January 4

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7 Worst Things to Say to a Diabetic

By Gabriela

January 4, 2021


To not repeat the same mistakes in the future and to be able to carefully address these issues when heard in the future, we need to learn about the worst things to say to a diabetic that is often said and is wrong.

An estimated amount of 29 million Americans are living with diabetes. As this is not already a struggle enough, the people who live with this condition get to hear so many stereotypical and misinformed statements or questions constantly pointed at them.

Friends, family members, co-workers, or just plain strangers sometimes make comments that are offensive, cruel, judgmental, and just based on stereotypes linked to the condition.

What Not to Say to a Diabetic

1.“Did You Eat Too Much Sugar?”

Above all, the first thing that we need to learn about the phenomenon is that it is not caused by eating too much sugar. For example, type I diabetes stems from an autoimmune attack in the body. The reason behind this is still under research and investigation.

Diabetes type 2 however is caused by a number of unknown factors and a combination of genetics. Even though we can prevent type II diabetes, we still don’t know the cause behind its trigger.

2. “Is Eating That a Good Idea?”

The people who live with diabetes always have to plan out their meals and snacks ahead of time. However, giving someone uneducated advice is not always the best idea.

Research shows that there’s no such thing as a diabetes diet because we all should strive to eat healthily and give our body the nutrients it deserves. The best way to be helpful is to show support by making healthy lifestyle choices yourself.

3. “You Don’t Look Like Someone Who Has Diabetes.”

Even though people struggling with obesity are at a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they do have it. There is nobody that serves as a spokesperson for diabetes. It’s a very common misconception.

4. “Since You Take Insulin Do You Have the Bad Diabetes”

It’s no one to say that a person who takes insulin has a more severe form of the illness in comparison to someone who takes pills or regulates their sugar levels just by diet and exercise.

For example, those with type 1 diabetes have to take insulin injections every day several times because their body doesn’t produce it. However, even though it’s the same with type 2 diabetes, the condition of this type can change over time.

There is no bad diabetes and it’s a common misconception that the people who take insulin shots don’t regulate their lifestyle properly.

5. “You Are a Diabetic.”

Even if we don’t have bad intentions, those who live with this condition often take the term diabetic like it describes someone with a chronic illness. It’s better to say “You have diabetes” either way.

6. “Your Blood Sugar Is High. What Did You Do?”

Glucose levels are not an indicator if something is going good or bad. The blood sugar levels are sometimes out of a person’s control. Instead of asking them what is wrong, maybe try offering positive support that will encourage them to feel better. They did absolutely nothing wrong.

7. “I Hope You Don’t Get Diabetes Complications Like My Mom.”

Everyone struggling with diabetes is very much aware of the potential complications of the condition and all of the things that could go wrong. Nowadays there are so many improvements when it comes to diabetes care, and the complication rates are reducing.

If we listen to family stories about negative experiences we don’t have to share them with the people who are going through the same thing. There are so many education programs that can educate and guide a family when a member is going through this.

With every new day it gets better and better and a lot easier to live everyday life. Always choose the positive side and always try to help out and support someone who is going through this condition.

Instead of making an innocent, uneducated mistake, it’s better just to listen, learn what not to say to someone with diabetes, and offer help and support.

An illustration of a woman with her finger over mouth with text overlay - 7 Wrong Things You Can Say To A Person With Diabetes.

Source Diabetes | Health 24

Author

  • Gabriela

    Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Diabetes Health Page, Fitness trainer and instructor has dedicated her career to educating and informing people for over 10 years. As one of the most passionate diabetes advocates, Gabi has worked tirelessly to ensure that those people receive the education and support they need to properly manage their diabetes and achieve their health, fitness and weight loss goals.

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