Diabetes Type 1 Support Group

Hi Sweetie........I totally get what you are saying...but I think children that are diabetice are in a really different catagory than adults. You are right...in order to get the care they need in school etc. they must be labeled. I personally and for my own reasons don't like it.....it is necessary tho....

I'm not sure children are different, tina. I mean, if your sugar is low, as the other poster mentioned and you are unable to treat yourself, your age doesn't matter. Severe hypos can happen unexpectedly sometimes whatever your age. And adults should have the same rights as kids if not more since we have to take time off work for medical appointments - we are paid to work so it is a bigger deal for our employer to be paying us while we are at the dr, than it is for a teacher to allow a child off school for a morning. Kids also have parents to speak up for them while adults have to speak up for themselves and if you are shy or don't feel you can contradict something sometimes you can lose out, there is nobody really to speak up for you. As a child there is all sorts of support, in my experience that all stops at 18 and you are suddenly expected to deal with everything yourself with no preparation or anything. Adults with diabetes need care too and it is important we are classified as disabled as this gives us rights. With an invisible disability this is even more important.

You are right.....but I guess what I was trying to say (badly) is that when it comes to kids.....yes....absolutely they must be catagorized as disabled because of all the items you mentioned. That does make them different from an adult because WE have to take care of them. And believe me when I say that a low is the same for all of us...but what I don't like...for me personally...as an adult with diabetes, that had my pancreas out that functions on the same level with EVERYONE in my office...is to be labeled. Even though I do know that this label apply's to me.

This is a personal thing with me. I certainly didn't mean what I feel should or would apply to anyone else. Let me explain...I work in the Human Services Department (Welfare Office). Every day I see children and adults that have less of a disability than I do....who CHOSE not to work because the are 'disabled'. I noticed years ago that some parents of diabetic children don't teach them any other way of life than to be 'disabled'. Mom coddles the child and makes them way more sick than they actually are. In no way am I putting any poster here down.....it's just that for me...I really resent...but understand... the label.

I seem to be stuttering......so I will quit now....

I know what you mean Tina. My mum never wanted me to think of myself as disabled. I also have a learning difficulty and doctors told her to special school me but she didn't listen and I am glad. I was always in main stream schools. I think it is so important for parents to encourage their kids to be as independent as they can be, even if that is less than their peers or some health condition limits their independence. I know lots of people who were not encouraged by their parents and they have no self confidence and don't believe they can do things. I think parents see their kid struggling and getting upset and they want them to be happy so they tell them not to worry and to stop struggling with whatever it is. That makes the kid happy short term but long term it encourages a mentality of giving up on yourself I think. I was lucky to have a mum who never gave up on herself or on me.

Diabetes is a "hidden" disability. I'd say my daughter can be disabled from diabetes..but also can recover quickly and be Ok again.With help and sometimes without. So...unless you'r under extreem control and have excellent A1Cs. You have that chance...of being disabled for a little while or in a hospital. Thats the nature of diabetes it can be so unpredictable. Its no ones fault, thats just the way it is untill we get a cure. I want my daughter to realize she is spcial..not disabled. I like the term special needs. Thats what she has..not is. She is an A student who loves animals and has tons of friends,who happens to have diabetes. A Kid with diabetes. Not a diabetic kid.

Special--- sorry Iv been up since 3 am.

"A Kid with diabetes. Not a diabetic kid."

That's a great way of looking at life with diabetes. I'd rather not be defined as "diabetic," because there is more to me than just my diabetes. I see myself as an aunt, a writer, and a sister. I just happen to have diabetes.

I think it's a disability because it's life threatening for one thing. Without your meds or insulin you can die. You get sick easily because it causes your immune system to deteriorate. You heel much slowler than non-diabetics. Most people I've known who are diabetic get sick so much. I had a friend who constantly had pneumonia and always losing jobs. I am on disability now because of being fired so much from jobs getting sick so much, and now have people judge me unmercifully calling me "lazy," etc. making comments about welfare recipents, etc. I hope the good Lord doesn't bless them with these health problems because I know he probably will eventually.

Hello......me again adding my 2 cents. I still hate to be called disabled. I understand all the points made here and I know that I am not like everyone else...I know how hard it is to heal...I know that I could die at any moment....I also know that I am blessed to be able to to to work every day and for now....I am NOT disabled.

Those that are on SSI or some sort of assistance....are disabled. I work at a welfare office and I don't judge. Everyone's situation is different. I really think the term disability is subjective to how an individual feels. I may not be able to work in the future....I may not feel this good and I might have to file for disability....but until then I will be offended everytime someone calls me disabled.......Best wishes to everyone here. Tina

A DISABILITY TO ME MEANS:NEEDING A WHEELCHAIR OR CANE OR SEEING EYE DOG OR ETC... & FOR ME HAVING DIABETES A PLACE & TIME TO TEST MY BLOOD SUGAR OR TAKING CARE OF MYSELF WITHOUT BEING TOLD ( YOU CANNOT DO THAT HERE ) OR ( YOU CANNOT DO THAT NOW ). ( YOU CANNOT EAT HERE ) WHEN MY BLOOD SUGAR IS LOW.