It hasn't been an easy life for me. I won't hesitate in beginning this article with that. I'm not searching for pity with that statement, either. Honestly, I just want people to understand why I am the way I am and why I'm sometimes resentful of people who still have their good health. I never realized how easily something like that could be taken for granted until I didn't have it. It's not like a chose this for myself.

I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 9 after going into a diabetic coma. For ten years, I've had to explain my condition to different people and, in return, have received many questions (and sometimes accusations) about my diabetes. If you're like most people, you probably don't know much about it. I'm here to help you not make a fool of yourself the next time you find yourself faced with a Type 1 Diabetic. These are some things and actual diabetic would like you to know.

1. There's a difference between Type 1 and Type 2

No, there is no "good kind" or "bad kind". They're both bad. But at least one can be managed to the point of potentially disappearing altogether (that would be type 2). You see, type 1 diabetics got this thing by chance. We happened to hit the genetic jackpot when it came to this incurable disease. We take insulin daily to control our blood sugar levels. It's all we can do. No amount of good diet and exercise will get rid of it, despite what you may have heard. However, a good diet and exercise does work in favor of those with type 2 diabetes and can lessen the severity of the disease and even reverse it. Do some research on them and enlighten yourself.

2. Yes, I can eat "that"

Despite what you may have heard, the only thing I really can't eat is poison. I cannot tell you how many times while growing up (and even today, at age 19) I was asked by friends, adults, teachers, etc. if I should be eating a certain food (usually something sweet, because, God forbid we enjoy anything good). I can eat whatever I please as long as I monitor my blood sugar afterwords and give myself the right amount of insulin for it (you can look up what this means, too. I'm not about to give you a lecture on the history and process of diabetes management). Next time you want to ask a diabetic if they should be eating *insert probably sugary food here*, ask yourself if even you should be eating it (chances are, none of us should be eating most of anything that's out there).

3. Diabetic jokes actually aren't funny

Okay, sometimes they are. But only if they are coming from another diabetic. It doesn't make me feel very good when I scroll through my Facebook newsfeed and see a meme of a plate of delicious, sugary goodness with the caption "Diabeetus"... or anything of the likes. Use your imagination. You know you've seen plenty. You shouldn't make fun of diabetes, type 1 or type 2. It's a disability. Many of us are stuck with it. You wouldn't (and definitely shouldn't) make fun of other disabilities, so why should you be allowed to laugh at mine? The only kinds of diabetic jokes I laugh at are legitimate ones that mimic the real life struggles of this disease in a light hearted way. We've got to laugh through the pain sometimes, so please, just leave the jokes to the actual diabetics and go about your day.

4. Stop telling us how much you hate needles/how you couldn't do what we do if you had diabetes

I honestly don't care how much you hate needles. I hate them, too. Never really cared for them until I learned that they would be what continue to aid in my life saving treatment. Whether it's finger pricks, insulin injections, getting the routine blood culture done, or whatever it may be, needles are just a part of our life. You telling me how you couldn't do what I do if you had what I had makes me laugh, simply because I would die if I didn't get over my fear of needles. Also, don't use the comeback that I'm "used to it". You don't get "used" to diabetes. There are days I sit and stare at the needle in my hands for what seems like hours because I can't will myself to shove it into my skin. I eventually suck it up and do it... sometimes I cry. But tears are worth it if it means I get to live to see another day. The least you can do is hush about the one time a year you have to get a finger pricked at the doctor.

5. Living with diabetes is harder than you could imagine

I can't even begin to explain to you what it feels like to be afraid to go to sleep at night because you're worried you won't wake up in the morning. There are nights I haven't slept because my blood sugars have been so uncontrollable. I don't think my parents have gotten a good night's sleep in the ten years of my diagnosis, especially now that I've moved three hours away to college. Aside from the fear of the unknown, the bills are unfathomable. Sure, we have insurance. But there are still times I've still had to pay $90 to get a bottle of plastic test strips in order to check my blood sugar regularly. Not to mention the additional costs of the meter, the insulin pump, the lancets, the insulin, the glucose tablets, the CGMs, the medical tape, the batteries, and the priceless thing that is my peace of mind. My family and I are in debt to my own body.

Every day is a fight for people with diabetes. Sometimes, it gets the best of us. Sometimes, we just don't feel like going any further. We get tired of fighting, but we know that if we stop, we will cease to exist. That's reason enough to keep pushing, but it doesn't mean it's not hard.

So, the next time you want to open your mouth and say something ignorant about diabetes, think about what we go through, and maybe don't say what you were originally going to say. Educate yourself. We are happy to answer any questions you have about our disease. The more people who know means the more people who can spread awareness in the hopes of finding a cure. We want you to be curious and ask questions, but there's a difference in asking and assuming.