[Stuboy]

Every time i go out, whether it be shopping, clubbing, or just for a walk in a public place... I always feel like im the only diabetic in the area. Im the sort of person that studies people that are around me and I never seem to see any tell tail signs of other diabetics around me (like ID tags or tester kits).

Do you ever feel like you're "alone" with diabetes when you're out and about?

[DeusXM]

I'm aware that in any room at any given time, I'm probably the only one who doesn't have automatic control over my blood sugar. However it doesn't really bother me. Personally I consider it a success if people don't realise I have diabetes - that means I've been able to minimise the impact it has on my life. It's partly why I'm understanding but a bit blunt with people who make a big deal out of having diabetes by restricting their lives or doing things in a very obvious way - those people are like bad PR for me, because one thing I can't stand is people assuming I can't do something or I'm fragile or whatever just because I have diabetes.

One thing that will suprise you though is that you're definitely not the only one in a room affected by diabetes. You'll be astonished as to how many people at random have some sort of connection with the condition, although as a T1 you'll find most people have a connection with T2. I've actually got quite a story about this.

As part of my work for the magazine I write for, we did a Halloween special where we did a ghost vigil with a medium at Woodchester Mansion - it's been on 'Most Haunted' and the building is supposed to be a focal point with the ghosts. Now, I don't believe in any of that ****, but it's good fun anyway. We were in a room with all the lights off and being silent (because apparently spirits object to 40W bulbs and talking!), when the medium suddenly asked 'Is anyone here a diabetic?'

Now, I confess I momentarily shat myself because that was a bit close to the bone there. Then I remembered a couple of things. 1) A lot of people have a connection with diabetes in some way, and perhaps more ****ingly, 2)I'd been testing my blood sugar earlier and did a jab in the waiting room (whilst the medium was there) so it wasn't as if I hadn't dropped a massive hint.

So I decided I'd keep quiet and see how things panned out. I also remembered that I'm not 'a diabetic' but a person with diabetes, so the grammar Nazi in me probably played a role too. Sure enough, a woman piped up that her mother had diabetes, to which I thought, 'score one for the law of averages'.

As you said, you don't usually see the tell-tale signs of diabetes with people in public. But here's the thing - you certainly wouldn't see them with me, and I think we can both agree I'm in 'the club'. Who knows, maybe there are dozens of people with diabetes out there who are just as militant, stubborn and at war with the world as me!

[JediSkipdogg]

In the past few years I've actually seen more and more diabetics. The most telltale sign for me is the wonderful insulin pump. I can spot that thing a mile away. The problem I have is I usually see it on females in the mall. I think it has to do with them not wearing baggy untucked shirts so on them you can actually see it. I've always wanted to go up and chat with them, but I'm afraid of the repercussions of walking up to a strange female in the mall (especially since probably half of them look like teens.)

[David]

There are more of "us" around than you think. The problem is that most of us don't advertise it and it's usually not easily apparent otherwise. Some even keep tell tail signs like tubing and kits hidden. (what do you do?)

The way to get around that is to network with others This group and others on the web is one way. Another is to get involved with your local JDRF and DiabetesUK group. Many hospitals and clinics also have diabetes support/education groups. While these groups are usually more geared toward T2 diabetes (understandable since most diabetics are T2) many issues concern all diabetics and there'll be a cross section at those meetings.

David

[Stuboy]

I dont think Pumps are that common here in the UK?

I've often wondered what the result would be if you were to ask a stranger what they knew about diabetes... probably nothing... the level of diabetes awareness seems quite low.

[DeusXM]

I've often wondered what the result would be if you were to ask a stranger what they knew about diabetes... probably nothing... the level of diabetes awareness seems quite low.

Most people know very little about diabetes, other than it's got something to do with sugar, which translates as 'you can't have any sugar'. A lot of people also seem to be aware that insulin injections are invovled somehow, despite T1 being much rarer than T2. There are a few surprises, such as one of the guys in my English class when I was 15 knowing that most people who inject use pens, but for the most part everyone seems to think people with diabetes can't eat sugar and mainline their insulin.

