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December 1st, 2008
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Diabetes: It sounds like such an ugly thing. The sound of the word diabetes makes me think something bad. When you hear the word said you're probably not thinking it is a good thing. DIABETES, I say it out loud to myself and I attempt to analyze it. The first part of the word says "Di" pronounced "die". DIABETES, I say it again. Why are you such an ugly sounding word? Can we rename you "beautiful-abetes"? That sounds a lot better. When you hear "diabetes" your mind instantly associates with bad. But, if our disease name was a word that didn't make you say "di(e)", I bet we wouldn't have as many people feeling sorry for us. How about "liveable-abetes"? I could LIVE with that!

I don't know, maybe a bunch of us could get a petition together to change the name?? I would personally take it to congress to see about getting that done!! (Just some food for thought).

But, if I could continue to be somewhat serious for a second, I have always had a problem with how the word diabetes makes me feel. It just sounds so darn miserable and nasty. It is basically like a cuss word. "Type-1 diabetic! Type-2 diabetic! Juvenile onset diabetes! DIABETES! DIABETES! DIABETES! AAHHHHHHH!!!!!! I am glad I don't have much hair as it is, because I would be pulling it out right now if I had any.

I am sure the way the world feels about diabetes will continue to evolve. As more and more people get diagnosed, people's idea of what diabetes is will change. In 5 years people may not even remember what diabetes was. In 5 years diabetes may be so common that when you hear the word said people will just look at you like you have a common cold. Whatever the case, I am just sick of feeling negative every time I hear the word "diabetes". Let's keep up the work on continuing to change that. Thanks for listening. -Andy



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Andy

I think you're right about the perception changing as this disease starts to impact more people. One thing's for sure, they're never going to call it funabetes!


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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)

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Lindsey Guerin
Lindsey is a typical, yet unique, Texas girl who loves shopping, movies and reading. She loves to travel and take risks. She dreams of diabetes cures, never-ending cheesecake and her own airplane. The rest you can discover in her blog!(Read More)

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