Today's prompt:Today let’s borrow a topic from a #dsma chat held last September. The tweet asked “What is one thing you would tell someone that doesn’t have diabetes about living with diabetes?”. Let’s do a little advocating and post what we wish people knew about diabetes. Have more than one thing you wish people knew? Go ahead and tell us everything.
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Yes, I can eat that. I just need to do the appropriate amount of insulin to cover it.
No, I don't care about your Great Aunt Enid who died from diabetes. Or your friend who had an amputation. Or your coworker who had a heart attack because of the 'beetus. I'm not any one of those people.
I "don't look fat enough" to have diabetes? I "look really healthy for someone with diabetes"? You're rude and misinformed.
Just because I need insulin does not mean my diabetes is "the bad kind." All the kinds are bad kinds because it's a disease not a prize, and insulin is just one of the methods of treatment (and the only one for Type 1).
If I choose to drink diet soda or use sweetener, that is my decision. Judge not lest ye be judged.
Sorry, that's not a beeper - those went out of style in the 90s. That's my insulin pump.
My low candy is not a treat for you. It is for hypoglycemia emergencies only.
I carry a purse so I can lug around all of my disease equipment, not your wallet/keys/sunglasses.
Yes, I know I create a lot of medical waste. My other option is dying, and I'm not into that kind of population control.
I'm sorry about the noise. My Dexcom is loud, but it's for a good reason. I need to know about the alarms.
Sigh. YES, I've seen Steel Magnolias. YES, I had a baby. NO, it is not surprising I survived.
All the above is to say this: Rather than assuming you know something about me or my disease, please just ask. I will be delighted to share my knowledge and experience with you, and I will consider myself lucky to be advocating for me and my tribe.
I like your list!
ReplyDeleteAmen!
ReplyDeleteHow do people even remember beepers? I used to just say "yes, it's my beeper" and "no, I'm not a doctor", then let them figure it out. If anyone ever dared to complain about the volume of medical waste I produce they'd find themselves stuffed headfirst in the closest Sharps container.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. Thanks for the smiles.
ReplyDeletei was nodding along to all of these, yes, especially the end, thank you.
ReplyDeleteps I'M NOT SHELBY is an amazing button.
I really enjoyed your post, I'm still laughing!
ReplyDeleteOh -the "my aunt and grandmother and sister's brother's dog..." Grrr.
ReplyDeleteI went out to lunch with a friend today and we got giant burgers and diet sodas. I would like to *just once* not be judged for drinking a DIET soda when I am clearly not on a DIET. ;)
ReplyDelete