The barbershop pole - a symbol rooted in the bloodletting practices of barber surgeons - resonates deeply with my experience living with diabetes. Like the old belief that health depended on balancing blood, I manage my daily blood glucose by testing and regulating my levels through precise carbohydrate and insulin choices. This image connects the historic bloodletting ritual with my modern reality of diabetes self-care, exploring how both reflect a personal goal for balance and well-being.