Article by Bridget McNulty, founder of Sweet Life, South Africa’s largest online diabetes community.
There are a lot of challenges when you live with diabetes. Always having to watch what you eat, remembering to take medication every day, injecting insulin if necessary, living with the risk of complications… the list goes on. But one of the biggest challenges is that other people don’t understand the condition. Here are a few things I wish more people knew about diabetes.
There’s a difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body no longer produces insulin, so you have to inject insulin every time you eat for the rest of your life. It is genetic but not hereditary, and nobody really knows what causes it.
Type 2 diabetes is often described as a lifestyle-related condition because factors such as diet, physical activity, weight and genetics can all play a role in its development. It can be treated with tablets or injections and, if diagnosed early enough and managed effectively, it can sometimes be reversed.
Type 1 diabetes can never be reversed. There is currently no cure.
It’s nobody’s fault they have diabetes
Because Type 2 diabetes is often associated with lifestyle factors, there is a perception that people somehow bring it upon themselves. This is neither helpful nor accurate.
Nobody sets out to develop diabetes. Two people can eat exactly the same foods and live very similar lifestyles, but because one has a stronger genetic predisposition, they may develop diabetes while the other does not.
Coming to terms with a diagnosis is difficult enough without people pointing fingers or assigning blame.
Type 1 diabetes has nothing to do with food choices. Regardless of the type of diabetes someone has, telling them they developed it because they “ate too much cake” is insensitive and unkind – and happens far more often than you might think.
Every person with diabetes is different
Some people with diabetes can eat fruit without any difficulty, while others find it causes a spike in blood sugar levels. Some eat carbohydrates, some choose not to. Some are slim, some carry extra weight. Some exercise regularly, while others struggle to fit it into daily life.
Just as no two people are alike, no two people with diabetes are alike.
Try not to compare someone with diabetes to another person you know. Try not to judge what is on their plate. And please don’t tell people that cinnamon, lemon juice or a miracle herbal remedy is going to cure them. If there was a scientifically proven cure, people living with diabetes would be among the first to hear about it.
It can be surprisingly exhausting having to explain that there is currently no cure for a condition you manage every day.
Sometimes it’s hard to stay positive
Living with a chronic condition is strange because you’re not exactly ill, but you’re not entirely well either.
It’s not like having flu for two weeks and then recovering. It’s a constant need to stay on top of things or risk feeling unwell. The ongoing attention required to manage food, medication, exercise, stress, hormones, sleep and blood sugar levels can be exhausting.
Add fluctuating blood sugar levels into the mix, which can affect mood and energy levels, and it’s easy to see why staying positive all the time is not always possible.
We need support
Support is probably one of the most important things people with diabetes need, aside from insulin.
The type of support needed will vary from person to person. Some people need reassurance that they are doing their best. Others benefit from a little more accountability and encouragement to stay on track.
Whatever form it takes, support matters.
Living with diabetes can feel lonely at times, and knowing that someone understands what you’re dealing with can make an enormous difference.
We don’t need pity
Please don’t say “Shame” when you hear someone has diabetes.
Please don’t say “At least it’s not cancer.”
Please don’t say “Get well soon.”
And please don’t tell stories about someone you once knew who lost a limb, went blind or died because of diabetes.
None of these responses are helpful.
What are the right things to say?
Instead, try saying:
• “How are you doing?”
• “You never really get a break from this, do you?”
• “I don’t know how you manage all of this on top of everyday life.”
• “Is there anything special you do or don’t eat?”
• “If you ever want to vent about how frustrating it is, I’m here to listen.”
• “You’re not alone.”
Diabetes is largely invisible. Looking at someone, you would rarely know how much thought, planning and effort goes into managing the condition every day.
While nobody can fully understand another person’s experience of living with diabetes, knowing that you’re not walking the path alone can make all the difference.
Join South Africans with Diabetes on Facebook to connect with others living with diabetes, or visit Sweet Life for practical information and support on living well with the condition.
Medical disclaimer
This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP or a qualified healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your health.