Intervention

There are two programs on TV that inevitably move me emotionally (read between the lines....I always end up crying). One is Extreme Home Makeover, and it's always after "move that buusss.."
My guess is that I'm not the only one tearing up at that moment...

The other is a program on A&E called, "Intervention." It's a show about people whose lives are in the vice-grip of addiction. Some are eating disorders, others drugs & alcohol. There was even a video game addict once. But last night I watched in amazement as they followed "John C." and were preparing his surprise intervention. 'For what?' you may be thinking - unmanaged type-1 diabetes.

(Cue the water works)

This is a young guy that has been diabetic for 6 years, and simply has lost hope. He's given up the will to fight, and doesn't consider (or care) about any long-term complications. Now, before we all start shaking our heads in disgust, lets remember that diabetes is at best a very difficult disease to manage, and each person's battle is uniquely challenging.

There was a bit of misinformation (showing him eating a piece chocolate cake with ominous music playing in the background). It's still hard for me to believe, but as long as he's counting his carbs and taking insulin to cover it, no problem.
But for John C., it's a big problem because not only is he NOT counting his carbs, he's not taking the extra insulin, and worse yet, he's not even testing his blood.

Again, at this point he's given up, so it's not all that surprising.

The program is increasingly difficult for me to watch, because I want to reach in to the television and tell him, "Keep fighting John. It's going to get better. Please, let me help you, let me encourage you. Hang in there, I know how hard it can be, I've been there."

The program reaches its pinnacle as John is confronted by his family pleading with him to enter a treatment program - or face severe consequences. This portion of the program is very emotional for the participants (and in my case, the viewer!). It seemed (seems) strange to me that a diabetic would face the same intervention as a habitual drug user, but the truth is that both can spin out of control.

When John realizes he's not just hurting himself but his entire family by quitting on his control, he agrees to the treatment plan.

It's a very emotional episode (especially if you're diabetic), and can be viewed online here: http://www.aetv.com/intervention/video/index.jsp?bcpid=1452232410&bclid=21147029001&bctid=21217025001)

A few observations and a word of encouragement:
1. It's never too late to start trying. Whether it's to manage your diabetes or anything else, it's simply never too late.
2. Hopelessness is a alienating and devastating. His family was hurting terribly, and the loss of hope and the lack of will to fight compounded the misery for everyone.
3. Diabetes affects more people that just the diabetic. Everyone who loves and cares about the diabetic is affected in one way or another.

It's a daily battle, an intense fight, an internal war; and we have to do everything we can to live long, prosperous, healthy lives! I am praying for an opportunity to reach as many diabetics as possible, hoping that this forum of blogging will open doors to reach all those who are hesitant, afraid, or unsure about what the pump is and how it can help.

The pump is our best chance for consistent, 'normal' blood sugars, and I am convinced (after 2 decades of miserable failure, and 5+ months of healthy readings), every diabetic should be on the insulin pump!

If you're out there John C., your story was and is a good one. Now give yourself the best shot (pun intended) you can and join the ranks of those who are feeling so much better because we're...

pumpin'