Obviously, diabetes isn't anything we picked. And, based off the response to my other posts, many of us wouldn't choose it if we were given the chance to go back in time. Personally, diabetes has made me a stronger person and has given me the general ability to find good in a difficult situation. So I'm curious: what do you think is the best part of diabetes?
Alyssa,
I see a lot of give and take, even on the forums and boards, so I'm not sure I buy it as being mostly negative. To answer your post: For me, I think the big D has gone miles toward keeping me in touch with my gratitude. I am grateful for all of my friends and family who have (and continue) t' help me out, I am grateful for all the people who make resources like this web site available, I am grateful for the support of complete strangers who stumble across me in places like this and are willing to offer their insight, advice and support, I am grateful for all the people doing research and who keep coming up with products and tools that make my life easier, I am grateful each day I wake up and I am greeted by my wife and child instead of a crew who showed up with flashing lights (talk about taking your party with you) and I am, of course, grateful for each and every day I wake up on the proper side of the lawn...
Did I answer your question??? (no saying yes just t’ get me to quit typing :P )
Cheers,
A-D
I agree with A-D....not everything on here is negative. If you go to the Diabetic Athletes Group I think that's some pretty positive stuff. Diabetes does stink and we all get fed up with it, and I think this is a place for us to get it off of our chest with people who actually know what we are going through. I think it's ok for people to vent about high blood sugars, lows, etc.
Anyway, the best part about having Diabetes is that it has humbled me greatly. I am thankful for the little things in life and I don't take a day for granted. I feel like I am a better person now than I was pre-D. It definitely helps to put my life into perspective, and I realize that I am blessed with more things that I could ever ask for.
In response to the responses I received, which is a bit of a mouth full: Honestly, I didn't mean this post as an "all negative spin" on diabetes. Really, ask me any time of day and I will tell you that I think this is the best opportunity I have ever been presented. I also wouldn't trade diabetes for the world, nor do I wish it away. I should have addressed on the original post that I was basing this off negative responses I've gotten on other posts, not a personal opinion. I agree that diabetes is not all negative; moreover I think it's a blessing in disguise. Thanks for pointing this out to me.; diabetes is not a negative experience PS A-D, yes, you answered my question :)
I gotta say that the best part is the fact that, since I got it young and had to eat healthy because of it, I am now in good shape and good health!
[quote user="Ben Brennan"]
I gotta say that the best part is the fact that, since I got it young and had to eat healthy because of it, I am now in good shape and good health!
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I agree with Ben. I am in better shape, health, and state of mind because of my diabetes. I love to be health and i would not do anything to go back to how i was before diabetes. Of course if i had the option to go back and be how i am now without diabetes, I would so go back in time!! Its nice to know that there is at least something in our D-lives that can be enjoyable. :)
probably the best part for me..is that I diganosed so young that I don't remember what it was like to NOT have to take needles, I am more aware of my body and my health than I probably would be otherwise, I have a good excuse to be bitchy sometimes(haha) or not do something because of my bloodsugar..and I have a good excuse to use when I sleep in and am late for work! haha.
I def hate haveing this but im with you on it has made me a stronger person!
it has helped me to know the real meaning of live life to the fullest for sure!!!
i dont take anything for granted!!!!
So in a way i guess type 1 has made me a better person!!!
And well Im differant NOT like everyone eles!! yay US!!!!
I think diabetes has changed my life completely, but i don't see it as a bad thing. I think it's made me stronger, and i've learned so much from it. I almost sometimes feel blessed that i have diabetes. sure, it sucks sometimes and i get fed up with it, but it's made me healthier, more in shape, and i feel good about myself :]
The best part of dieabetes is... Well there is no good part to it but if I had to chosse one it would be. eating extra snacks when your blood sugars are low even though i dont want them to be low
I agree with everyone when they said it makes you stronger. I really believe that because it is a 24/7 365 illness. You can't get away from it for one day. There are other illnesses out there but, they can go into remission etc.. Not saying that they are better or worse than diabetes but other people can actually get a break from it for a while. But, we don't.
I have learned what my body is capable of. It tells me when something is off like lows and highs for instance. I have learned to eat better and go exercise regularly two things I really didn't do before diagnosis. I am more sympathetic to certain things that I wasn't before. I have learned about research and crazy technical terms which made me smarter I think?
I definitely agree with everyone regarding being really health-conscious. Diabetes has made me really observant and also taught me a lot about responsibility. But most importantly it has introduced me to a world where regardless of how difficult we all know diabetes can be, it still doesn't compare to what some other people have to go through. I am grateful to be alive and content with my life, and I want to try to help others improve their lives as well.
Yeah, Gina you're right about diseases like cancer that CAN go away, even if the odds aren't great. I was thinking about genetic diseases like glycogen storage disease or diseases that result in early death no matter what. People with GSD actually are much worse off than we are because they have to check their blood sugars and eat or inject cornstarch in their feeding tubes about 8 times daily, during the night too. And if they are even 10 minutes late taking their cornstarch, they can have severe hypoglycemia and even die. Oh yeah, not to mention not EVER being able to eat sugar, lactose, or fruit. (Sorry, I had to do a project on this a couple years ago.)
wow thats terrible!! i feel bad for complaining now!!!
it makes us stronger emotionaly.
Sorry, but the D totally sucks! I was in awesome shape before I became diabetic and was already at that a pretty humbled person (especially from what I have dealt with while I personally worked in the medical field). When I became diabetic I was a triathlete, all round althetic in many things. I am not saying that I am no longer an athlete, I am just not as great because of it.
Out of many other things which could have happen to me, this is probably the one that I would pick. However, I would be the first in line to get rid of it! But for another topic, I doubt that will happen within our time.
Okay, enough synicism. This site is completely awesome!! It truly has helped me in so many ways, and I am very grateful for the new friends that I have made at the same time.
Hmm, LMAO... I think I may have gone off topic
Well, alot of people do say that they would chose to not have diabetes if they had the decision. Funny thing is, my older sister, when she was young was constantly checked for diabetes. 6 days after my 9th birthday which happened to be Christmas Day, I was diagnosed. But if I did have the chance to pick, knowing what I know now, I'd choose to have diabetes. Having diabetes had helped me accept things, understand things and become a stronger individual. I agree, depending on the person and how they dealt with their diabetes, it either makes or breaks you.
[quote user="Aurora"]
But if I did have the chance to pick, knowing what I know now, I'd choose to have diabetes. Having diabetes had helped me accept things, understand things and become a stronger individual. I agree, depending on the person and how they dealt with their diabetes, it either makes or breaks you.
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amen to that!