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PrintThe bombshell is realizing that how we deal with discussing diabetes not only shapes our own self-care, but also has an impact on society. No kidding.
As Maria L. de Alva, former president of the International Diabetes Federation notes: “Hiding diabetes is not the solution. It only makes diabetes a taboo subject. Unless we speak up about diabetes, society will accept misconceptions, and discriminatory attitudes toward people with diabetes will continue. In today's world, people with diabetes have to learn to fight for their rights. Without proper information, it is impossible for them to understand their rights and to demand them.”
OK, but you're not Dick Clark and you’re not Halle Berry, so will disclosing your diabetes really help anyone? The answer is yes.
Case-in-point is California elementary school teacher Mrs. Harris, recently featured on the dLife Wall this June. One of her former second graders is now a diabetes researcher. He attributes his career path to Mrs. Harris’ open discussions of her type 1 diabetes and her proclamation that “maybe one day someone in this class will discover a cure for diabetes.”
Even aside from the many larger-than-life inspirational stories like this one, doesn’t it help you to talk frankly with other people with diabetes about your own concerns? If you can help just one other person by making them feel a little more “normal” about their diabetes, then you’ve done something meaningful.
Mrs. Harris says, “I am not ashamed of my diabetes, but I never say I am ‘a diabetic.’ I am a person first, who has diabetes.” More words of wisdom.
Obviously, we have a collective need for understanding and companionship with this disease, thus the success of online Message Boards and community Web sites like dLife and DiabetesTalkFest. Turning diabetes into a national TV show also makes it mainstream, and somehow easier to share even with “outsiders” who do not have diabetes. Thank you, dLife. That’s why I’m here!
Read more about Amy Tenderich.
Disclaimer
dLife's Daily Living columnists are not all medical experts, but everyday people living with diabetes and sharing their personal experiences. While their method of diabetes management may work for them, everyone is different. Please consult with your diabetes care team to find out what will work best for you.
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