Procrasti-Nation

When I was working, i got in trouble for wearing my insulin pump bc it looked ‘unprofessional’. I’d calmly explain that taking it off could endanger my life and unless they wanted a scene where I’m hauled off on an ambulance and then a subsequent lawsuit, they better let me wear it. Another time I got in trouble bc it started beeping in front of a customer. I was asked to take my blood sugars only on my breaks, even though my doctor said I needed to take it every 3 hrs. I only got 1 half hour break 4 hrs into my shift, and 1 15 min break 6 hrs into my shift. And even when I brought in a dr note explaining why it was so important, I’d still get dirty looks from my bosses and asked to do it in the fucking pantry (since we didn’t have a break room). Like, I had to sit on a dirty ass stool in a cramped space, they wouldn’t let me use a booth. the compassion was non existent.

It may not look as dangerous or debilitating as an illness like cancer, but it is. When I experience low blood sugars, I exhibit symptoms that are scary as hell. My speech comes out slurred, and I get very sleepy/fatigued. My hands shake until I physically cannot hold onto anything, and my cognitive function becomes nonexistent. In fact, if someone is not there with me when I experience it, it can become 2x deadlier bc I don’t have any help.

Just, please recognize that diabetes is very real and serious and scary. ask ur diabetic friends/family how you can help them bc I can guarantee you there is something you can do that’ll make things easier. *For example, ask them where they keep their emergency sugar stashes, or their glucagon pen (and learn when and how to use it!). Find out ahead of time what they need you to do when they experience a high or low blood sugar. Remind them to take their meds or blood sugars when needed. Just be there for them and defend them against people who are ignorant.

*note: depending on the type of diabetes, their needs may differ. I’m going off of what I experience/need as a type 2 diabetic, and even then different people may need different things. Just ask.

Diabetes is really serious and even at 25 I have had other health issues due to diabetes, after, and that's only having it for 12 years.