The Power Of Sharing

In the world of diabetes management, every day brings unique challenges. Yet, through the power of advocacy and awareness, individuals with diabetes are finding the strength to face these challenges head-on. This blog post revolves around a compelling story shared to me by an online diabetes peer, which beautifully encapsulates the impact of diabetes advocacy and the resilience of those living with the condition.

Our peer shared a moment from their life that unfolded during a seminar. It was a day like any other, but their insulin pump had other plans. It malfunctioned, resulting in high glucose levels—a situation that can be unsettling for anyone. Instead of feeling embarrassed, this individual demonstrated remarkable composure. They calmly injected insulin and replaced their pump set right there in the room, without leaving or excusing themselves. In their own words, they did it "like it's a normal thing...which it is apart from injecting."

Here is their message, shared with permission: 

This story carries a profound message, not just for people with diabetes but for everyone:

The Power of Advocacy: The online diabetes community, along with dedicated advocates, has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about diabetes. Their efforts have contributed to a more informed and understanding society, allowing individuals like our peer to feel supported and empowered.

Breaking Down Stigmas: Our peer's ability to manage their diabetes openly and confidently challenges the stigmas surrounding the condition. It exemplifies that dealing with diabetes, even in unconventional situations, should be normalised and accepted.

Self-Empowerment: This story is a testament to the resilience and self-empowerment that individuals with diabetes can cultivate. When people understand that diabetes is a part of life but doesn't define it, they can confidently manage it without feeling the need to hide.

Inspiration to Others: The courage displayed by our peer serves as an inspiration to me and I hope others in the diabetes community. It shows that unpredictable moments can be met with grace and that diabetes doesn't have to hold anyone back.

The Importance of Preparedness: While managing diabetes is a day-to-day reality, moments like the one our peer experienced highlight the importance of preparedness. Knowing how to handle such situations and sharing this knowledge can benefit the entire community.

This story is a testament to the transformative power of diabetes advocacy and the resilience of those living with the condition. Through advocacy, we can break down stigmas, inspire self-empowerment, and encourage a sense of normalcy in managing diabetes. Our peer's experience during that seminar is proof that, with the right support and awareness, individuals with diabetes can confidently navigate even the most unexpected moments with confidence, ensuring that diabetes doesn't define them, but rather, becomes just another part of their remarkable lives. 

I talk about my diabetes a lot and I do that simply to share my experiences. Remarkably, that simple act can have a hugely positive impact on others. I strongly encourage you, reader, to share your own experiences about diabetes. 

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Hybrid Closed Loop - My Thoughts

The future has arrived! Yes, I know many of you reading this will have been managing your diabetes with Hybrid Closed Loop for a while now and that it's not exactly new news for you. 

At Dad Towers, I've been hesitant to take the "next step" from insulin pumps and CGMs to the "all in one" of HCL since I began using an insulin pump in 2021. I didn't feel the urgency to change what was already working well for me, I didn't feel inspired to learn about closed loop, HCL, AID, APS and host of acronyms which were, to be frank, a bit of a turn off. I write those words as somebody who is very pro-tech when it comes to diabetes management and as somebody who understands most of what HCL means. Still, in the last couple of years, I felt in no hurry to try it.

As is often the case, conversations with peers, particularly well-meaning peers within #GBDoc, resulted in the change. As is also often the case, I've done this without the "blessing" of my consultant or an agreement with any of my HCPs. We'll talk about access later on.  The kind-hearted folk within #GBDoc have taken care of me on so many levels in the last 6 years, so I suppose it's not really a surprise to have transmitters, sensors and even different CGMs sent to me to try out. It's not a surprise, yet my heart bursts with gratitude when others offer the time, energy and often money to support me. I'll do what I can to pay that forward, of course.

Right, let's get into it; HCL, is it any good? 

Firstly, take a look at the image above. That's a screenshot from Dexcom Clarity. A nice splattering of green days and impressive time in range. For the system I'm using (Control IQ via Dexcom and T:Slim) those numbers didn't take long to achieve. The first day or two on HCL was fascinating to watch. My pump was constantly adjusting my basal rate, administering little boluses, reducing basal, suspending insulin, etc. Basically, it was micro managing everything and doing so for 24 hours a day. I love a little micro managing action myself, but even I can't do that for 24 hours a day. Impressive stuff and the results were almost immediate, lines have been flatter, spikes less spiky, hypos less severe, and I imagine my next HbA1c will reflect this improvement in management...

