I know he meant well.

I know he was just curious.

I know he is simply concerned about my health.

But seriously, since when is "So how's your diabetus?" an acceptable question?

It's not like saying "How's your broken leg?" or "Is your cold getting any better?" The status of diabetes doesn't get any better.

I should say, though, that I suspect my friend--whom I had reminded that I have diabetes when he spotted my pump the day before I got hooked up--was really just wondering if the pump was making things easier for me. In fact, he asked as much several minutes later.

I suspect, also, that he feels slightly more connected to me now in a weird way. The day I introduced him to Toohey, he told me a story about a person he used to work with, who was diabetic. An uncontrolled diabetic at that. My friend and other coworkers convinced this person to see a doctor and get under control. He went on a pump and his life magically turned around. Well, sort of. But there was a remarkable difference in this person's behavior after he got under control.

"It's fine," I stumbled on my words a little when P. asked that odd question. "It's good. Everything's fine." I looked away from him because I wasn't really sure how to respond. I sort of let that one go. I mean, I know he was just wondering how I'm doing.

But then he dropped the bomb.

"J. felt so bad the other day about leaving the cookies on the table right in front of you when you were over for our meeting," he said.

Are you serious?!?

"It's not like I can't eat cookies," I said. "I can eat sweets, I just have to take the right amount of medicine."

I felt like I was talking into a void. I know he was listening to me, but he already had this notion that diabetes=no sweets.

I tried to educate a little more, but I think...*sigh*...I think I just didn't want to. I think I've tired of dispelling myths.