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What do you say?

PaulinaB

Well-Known Member
Messages
594
Location
London, UK
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi!

Recently I've been out having lunch with my co-workers and one of them asked why I ordered a bun-less burger (white bread, awful spikes...). I said it has too may carbs for me, but I felt like it sounded weird. What do you say when people ask about stuff like that? I don't want to sound like people ordering gigantic meal at mcdonalds and "diet coke please, i don't want to get fat"... but saying "I'm diabetic" usually gives people a wrong idea, that I can't eat certain stuff. I CAN eat whatever, I simply choose not to, because it makes me feel awful. I want to be able to say something to those questions that will give people an option to ask more if they want to know (I prefer people asking about diabetes, at least I can set straight all those stupid things people sometimes think), but without giving them a whole lecture about diabetes...

On the other hand there are questions I prefer people not to ask... Like, when someone finds out I'm diabetic and asks questions (again, good thing) there always comes this sentence "you seem to be handling it pretty well". What am I supposed to say? The truth? "My doc upped my antidepressants, so it's not that bad"? I usually end up with something like "Yeah, well..." and that ends with an awkward silence...
 
I usually say something like "oh it's just diabetes stuff that's all" and then have a sip of drink, usually the end of it.

And to those who say about handling it well I say something like "most of the time but we all have bad days"

Or you could just say you don't like bread!

Indiana x


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The biggest thing I probably run in to is people saying I can't have something purely because I am diabetic when that is not the case.
I am the same as you in that I would rather educate people yet I always find either people are not interested or seem disinterested.
 
I say something along the lines of "I'm following a low carb diet because it's the best way to manage my diabetes". Most people have heard of a low carb diet (or you can say Atkins diet if not). And they will take your word for it that a low carb diet is a valid choice for a diabetic. So actually you can end up educating people and spreading the word that there's not a one size fits all diet for diabetics.

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Ha! That actually sounds really good! Thanks!
 
Spiker´s advice is very sound.

Mine would be to tell them how bad the bun is for all, not only diabetics and that they would do better to avoid it, too.

Like do you know what that thing will do to your metabolism? No? Never heard about fatty liver? Or what high insulin does? My, you don't know much about the effect your food choices have on your health, do you?

But I like being provocative. Not all of us do.
 
Just say you don't eat white bread.........simples you shouldn't have to go into the in's & out's of why you don't.
 
In a similar situation (although as T2, I do,need to be mindful of diet), I just I don't get along with bread/sugar/whatever so well these days. For most people, that's enough.
 
Regarding food, I'd just answer that it's the way I like it.
Regarding the "you seem to be handling it well"; I'd just respond with a thank you and a smile. Not everyone needs/wants to know all the ins, outs and difficulties when it comes to diabetes. They usually just need simple explanations when they express an interest.
 
Like Spiker I take the opportunity to educate people about the sad state of our food where all the flour is highly processed. When is a burger chain going to offer wholemeal/wholegrain buns even if they charge more?
 
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