...management? Yes, you're still the boss, you can still administer a dose, you still need to carb count and pre-bolus for your meals & snacks. You're not a complete passenger with HCL but, if you're anything like me, you'll need to learn to let the machine do it's thing and trust in the tech. 

I've put HCL to the test a few times, including early on when I purposefully carb counted 50% lower than the meal actually contained. I expected a spike and it did happen, yet HCL sprung into action and upped my basal rates quite dramatically. It caught my purposeful error and brought me back into range within an hour or so. Wow!

Recently, I spent a few days away on a short break. That included a day at the beach. Walking and warm weather is a recipe for a hypo for me, but I thought I'd put HCL to the test again. I left my hypo treats in the car and armed only with a debit card to purchase food and drinks from a little cafe, I set about wandering around the sands... some running around too, with a Cocker Spaniel enjoying the new environment to sniff and explore. I kept an eye on Control IQ, which displays my blood glucose alongside exactly what's going on insulin wise. From a starting BG of 7.6 mmol/L, things dipped to 5.8 mmol/L and at that stage my insulin was suspended by Control IQ. Trying to not worry, I headed to the cafe to buy a sugary drink and as I cracked open the can of brown fizz, my BG was back to 6.4 mmol/L. No input from me, closed loop did all the work.

Of course, I'm not suggesting ANY level of exercise won't require some input from you when you're using HCL but, for me at least, walking around a beach for a few hours wasn't the huge problem it once might've been. And I definitely don't recommend leaving your hypo treats behind - That's just silly. 

However, that's a tremendous thing about closed loop; it reduces the worry, the decision making. You can just crack on with whatever you need or want to do and if any problems arise they're likely to be minor ones that need minimal input from you. 

It's not a cure. It's definitely not an "artificial pancreas". What it is, is an advanced way to manage T1D. Now, the only issue for me, as it was with pumping, will be to convince my consultant that HCL is right for me. That means obtaining Dexcom G6 funding.... or does it?

Whaaaaaaat?

Well, the thing is, Dexcom One sensors will work perfectly well with G6 transmitters. The sensor codes have been "hacked" and a list of Dexcom One code: 2222 = Dexcom G6 code: 4444 (as an example) is freely kicking around on your Interwebs. So, essentially, I only need the transmitters while I'm prescribed Dex One sensors. Conversations are to be had! 

Finally, you've probably noticed that Partha & co. have been working hard on making HCL accessible in NHSE. There'll be criteria, and from the outset it looks less stringent than the insulin pump criteria of old (7.5% A1c vs 8.5%) so, that's a good thing. I imagine access will be more relaxed as the next few years roll by until we reach a point where all with T1D can access closed loop in England and Wales. Perhaps that's called the Libre Point? Remember in 2017/18 when access to Flash was the big issue? Here we are, 5 years later and still not cured, but access to that tech is no longer a problem.

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The Blue Tick

It's been a couple of months since I took "the plunge" to verify my Twitter account. Of course, that's now a verified X account following the rebranding at Musk Inc. It has raised a few questions and conversations, primarily "why?!" especially as the recent changes at this platform have caused many to move to other areas of the Internet for their socials. I thought that I'd clear things up with a blog post, instead of writing a really long tweet... xeet? Whatever.

In today's digital age, social media platforms have become powerful tools for advocacy and awareness campaigns. Twitter, with its extensive reach and real-time engagement, stands out as a platform that can significantly amplify the voice of advocates. For individuals advocating for diabetes awareness, being verified on Twitter holds immense importance. Twitter verification is crucial for diabetes advocates, especially those (like me) who are not professional advocates. Below, I'll look at how it enhances credibility, increases visibility, and facilitates meaningful connections within the diabetes community.

• Credibility Amplification: Whether we like it or not, for many, verification on Twitter symbolises authenticity and credibility. For diabetes advocates, whose primary goal is to provide accurate information and create awareness, being verified adds an extra layer of trust for their followers. Verified accounts are perceived as authoritative sources of information, allowing advocates to spread accurate details about diabetes management, treatment options, and lifestyle changes with more impact.

• Enhanced Visibility: Verified accounts are more likely to appear at the top of search results and in relevant conversations. For diabetes advocates, this visibility boost is essential in ensuring their messages reach a broader audience. With the ever-increasing volume of content on social media, standing out from the noise is crucial. Verification ensures that the important messages of diabetes advocates are not lost in the crowd, enabling them to effectively reach people who need accurate information about the condition.

