Just Don't Do It!!

  I understand that Type 2 Diabetes is the most prevalent in the media and is pretty much the only type that is talked about in normal day to day situations. Even in college, almost every class I have ever taken focused on Type 2 and it is never even mentioned that there is another type. So I am sure that is part of the reason people have so many misconceptions about the disease. I'm not saying that it is wrong to not know correct information, but how you handle me telling you about my disease and spitting out ignorant comments is what I have a problem with.

  Now, there are a lot of things that you can say to me that get under my skin. The WORST thing you can do is ask me if I got diabetes from "eating too much sugar." NO NO NO. I did not. Type 1 Diabetes has absolutely nothing to do with sugar or carbohydrate intake. If this were true I think more people would think twice before purchasing that sticky cinnamon bun and large pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks every morning.
  I have had people say this to me in the past and I'm sure it will happen again. This really drives me crazy though. Excuse me, but I just told you that I have a life-threatening chronic illness that has no cure and you respond by laughing and acting like it is my fault that I have it?? Not ok.
  There are tons of other things that people say to Type 1 Diabetics that are just wrong. This link provides a great outline of some of the worst.
  Top 10 Annoying Things People Say
 This girl is awesome! I love this video. She is very informative and if you have T1D I am sure you have gotten many of the same questions that she shares.
  Dumb Things People Say to Diabetics

  Congrats, you now know the worst thing that you can say to me when you find out I have diabetes! Just so you know, if you say it to me in real life be prepared to listen to a long, drawn out explanation of the two very different types of diabetes and how and why they are different. I will also make sure to point out just how wrong you are. :] Plus i'll probably be angry.. I can't speak for any other diabetics but I believe you may receive the same sort of reaction from any Type 1 Diabetic you choose to say this or any other ignorant comment to.
  Moral of the story: Don't be ignorant! If you want to know how I got diabetes, just ask! I will be more than happy to explain it to you! I love talking about it and educating people!

Stay Anchored,
Cait