Part 7 of the “What Does It All Mean?” series, a real-life reflection on living with Type 1 Diabetes, written by Dennis Goldensohn, who has lived with T1D for nearly 60 years.
By Dennis Goldensohn: T1D for nearly 60 years, advocate, and mentor
The BIG little word “IF.”
Globally, there are many different languages spoken. Even so, there are words that have consequences, and one of them is the word IF! According to the dictionary, the word IF is defined as “In the event that………” So how does the word ” IF ” apply to those who deal with diabetes? The following will be a very important example and lesson on what could happen if this should happen to you!
Preparing for the Journey
My wife Ellen and I planned to go on a cruise to visit 6 Latin American countries and sail through the Panama Canal. The week before, we went out and bought new luggage since the ones we had had seen better days. A few days before going on the cruise, we laid out all of the stuff we were going to take with us. It looked like we were bringing a department store of STUFF!
I needed to make sure I brought enough diabetes supplies with me for the entire 15 days. To make it easy, I doubled everything that I would need. I use the Omnipod AID system and the Dexcom G6 CGM. All of these items were packed into my carry-on case. I felt pretty confident that I packed everything that I needed for the cruise.
When Technology Doesn’t Go According to Plan
We planned to leave for the airport on Friday morning at 6:15 AM. So, the night before, I changed my Omnipod, so I would start the trip with a new pod that would last for three days. I also changed my Dexcom G6 CGM as well since I only had 1 day left on the one I was wearing. At 9:30 that evening, I changed the CGM and waited for the 2 hours for the warm-up period to end. At 11:30, I got alarms that my BG was 44 with double arrows going straight down. I did a finger stick, and the reading was 115.
I then removed the faulty CGM and replaced it. At 1:30, the warm-up period ended, and I got all kinds of readings up and down, which did not make any sense. So, I changed that one and waited until 3:30 AM. And this one also was not acting properly either. Remember, Ellen and I were going to be picked up at 6:15 AM. I then changed the CGM, the fourth one, and at 5:30 AM, finally, I had a CGM that was reading somewhat accurately. The ones that failed were from the same lot!!
Having a Backup Plan
With all of this happening, I went into a PLAN B BACKUP PLAN. I brought enough supplies so that IF I had to go on DMI-Daily Manual Injections, I would still be able to go on the cruise and MANAGE my diabetes. This meant bringing an extra pen of Tresiba-Basal insulin and another pen of Humalog insulin for my bolus needs. I also increased the number of test strips and brought extra alcohol swabs as well. It was pretty satisfying that I remembered the number of units of Tresiba I took prior to going on the Omnipod AID system.
The lesson is how you can be proactive IF something like this happens to you.
We must always remember that technology is not perfect, and things can go wrong at the worst of times. Thus, you need to have a Backup Plan in place!! The more PROACTIVE you are, the better prepared you will be to handle these types of situations, while having a high level of confidence!!!
This is my Backup Plan B. This should not be taken as medical advice. Speak with your doctor, endocrinologist, or health care provider and have a one-on-one conversation with them so you can develop your own backup plan that meets your needs!!
Some Other Important Tips:
- Security at airports is stringent. You should have all of your oral medications in their original pharmacy containers. In addition, have your doctor provide you with a letter why you have a need to take them. Any medical devices like CGMs, Insulin Pens, Insulin Vials, Pen Needles, etc., should have the prescription description, and it would be a good idea to have your doctor write a letter for these items, too.
- Never, never check your medications, diabetes devices, and diabetes medications in your checked-in baggage. Always carry them on board with you!! If your luggage gets lost and/or damaged, it will be difficult to find replacements.
- Lithium-ION batteries must never be put into your checked-in baggage. They should, like your medications, be brought on board with you and capped to prevent them from shorting out and causing a fire.
Being proactive and having a Backup Plan is really in your best interest. Planning helps to avoid risk. We need to take the time to address this, and you will thank yourself for doing so! And no matter how long you have been dealing with diabetes, that Little Big Word “IF” can always get in the way!!!
To close this out on a very positive note, my wife Ellen and I had a very pleasurable and worry-free vacation. Gee, doesn’t that sound great?
……………and that is what that little BIG word “IF” really means!!!
What Is This Series?
At Diapoint, we believe that the most powerful education comes from real people and real lives lived with diabetes.
That’s why we’re proud to introduce a new blog series by Dennis Goldensohn.
Dennis has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for nearly six decades, diagnosed at just 16 years old, and now approaching 59 years of life with T1D, without complications. His journey is not only a testament to resilience but also to what is possible with the right mindset and support.
Beyond his personal experience, Dennis brings a lifetime of dedication to service and advocacy. He spent 45 years working in aerospace manufacturing, while also volunteering with organizations such as JDF, JDRF, Breakthrough T1D, DPAC, and the Diabetes Research Institute. Today, he continues to mentor young people navigating their futures, while sharing his lived experience with diabetes to support others.
His series, “What Does It All Mean?”, is exactly what it sounds like: a reflection on life with diabetes, beyond the numbers, beyond the devices, and beyond the daily routines.
Through this series, Dennis explores:
- The realities of living with diabetes every single day,
- The misconceptions and stigma people face,
- The history and progress of diabetes care,
- The power of community, advocacy, and teamwork,
- And ultimately, what it truly means to live a full, successful life with diabetes.
This is not just education. This is perspective and lived experience.
And above all, this is reassurance that yes, you can.
