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Diabetic-Friendly Boxer Shorts

Do real diabetic men wear boxers or briefs?

Admit it: You really want to know.

Personally, I wear boxers most of the time.

It's a comfort choice. But sometimes, it comes down to where my insulin pump is attached to my body.

I often rely on the same real estate and go with my upper body - abdomen, arms, stomach - for pump sites. Way too often, I leave these sets in longer than what is FDA-recommended (Disclaimer: I'm no doctor or medical role model here...) When sites are tough to find and it's time for a new spot, I resort to leg sites.

Usually, I fall back to these areas when the above-mentioned locations are over-used and beat up. But I often feel restricted in my daily activities, like every move I make might rip a set out or dislodge a cannula. The dog isn't allowed to sit on my lap during these leg site periods, and I usually am more cautious about bending over or stretching that particular leg in a way that might spell site trouble.

My underwear choice also weighs into my decision-making each day when a leg site is in use. Briefs may leave a set more exposed to a pant leg and lead to irritation, so I go with boxers if there's any choice in the matter (laundry day sometimes presents a true challenge to this).

The looser, non-tight boxer shorts are my choice. These are what I describe as "Diabetic-Friendly Boxer Shorts." I can pull them up and access my leg more easily, either to disconnect the set or just get a quick glimpse of it to make sure all is OK.

Sometimes, it doesn't make a difference. My most recent leg site was proof of this: Had a D-Friendly pair of Boxer Shorts, but only got about 30 hours of the set attached to my site before I looked down and noticed it was bloody red. Nothing I'd done to cause it, just the way it is. So, I switched sites and went back to the trusty abdomen.

All while feeling nice and comfy in my D-Friendly Boxer Shorts.

So that's that. My response to the question of "Boxers or Briefs?"

Simply, it depends on the pump site spot and whether the laundry has been done!
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Comments

Anonymous said…
This is off-topic, but couldn't find any other way to contact you.

I just wanted to congratulate you for your reasonableness on the CWD thread about the JDRF. A lot of people obviously didn't understand you, but that's their loss.

Keep on being an intelligent voice for the whole diabetes community!

Natalie ._c-
February 11, 2011 at 7:01 PM
Shannon@ The New Normal Life said…
Well as a mom to a little boy I appriciate you educating us on the best underware :) My husband also type 1 isnt pumping so not an issue for him but glad to know!! I love your post by the way they always add some sunshine :)
February 11, 2011 at 7:21 PM
Anonymous said…
I know I'm a little late in the conversation, but I have recently found the love handle area on my back to be a good site location. Plus it's completely fresh never touched real estate. It's a bit trickier if you use the silhouette vs the quick set, but with the quick set it's a good option when running out of real estate. Just a suggestion if you haven't tried it yet.
February 15, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Sarah Jane said…
Mental images, Michael!! MENTAL IMAGES!!

No, I'm kidding. But seriously.
February 24, 2011 at 1:41 AM
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