You might be expecting the unresasonable for some health professionals with diabetes to work in diabetes care. I had qualified as a Registered General Nurse when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, aged 30 years. I had also just gained a BSc Marine Biology, and was working in ecotourism - the degree became virtually useless on diagnosis, an effect of blanket bans on professional SCUBA diving, boat driving, overwintering in Antarctica etc. The medics I came into contact with were so useless, that I avoided any contact beyond absolute essentials (getting repeat prescriptions) not setting foot in hospital for over 5 years, by which time I had gained MSc Environmental Technology (Health and the Environment option). In the first 5 years after diagnosis, I had to leave New Zealand, return to parents' home in West Midlands, study in London, research project in Belfast, first post grad job in Cambridge, all while trying to earn a living, by whatever means were still open to me.
However, having got into health research, I am now working on the causes and effects of obesity and diabetes. But earlier on, I couldn't have coped with this sort of work, and still don't want to meet fat inactive type 2 diabetics with complications - it's too personal, despite being young, fit, active, normal weight etc. It's great if people with diabetes feel they can work in the field, but please remember the costs - it's nice to have one part of your life not dominated by the condition!
I would add that a couple of people with diabetes have had big positive effects on me - a teenage lad with diabetes who was in my expedition group about 5 years before my diagnosis - I remember thinking if he did it, then I can continue to do similat things, which I have and he has too, and has become a doctor, specialising in emergency medicine; a male diabetes specialist nurse, when I finally set foot inside a diabetes clinic, who reassured me I was doing OK.
