11 Unhelpful Phrases To Avoid Saying To Someone With Diabetes
More than one hundred million American children and adults have diabetes or prediabetes. Because diabetes is so common, it is easy for those who do not have the disease to believe they understand it. In reality, however, their beliefs about diabetes are often misconceptions. These misconceptions are harmful because they make healthy individuals think they know enough about the disease to make judgments about those with diabetes or give them helpful advice. Here are eleven phrases based on misconceptions about diabetes that are insensitive to say to someone who has the disease.
“It's Not A Serious Illness”
This is one of the worst statements to make to those with diabetes. It suggests that they do not suffer or have anything to worry about. Although those who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes may not seem ill, they have a serious medical condition that can cause severe physical complications. There are also psychological effects of having to constantly worry about and regulate blood sugar levels. Those with type 2 diabetes may even face additional obstacles if friends and family believe their condition was self-inflicted through lifestyle choices. When talking to loved ones or acquaintances with diabetes, be sensitive and recognize that they are living with a serious illness.
“Is It The Mild Form?”
Never say this to someone with either type of diabetes because it stems from a popular myth. A common misconception about type 2 diabetes is that it is a milder form of diabetes than type 1 diabetes. However, this is incorrect. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin it produces does not work correctly. In comparison, type 1 diabetes occurs when the body makes little to no insulin. Type 2 diabetes often goes undetected for several years whereas type 1 diabetes can have a sudden onset. If not managed well, both types of diabetes can produce life-threatening complications, such as stroke, amputation, blindness, heart failure, and kidney disease.
