This insight isn’t unique to Roche’s Social Media Summit, or even massive diabetes gatherings like Friends for Life, but I was reminded of this particular comfort during one of the presentations. It may sound mean, but trust me, this is being typed with the highest sincerity: I liked hearing other people’s Dexcom alarms go off.

I wasn’t celebrating someone else’s lows or highs. Particularly with the low alarms, I had to restrain myself from leaping into action to get a snack or non-diet drink for the “alarming” person with diabetes. We’re all adults, and if we need help we’ll ask for it (right?). But hearing the alarms was another reminder that I’m not alone.

Hearing the beeps of an insulin pump to treat a high or in anticipation of sugar cookie might be somewhat foreign to me, but they are sounds of diabetes and as a result, sounds of comfort. Hearing low alarms is a reminder that I’m not the only person to wake up in the middle of the night wondering what went wrong and where my nearest piece of chocolate is.

These diabetes sounds are often heard in stereo at home. From time to time Dayle and I have dueling Dexcom alarms that would rival (insert classic duet here). If home is the speakers on your television, going to Friends for Life or Roche would be an IMAX theater. And somehow all of these beeps and bloops and electronic wails adds to the comfort of knowing that I’m not alone with this disease.

So thanks. I think.

–

Roche paid for my flight, hotel, and dining during my two days in Indianapolis. Commentary about the previously mentioned freebies is entirely optional on my part and in no way influenced by Roche or any affiliated parties. Besides, what fun would that be?