Labels on food containers are great, since they provide us with nutrition facts. They tell us the calories per serving and the total fats, carbohydrates, sodium, dietary fiber, protein and sugars. Of course, there is the list of ingredients listed on the label as well. The product label may even state this particular food item was manufactured on shared equipment with products that may contain tree nuts and/or peanuts. This is vital due to children and adults who have a life-threatening allergy to nuts. Other food allergens include, but are not limited to the following: wheat, gluten (proteins found in wheat), corn, soy, whey, dairy, fruits and seafood. Labels provide the consumers with not only important nutritional information, but a possible life or death situation if they don’t read the label.
Why is it then that we accept the “diabetic” label? After all, diabetes is a disease caused by an insulin deficiency and characterized by an increased amount of sugar in the blood and urine. Basically, you either don’t have enough insulin or the body cannot properly utilize what it has. The disease is diabetes, not the person. The “diabetic” label is saying this child or adult is a disease. This is incorrect, since they can live as if they don’t have diabetes. The symptoms of diabetes will only appear if your blood sugar is high for a long time. If your blood sugars stay close to the normal readings, it is impossible to have diabetes symptoms. Life is not perfect, but it is possible to bury this “diabetic” label and be healthier than someone who does not have diabetes. I believe the “diabetic” label should be banned! This label has devastated so many children and adults. I have heard the cries for 28 years, starting with the treatment center. I have heard it from patients while working at the hospital and clinics. I have heard it from adults, who have attended my book signings. One lady said, in tears, “My doctor called me a ‘sick diabetic.’” When is this emotional and mental abuse going to stop? Enough is enough! I’m even more shocked this “diabetic label abuse” continues today. If you are a health care professional, do not use the “diabetic” label, ever. Even if you are not a health care professional, do not use it. The damage that has been caused by this label can sometimes take a long time for my clients to heal from. Once they do, not only are they healthy mentally, but physically, too! Finally, they can start to enjoy life!
Diabetes or any other health challenge does not define who people are, they define what diabetes or any other health challenge is to them. Once people bury the “diabetic” label, it can no longer sour their life! Because they have self-worth, which means they are worthy of love. They will not allow anyone to disrespect them. The next time you hear someone use the word “diabetic,” correct them. Sometimes, people don’t realize what they are saying when they ask if you are a “diabetic.” Educate them! Explain to them that if they had cancer, you would not call them a “canceretic.” In fact, right now as I type the word canceretic, my computer’s spell check is letting me know it is not even a word in the dictionary. Why then do you suppose the word “diabetic” is?
I believe it is very important to focus on what you want in life. To me, that includes excellent health. I never focus on what I don’t want. Once you know what you want, you can get started right away. Today is the day to make your fresh start. I know you can do it! The choice is yours, you just have to believe and have faith as you step forward taking one step at a time. Remember to not dig up the “diabetic” label. Instead, focus on your hopes and dreams. Yes, you too can be happy and healthy!
If you would like to get this party started and “celebrate life” go to www.diabetesdoneright.com and let Julie know!
All information provided is not medical advice and should not be substituted for consulting with your physician.
|
Join this Spot
Invite friend 
I'm sorry -- I don't think I can get pass the furrowed brow and repeated "Huh?" and "Wait....I don't get it." for a few more minutes. Let me process it for a while longer and maybe someone else can explain it to me.
One last thing -- are you trying to sell a book on diabetes? Because you are referring to your book signings. But at the bottom you say that this is not medical advice. Are you a doctor, a sufferer of diabetes, or someone simply attached to the cause?
Recently, I became FIFHI (Fellow Institute for Human Individuality) certified for Blood Type Metabolically Profiling and received this certificate from the Institute for Human Individuality and Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Tempe, Arizona.
Having said all that - I am not a doctor and do not consider any of my writings to substitute overall medical care. My desire and passion is to help people realize they can lead happy, healthy lives - living with diabetes instead of 'labeling' it negatively.
So while I am not a doctor, I am medically trained on this subject, I do have diabetes personally, and am absolutely attached to the cause!
As you suggest, having diabetes is not an automatic death sentence, and so being diagnosed with diabetes should provoke a sober evaluation of one's diet and exercise, rather than despair. But there are many analogous terms to describe people who suffer from adverse medical conditions, such as "hemophiliac", "anorexic", "hypochondriac", "allergic", "alcoholic": these shouldn't be viewed as negative assessments of the person to whom they're applied, but rather a description of their condition. As such I think they're acceptable, but I can certainly see how others might be distressed at their use. "Diabetic" certainly could, if not used strictly to mean someone who actually has been diagnosed with diabetes, eventually gain the negative stigma that "alcoholic" has. But I don't think anyone would advocate that people stop using the term "alcoholic" for someone with that addiction, right? Certainly those I've met who admit and are aware of their addiction wouldn't advocate that. They realize that "alcoholic", while it describes a major factor in their lives, is not their sole descriptor. But it is painful.
It's a pretty good article. It might do better in the diet and exercise spot, but in any case, I thank you.
I feel that when you call someone a "diabetic" you are calling them a deadly disease. People are special and deserve to be called by their name. The name they choose, not a disease you label them with. When you use the word "diabetic" you are not only being disrespectful to that individual but you are causing emotional damage. Damage you don't even see. This damage starts to affect the individual not only mentally but physically as well. I have witnessed it for over 25 years! I strongly feel that people with other health challenges need to be recognized as being special not by their challenge.
Here's to good health Harold! :)
Your welcome! Thanks for your positive comment. It's special people like you that give me the passion to continue helping others worldwide. I love the picture of your dog!
Sign In or join Fanpop to add your comment