Occupational health at work suggested that I go see my GP and ate more fruit when I asked about reasonable adjustmentsSome 35 years ago I was a regular commuter on a fairly long distance train to London. There were actually quite a group of us who had got to know each other and there was often a bit of a party atmosphere. Strangers coming into "our" carriage were generally made welcome. One evening there was a young woman of my own age, so I offered her some sweets, she declined saying she couldn't eat sugar, so, feeling generous, I offered some fruit, again declined. I was told, a bit sniffily, that fruit contained sugar - end of conversation. If there had been an internet in the 1980's I expect she would have gone home and had a moan about me.
I don't know why I remembered the incident, but when my husband got his diagnosis, four years ago, it came back to me. Eat five a day, definitely not, FRUIT CONTAINS SUGAR. And so began our low carb journey.
The point I am trying to make, should you still be with me, is that people may be a pain in the bum, but you never know when you might actually be helping or educating someone.
Sally
Having diabetes type 1 for 53 years, I was brought up in an environment where diabetes was rare so had the feeling of being different from an early age. I still hold this stigma but have developed over the years to be subtle and inconspicuous when testing and injecting. I have never been one for demonstrating my difference openly in public. I have seen others do this and feel almost jealous that I don’t have the bravado to perform these acts.I know for myself, the biggest physiological impact of Diabetes stigma is that I don't like to test or inject in public because I don't like it when people look and I wonder what they think. I have delayed testing and injecting, particularly in restaurants, because of this. What are your experiences and feelings on this, or other diabetes stigma related experiences?
I am sorry that any type 1 spoke to you in that manner -- clearly this person had no manners and understanding of our mutual underlying illness.I work in a care home and was once asked, when testing BG in the staff room, to go and test somewhere more discreet - by a nurse, of all people.
Having said that, it seems that some of the worst stigma can come from other diabetics - the old Type 1 vs Type 2 thing. Worst thing I've seen on an FB thread was someone saying "At least I've got proper diabetes, not some fat person problem."
I work in a care home and was once asked, when testing BG in the staff room, to go and test somewhere more discreet - by a nurse, of all people.
Having said that, it seems that some of the worst stigma can come from other diabetics - the old Type 1 vs Type 2 thing. Worst thing I've seen on an FB thread was someone saying "At least I've got proper diabetes, not some fat person problem."
Just wonder what you mean by type2s being being baby fed meals and meds?I edged on being annoyed about care for'd able bodied type 2s. Baby fed their meals and meds. Then I realised. They could only manage their diabetes that way..... for now.
I have to manage everything and by god it's hard work. 4 of us here and we are all very different but a happy family
I'm no longer gripey about spoon fed able bodied type 2s. We are all different!
Personally, I kind of like injecting in public. Once you realise people are not being rude, and that they are just interested, it’s actually quite empoweringI know for myself, the biggest physiological impact of Diabetes stigma is that I don't like to test or inject in public because I don't like it when people look and I wonder what they think. I have delayed testing and injecting, particularly in restaurants, because of this. What are your experiences and feelings on this, or other diabetes stigma related experiences?
I must agree that it has become easier for me as Ive become older.I have had Type 1 since 1991, with both my sisters also type 1. When I was diagnosed I adopted the approach that “My diabetes had to live with me and not me with it.” So have always tested and injected wherever and whenever necessary. I became the VP of a major telecom company and would test at meetings, with Customers present the whole range. Never had any problems. I also think as a 60 year old that has had Diabetes for 26 years it is up to me and other like minded Type 1’s to fly the flag for all the youngsters just coming to terms with becoming a Diabetic. They see you testing and injecting in public, they come and talk to you about their diabetes and the pressures they are under. Lead the way set good examples that is my philosophy
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