If I were to be completely honest, and I will be, I'd tell you that I'm not much one for putting myself out there. I'm not much of an "activist" at all.
It's funny to me as a Type 1 Diabetic. There is a huge crowd of Type 1's that advocate for us, they are very vocal and all wonderful hardworking people, and I am so grateful for them. Shortly after being diagnosed close to 12 years ago I clung to every internet website I could find that could in SOME way offer me some support. I poured over medical journals, encyclopedias, and every bit of literature that I could get my hands on to better understand this disease I live with. Yet, never been much of one to raise "awareness." Not for any cause however good or noble, quite frankly.
A few years ago I participated in a "Walk to Cure Diabetes" event, and came away feeling like it was a VERY pointless event. Great, I walked. Great - people pledged some money toward a "cure"… I walked and …that's it. I got some exercise I guess… I know all the great reasons to participate in these things…. I just feel stupid - there are so many other much WORSE things to live with, to be diagnosed with, to find a cure for, in my mind. Not that this is a walk-in-the-park by any means.
Continuing to be honest - I very honestly don't think an actual CURE will ever be made available to the general public. Same with a LOT of diseases, cancers and what-have-you. As much as I am all for entrepreneurship and capitalism, the medical and pharmaceutical industry would lose so much money from the hundreds of thousands of diabetics that depend on them (I'll get real controversial here: it's also my opinion that no amount of socialized health care is going to change that, countries with socialized medicine have not been the innovators in new technologies, it's just those countries that can get equipment approval before the US can, stupid FDA).
While Type 2 Diabetics far out numbers the Type 1's, we Type 1's typically need more prescriptions monthly and for life. - we don't get to stop when we 'feel better.' There is no cure, there is no "reversing diabetes" when you are Type 1. All those stupid books and miracle drugs get me all enraged (just ask my husband) because they are so misleading, so unaware, SO only there to make money off the gullible that have a real life-threatening disease.
So, having said all of that…
I do find the misunderstanding of Diabetes, Type 1, 2, LADA, Gestational… really frustrating. Especially when people like "Dr.Oz" help perpetuate myths and and all the vastly numerous misunderstandings surrounding diabetes. (You can ask my husband about my absolute disdain for Dr.Oz too).
I've been asked every question in the book, and am ALWAYS happy to answer - no matter how silly the question seems. A few weeks ago I showed a doctor how an insulin pump works, she had never had to deal with a patient on one - so she was unfamiliar.
My sweet friends and family always put a smile on my face as they offer me food when my blood sugar is high and I feel like death or insulin when it's low and I just want to eat everything in the kitchen - then feel like death meets a hangover. They mean well and that's what counts for me.
I've met a great many wonderful people through the diabetes community online, learned a whole new language of diabetes lingo, and good chunk of my Facebook friends-list are other Diabetics I've never had the chance to meet in person, but they are definitely true friends I really hope to one day meet.
As today is World Diabetes Day, and this is kind of an 'awareness' post I'll end it with this:
I am SO thankful for Frederick Banting who discovered/invented Insulin so we can live mostly normal lives WITH all our limbs (I know you were thinking about that relative that lost a foot! ), I am thankful for all the men and women that have worked on Insulin Pumps through the years. I would be so lost without my battery-powered-pancreas! And I am thankful for my ever supportive sweet husband and advocate who will call and yell at health insurance companies when they try to play games with me. :)
Now - I've done my tiny little part in awareness-ing people. :-P
--- Bethany
