On the diabetes front, things are pretty whacky on social media. People make fun of diabetes with memes or say they are eating themselves into diabetes. I am guilty of saying these things as well. I personally prefer Milford Brimley. I made a shirt with his picture on the back. My rationale is that since I have it, I can poke fun at it.
People like Nick Jonas is leading the way against a lot of these negative stereotypes. The worst picture and quote has come from the creator of CrossFit, Greg Glassman. CrossFit's replies to people correcting them on diabetes have been awful. They don't care. The recent activity by CrossFit makes me embarrassed that I hold a Level 1 CrossFit certificate.
Some may say that I am too sensitive, that's fine. Everyday is a struggle of so many variables. I never knew that my type 1 could turn into type 2. Rad!
Does part of me cringe when I see or hear these misconceptions? Of course. I can't stand it. There are some that lump all diabetics together. Type 1s have a ton of responsibility. Things must be planned out and prepped. Those that don't pay attention to the details pay for it with horrible consequences. Going blind, losing limbs, kidney failure, and the worse one in my thoughts would be a hinder to the family.
Now here's something that people won't come close to poking fun at or blaming those that have cancer. No one would touch cancer. Diabetics feel as though it should be the same for us. I didn't eat too many cookies or drink soda. My type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. No matter what, it's with until I die.
Newly diagnosed young type 1s or type 2s don't need to see these statements or pics when they search info on their new mountain to climb. Please educate others. If my 3rd grade students can figure it out, so should most everybody else.
We must fight to Break Diabetes!
