No, You Don't Understand

Add a Comment

Comment by Courtney on November 25, 2007 at 3:14pm

That was good Travis, I'm gonna have to remember that one..."And you do not look ignorant, but your statement betrays you."...yes, that's definitely a good one.

Comment by Travis Grubbs on November 25, 2007 at 10:26am

If I were presented with #4, I would have to reply:

"And you do not look ignorant, but your statement betrays you."

Comment by Unicornzzz on November 25, 2007 at 6:19am

You have hit the nail on the head. I am also tired of "understanding" people. The only thing I hate worse are the people that want to argue with me about me being a diabetic. Here are some stupid reasons I was given why I should not be a diabetic.

1. You do not eat a lot of sugary foods. I actually prefer salty foods.

2. You do not test or give yourself shots in front of everyone.

3. If you take pills instead of shots then you are not a true diabetic. (I am now on six shots a day.)

4. You do not look like a diabetic.

Some people make me feel that I should announce that I am a diabetic when I enter the room. I want to be treated just like everyone else. Diabetes is not contagious.

Comment by Travis Grubbs on November 25, 2007 at 4:56am

Hi Courtney:

I read your blog, which is very informative and passionate. Being a Type 2, I have had similar situations and I can definitely relate to your experiences (did you notice that I did not say, "I understand?"). I also don't like testing my blood sugar in front of others. While I don't mind talking about my condition, some things are just private.

I have had to also deal with the embarassing symptom of my hands start shaking when I am experiencing a low. My wife and I were buying a car, sitting at a desk, when my hands started shaking and I started feeling bad. Our sales person had also noticed "my shakes". It irritated me. I looked at her and explained that I was T2, that my blood sugar was low, and that I needed to take a break for lunch and that I would return in 45 minutes. When we returned, she gave me a concerned look and asked if I was ok. I choked it down and said yes.

I have struggled with answering such questions, but I am just as guilty as asking them myself. When I meet T1s and T2s for the first time, I usually ask if they are taking care of themselves. This is an area of concern for me. Call it a passion if you will. By the way, you are to be commended for your A1C, your determination, and your self control. You definitely understand.