• Access to Features: Twitter verification comes with access to advanced features, such as analytics and insights into tweet performance. This data can be incredibly valuable for diabetes advocates, as it helps them understand what type of content resonates most with their audience. This information can be used to tailor their advocacy efforts, refine their messaging, and optimise their engagement strategies.

• Collaboration Opportunities: Verified accounts are more likely to be approached for collaborations, partnerships, and joint initiatives. For diabetes advocates, this means increased opportunities to collaborate with medical professionals, researchers, organisations, and other "influencers" in the healthcare space. Collaborations can lead to more comprehensive and impactful advocacy campaigns, furthering the cause of diabetes awareness.

• Building a Stronger Community: Verification status fosters a sense of community among advocates, creating a network of credible voices in the diabetes space. Verified advocates can connect more easily with each other, sharing insights, experiences, and strategies. This sense of camaraderie strengthens the overall impact of their advocacy efforts and encourages the exchange of knowledge within the diabetes community.

• Countering Misinformation: This is one of the major pulls for me to be verified. Diabetes advocates often find themselves combating misinformation and myths about the condition. A verified status on Twitter empowers advocates to debunk false information with authority and credibility. As misinformation spreads easily on social media, having verified advocates actively participating in these discussions is essential for steering the conversation in the right direction.

In a world where social media has become an integral part of advocacy, Twitter verification holds undeniable significance for diabetes advocates. The benefits range from amplifying credibility and visibility to enabling collaboration and providing access to valuable insights. By becoming verified, diabetes advocates can leverage their status to create a more informed, connected, and empowered diabetes community. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, being verified on Twitter is not just a badge of honour; it's a tool that can drive meaningful change and make a lasting impact on diabetes awareness.

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Keep Me In The Loop

Type 1 Diabetes tech can advance pretty quickly. Even access to it, in some areas, has greatly improved in recent times and for that we have much to be grateful for. Of course, there is far more to do than has already been done. There are many who struggle to access some very basic things and, in the UK at least, a yawning disparity in care is obvious between areas. If the playing field will ever be levelled is debatable. With my most optimistic hat on, it seems certain to be a drawn process, as with many aspects of NHS care.

Yet! We continue to advance diabetes care in the UK (probably beyond) thanks to a little thing called "Peer support" Actually, it's not little at all. In terms of numbers, the peer support groups both online and in person, have grown enormously over the last few years. Indeed, you'll see diabetes-care-engaged HCPs communicating with these groups, recognising their importance, referring patients, etc. 

For me, it's not little at all in terms of the impact on my health and life.

Back in 2017, I had recently reached a "milestone age" and after going through a great deal of diabetes related issues I thought it was time to get to grips with my T1D. The story is long and rather dull, in short it involved creating social media and forum accounts, sharing, learning and trying to be the best diabetic that I could be. I anticipated that I'd be largely on my own, that I'd pick up a few useful tips among the keto scams and cinnamon cures. I was wrong, I was definitely not on my own.

If you arrived here via Twitter, there is a great chance that you already know about #GBDoc. It is a tremendous community, run entirely by volunteers who just want to learn and stay well as much as everyone else. I mention the hashtag often and I do promote the community when the opportunity arises. I don't run it or have any influence in what happens. I'm a volunteer, learning, trying to stay well and hopefully assisting others in the same.

I try to give as much as possible to my peers within #GBDoc because since day one I have been inundated with kindness. Sure, as with any community, there will be disagreements and people will come and go. Yet, the core of #GBDoc has remained and from everything I've read and learned, I believe the community has evolved into a more inclusive, community driven, place rather than the individually run entity it once was.

In the last six and a half years, I have met hundreds of community members in person. I'm very likely to meet hundreds more. Each time, it was a delight. I love to learn about others, to talk, to laugh and to share experiences. From the hundreds, I have close bonds with many people who are now incredibly good friends. If you enjoy socialising then #GBDoc can certainly improve that aspect of your life!

Let's focus on the direct impact that peer support has had on my health. In 2017, I was finger pricking and injecting and that was the extent of my T1D management. Today, I write this blog post as somebody who is using Hybrid Closed Loop to manage my diabetes. Essentially, an insulin pump is communicating with a CGM to make frequent adjustments to my insulin dose without my input, aside from entering carb counts and other very minimal-effort engagements (see the photo used for this post). If you don't have T1D, your pancreas does a similar job, but this is not an artificial pancreas. I'll blog more about HCL in a week or two. 

