Before, I ended up in the hospital with pneumonia and diabetic ketosis I didn't really take my diabetes that seriously. It was part of my life and I tried to do the things the doctor told me to do, but would end up discouraged because there was little progress. That started a cycle of going off the diet/ back on the diet. Taking almost every med for diabetes that's possible and not seeing much results.
Now, there is some question that I might have been diagnosed with the wrong diabetes (DT2), I am researching about DT1 almost daily. I was told not to be so frightened with that possibility and seek another opinion. I don't think that was very compassionate, of course, I'm going to be upset. And it's a test that will most definitely confirm I have it or not,opinions will have nothing to do with it. I know nothing about living with DT1, I'll have to learn how to manage it if that is the case. I'll have to learn a whole new language of diabetes. Don't tell me how to feel and don't dismiss it like it's nothing.
I want to be an advocate for this terrible disease without losing my sense of humor or my mind. I want to bombard and share what I've learned with as many people as who will listen. My hope is that some of the judgment will cease and some of the ignorance will become knowledge around this condition. My mother lost her foot to this terrible disease; my sister-in-law lost her leg and she died of complications of diabetes.
I like to joke around as much as other people ,but I don't like jokes where you think it's because we ate too much sugar. I don't like the attitude well, at least it isn't cancer. Cancer is a terrible disease and we need advocates for that as well so, I'm not downplaying it, but don't downplay diabetes either, please. This is from someone who did have cancer,has relatives who have had cancer, and knows someone who's partner has died from cancer. So ,I know how devastating cancer is. But illness is not some kind of morbid competition. Surely ,we can have compassion for all people who have any kind of condition or disease that makes their life hard and causes such sorrow in the life of the people they leave behind.
I used to not take my diabetes very seriously... Now ,I do. My hope is that others will,too.
I feel for you. We have spoken about this together before. My situation and approach to keeping my sugar levels controlled is so bass ackwards of the norm I'm willing to bet few would survive doing my diet and insulin balance. But I've finally regained the weight I lost two and half years ago which has been my major struggle.
@Gibbon We all are different even on diabetes. What will work for some doesn't work for others. My sugars are fairly well balanced now,thanks to the combination of diet and insulin. Without insulin they are high and my AC1 is high.
When I was first diagnosed there was some doubt about whether I have Type 1 or Type 2. Eventually levelled out as 2. I don't find it difficult to live with, and medicate accordingly
Our journeys through life often contain obstacles to overcome. Some are trivial, many are not, but from all we gain knowledge in how to cope. I wish you well in yours Rae and for all that are suffering.
@Nimbus I'm learning to validate these sorrows and not try to put on a happy fake front so others can feel more comfortable . The sorrows will pass and strength will come,but a bit of kindness in the meantime is appreciated. Thank you for yours.
