Please Stop Using Diabetes as Your Personal Source of Humor

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As someone who has lived with type 1 diabetes for over fifteen years, I find it disheartening when I hear jokes about “diabeetus.” Often, these remarks are aimed at trendy sugary coffee drinks or someone else’s food choices. Regardless of the context, there is nothing amusing about my condition.

It’s one thing to find humor in your own health struggles as a way to cope with the challenges they bring. I understand the need for laughter in tough times; sometimes, humor can be a relief. Having type 1 diabetes, however, is a relentless struggle that demands attention 24/7, 365 days a year. The idea of “cheat days” is a myth; any deviation can lead to serious consequences.

My blood sugar levels can fluctuate due to various factors, including stress, exercise, hormonal changes, and even sleep patterns. What might be a minor inconvenience for someone else can quickly escalate into a medical emergency for me. Managing type 1 diabetes requires strict consistency and control, which isn’t always feasible, even with advanced technology and years of experience.

Living with this condition is akin to having a full-time job that requires constant vigilance. It’s exhausting, much like caring for a newborn or a feisty toddler. So when I hear someone laughing at my expense, it stings. There’s nothing funny about the daily battles I face.

Moreover, these jokes often perpetuate harmful misconceptions about diabetes. Not all diabetes types are the same. As a type 1 diabetic, my body doesn’t produce any insulin, meaning I must inject or pump it in. Skipping insulin can have dire consequences, and contrary to popular belief, I didn’t develop type 1 diabetes due to excessive sugar consumption.

When my blood sugar spikes, I feel feverish and fatigued, while low levels leave me shaky and disoriented. Both situations can become critical in an instant. Managing my condition is not merely about food choices and insulin; it’s a complex process that requires precise calculations and timing, often changing from moment to moment. Yes, it’s as challenging as it sounds.

I didn’t develop type 1 diabetes from eating too many sweets, nor does anyone in my family share this affliction. For me, it began after a peculiar stomach virus during Thanksgiving. I lost weight rapidly and experienced numerous troubling symptoms before finally being diagnosed after a dire visit to the emergency room. Doctors later told me I was fortunate to have survived; my blood sugar levels were dangerously high.

The past fifteen years have been tumultuous, but I am grateful to report that I manage my diabetes well, largely thanks to accessible healthcare and technology. Yet, my condition is something I cannot escape; I need insulin at all times, and I must administer it myself. Controlling type 1 diabetes can feel like trying to manage a child in a candy store.

Every bite I take requires careful consideration of how it will affect my blood sugar. Without the right insulin dosage, I risk severe fluctuations that can leave me feeling miserable for hours or even days. While my friends might enjoy a night out, I must be mindful of the potential consequences of indulging.

The humor surrounding diabetes is not funny, especially when it comes from those who don’t experience it firsthand. Jokes about amputations, heart complications, or other serious health issues related to diabetes are simply cruel. Similarly, I often hear horror stories about relatives who faced dire consequences from their diabetes, which does nothing but instill fear rather than encouragement.

The language we use matters. Just as we avoid derogatory terms for disabilities or use of the word “crazy” to describe unusual situations, we should also be mindful of how we talk about diabetes. Ableist language is harmful and perpetuates stereotypes about those living with various health challenges. Life with “the sugar” is not as amusing or lighthearted as some might think.

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In summary, diabetes is a serious condition that deserves empathy and understanding rather than laughter. The struggles associated with managing this disease are not a punchline; they are a daily reality for many.