Ayhan Yildiz

One thing I have learned over my years with this disease is that many people know nothing about it. All of those typical stereotypes are still running rampant and sometimes its up to us to educate these people.

At times I feel like my shoes are soapboxes when I talk about diabetes to my family and friends. I never used to be this way but more and more I see how diabetes is misunderstood and instead of complaining about that I hope I can make a difference. I'll tell you, it is worth.

My buddy told me over the weekend that he had a run in with someone about diabetes. He said, "Dude, before I met you I didn't know anything about diabetes but now I get mad when people say stupid stuff about it."

He went on to tell me that a friend of his was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and my buddy told him about me. Apparently the guy told him that he plans on curing himself with this website he found and that I should check it out. My buddy explained to him that I was a type 1 and could not be cured. He also told him, "Dude, don't quote me but I think even people that control diabetes with diet and exercise still have diabetes. Right?"

"Right."

It was cool to know that my friends take in some of the stuff I rant about. It is also awesome that they are not afraid to talk about it.