You’ve probably heard that “you” or someone you know is “a bad diabetic” at some point. “But what’s a bad diabetic, honestly? Someone that fights their every being to survive? Someone that gets knocked down and gets right back up? Someone that’s having a hard time despite all good intentions to do well?”

I don’t think so.

Diabetes can take years to get under control - But even then, one minor slip up can end you in the hospital. Diabetes is like walking a tightrope - it’s unpredictable and has no boundaries.

Diabetes does not discriminate. It just happened to have chosen me. I didn’t ask for this. I know that this situation is life or death. I know if I don’t take my insulin or check my blood sugar, it will cost me (my life).

We live in a society where others are ignorant about diabetes. Many can’t differentiate from Type 1 to Type 2. I’m constantly being judged by what my A1C is - to what I eat - and every lifestyle choice I make. Exhausting much?!

It even takes training for others to know how to respond to my (low blood sugars) or (high blood sugars). I often feel guilt that I place such a heavy burden on others (family/friends). Diabetes affects everyone in the family - not just myself.

I’ve had some scary run-ins with diabetes. I’m constantly being reminded how different I am from everyone else. My diabetes will tell me when I need to slow down. Every little thing that I do revolves around my diabetes. Even a small trip to the store - ends up being an “event”.

Despite of what others think or how I feel about myself - I constantly have to remind myself that I’m still human. I’m going to have bad days. But those days do not depict on how bright my future looks.

What others need to understand is “there is no such thing as a bad diabetic”.

At the very least there is “poor management” and “circumstance”. Diabetes is a challenging disease. Despite all efforts to do well - things can still go wrong.

For those that wonder, “how can you avoid these lows or highs all together?”

You can’t.

Every little thing affects my blood sugars - dieting, exercising, illness, hormones, and the list goes on. I’m constantly adjusting my insulin to meet my needs.

It makes me sad hearing others struggling and having a hard time with this disease - because I’ve been there. I still have days where things get turned upside down.

I want to raise awareness. Let others know they’re not alone. I also want to let others know that by placing a label on a diabetic is emotionally crippling. Diabetics are fighters - in every way, shape or form. You can’t understand this situation unless you’re in it. You don’t know our struggle unless you’ve walked a day in our shoes.

Diabetics need endless support - knowing you’re doing a good job - and to just keep pushing forward.