Many people in my life know I am type one diabetic. I am often referred to as "Diabetic Emily", and no, I don't mind because I know it's true. I am diabetic, and I am proud. I may not have a disability that limits my everyday movement, one that does not allow me to use my hands or legs, or one that affects my sight, but diabetes is a disability-- it is an invisible disability that really does affect everything around me. You may not see the insulin pump that someone who is diabetic is wearing, you may not see them testing their blood sugar, or falling and passing out because their blood sugar got too low but, it's a disability that does, in fact, affect every aspect of their life. Yes, it can be managed, but just because it's manageable does not mean it is livable.
Diabetes is no joke, and it is something that for so long wrecked havoc on my life including relationships, friendships, school, and self-esteem. I want to raise awareness for those with diabetes, because so often type one diabetes is confused with type two diabetes, which are two totally different diseases. If you happen to be interested in learning more about type one diabetes, I suggest this website-- http://www.jdrf.org. Here are some tips to remember when talking to someone who is diabetic.
1. Never feel like you have to apologize while eating something you consider sugary.
Sure, it is a thoughtful idea, but we as diabetics can still eat cake or ice-cream if we really wanted to. We may have to take a little more insulin, but there's no need to apologize, if we wanted to eat it, we would.
2. Offer empathy, not sympathy.
Growing up being diabetic, I had so many people tell me they were sorry. I found myself getting irritated, I didn't understand the difference between being sympathetic and being empathic. Now, being older being sympathetic (feeling sorry for someone) and being empathic (trying to understand the other person's situation by "stepping in their shoes") is so evident. I don't speak for all diabetics, but don't apologize, it's not your fault. All we want is for you to be there for us, that is all.
3. Try to not ask us if we can eat this..or this..or that...or this.
We look at food like scientists look at cells under a microscope. We are always looking at food as to how this will feel in our body and the effect it has on our blood sugars. We are living and breathing how many carbs this food item has, what will I feel like after I eat it, how many units of insulin should I take, etc. We are familiar with what foods we can eat and what foods we choose not to.
4. We know you care about our well-being, but if we want to go out and have fun make sure not to ask us over and over again what our blood sugar is.
More than likely, even if we're a couple or so drinks in we have the ability to remember to test our blood sugar. It is different if someone who is diabetic is passed out, then you take charge, but otherwise, we know our bodies and know what our limits are.
5. If you see someone who looks a bit out of it (obviously who you know is diabetic) offer your help.
See if they are stumbling, having a conversation that doesn't make sense, sadness, being cranky or many other symptoms (these are just the ones that I often have), offer juice or candy (not hard). Sometimes I hate being vulnerable and asking for help, and even if I know I am low I get even more stubborn. I do not like to make a scene, so maybe offer, it could be a low blood sugar attack.
