This isn’t a piece dedicated to Seinfeld. This is so much more than that.
Festivals; events frequented by young Australians, the 40+ holding onto their youth wearing a KISS t-shirt, and us, T1Ds. Obviously festivals provide an arena where mishaps relating to T1Ds are more concerning to both our health and our ability to have an awesome time than in the real world. These are attributed to activities likes excessive dancing, eating, drinking and the likes. I’ve attended my fair share of festivals over the years and gained some knowledge, I have.
Getting in:
Firstly, getting in. The entrance of a festival – particularly a one-dayer – provides an all too chaotic and energetic atmosphere. Most are excited for the day, some are holding back tears because their grog got taken – nevertheless, bag checks are an inevitable hurdle for everyone in entering a festival. While most are trying to hide their vodka, green, and Batmans, we T1Ds are hoping the security won’t notice our needles and three juices we attempt to smuggle in. Last weekend, those manning the entrance of Groovin’ The Moo threatened to seize one of my juice poppers. Like the girl next to me who was fighting the confiscation of her perfume, I fought back.
‘But I’m a diabetic!’
Unfortunately her argument of ‘but this is Jean Paul Gaultier!’ wasn’t as successful as mine. I was able to keep my juice and my needles weren’t questioned. This is all because of the good ‘ole NDSS card, saving the day once again. I was asked to prove the legitimacy of my diabetes and as obscene a question as it was, I did.
Tip one for a festivus for the rest of us: bring your diabetes ID!
That warm feeling:
T1Ds are all too familiar with that sensation. That sensation involves feeling hot, a bit shaky and a tad dreamy. Festivals are hard as your hazy state could be associated with a number of things, diabetes related or not. Tricky sitch locating the real culprit here, but you’re only being a devil to yourself if you jump to guestimated conclusions. Be smart. Don’t assume that ciders and cappucinos are all you feel that day.
Eat:
This is a tip for everyone. A very important one. Even more so for a T1D. I have been a festival non-eater, later that day, a prolonged low was experienced that kicked any terrible Tuesday out of the park. Suck it up and eat a few BBQ pork buns, toss in a gozleme and you’re ten four kemosabe.
Test, don’t guess: This rule should apply to everyday practice. We are all guilty of guessing a high or low from time to time. A festival is not this time. If jabbing yourself is on the cards and your finger has not been pricked, abort mission. Not only will you feel like shit, but Flume will play his song without you.
What up: Lastly, let your friends know what’s up. Mates will look out for you if anything goes off course. Frankly they aren’t worth it, if you aren’t to them.
Undoubtedly these are all things you are aware of, but festivals get the best of us. These are tips for a festivus for the rest of us.
Time to Ripen.