Express yourself.

How every diabetic feels inside

"Oh, you have the bad type..." 

Over the weekend I have read a lot of articles covering diabetes stories from the elderly, to the very young. I attended an event on diabetes this Saturday that was held by the ADA and was outstanding by the way. But I noticed something. I went with my mother and as I mingled with the crowd it seemed like everyone always assumed she was the one who had it instead of me.

Does diabetes have a certain look?

Can someone tell me what that looks like because I would love to know. Then I thought, this is where the Lack of knowledge comes in. Everyone assumes that because someone is in a wheelchair, or they're overweight, or walking with a cane that they are the ones with the chronic disease. Not the case in diabetes. I have it, and I may not look like the typical stereotype of having this disease, but I do. Oh, but that isn't all, when I let someone know that I have it, suddenly their entire perspective of me changes right before my eyes. They become nervous, and I could see it in their eyes how much they pity the girl with the disease. I even had a discussion with someone who jokingly told me I should get tested to make sure I don't have it, (He probably thought he was flirting) but while I didn't find that very funny, I informed them, that I indeed do have it and I was just diagnosed not more than 2 months ago. Not so funny anymore huh. 

It doesn't matter the type. Diabetes is a disease, and no one wants to have it. So no, we aren't exactly exaggerating when depression is normal among recent diagnosed diabetics!

I wanted to take this time out to share a story about a young diabetic teen who went to a drive in movie theater and was denied admission because he was not allowed to bring outside food into the theater  Here's the link to that story and you guys can tell me your opinion on that....

http://7online.com/news/diabetic-teen-kicked-out-of-theater-for-candy-contraband/264318/

As a person with living with this, we don't need to be reminded everyday, we don't need to be excluded out of things because "we aren't supposed to eat that" we want to feel normal. I want to be normal, and that means we need support. Don't give me a strange look when you hear of my disease, don't say you feel sorry for me, don't tell me it'll be okay, I know. I am still a person that does not discriminate against anyone, and everyone living with this doesn't need to feel bad about themselves. As long as we keep faith and keep pushing, you can master it for those who haven't already. Think of the future diagnosed as our inspiration, who do they look up to when they need advice?

We can still dance, we can still exercise, we can still cook, run, jump, fly(in a plane of course) and much more. If I can do it so can you. And if anyone ever needs someone to talk to you can always email me directly I'll always respond.

Drop some comments on your feelings about the article, I'd love to hear your opinions!