Diabetes Etiquette
Many situations in life require tact, understanding, and consideration. Diabetes is no exception. Plenty of people have real-life stories about awkward diabetes-related situations they've experienced. You probably do, too. If you have diabetes yourself or simply know someone with diabetes, take the time to read this section. You just might learn something about "diabetes etiquette" that you didn't know before.
If You Have Diabetes
- Remember that not everyone needs to know about your diabetes. People who may need to know include family, classmates, and co-workers. The people you inform need to be sensitive to diabetes and prepared to help you in an emergency. Choose these people carefully, and make sure they understand hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, frequency of doctor visits, etc.
- Be as sensitive as possible to those who are uneducated about diabetes. Most people who have not encountered diabetes in their lives simply don't understand it. Instead of getting irritated, use your situation to educate them.
- Rely on your sense of humor. A little joke here or a light-hearted comment there may make everyone feel more comfortableÃespecially in the early stages when you, your friends and family are adjusting to the fact that you have diabetes.
- If people say insensitive things to you about your diabetes, politely (that's the key word!) explain to them that they've said something offensive and then explain to them why it was offensive. That way they (hopefully) won't make the same mistake again.
- Be prepared. Always have extra snacks, insulin and/or other medications, sugar free beverages, juices, equipment (for testing blood glucose, insulin pumps, insulin injections) on hand. Keep supplies, including a blood glucose meter at work and anywhere else you spend a lot of time.
- Always have a blood glucose testing system with you that is easy for others to use. Teach important friends and family members how to use it.
- Become a role model for others by being a leader/speaker/facilitator for local support groups on diabetes, or start your own support group. Taking care of your diabetes can become a wonderful mission when you have to model it for others.
- Make sure your family receives diabetes education so they can understand how to help you and how to handle their own emotional responses to your diabetes.
- Realize that some people may not be as helpful and available as you'd like. If possible, discuss your feelings with them.
How To Treat People With Diabetes (Whether You Have It Or Not!)
- The best thing you can do for a person with diabetes is to treat them like you'd treat anyone else. Be available. Let them know you'll help them if they need it. And be as supportive as possible.
- Never call a person with diabetes a “diabetic.” He or she is a person first. Living with diabetes is hard enough being labeled by it makes matters worse. Diabetes should not be the defining factor about a person. No one wants to be treated or thought of that way.
- Avoid using the word “normal” when talking about diabetes. For example, don't say things like, “He leads as normal a life as possible,” or “You seem pretty normal.” This seems to indicate people with diabetes are not normal.
- Don't be a “diabetes policeman.” Trust that people with diabetes know what they're doing and know how to make their own decisions. They are probably far more educated about diabetes than you are, so don't remind them to take their insulin, don't scold them for their food choices, etc.
- Don't say things like, “Funny, you don't look like you have diabetes.” Diabetes affects all ages, sexes and ethnic groups. It doesn't have a “look.”
- Be careful not to sabotage the diet of a person with diabetes. Don't suggest they have “just one bite” of that cheesecake. This makes it much more difficult for them to stick to their meal plan.
- Be available to help and to listen. If you know someone with diabetes, ask if there's anything you can do to help, such as learn how to give injections or do a blood-sugar test.