“Liv-abetic” As Opposed to Diabetic

I was saying the word diabetic a lot over the past few days. Well a lot more than normally. Probably because I was having a few conversations with people about diabetes and my life of a diabetic blog and my insights on diabetes and healthcare. After saying it a lot I thought, I never realized how much the word “die” is in this word. And with the ignorance that is out there about diabetes, most people think that it is a death sentence and they are scared of it. So I started to say I’m not a diabetic, it’s more like a “live”-abetic. Because that is exactly what I am doing I am living, not dying. The life of a diabetic is no different than anybody elses, we just have to do a few more things. I’m just a high maintenance person I guess, my blood sugars require a lot of attention and my supplies are expensive.

Many newly diagnosed type 1 diabetics that I have met and spoke to are scared that they are on a clear path to living a shorter life. Absolutely not is my first reaction. I suggest that they be careful where they read their information on the web. Too many articles, newsletter, and diabetes information or dis-information as I feel, have a negative tone to them. They may or may not be done purposely like that, but they still are. For instance, there could be two articles about diabetes and heart disease. One will talk about how diabetes increases the rate of heart disease and risk of death. Or you can have the same issue talked about in a way that explains, watching your diet, managing your blood sugars and exercising will decrease your risks.

Now these two things sound almost exactly the same, and to you maybe they are, but to me they are not. I am a firm believer that you can control your diabetes, your diabetes doesn’t control you. So, for this exact reason, I believe information should be written in the fashion that the author should explain what you can do to lower risks (you controlling your diabetes) as opposed to explaining what diabetes will do to you if you don’t do these things (diabetes controlling you). I hope this all makes sense, because it makes great sense in my head, but it doesn’t always come out correctly.

I hope you all have an amazing day and wish you all the best in keeping your blood sugars at good numbers.