OK....this is my second post of the day, but something just came up that REALLY bothered me. I was talking with some of my friends about a man who had diabetes. That's when one of my friends said, "He died of diabetes."
I responded with, "You don't die of diabetes. You die of diabetes-related complications."
They then told me they didn't agree, blah blah blah. They said that you wouldn't have those complications if you didn't have diabetes to begin with.
Well, I see what they're saying, but a lot of the complications diabetics get, other people without diabetes can get too! Let's see...high blood pressure, heart disease, eye complications, skin complications....you don't need diabetes to get those!!!
I guess the reason I got so upset was because that was like them telling me I was going to die from my diabetes....which I'm determined not to happen! I do everything I can to prevent these complications from occuring! I test my blood sugar 8-10 times a day, I went on an insulin pump so I could better manage it, I count my carbohydrates, exercise, and hopefully am getting the dexcom! That's like saying all the work I do to prevent complications is just a waste!!! UGH!
I love my friends, but I just wish they could understand where I'm coming from when I get so agree at statements like that.
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ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteI applaud you and the AWESOME care you take of yourself. You are doing a great job. I can only hope and dream that I can parent Joe and guide him to do as well as you are.
XOXO Reyna
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Connie, I am the mommy of two little girls...both of them were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a very young age, they were 18 months old and 2 years old at the time of diagnosis. I found your blog through BETA BUDDIES. I know how it feels to have people make assumptions about something that they don't fully understand, I don't always think it's intentional. In fact most of my family and friends always have the best intentions when they are talking to me about diabetes, unfortunately they have still said things that have hurt me or angered me. I try to remember that most people know very little about type 1 diabetes unless they are directly affected by it, it helps to lessen the sting.
That is one of the reasons I started my blog, I want my friends, my family and anyone else who will listen to get a better understanding of type 1 diabetes. I also wanted the connection with others who are living with this.
It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job taking care of yourself, I hope my girls have the discipline that it sounds like you have to take care of their health when it comes time for them to take over the responsibility. Keep up the good work :)
Good for you for educating them, even if they don't agree! I don't know that anyone who hasn't lived it will ever really get it - is that bad to say?!
ReplyDeleteHi Karen!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog! I think it's awesome that you're working towards being a diabetes educator! I often wish I could switch careers and do the same thing!
Over the past year, I've learned that people say lots of things about diabetes and diabetics. Most of it is a least somewhat innacurate and irritating! I have learned this: you don't GET D unless you HAVE D. (And I practically consider myself having D right now since I'm the one who's working as the pancreas!). People make comments and say things and I truly think that they mean well - they just don't get it! I don't think anyone can fully understand what it's like and how much it hurts if you don't live it. Your friends probably think it's no big deal to say that a person dies from diabetes. All they see is the black and white.
What they don't know is that D is so much more than black and white. It hurts us physically and emotionally. It takes things away. Makes life more difficult. Is with us 24/7, 365. So I understand why the comment is aggrivating! And I LOVE your attitude that D is not going to win!
Keep your chin up and vent to those of us who do "get" it! And give your Mom a big hug! I can't imagine what it will be like to send my baby away to college. I'll probably call her in the middle of the night so I know her bg numbers. Well, maybe first thing in the morning! And you should totally tell your Mom that an iphone helps manage D! Send her my blog post! It really does help me out a lot!
(((hugs))) to you!
It was insensitive, at best. I bet they were so unaware of their insensitivity not because they are mean, but because you are such a good example of D care and they presume such things will not happen to you. Maybe, in fact, it's actually a compliment!
ReplyDeleteSounds like your 'friend' doesn't know what they're talking about. Working on your control does make a difference. I've had T1 for almost 38 years now and I've had no serious problems, biggest one so far is a frozen shoulder. One of my pumping buddies has had diabetes for 60 years (since age 2) and he's got no major problems.
ReplyDeleteTalk with any of the folks who really know about life with the big D, they'll tell you that maintaing your control does make a difference both now and in the future.