My parents feel guilty for passing on bad genes and they like me were told I would have complications, would have to have a caesarian if I had kids, would die early from diabetes. Difficultys with life insurance and car insurance in those days too...
Friends can be closer than family too.
Think it is a natural reaction from anybody... Doesnt matter what you do to put brave face on to others, it is a natural thing.
I have a friend with MS in a wheelchair and I have the same thoughts toward her..
I just wish I could do something to help her, and yes I have gone home from walking my dogs in the rain, i just had to have my long coat on... She had to have a less nice looking cape thing put over her and her wheelchair..
My thoughts were always... Poor xxx, but then I so admired her too as she always took her dog out and pushed herself every single day.
I think people do feel sorry that we have to look after ourselves different to non diabetics... But they also admire the strength in our minds and bodies to cope.
I think also, people also know of people that have had complications and expect that you will get the same. Another friend has a type 1 sister who hasnt worked in her life, claims full dla, has had laser treatment within last 2 years. As soon as he knew me, he felt sorry for me based on his sister... But straight away it turned to admiration when he knew what I had done during my life.
But he does feel sorry for me because he knows all about hypos and hypers and just wishes that nobody had the disease... Not just me.