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Diabetes is a paradox in that it's both a well-known condition and a commonly misunderstood one. People might have a vague idea that it relates to blood sugar and insulin, but their knowledge often stops there. This lack of understanding often contributes to stigma surrounding diabetes.
Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that's viewed as a character flaw.
These are some misconceptions about diabetes that contribute to stigma:
- People with diabetes are to blame for their condition.
- Only someone who is overweight can develop diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes is the “bad” kind because it’s the most severe.
- Type 2 diabetes is the “good” kind and isn’t that serious.
- Living with diabetes requires a person to eat a special diet.
- People with diabetes shouldn’t ever eat sugary foods or drinks.
- People who need insulin have failed to take proper care of themselves.
- There are certain jobs and activities that a person with diabetes can’t do.
- Diabetes can be contagious.
The truth is that diabetes is a complex condition with a variety of causes, and each person's experience with it is unique. There's no good or bad kind of diabetes, just as there isn't a one-size-fits-all way to manage it.
You may encounter misconceptions from family, friends, co-workers and others in your life. You might even harbor some false beliefs about yourself. Where you live, your cultural background and other personal factors also can affect your experience of stigma.
The first step might be to challenge false beliefs and misconceptions in your own mind. If you feel that you must be to blame for your condition, challenge the accuracy of that thought. The fact is that diabetes can affect anyone. There are many contributing factors to the disease that you can't control on your own.
And how can you respond when someone makes a thoughtless comment about your insulin pump? Or when someone questions whether it's really OK for you to add sugar to your coffee?
Understandably, your first reaction may be to feel irritated, hurt or angry. You might assume that the person is being intentionally insensitive or willfully ignorant. Rather than act on this assumption, try to keep an open mind. Most of the time, people mean well.
If you feel comfortable speaking up, consider politely countering a false belief with accurate information. Also point the person in the direction of reliable sources of information about your condition, such as a book or website. If it is someone close to you, you may consider inviting the person to come with you to an appointment with your primary diabetes care provider or another member of your diabetes care team.
If all else fails, you may have to accept that some people just aren't capable of changing their mindset. It's OK to protect yourself from negative or critical people, but don't let one person cause you to cast blame on yourself or doubt your ability to cope. Ultimately, this is about you being able to thrive and live well with diabetes.
Find others talking about diabetes and other aspects of endocrine health in the Diabetes & Endocrine System group.
Fight diabetes stigma with accurate information. Pick up a copy of Mayo Clinic The Essential Diabetes Book.
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You say diabetes is my fault. You don't know me! I have it on both sides of my family! I exercised and was careful with my diet then my chloesterol was hgh. It's on both sides of my family. Had to take a pill to get it down. That pill made my blood sugar higher. Now I have diabetes! You don't know me!
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6 ReactionsI have a long , sad family history of Type 2 adult onset diabetes, some members were overweight, some the opposite, but in my opinion, they all had "bad" eating and drinking habits. Obviously the genetics didn't help, but
I return to the eating habits to explain a lot of the negative results.
I have engaged in all types of therapy over the years(I'm78). Used the best oral meds. had reasonably good control, but then I was introduced to INTERMITTENT FASTING and have great control with a low dose o f Glipizide ever since.
Intermittent fasting isn't easy, but the results are so dramatic, that it quickly becomes a second nature habit.
Intermittent fasting means no food...none... for a period of 12-16 hours each day. So if I stop eating at 8 pm at night, I refrain from eating again until noon the next day(or sometimes later), That's right...NO breakfast, not a morsel. I do crave and consume a cup of hot tea when I awake, then that's it.
Within a week or so, my glucose numbers started to improve, I stopped entirely my (expensive)Januvia, I started to lose weight( eventually 15 pounds), morning joint pain was reduced( and soon eliminated). I'd put these results in the "miracle drug" category except NO drugs are involved, just a daily pause in eating.
And, by the way, at least 8 hours of my "fasting time" is spent sleeping.
I have always been "hungry" upon waking, but a simple cup of hot tea satiates that feeling until I enjoy my (sizable) lunch at 12 or 1 pm.
Try it and see. Let us know your experience .
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8 ReactionsI, too, found IF lowered my blood glucose numbers. I’m prediabetic and was looking for something to keep me from diabetes. You say you drink a cup of tea in the morning, do you add creamer? Dr Jason Fung says no creamer or any sweetener, some say less than 50 calories from fat won’t break a fast. There are different opinions about this breaking a fast. But since you’ve had success I’d like to know what you do.
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1 Reaction@pumaguy79 and @cpd54, Intermittent fasting has also helped me tremendously. Diabetes runs in my family also and I have been in the pre-diabetes category most of my adult life. IF was difficult when I first started it but it has become a way of life and pretty easy now. I mostly do the 18/6 and 20/4 fasting, eating window but occasionally will do the 12 or 16 if we have family plans. I started with intermittent fasting in 2020 with just the idea of losing some weight but now have made it a lifestyle change and it's allowed me to keep the weight off.
There is a LCHF Living & Intermittent Fasting Support Group you might find helpful. Here is a list of the discussions available - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lchf-living-intermittent-fasting/
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2 ReactionsNo creamer but do use pink sweetener. Have been warned that artificial sweetener can trick body and break the fast, but I've never been an extremist
about anything and unflavored tea would be, in my opinion, "a bridge too far."
Take care.
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1 Reaction@johnbishop should this discussion be included in the Diabetes and Endocrinology group?
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2 ReactionsHi @cehunt57 - I think that would be helpful. @colleenyoung or one of the moderators can add it to the Diabetes and Endocrinology group.
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1 ReactionDrs tell me im pre-diabetic so that bothered me especially with having a family history of diabetes and heart problems. To make a change.... I have recently been drinking tea chai without adding any sugar.
I remember the day my doctor brother told me if I’d just walk every day, I could get out of prediabetis. If only I had done that. I ended up with diabetes, heart attack and kidney dialysis. It’s worth it to get moving—even a little bit each day! Best of luck!
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3 Reactions@visie, you may also wish to join the discussion in this support group:
- Diabetes & Endocrine System Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/diabetes-and-endocrine-problems/
See these helpful discussions related to pre-diabetes
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/diabetes-and-endocrine-problems/?search=pre+diabetes&index=discussions