to all of us. May we enjoy a year of good health and happiness! And there’s no better time than the last day of the year for a round-up of your favorite stories in 2014. Here you go…
What It’s Really Like to Have a Child With Type 1 Diabetes
published January 28, 2014.
D-Blogger and mother of two children with diabetes, Juicy Mama tries to fill in the informational gap between what people think it’s like to have a child with type 1 diabetes and what it actually is like.
What You Should Know About Flying with an Insulin Pump
published March 4, 2014.
Melissa Lee, D-Blogger and regular contributor to ASweetLife, tells us all the important things we should know about flying with an insulin pump. The things that no one, not even device companies will tell you.
The Three Year Diabetes Honeymoon (Part 1 and Part 2)
published March 25, 2014
D-Mom Katie Bacon, a regular contributor to ASweetLife brings us an incredible story story of a mother who tried – and succeded – to prolong her recently diagnosed son’s diabetes honeymoon.
15 Things Not to Say to Someone with a Chronic or Invisible Illness
published April 29, 2014
After years of living with an invisible disease Susie Helford decided to make a list of things well meaning people say to people living a chronic illness, but shouldn’t.
The popularity of this piece shows us just how much people living with different chronic illnesses have in common.
10 Things Not to Say to a Person with Diabetes
published June 10, 2014
Every person with diabetes has one: a story of a diabetes-related comment they received that completely left them reeling. D-blogger and regular contributor Jacquie Wojcik made a list of her top 10 hurtful, embarrassing, and woefully misinformed comments made towards people with diabetes.
What I Wish I’d Known When my Child was Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes
published July 31, 2014
After 17 years of D-parenting Moira McCarthy decided to share some of what she learned over the years, things she wished she had known back when her daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Does Diabetes Need an Ice Bucket Challenge?
published August 22, 2014
The summer of 2014 was very much about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. It seemed like everyone was doing it. Many in the diabetes community were inspired (maybe even jealous) by the success of the Ice Bucket Challenge and wanted to start a diabetes challenge. Moira McCarthy was also inspired by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge (and did it herself), but she feels strongly that diabetes doesn’t need one. Here’s why…
On the Road to a Type 1 Diabetes Cure: Melton Lab Creates Functioning Beta Cells
published October 9, 2014
Katie Bacon explains how, using human embryonic stem cells as a base, the Melton lab has pioneered a process that can reproduce human, insulin-producing beta cells on a large scale. Melton’s beta-cell process could potentially make transplantation accessible to many more people with diabetes. Yet, for people with Type 1 diabetes, the problem of the body’s autoimmune attack on beta cells would still need to be solved.
Why You Shouldn’t be Embarrassed of Diabetes
published October 16, 2014
Psychologist and person with Type 1 diabetes, Michelle Sorensen talks about shame. “It was shame that made me reluctant to test my blood sugar in public in my early days, or to inject my insulin at the dinner table with friends or on a date. Later, when I had started using the insulin pump, shame continued to influence my behavior. Shame was the reason I always concealed my insulin pump under a long sweater or shirt and clipped it firmly to a waistband. If a twirl of tubing delivering my life saving insulin should peek out from under my clothes, I quickly tucked it away as if some inner part of me was exposed.”
A Father’s Letter to His Son, Newly Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes
published November 4, 2014
Brian Levine’s deeply moving letter to his newly diagnosed 5year old son is a must read. Levine shares his heart with us, expressing his sadness, worries and hopes.
When Type 1 Diabetes is Too Much for a Child to Bear
published December 2, 2014
A mother tells the story of her 11 year old son, who’s struggle with Type 1 diabetes and celiac has led to serious depression.
Insulin Pump Comparison: Which Pump is Right for You?
published December 9, 2014
With two new pumps just out (the new Snap and the Animas Vibe), there are now many insulin pumps to choose from.
Melissa Lee tells you all you need to know about the insulin pumps available on the market, so you can decide which pump is right for you.
