Should type 1 diabetics have a different name?!
Question: I'm a type 1 diabetic and I am so sick of being made fun of at school because I "brought this on myself" by eating too much sugary foods or junk foods, when that's not even remotely true!! I think we need a new name or something, what about you? Does anybody have any suggestions?
And another question: Why are people so uneducated about diabetes?
Answers: I'm a type 1 diabetic and I am so sick of being made fun of at school because I "brought this on myself" by eating too much sugary foods or junk foods, when that's not even remotely true!! I think we need a new name or something, what about you? Does anybody have any suggestions?
And another question: Why are people so uneducated about diabetes?
It's tough to be different from other people, and others can be utterly insensitive toward those who are so unfortunate as to have a problem that forces them to have a different lifestyle (diet, medications, etc.). Of course it's not your fault that you're a type I diabetic, and it is absolutely true that you did not bring this on yourself. It occurred because of a combination of factors, including your particular genetic make-up and possibly an infection with a certain serotype of coxsackie virus (maybe it would be better not to mention the part about the virus to your friends, because the causation of type I diabetes is pretty complicated and most people won't listen long enough to hear what you tell them -- there was an article in the New England Journal of Medicine about the causes of type I diabetes around 1980, give or take a couple of years).
It's also an unfortunate truth that many people chose to remain uninformed and uneducated. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink (platitude). The person who can read but choses not to has no advantage over the person who cannot read (another platitude). It's clear that you are bright, as well, but remember that the average person is not so bright -- half of all the people you encounter in life are intelectually below average. So maybe it's best not to try to correct them yourself -- you'll never get anything else done, and they won't listen unless they happen to want to hear what you've got to say. So let them think what they think, and you take care of yourself and your health.
Because they never learn, they think they're smart and everything revolves around them thinking their funny.
They should call it. Diabetes, because isn't it the same thing just a sort of a bit difference? Stick with Diabetes because it's the only word American's would know.
I think that people are so uneducated is because the doctors aren't officially sure what causes type 1. They still haven't told us why my oldest has it. We had to hear theories from other people with it. I don't have a good name for you, sorry. When my neighbor's daughter was first diagnosed 2 yrs ago, he had the school hold an assembly where they educated the whole school. So when my daughter got it a couple of months ago, it wasn't weird for her. Most of the kids already knew what the disease is. I have had to explain to a few kids how my daughter got it, but they've pretty accepting. You, your parents, & school nurse might want to try to educate the student body. It's not fair that you have to defend yourself daily. Good luck!!
The people who make fun of you are VERY rude they dont kno what your going through like how would they feel having to take needles all the time and watching yourself ... in my opinoin i dont really like having to do all this stuff there is only one girl in my school who thinks she is my friend but always makes me feel worse but anyways they are just being really rude justtell them that they dont kno any thing about diabetes lol
And what do you mean we need a new name?
for diabetes?
You answered your own question...the general public are extremely uneducated about the disease, and I think, perhaps, we all share the blame for the lack of education - from the American Diabetes Association to celebrities/athletes with the disease to the rest of us. It is true that the ADA does some education, but compared to other diseases, the amount of education could be compared to taking a single college class, as compared to getting a degree. Think about it...take heart disease for instance. The heart association is in our face every single day in print and electronic media. This means they are well committed to educating the public so much more than the ADA is.
As for celebs and athletes...they, as well as you and I, could help spread the word through to everyone they and we meet - answe any and all questions openly and honestly.
You poor thing...I wish I had an answer as to why people speak freely about things that they're completely ignorant about, and make jokes at people's expense because of it. One thing that you will grow to learn is that a person's lack of education is their shortcoming, not yours. People may not know anything about it because unless someone in their family has it or they have diabetes themselves, they probably wouldn't go out of their way to read up on it (since there is no danger of them "catching" it).
As for names...dunno...can't help you there.
Keep your head up and think about it this way: Their taunting and teasing is only making you stronger and smarter than they'll ever be. One day, you'll own them ;)
Hi there, I am also a T1 and have been for a long time. At first I used to go to a private place to give myself shots. Very few people even knew that I was diabetic. I felt the same way that you are feeling now. I do know that diabetes is a really personal disease and you have to manage it to the best of your abilities. Dr's and Emergency rooms will hopefully be around to get you out of trouble, but you really need to count on yourself as the most important person in the treatment of it. I have found out that I am the only person that I can count on. Don't be concerned about what other people say or think. You can have a perfectly normal life although it will keep you busy. I don't have any suggestions for a new name, the old one works for me. Take care and have a great life