As a person with diabetes, and with respect, there is news that makes me especially angry.Not because of the judicial content—which I don't want to go into—but because of how diabetes is used as a wild card argument for “not being able” to do something.
Today I comment on this news:Koldo says he suffered “injuries” during a transfer and asks to appear by videoconference
Those of us who live with diabetes know very well what it entails: planning, responsibility, anticipating, knowing yourself.We know what is a real risk and what is not.And precisely that is why it squeaks when diabetes is presented as an automatic, almost disabling limitation, without nuances, without context and without personal responsibility.
Saying that a trip of about 40 minutes represents, in itself, an “unacceptable life risk” for having diabetes does not represent the majority of people with diabetes.The vast majority of us work, travel, play sports, take planes, drive for hours, go to trials, exams, endless meetings... and we do it by managing our diabetes, not hiding behind it.
Of course there can be complex medical situations.Of course, there are individual cases that require adaptations.But using diabetes as a generic excuse conveys a dangerous image: that people with diabetes are fragile, unpredictable, incapable of fulfilling basic responsibilities without exceptional treatment.And that hurts us all.
- It harms us when someone doubts whether we can assume a position of responsibility.
- It harms us when we are overprotected without asking us.
- It hurts us when we are seen as a “logistical problem.”
Diabetes does not define us or limit us by default.It accompanies us, yes, but it has also made us experts in self-care, anticipation and decision making.Precisely the opposite of the image that is projected when used in this way.
That's why it's important to say it loud and clear, also here in the forum:
- 👉 Having diabetes is not synonymous with not being able to.
- 👉 Diabetes cannot be used as a universal alibi.
- 👉 Our reality is much more capable, diverse and strong than some speeches suggest.
And if someone really wants to understand what it means to live with diabetes—to stop speaking from prejudice and start doing so from knowledge—we remind you that a direct way to support this community is to read or give away the book “Living with Diabetes: The Power of the Online Community.”It is not about heroics or victimhood, it is about real life, shared responsibility and mutual support.Just what we need most as a collective.
Let's continue telling our story ourselves.Because if not, others tell it… and not always well.💙