HCL is the latest development from my accessing of the peer support in #GBDoc. Before that, there have been many other examples of help from the community members. Items include:

- A donated insulin pump

- Many donated insulin pump consumables

- CGM transmitters

- CGM and Flash sensors

- Ketones test strips

- Glucose drinks

- Sweets, chocolates, lots of coffees!

The last one might not be hugely impactful on my diabetes management, but it helps and they were much appreciated! I didn't ask for any of those items. Various individuals took it upon themselves to offer their time, energy and money to help me. The physical items are one thing, the enormous amount of education is something else. There really is no better place to learn about T1D than from those who live with it. Every little snippet of info, every little trick, hack, guidance and signposting is a little bit more ammunition to go to war with. Over the years, I've absorbed it all. It feels like I've studied for a medical degree in some respects.

Of course, I do what I can to give back. "Pay it forward" is the often used term for a good deed. I won't list my involvements in diabetes related initiatives in this post. This post is about the others who do wonderful, kind, things for people without really realising the positive impact it can have. You are saving lives, prolonging lives, improving lives. I don't write that sentence flippantly. I truly believe it. You may never be officially recognised, but I see you. Thank you.

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Combating Stigma in Diabetes Online Content

In today's digital world, the internet has become a significant source of information and support for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes. However, despite its many advantages, the online sphere is not immune to the perpetuation of stigma and misinformation surrounding the condition. You may have read a lot about stigma via your social media platforms of late. I apologise if my own content has been focused on that subject. However, I do believe it is a hugely important issue and one which can be addressed within the general population. I understand that to many of you stigma is not the most exciting subject to read about. Indeed, some of you may have never experienced stigmatising content. Stick with me, have a read, it will only take a few minutes.

So, we know that diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by the body's inability to properly regulate blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, diabetes is often associated with stereotypes, misconceptions, and blame. Stigma arises from these preconceived notions and societal attitudes, resulting in discrimination, shame, and psychological distress for those living with diabetes.

The internet has revolutionised the way we access and share information. It offers a wealth of resources and online communities, such as #GBDoc, that can be immensely beneficial for individuals with diabetes. However, the online sphere is also a breeding ground for stigma and misinformation. Many platforms lack proper oversight, allowing harmful content to spread unchecked. As a consequence, diabetics often face an uphill battle in navigating the online landscape, leading to increased anxiety, self-stigmatisation, and poor mental health.

Stigmatising content can have severe consequences for individuals with diabetes. It not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also hinders our ability to manage the condition effectively. Stigma may discourage individuals from seeking necessary medical care, adhering to treatment plans, or even disclosing their condition to others. Consequently, this can lead to poor glycemic control, increased complications, and a diminished quality of life.

To combat stigma effectively, it is crucial to empower individuals with diabetes through education and awareness. Creating and promoting online content that accurately represents the realities of living with diabetes can play a pivotal role in challenging misconceptions and dispelling stereotypes. At #GBDoc, we recently launched the #StopTheStigma campaign to do precisely that. By providing evidence-based information, sharing personal experiences, and embracing empathy towards others, we can reshape the narrative around diabetes and create a more inclusive online environment.

Online communities such as GBDoc can serve as a lifeline for individuals with diabetes, offering support, validation, and a sense of belonging. These communities should prioritise the creation of safe spaces that are free from stigma and judgement. As a volunteer, I work hard to ensure everybody feels safe to engage in and express themselves in the communities that I am a part of. If you notice or experience otherwise, just let me know.

Healthcare professionals CAN play a crucial role in combating stigma surrounding diabetes. By staying updated on the latest research, guidelines, and treatments, they can provide accurate information to their patients and the general public. Sadly, there are some HCPs with a different agenda. I strongly encourage diabetics of any type to avoid engaging with or acknowledging HCPs who are promoting diets or lifestyles via a subscription based service. There are a few of those guys kicking around, even in the UK!

Additionally, healthcare professionals can actively engage with online communities, offering expert advice, clarifying misconceptions, and addressing concerns. By bridging the gap between medical knowledge and the online sphere, healthcare professionals can become allies in the fight against diabetes stigma.

