Don't play it up, but focus on the seriousness of diabetes. To be honest, the "disease" (even calling it a disease seems like a heavy word for the somewhat simple treatments we go through) doesn't seem to be that heavy. I say this because compared to other diseases, type 1 diabetics take some shots, monitor the bg, and pretty much call it good. It isn't easy, but it isn't insanely difficult either.
But when I'm working on a project like yours and talking to others about T1, I try to point out the seriousness of it. I mean, for listeners there is a difference between saying 'I have to make sure I don't go low overnight,' and pointing out the impact that 'should I go low overnight, and should it be serious enough that is enough for my body to call it quits. An untreated low will kill me. Since I was __ years old, that has been a constant thought in the back of my mind; as a teenager I am in between dependent and independent. But because of diabetes, the thought that I could go that low tonight has been something I've reminded myself of every night.' One thing I tell people is there aren't many 11 year olds that go to bed at night, praying that their blood sugar is level enough that they wake up in the morning.
Diabetes is serious. People need to see that.
My advice on this is write from the diabetic heart. What is diabetes really like, behind all the chemical formulas and syringes? What do diabetics really think about? What do they really do? Don't be afraid to say it how it is. The serious parts are scary. But the serious parts are what is going to get you noticed when speaking to others about type 1 diabetes.
Make it unique. You're unique, Shelby - so is your diabetes. Let your speech reflect that, girl! Hope this helps even a little bit :)
Thanks for all the help! I really don't want to make it sound to complicated or too easy when I talk. I might know what I'm talking about but others may have no idea. But all this has definetely helped, so thank you! :)
Show them, girl! Haha I always take opportunities like this to show people what diabetes is. No, it's not easy/simple, and yes a little complicated. I agree that your speech shouldn't reflect exactly that, people have to be able to follow it. But it also shouldn't 'dumb down diabetes' just to make it level for others' knowledge, if that makes sense.
And now that I think about it I apologise if that last post of mine on here didn't make sense, was rambly, etc. I'm low, so. It's my excuse :)
Imagine that you have had an associate who has said some things that weren't correct about Type 1 diabetes. Imagine that this person had watched some news program where it talked about obesity, etc. or diet and insulin, and this person had really gotten misinformed.
Now imagine that this person realized that one misinformed fact was wrong. He or she approaches you, apologizes, and with a willing spirit, asks you to teach him or her about what you go through, what really causes type 1, what people should not say to you, what would help make life easier, what your dreams are outside of this illness, etc.
Imagine how wonderful it would feel to get that kind of a chance, to really help someone who has probably heard a great deal of hooey about Type 1.
Then go for it. Maybe there's a reason that this opportunity came to you. Maybe you can not only handle it, but you will say exactly what needs to be said.