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Jiveyjane

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 1
I wonder whether anyone else has had this reaction to your diabetes. I am type and have danced for many years with no problems. Recently I joined a jive class and was told by one of the teachers that my diabetes scared her and another that she was glad I wasn’t in her class. I am devastated.
 
just a few comments asking what libre sensor when spotted it on arm.

Was whilst staying recently at a hotel with pool, went swimming and was asked if was sure was ok wouldnt reacte with chorline in water etc the attendant every so often popped across to ensure was ok every 15-20 mins.

one pool was awesome when first got diagnosed had let them know and they had a lifegaurd with type1 was my first time trying swimming and was nervous about lows. he was very reassuring and also shared some tips and said could go grab my phone and have it poolside.

couple comments months ago places used to eat at when i asked waiter if they would mind letting me know a rough time food would arrive, was asked why said as needed to inject some insulin and requested i do in the loo (no way).
 
Jiveyjane said:
I think they are scared I will collapse from a hypo. I haven’t ever actually done that and I do keep checking.
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Can you talk to them to ask why they're scared? In a conversation you might be able to explain how diabetes works for you and how it may affect your dance class so they'll have more understanding.
It would also be a good moment to let them know how their remarks made you feel.

Keep dancing and enjoy!
 
I would definitely educate them the more people know the better and I certainly wouldn’t hide it. People who know me know I’ve got T1 , and if they don’t know me it’s not long before they know , comes with not having any legs I guess. I normally get asked was I in the forces , I could give it attacked by a crocodile whilst in Africa but no lost em to poor diabetic control so the cats out of the bag quite quick
 
swearing is prohibited on this forum, but I want to say that both of these teasers are not good people (I hope you put the right word here). do they really think that you are unable to understand when your bg is low and prevent loss of consciousness? at the same time, they are supposed to know by profession what to do if people in their classes stretch their muscles, get dislocations, etc. Maybe you should look for a group with another teaser (if there are other dance studios where you live)? Not all people are like that. Many people just ask what they should do if you have hypo and buy some sweets just in case. Don't let these teachers discourage your interest in dancing. They're the bad professionals, but you're not a problem person.
 
Zhnyaka said:
I want to say that both of these teasers are not good people (I hope you put the right word here).
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I think you meant to use the word 'teacher', and I fully agree with your message.
In my swimming class I took the time to explain to my teachers, they were interested but not at all alarmed or worried.
 
Education, education, education.

People fear what they don't understand.

I always tell swimming pool attendants that I'm diabetic and where I've left my glucose at the side of the pool, but have never had any issues with them or with needing help with a hypo. But I regard it as due diligence.

Your dance teachers drive every day in an environment where perhaps 1% of the drivers on the road are T1 and a hypo would be a lot more dangerous than in a dance class. With the advent of cgms the risk of serious hypos has gone down dramatically and I am sure that diabetics have been dancing and driving for longer than the 55 years I've been T1. Are your dance teachers scared about what would happen if someone had a heart attack during their lessons? Hypos are a lot easier to deal with... What about sprained ankles or falls where people hit their heads.

If you teach a physical education type class, then you need to know how to do basic first aid. That includes hypos.
 
To be fair at our leisure Center you must inform them of any medical issues that may you may need help with. I’ve never had problems, all staff have been professional and thanked me for letting them know. Jelly babies sit at the end of my swim lane and phone is in a bag near by.
If the dance instructors are part of a Center I would be informing management. Their behaviour is not professional.
On the other hand it would be pretty bad manners not to give a heads up on a condition that you may need to attend to during a class/session.
 
Jiveyjane said:
I wonder whether anyone else has had this reaction to your diabetes. I am type and have danced for many years with no problems. Recently I joined a jive class and was told by one of the teachers that my diabetes scared her and another that she was glad I wasn’t in her class. I am devastated.
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Would they have the same view towards someone with arthritic knees, I wonder? In any case as a service provider the teacher is bound by the Equality Act and is obliged to make reasonable adjustments for someone with a disability (diabetes being defined as such).

Lack of understanding.....

Don't allow someone's ignorance to cause you to feel devastated or less worthy.
 
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