Despite it being 2023 and despite many words of advice and correction, stigma surrounding diabetes persists in online content today, creating barriers for individuals seeking support and information. However, by recognising the impact of stigma and actively working to combat it, we can create a more inclusive and supportive online environment for individuals with diabetes. Through education, empathy, and the promotion of accurate information, we can break down barriers, empower those affected by diabetes, and contribute to everyone's overall well-being.

I'd like to ask you all to share your experiences of stigma on your social media accounts. If you can, post that content where people could benefit from learning about stigma (where people without diabetes might read it) and use the hashtag #StopTheStigma. Raising awareness has the greatest impact among the unaware.

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Dexcom One CGM - In Review

It's been a number of years since I last used a Dexcom CGM. In 2018 and 2019, I used the Dexcom G5 followed by the G6 and my experience was "patchy" for various reasons. So, it was with hesitancy that I accepted the Dexcom One "Starter Pack" during my latest diabetes review appointment. It was offered to me following the sharing of my experiences of Freestyle Libre 2.

Firstly, how wonderful to have a choice of blood glucose tech. I know most areas in England and Wales are offering a choice of Libre 2 or Dex One yet many are still finding it difficult to access one or the other - mostly Dex One - at the time of writing this blog post.

The Starter Pack contains everything you need for 10 days CGM use - 1 transmitter and 1 sensor. You'll need to install the Dexcom app on your phone and create an account if you don't have one already. Then, you're ready to go!

You'll need to "pair" your phone with your Dexcom One transmitter. Pairing is a simple process, just follow the steps on your phone screen. Once you are paired up, you can insert the sensor using the single use applicator. By the way, be sure your phone is compatible with the CGM. Dexcom will have a list of compatible handsets on their website. 

The sensor applicator looks and feels a little like a computer mouse. There is one orange button to insert the sensor under your skin and a small protective orange strip to cover it. You'll need to snap that off before you press the orange button. You'll also need to remove the two slips of paper that cover the sensor adhesive area. Once the paper is removed, hold the applicator against your skin and press the button. Sensor inserted! Just ease away the applicator and dispose of it as best as you can. It's a pretty chunky lump, making recycling difficult. Some have suggested breaking it up with a hammer to make recycling easier. I think Dexcom could do a lot more to be planet friendly, here.

Before you go waving a hammer around, pop the transmitter into your sensor. Next, follow the app instructions to begin the warm up process. If you've never used a Dexcom CGM before, then get ready for a wait. The Dexcom One takes 2 hours to warm up so, maybe don't do this right before bed.

The warm up process was problem-free and BG values began to appear. The first few readings were pretty close to my actual blood glucose. "Great!" I thought, until my BG dropped so low that numbers became letters on the Dexcom app. However, I wasn't hypo. Things didn't get any better for a good 6 hours, throughout that time I remained outside of the hypo zone. I decided to let the CGM "bed in" and, erm, go to bed.

I don't know if it was just really tired from sitting in a box on my living room floor for a few days, but the rest seemed to do the CGM good! Fasting BG in the morning was very close to the Dex One number, which was also very close to the Libre 2 number (I'm wearing both devices at the same time). 

Heading towards 7 days with Dex One, I've become comfortable with it and I have begun to trust it. Compared to Libre 2, it has been closer to my actual BG for more of the time.... just! The difference between the two is very minimal for me. L2 is reading a little lower (it usually does) than Dex One, but not by worrying amounts. 0.5 mmol perhaps as an average.

Accuracy aside, the Dexcom One app is a very stripped out affair compared to LibreLink. It will offer some eA1c info via Clarity and some Time In Range data, but there is no place to leave notes and no way to screenshot the app. Read this in your best Nick Jonas voice - No screenshots? Really?! Some of you are going to suggest using third party apps and you're right. You can screenshot and note leave using different apps. However, I'm not a fan of unofficial apps when it comes to my data, support, security, yada yada. Also, the tech newbies don't want to be overwhelmed by having to install multiple apps to do things they could do with one app on LibreLink. I'm not a newbie, I'm just big hearted and I care about the people who are.

The app is my only gripe, really. Yet, it works and how often am I going to leave passive-aggressive notes about the sensor accuracy? Do I really need to screenshot my BG to encourage keto diet zealots to question how long I'll be keeping my toes with those numbers? Maybe not. I've drifted off track. My gripes aren't a big deal. They're little annoyances. The important thing is the CGM works well. At least, after the first 6 hours.... 8 hours if you include the warm up. Yeah, that first day is pretty annoying. I can accommodate that, though.

