Just a thought

[rustee2011]

Hi, I have noticed that I say " I have been diagnosed with Diabetes" or "I have a condition called diabetes" to friends. I find it a bit difficult to say " I am diabetic". The reason is because I think saying that just means that's all I am. Yes - I have the condition but there's more to me than diabetes. I just feel saying "I am diabetic" means I have just affirming that's all I am. I could be wrong, or am I still in the "coming to terms phase". Does that make sense?

On a positive note - I tend to buy the sugar-free faloured waters more now. To curb the previous likings for Pepsi Max and the KA Cola drinks....

 

[lizabetic]

Pepsi max is sugar free! But obviously flavoured water is much better for you 🙂 Ooo I really fancy some.

Its understandable that you'd say that over 'I'm Diabetic' but probably still coming to terms with it maybe? You'll probably get bored of long sentances soon haha, two words is so much easier!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I just feel saying "I am diabetic" means I am just affirming that's all I am. I could be wrong, or am I still in the "coming to terms phase". Does that make sense?

I think it's a personal thing. Some people never worry about saying 'I am diabetic', but it's still something I avoid 20 years on.

Recently ordered a new med ID and had it engraved with 'Type 1 Diabetes' rather than 'Type 1 Diabetic'

Maybe I'm still in the 'coming to terms' phase too!

 

[redrevis]

Personally I don't mind be called a diabetic, someone with diabetes etc. It doesn't bother me as I don't feel like I'm being labelled, it's just a part of who I am (emphasis on part😛). Plus the English language means we will inevitably be called it, as if you're an Athlete, then you're athletic, it's just how it is. I don't think it's healthy how offended some people get (I'm not saying you) from being called one or the other. I think we've got many more things to worry about than little things like that. But I can see where you're coming from. If I was to be introduced to new colleagues at my new job like: "Everyone this is Martyn, he's diabetic" then yes I probably would be offended as that would be something that doesn't need to be said.

Regarding the drinks, I have a 6 pack of pepsi max in my fridge 😱 😛 I really should start drinking less pop 🙄

 

[Caroline]

I tell people I have diabetes but they don't need to worry, I'm not contagious and it has been ages sine I bit anyone. Some folks are appaled and others laugh it off. I think a lot depends on your out look.

Slightly off topic other things that apply to me are I am a mum I am a wife and therfore married, I am a sister and a sibling I am a daughter, I am a neice and Iam a sister in law. But they are all only a part of who I am really.

 

[imtrying]

I don't mind saying I have diabetes, but I hate people referring to me as A diabetic. I have diabetes, I am not a diabetic...it does not define me, and it is not all who I am.

very small difference I know, but it does really get to me.

and pepsi max is definitely sugar free!! I live on it!! 🙂

 

[chattygirl197811]

When I have to mention it I prefer to say I have type 2 diabetes, as it is something I have, as oppose to the sort of person I am. But it does'nt bother me if others say "shes diabetic" as its well intended. However what is starting to bore the socks off me is my family and friends talking to me about diabetes all the time and commenting on whats on my plate. I know its because its all new & they care but it makes me feel like its taking over my life so I've banned them all from the D word for the next week! 🙂
Feeling good but still coming to terms myself!

 

[Natalie123]

I understand how you feel, I use I have diabetes over I am diabetic. I have a friend who works in social care, and says that it is not correct to say someone is a diabetic, or in her case talk about an old lady, it should be someone has diabetes or that the lady is elderly ... Confused me at first and then realised that I do get a bit offended about being labelled as a diabetic as if I am not a person too.

 

[Steff]

I use the term yeah im diabetic, its better then when I was younger when I was bullied at school and called all sorts of unsavoury things

 

[Catwoman76]

I think it's a personal thing. Some people never worry about saying 'I am diabetic', but it's still something I avoid 20 years on.

Recently ordered a new med ID and had it engraved with 'Type 1 Diabetes' rather than 'Type 1 Diabetic'

Maybe I'm still in the 'coming to terms' phase too!

I agree with you, I also, would rather say I have Type 1 Diabetes than Type 1 Diabetic, the latter seems more of a label.

A couple of years ago when I had a eye test appointment in Boots, the lady was looking at my records and she said' it says here you are diabetic ' I said 'I prefer the word diabetes and also I would rather you didn't say it in the middle of the shop'! I mean, if I wanted everyone to know then I would have it stamped across my forehead, but that's my preference. It's my business and it's up to me who I tell, not her, but she did apologise. Sheena

 

[Robster65]

I'm an either/or type of guy. If someone needs to know, or I think they should, then I don't really mind which version is used. It's the message that matters, rather than the way it's said.🙂

I'm generally too busy testing/eating jelly baby or injecting to worry at the time.

Rob