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November 21st, 2008
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I have yet to really "weigh-in" or write a specific blog on a topic that is regularly discussed among people with diabetes. This is something diabetics deal with on a daily basis. For lack of a better word, I am talking about ignorance. Basically, as diabetics we talk with people everyday who lack a BASIC understanding of what exactly diabetes is. Heck, even I, will be the first to admit to you that I couldn't tell you EXACTLY what it is. I don't know all the medical terminology or the exact biological process that I went through as I was becoming diabetic. NOR DO I EXPECT everyone else too. I am not saying that it's wrong that people don't understand what diabetes is, but what I am saying, is that if you don't know what a "low" is or what "insulin" does, or what it basically means to be diabetic, 'please', at least speaking for MYSELF, 'don't act like you do'.

Like the other day, I told a person I had diabetes and they said, "Oh, so you have to take insulin when you need sugar?" I didn't even know how to respond. Another remark I got was, "ohh, you can't have any alcohol then can you?" I feel like I have perfected a speech for dumb questions like these. And unfortunately this is the type of discussion I have weekly.

Now to be fair, not EVERYONE is so ignorant. But here's my advice to all. If you really don't know what diabetes is, or if you think because you had an "aunt, or a "friend in college", or you "knew a person who had diabetes really bad, that drank or passed out all the time", please take the time to consider how you might be affecting our emotions. We live with this stuff everyday of our lives and for someone to come around and act as if they actually know what it's like, just because they "knew someone" it discredits everything I DO to take care of my diabetes.

I know I went on a rant, but I think this is the part in my entry where I tell you that I am super sensitive. Here's my theory why. After becoming diabetic at an early age and going through years of feeling as if everything I knew about life was taken away from me, I have turned into someone who has VERY fragile feelings. I just wish more people would consider those feelings before trying to act like they know what it's like to live in my shoes.



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Andy

Great post. I hope that many people who DON'T have diabetes read it.

A number of us are working on the diabetes 365 photo project. I think one of the nice things that might come out of it is a better understanding about life with diabetes, especially for anyone who DOESN'T have it.

Check it out at:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/mydiabetesathome/

It must be touching a nerve, because it's been going for less than two weeks and we have over 120 photos with more being added every day.


Thanks for the comment Bernard :) I appreciate it. I put a lot of "heart" into this post and I tried hard not to offend anyone.

I checked out your photo project a little and it appears to be very cool too. Thanks for that also :)

-andy bell


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Andy Bell
Andy Bell has lived with diabetes since the age of 14. He controls his type 1 diabetes by taking multiple daily injections. Andy is 28 years old now and despite his diabetes, still maintains a very active lifestyle. Andy works for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in the National Outreach Department. (Read More)

Latest Posts: My Day (Be Present) | Just Do It (not a plug for Nike) | Thanks Pretty Dietitian Lady!

Scott Marvel
Scott lives an active life with type 1 diabetes. Aiming to stay on top of his unexpected diagnosis, he puts a strong foot forward to stay in control.
Living life in the sun and fulfilling his dreams, Scott tries to educate himself, and others, on the unquestionable possibilities of a life with type 1 diabetes.(Read More)


Latest Posts: Get Emotional On World Diabetes Day | Bring On Flu Season | Out of Pocket Pumping

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