The pieces published in this issue of The PLAID Journal force us to think about diabetes complications, to talk about them, and to remove the taboo that a life complicated by diabetes has in the mainstream. We hope they inspire you to think about your own diabetes, and release yourself from some of the blame that is often associated with diabetes-related complications.

The Game is Afoot

Letter from Editor, Martin Wood, MSLIS, AHIP

Diabetes, like baseball, has a set of predictable rules, with variations, and yet there is always room for surprises. We are always making adjustments, trying new things, and going out of our way in an attempt to keep an advantage over the demands of living with diabetes. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, and sometimes we get delayed, but we always keep playing.

EXPLORING RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DIABETES USING DESCRIPTIVE EPIDEMIOLOGY

Alexandra C.H. Nowakowski, PhD, J.E. Sumerau, PhD

This research study analyzes patterns in relationship satisfaction among partnered older Americans with and without diabetes using data from the National Social, Health, and Life Project (NSHAP).

It's Complicated

Kerri Sparling

Kerri Sparling, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, describes what it is like to live with diabetes -- "It's Complicated." She answers some of the common questions she receives about living with diabetes, using diabetes technology, and having children.

Birth Control and Diabetes: Part 1

Suzanne Y. Bush, MD, Shelbi H. Brown, MS4

For women with diabetes, family planning is especially important. Knowing the different types of birth control available, women with diabetes can make informed decisions about their reproductive health and choose the best method available for them.

Changing the Way We Talk About Diabetes Complications

Chris Aldred, Renza Scibilia

For many people living with diabetes, talking about complications is considered taboo and off-limits. But what if the conversation around complications changed? Opening up the way we speak about complications with a focus on inclusion, no judgement, no blame, and clear facts would result in many benefits.