Are you the stereotypical diabetic? That question should light a fire in your gut because it is laden with problems. Let's ignore "diabetic" for this blog post, feel free to insert your own preferences in place of that word, and instead focus on the stereotypical part.
Stigma surrounding diabetes is frequently found in most corners of the Internet especially the social media platforms but, it is often heard and experienced in the real world too.
"You don't look diabetic"
"You're too old to be a Type 1"
"Complications? I guess you didn't take care of yourself!"
I'm sure that you've heard of one or two of those, maybe experienced some personally. They're very thinly veiled stigmatising and mean remarks. You may have challenged them or you may have turned the other cheek - it is very difficult to challenge a stranger on any comment, most humans prefer a non-confrontational life and I wouldn't judge anybody for ignoring comments which promote ableism. You don't need to be brave all the time.
We're brave(r), of course, on the Internet. It's easier to challenge from behind a screen and sadly it's just as easy to dish out the horrible comments. I've been the victim of a few comments in the last 5 years on Twitter. A few were brave enough to tweet me directly, others preferred to subtweet and in one particular case embark on a prolonged period of stalking and accusations - all without names of course because even Internet bravery has a limit when you're working for a diabetes charity and a self-styled advocate for all "PWD".
However, stalking and bullying is a slightly different subject to today's blog. Stigma is also slightly off-topic although it plays a large part in the views which many form of the "stereotypical diabetic". Individuality is a great thing - a wonderful, beautiful and educational thing which should be encouraged and embraced by us all.
Cheesy stuff, huh? Although, it's true! If we all accepted each other as different, that there is nothing to fear from differences, then that's stigma buried. It may bury a lot of hatred, too. It's very easy for me to write such a solution but I very much doubt I'll witness such as shift in thinking by society in my lifetime. Still, the encouragement of it might just reduce some of the more hateful things in life eventually.
Individuality doesn't end at the door of stigma and being kind. I firmly believe we need that in healthcare circles. It's probably right to say that about every aspect of healthcare and it's probably right to say that most HCPs treat patients as individuals and with the greatest kindness. It might also be right, if we consider diabetes, to say that we're not always treated as our brilliant, unique selves. Why not?
There are guidelines and criteria to start with. Every good HCP will want to follow the lead of their... lead? for fear of reprimands - in whatever form they might come. So, when a guide is published the good HCP will do as the guide suggests even if they know it to be incorrect and potentially putting themselves in an awkward position with patients. That's alright, though, because a patient might only have a moan or take up more time at an appointment and that's far more preferable to a reprimand. And what do patients know anyway?! Hmm. Well meaning guides probably fall behind criteria when it comes to impacting on patients. Thankfully, we're seeing some criteria changed or relaxed when it comes to access to some forms of diabetes technology but it wasn't very long ago that I experienced the cold refusal of "because criteria" and it seems to still be floating around today despite changes no longer being new news.
"We need this and that..." says the advocate.
"They need this and that but only if..." says the criteria.
Using "we" and "they" so generously has never sat well with me unless, of course, every diabetic it relates to has been consulted. That's impossible! But, research!...
"But the research says...."
I just found out that 100% of people love coffee. I have solid research on the subject, sample size: 1 - me!
Do you see where research ceases to be research if numbers are small? Let's say, for example and completely randomly, 800 people were researched about communication in relation to their diabetes, 600 came from a charity in one country, it was all done on the Internet and via the charity's own web site with questions and even answer options created by the charity. The data? collected by the charity. That's then cited as good, global research. There are approx' 500 million people living with diabetes globally. It's not really research, is it? I've got two legs and I can run if the buffet is open but I'm not really an Olympic sprinter.
So, we know research needs to be done properly and if you have a little look around you might be surprised at what passes the "Good enough" test.
Perhaps, as some undoubtedly already do, HCPs who treat patients based upon their individual needs and facilitate access to whatever is available are some of the true pioneers of the diabetes technology revolution and the modernising of diabetes care. You don't need a guide, ask us. You don't need criteria, use your brain and your heart.
As you might have seen, a conflict has broken out in Ukraine as Russia has invaded that country. The scenes on TV and on social media are horrifying. What can we do? Well, I don't think there is a wrong way to help if you donate to charities who are active in helping the people of Ukraine. I support many charities but one which has always had my heart is MSF. Medecins Sans Frontieres translates as Doctors Without Borders. When it comes to the health of others in disaster areas, war zones and the like then I think we all have a duty to do what we can to help and help those who directly help! such as MSF. With that in mind, all donations to me via Buy Me a Coffee and all the pennies generated through the ads dotted around my pages will be donated to MSF. I will make up the difference for the fees taken by PayPal and Buy Me a Coffee. That will run until further notice, no time frames and possibly until Ukraine is a free country again. Thank you for reading my blog.
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