Diabetes
Steel or Teflon?
I just want to change my catheter. Simple. Others change lightbulbs, switch from pen to pencil or change their phone provider. I want to switch from steel to Teflon.
First-World Problems of a Diabetic
The reason is just as simple: Steel and I, we don’t match. The tiny needle is a real drama queen. It pinches here, it itches there and suddenly - again - there is blood.
No big deal. Type 1 diabetics are very grateful for these masochistic opportunities. Unlike people with tattoos, we at least keep ourselves alive instead of just getting a picture on the skin. Or we get skin irritations. I notice them extremely since I use steel.
It’s only six millimeters, we talking about, sitting somewhere in my belly or backside for between two and four days. The needle is basically the “tunnel” at the end of the tubing, through which my insulin rides its water slide from outside to inside.
Years ago I had this tunnel made of Teflon. It is soft, flexible and moves with the tissue. For me, it almost never left a mark. Actually perfect.
Then I had to change my pump because the old one retired. There is this saying that nothing better ever comes after. And honestly: It’s true. With the new one - she is a real diva too - the rule is: Steel or Teflon also means two completely different tubing systems.
In the old days I could combine everything for my own pleasure. Today? No chance.
Because of only six millimeters of plastic I have to change the whole system. It is like changing the wheels of your car from summer to winter and, of course, also changing all the doors. I don’t get it.
For more than 40 years my diabetes has managed to bring up questions where I think: Oh. Veeery interesting. I really would never have thought about that without you.
Other people have kids or hobbies. I’ve got sugar.
Explains why I’m so sweet.