Practicing Vigilance.

It’s hard not to feel anxious at the situation that’s unfolding here in Australia in the wake of Coronavirus, and the rest of the world. I don’t think I need to recap that for you here…

I am pleased to see the social distancing measures that have been put in place, particularly because at least the rest of Australia will see that this is something that we all have a responsibility to take seriously. I’m hardly capable of leading the country, so I’ll just trust that the measures we have in place are enough – and will evolve as needed. And that the Australian public will take this issue seriously to prevent transmission.

The one place I don’t particularly feel any heightened level of concern around is my diabetes. I don’t particularly feel the need to go shouting to the world that I am a high risk person, but I won’t judge you if that’s what makes you feel a little more at ease. At the dinner table last night, I was explaining to my family that my understanding is that the risks for PWD are not much different to anyone else. As with any other infection, diabetes may make dealing with an illness a little more difficult than not (See this piece from the International Diabetes Federation).

My diabetes back up plan is no different than normal. I filled my insulin prescription a month ago, and have more than enough there to see me through a good five or six months. I also have a backup script there in case of an emergency, which I know I won’t be needing anytime soon.

I keep three months worth of pump consumables in my wardrobe as per usual, and don’t intend on stockpiling any more. I place all of my orders directly through Diabetes WA’s online store, which saves me from being at the mercy of unreliable pharmacy wholesalers. (And yay for them finally stocking Choc-marshmallow glucose tabs!).

I also have some good friends in the Young Adult Diabetes Committee, and the broader diabetes community, who I know I can turn to for help in the unlikely event that I need it. Those diabetes people, as my Mum calls them, are some of the nicest people around. Use your community.

I don’t see the need to selfishly stockpile groceries. I must have at least a dozen supermarkets around me, something I frequently think is unnecessary, but is providing a lot of reassurance right now. I don’t anticipate any difficulty being able to access items, outside of people’s panic buying.

I guess I’m a little more anxious around going to work. I work in retail, but thankfully not a supermarket. But I do think supermarket workers are absolute heroes, and deserve your respect. So I guess I’m just being a little more vigilant than usual.

My hand hygiene is no different to what it usually is. I’ve been in a good routine of washing my hands for a long time, particularly before handling food and after activities involving contact with people and objects. I really credit that to not being sick all too often.

Yesterday, I trimmed my fingernails. I’m taking my water bottle home to wash every day, rather than once a week. From tomorrow, I’ve also decided that I won’t be using anything from the staff room kitchen.

Outside of that, I’ve been sticking to my New Year’s resolution of sleeping really well. More on that in another post. Keeping on top of my uni work. I’ve actually been reading. A lot (although I don’t see the hype in Mark Manson’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***). I’m also super excited to FINALLY see people making moves on Survivor instead of following Dave like sheep.

The outdoors, as always, provides a great boost to my mindset. As does keeping peer support wrapped around me from friends with diabetes and the DOC. I’m also logging out of social media as and when I need to for my mental health during this time, too. And ignoring all sensationalist media, as always.

So, hi. How are you doing at the moment?

Talk to me, talk to your friends, talk to your fellow PWD. Take care of YOU.

I know that we’ll get through this. Stay safe.