Taking a Stand Against Diabetes Discrimination

It’s come to my attention along with the rest of the doc of a display of diabetes discrimination. When first seeing this sign posted online via Facebook—I couldn’t believe it. This is a sign that was held up in a restaurant called Mike’s Pig Pen Warehouse.  Requesting those that are diabetic to use the restroom when administering injections.

“If you are a diabetic and have to give yourself an injection, please do so in the restroom.”

My first thought was “why would anyone go out of their way to create attention towards a chronic disease?” Something that we didn’t ask for nor do we have a choice in the matter.

I always try to give the benefit of the doubt in situations like this. I’ve lived with this disease for many years and this isn’t my first encounter with such ignorance towards diabetes. It’s been noted that many people online were upset and were asking him to take it down.

Without proper apology, the owner went ahead and rudely rebutted with insensitive comments. I think something like that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s a matter of just being a compassionate human being, especially to those battling something you have no idea about.

I’m bringing attention to this not because of a sign being put up. Signs can always come down. The real issue here is awareness. Awareness towards diabetes, and how life-threatening it can be. It’s discriminating to have diabetics feel ashamed about taking care of themselves, even in public.

Just like you wouldn’t ask a mother to breastfeed her child in the bathroom, or have someone with asthma use their inhaler in the bathroom. If someone has a problem with seeing needles—they can do us a favor and look away.

We’re doing the best to be as discreet as possible. But please don’t make us feel ashamed of doing what needs to be done. It’s that simple!

So what can we do about diabetes discrimination? My answer is to educate, educate, educate! We can’t control others actions or behaviors, but we can control how we respond to them. There are people I meet all the time that have assumptions about my condition based upon myths and what the media tells them. There’s no fault in their alleged ignorance. It’s a disease that not many people understand or know about.

However, it’s our duty and obligation to change how people perceive diabetes. To share, inspire, and make a difference. This helps bring funding towards a cure, and hopefully one day not having to give thought to the idea of diabetes discrimination.

“Let’s take a stand to end discrimination towards diabetes. Diabetics deal with enough “pricks” already.”

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**10% proceeds are donated to funding research and a cure for diabetes**