To be honest, the only person I've been able to have a sensible, intelligent conversation with about diabetes who didn't have the condition or work in endocrinology is a mate of mine with a BSc. Sports and Exercise Science, because it's essential for him to know about the interactions between carbs, blood sugar, exercise and insulin.

[corwin]

Other then few of my close coworkers, good friends and family nobody knows I have diabetes. If I was around you shopping, clubbing or anywhere else you probably wouldn't have noticed I'm a member of your club.
As far as people knowing about diabetes, I got to ask, how much did you know before dx? For me when I was told I have diabetes I was really pissed thinking I won't be able to eat anything with sugar and even more scared when I learned I have to inject myself, other then that I knew nothing. So I don't blame non diabetics for not knowing anything about this condition.

[jjordie]

I also remembered that I'm not 'a diabetic' but a person with diabetes


DeusXM
How right you are. There is nothing that annoys me more than people saying we are diabetics.
Makes you feel like a 'thing' rather than a person doesn't it?

You don't hear that people are arthritics do you?

[Stuboy]

i did actually have some knowledge of diabetes before diagnosis... I knew there were Type 1 and Type 2's. I also knew what it meant, what with the pancreas and all... as my granddad had diabetes and so did a school friend... i remember we ended up in hospital from a visit to thorpe park because she lost her pen...

Not sure i quite understand why we are not "diabetics" though?

di‧a‧bet‧ic 
[dahy-uh-bet-ik]

–adjective
1. of or pertaining to diabetes or persons having diabetes.
2. having or resulting from diabetes.

–noun
3. a person who has diabetes.

???

[Dewey]

Originally Posted by Stuboy

Not sure i quite understand why we are not "diabetics" though?

di‧a‧bet‧ic 
[dahy-uh-bet-ik]

–adjective
1. of or pertaining to diabetes or persons having diabetes.
2. having or resulting from diabetes.

–noun
3. a person who has diabetes.

???

It's all in the idea of "you say tə-mā'tō, they say tə-mä'-'tō." Whatever floats a person's boat....It's a matter of opinion on the point of whether people "have Diabetes" or "are Diabetics." And you know what they say about opinions...

Personally, I never cared if I was the only Diabetic in the room/building, etc. I wear my pump on my shirt for the world to see, and freely & openly discuss it if asked....and I'm asked often.

[jjordie]

You're right of course Stuboy- the word is in the dictionary - it's just that I don't like being referred to as a 'thing'.

[Stuboy]

thinking about it i dont think i've ever said "im a diabetic" but "i AM diabetic".

"Diabetic Jam" makes me smile... just thinking of jam with diabetes lol.

[spike]

Originally Posted by Stuboy

Every time i go out, whether it be shopping, clubbing, or just for a walk in a public place... I always feel like im the only diabetic in the area. Im the sort of person that studies people that are around me and I never seem to see any tell tail signs of other diabetics around me (like ID tags or tester kits).

Do you ever feel like you're "alone" with diabetes when you're out and about?

No. My wife is DM and many of my neighbors are. I know that a good portion of obese people are, or will be DM, so I don't really feel alone! Spend a few minutes at a pharmacy to see how many people pick up DM related supplies...

[palefacegirl03]

No, I have family members with both types of diabetes, so I have been around people who have diabetes all my life.
I was scared and definately confused when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes ,16 years ago, since my most recent at the time encounter with a person with diabetes was my cousin , she was diagnosed in 1971 at age 4, so I grew up with her, she went in to a diabetic coma in 1978 and died. So of course at the time I saw it as a death sentence. I have since learned alot and just keep going on.

[TenderVittleS]

Not at all, you know there are MILLIONS of diabetics, and far more people with general health problems whether it be cancer, AIDS, whatever. Besides are we supposed to parade around with a big Diabetic sign on us? Everyone is different. Out of all the diseases out there I think we are actually lucky, it could be much worse. At least its manageable and YOU can control it most times.