With a side of Insulin

First things first, I have to admit this title is not my own creation. I saw this on a diabetic forum and thought it was incredibly creative.

I feel the need to confront some more common misconceptions and stereotypes about this disease as I hear more and more of them each day.

1. Every Diabetic is a Type 2
Lets use some common sense here people. If every diabetic was a type 2, why would type 1 even exist? Yes, Type 2 accounts for the majority of cases, but that doesn't mean everyone you meet is a Type 2. Type 1 diabetics are the insulin dependent ones and we have to inject insulin. Depending on the severity of the type 2, they may or may not need to. If you see a pump on a diabetic, you'd be right 99% of the time assuming they're a type 1. So please, before you assume anything, just ask.

2.Which Type is Worse?
To answer this question plainly, it is whichever type affects you or a loved one. Neither one is fun, and both have their challenges. No one is asking for diabetes, and no one is preferring one or the other.

3. You're Too Young to Have Diabetes
False. You are never too young or old to get diabetes. Type 1 is more common in kids, but look at me. I was diagnosed at 18 years old, which is technically an adult.

Annoying Questions
Before I start, I know I will get this eventually, but I know most people are genuinely interested, but when my blood sugar is 43 and I am about to pass out, I do not need multiple people crowding around me shooting questions off.

What is that thing? (pointing to my side)
That is my pump

Can I watch you take your blood sugar?
Sure, why not. Just don't ask me a million questions about it

Doesn't that hurt?
Not really, you get used to it

Is 47 good?
No 80-120 is, so this is bad

Do you have to take insulin for that?
Does it matter? If I do, I don't need your input on it.

How do you do that everyday? I hate needles
When your life depends on it, needles become one of your best friends

Can you eat this? It has sugar in it
If I want to eat that, I will eat that. Sugar isn't the enemy as long as I bolus (inject) the proper amount of insulin

and so on and so on. It never ends...

I guess what I am trying to get at is the media, schools, and every other social gathering does absolutely nothing to educate people on this disease and the different parts and types. I am sick of people assuming I am unhealthy and lazy. I am sick of the lack of thought and knowledge put into the questions people ask me. If you want to know my story I am more than glad to share, but do not assume you know everything from 1 TV commercial or show. So before you ask a diabetic what they can eat, or make a ignorant comment, use that 3 pound mass of tissue in your head and think.

More rants and issues to come. Go Bulldogs!