Jake, age 3. Me, wearing his earrings!
In March 2012, my 2 year-old son Jake was diagnosed with type 1 (juvenile) diabetes. I couldn’t help but notice the amount of waste that came along with managing diabetes, and some of it VERY funky. With 10-12 blood sugar tests a day, 4-5 insulin shots, and now, an every-three-days insulin pump site change, each week includes a build-up of insulin syringe caps, glucometer computer chips to match up with blood sugar testing strips, pump tubing, cartridges, blood sugar testing strip cannisters, and more!
Right from the beginning, I saved glucometer computer chips and the rest of the “garbage” to potentially upcycle (make into something even more valuable). Once we got in the groove of managing Jake’s diabetes, I began making the landfill-bound beauties into jewelry and other gadgets to sell so that I could give 100% of the profit to the JDRF for type 1 diabetes research. Jake and many many other fantastic humans deserve a cure!
Just a small snapshot of diabetes trash
Here is my gallery. Email me at JKRnutrition[at]gmail[dot]com to place an order or donate your very own diabetes garbage (since Jake no longer uses the Animas Ping, I really need used Animas Ping supplies!!! Please save them for me and I will pay for you to ship them! Thank you 🙂. For more info on diabetes recipes and other info, check my Bitchin’ Diabetes tab.
“Chips Anyone?” 4 X 6 Picture Frame, made from Accu-check testing strip chips: $15.00 ($12 to JDRF)
“Blue Sugar” 4 X 6 Picture Frame, made from Animas Ping cartridge set parts: $15.00 ($12 to JDRF)
“I Bleed for Cookies” Earrings: $10.00
Made from glucometer computer chips
$9.50 goes to the JDRF
“Insulin on Board” Earrings: $10.00
Made from full-size used insulin pump cartridges
$9.50 goes to the JDRF
“Pump it Up” Earrings: $10.00
Made from inner portion of insulin cartridge for Animas Ping
$9.50 goes to the JDRF
“Prime and Rewind” Earrings (filled with beads!): $10.00
$9.50 goes to the JDRF
Ornapods: Made from old Omnipod pumps: $5.00
$4.50 goes to JDRF
Backpods: Backpack charms made from old Omnipod pumps: $5.00
$4.50 goes to JDRF
Thank you! Love, Jake
Delish & Healthy-ish With Jen Reilly, RD 
I want the “Blue Sugar” Necklace and if this were a “silent auction”, someone would have to bid higher than my $25! I’ll take one strung on old pump tubing!
Gail, You are too awesome for words! I’ll mail a necklace to you today, and you can just donate directly to JDRF in whatever amount you see fit 🙂 https://secure3.convio.net/jdrf3/site/Donation2?2376.donation=form1&df_id=2376
Thank you for all your love and support! XOXO Jen
Hi Jen, managing diabetes is tough, but it must also be very tough when you have to manage such a young little fella. However, take heart that it is not the end of the world and in some ways a blessing in that Jake will never be fed chocolate bars, sugar drinks and other rubbish. I know that you will raise him and his siblings to eat right, and he will no doubt grow into a fine young man.
Thanks Dennis! I’ll admit, we do let Jake be a kid and have popsicles and other treats (cakes at birthday parties, etc.) as long as he eats his veggies. It’s easy to dose him extra insulin with his pump. He’s a good, healthy eater! 🙂 XOXO Jen
You are amazing. What a beautiful way to manage this. DM1 is incredibly challenging. Your little one is so fortunate to have you in his corner.
Thanks Rita! 🙂
I love your jewelry! I’ve linked out to you in today’s blog post: http://sixuntilme.com/wp/2014/01/07/clever-diabetes-recycling/
I’m so honored! I read your blog all the time! Hugs, Jen
These are wonderful and creative!! But the webpage and comments are from a couple of years ago… Do you still do this??
Blessings!!
Yes I do! Just sold about $250-worth of goods at a JDRF conference this past weekend (see pix on my instagram: @reillyjenk). Let me know if you’d like anything! 🙂
I haven’t driven people to my blog much lately as I’ve just sold my stuff at diabetes conferences. But yes, I still do this and my 2 year-old daughter was just diagnosed with type 1 as well, so we have more “trash” then ever! xo
My 11 year old daughter (who has Type 1 Diabetes now for 2 years) just read your incredible article to me that is posted on the JDRF website dated 5-7-2017. She is learning how to use her skill sets (and the skill sets of her friends) to advocate for causes in her different communities. You moved us so deeply. Thank you! She is going to create a video with her friend to advocate for Type one diabetics to receive better health care coverage. I love your brilliant ideas on your blog. Thank you!