What else? 

- It's ergonomic. No sharp edges to catch on clothes, bed sheets, other humans, etc.

- It's simple to set up. Minimal steps and great on-screen instructions.

- Satisfactory accuracy vs Libre 2.

- 10 day wear isn't wonderful. That's 3 sensors per month vs the near 2 for Libre.

- 90 day transmitter usage is... okay... remember GlucoMen Day have rechargeable transmitters that last for 5 years.

- Waste could be better. That big lump of applicator, 3 times per month. Eeek.

That's about it. Soon, I'll need to make a choice for NHS purposes. Dexcom One or Libre 2. Which one do you use? Have you been given a choice?  

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1 Hour of Diabetes Stigma

So, the title of this one doesn't sound like a barrel of laughs. I know, I know, stigma and diabetes gets more airtime than Phillip Schofield and a full hour of it? Relax! Unless you're really slow at reading, this blog post will not take an hour to get through.

We're all good now, aren't we? Cool. 

A few weeks ago, I asked a question on Twitter along the lines of "Have you ever searched 'Diabetes' on Twitter?" A simple question. Some of you actually did that, some of you knew what I was getting at - It's horrendous. 

Stigma comes in many forms, of course. Some of it is well meaning "advice", some of it is terrible, upsetting, bullying, stigma breeding trash that really has no place on any platform. Yet, it's 2023 and here we are, social media is a heaving cesspit of diabetes stigma. A wall to wall misinformed, Facebook researching, pile of turd.

I'm not happy about this, can you tell?

So, to fuel my fires further, I performed the Twitter search for "diabetes" once again, yesterday. I decided to check the latest tweets, the tweets from the last hour. Of course, you might perform this search after reading this blog post and find entirely different results. However, for the purposes for this blog, I'm going to show you nine tweets which were sent in that hour.  On average, that's a tweet every 6 and a half minutes.

Ready? Deep breaths. Let's start with this cracker:

Diabetes in a cup. Your number one, alongside 'Diabetes on a plate', in Diabetes Stigma Bingo. Ooh, this is so tiresome and it's been repeated a million times. "Sister" was probably trying to be witty. 1985 left a voicemail, they want their diabetes joke back.

Mild diabetes. What? Mild diabetes? Loverboy got lucky with a mild dose. I've had the severe version for 38 years. Still, great that he warned us about this rather unusual way of getting diabetes - from watching a Ben & Jerry's TV ad'. Is nothing safe?! 

Looks like diabetes. Nope, it doesn't.

All Y'all diabetics, y'all. Fortunately, he clarified that cookies giving people diabetes was just a joke. All fine and not be blind at all... y'all. 

So sweet! Diabetes stigma bingo is back with this classic. I don't know what was so sweet. Maybe it was an ableist piece of trash falling down some stairs into a pile of horse manure?

Diabetes. Great try, DJ! You're wrong, but for trying so, so, hard to be funny you win a Donut. Oh, wait!...

Type Socks. I think this is my favourite one. Veinexes keeps those socks on despite it meaning getting diabetes. I like warm feet in bed, but i'd probably pass on toe comfort to be diabetes free. Still, now we all know the true cause of diabetes. Scientists, you can work on something else.

*Update. This looks like a typo/autocorrect of the word because or cos. The reply makes more sense when read that way. 

Cosmic Diabetes. Far out, dude. Diabetes from across the galaxy. Alien diabetes is probably easily managed with a ketogenic diet, lots of cinnamon, praying and an anal probe.

DiAmazonetes. Bernard, here, absolutely soiling himself laughing at his own gag. Ah, Bernie you old rogue! You cheeky, ableist, stigma breeding, piece of... IBS kicking in again. 

Alright, that's enough. Most of these idiots probably didn't mean any harm, they're just... idiots? Although, I'm not sure about the socks person - that's really freaked me out. I love socks. I should really end this post with a serious point. I think you've understood my point. That's a lot of stigma in a short space of time from various different idiots. 

Can it be stopped? No. At least not until there is proper regulation of social media (one person, one account, verified with ID, additional accounts listed openly). That would reduce the other horrible hate tweets, too. It would also reduce tweet impressions and hurt the income stream of the platform. Hmm, a tough one. Reduce harm and revenue or continue with the status quo. How important is money over human well being? Over to you, Elon.

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