In regards to diabetes: Is discretion a personal choice, or a selfish act?
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| "Don't tell anyone, but my pancreas is kind of a slacker." |
On the other hand, it can be argued that being discrete doesn't serve a very noble purpose, nor does it accomplish much of anything. As a community, we often express frustration over the misconceptions that the general public has about diabetes. We grumble, and rightfully so, about the relative inattention this collection of diseases called "diabetes" attracts. It can often feel like many people don't actually care about diabetes until it affects them personally. And yet - who better is there to correct misconceptions, to demand attention, than us? As an awesome dude said once, "You must be the change you want to see in the world". The next time someone makes an inaccurate or hurtful comment about diabetes, call them on it. If you want diabetes research funding supported, call your members of Congress. (I get so nervous every time I do it, but it ends up being NBD. It takes two minutes!) When you see the media get it wrong, tell them. Write a letter; an email; make a phone call - every time.
What do you think? Do you view keeping diabetes to yourself as a personal right, or as a disservice to the diabetes community-at-large? Something in between?
To each their own. T.E.T.O.
ReplyDeleteI've been telling people for 25 years. Doesn't phase me. I still feel there is a time and place for Anything personal though.
It's an individual choice, no matter the information we share.
I am an open book. I welcome anyone to ask me questions about my disease or to share my story. I've spoken to elementary students, diabetics within my community, and volunteered at ADA-sponsored events in my area.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to be anyone's advocate when it comes to juvenile diabetes. It is important we take the necessary steps to approach congress and obtain equality and fight for our rights as Americans with a pre-existing condition!
Disclosing the fact that I have diabetes is something that I'm not quite comfortable with yet. I just got diagnosed back in May so it still feels new and something I hold close to my heart. I haven't told many people and when I do I tell them I have a disease that requires good management. Who knows when I'll be able to refer to myself as a diabetic instead of a person w/ diabetes.
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