What they should know!

What do I want people to know about diabetes. There are so many things that I wish people understood about type 1 diabetes. There is one that stands out. There is a quote that spells it out. "There are only two things people with type 1 can't eat. Poison, and cookies.....that have been made with poison." we can put anything into our mouths that we want to. We cover it with insulin. My 7 year old can eat anything that your 7 year old can. In fact, she needs those carbs to grow. She can have cupcakes if she wants. Apple juice did not cause her diabetes. I can eat ice cream when I feel like it. No, I shouldn't eat it all the time, but neither should you! So, mind your business and don't tell me about nutrition. Otherwise, I will spend 30 minutes educating you about diabetes. I will use small words and speak slowly to make sure that you understand. You still won't get it, but I will have tried.

Six things not to say to someone with diabetes

"Should you be eating that?"

People living with diabetes are painfully familiar with the "Diabetes Police," those well-meaning friends, family members and strangers who might point out weight gain, drop hints about exercising more or relentlessly push sugar-free foods, even though both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics can eat sugar.

So if you don’t have diabetes but know someone who does, remember the following six comments can be insulting.

•"Can you/should you eat that?"

•"Do you have BAD diabetes?"

•"If you'd just exercise…" or "If you'd just eat better…" (While no one wants to be blamed for causing their illness, Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, unrelated to diet and exercise.)

•"You don't look like a diabetic!"

•"My grandfather had that and he lost his leg."

•"I could never do that." (Inject insulin.)