I wish people knew that my diabetes isn’t a consequence of anything I did or did not do.

I wish people knew that diabetes is all consuming. It’s always there. I’m always thinking about it in some way or another. You can’t take a day off.

I wish people knew that currently there is no cure for type 1 diabetes, and while you may have good intentions when you claim that certain diets/herbs/treatments will cure it, you’re wrong. I hope one day there will be a cure, but today, there isn’t.

I wish people knew that each person’s experience and management of their diabetes is different. What works for one person doesn’t always work for another.

I wish people knew that every day with diabetes is different. And even if you do everything “right”, it doesn’t always behave.

I wish people knew that living with diabetes is expensive! And constantly dealing with insurance companies and pharmacies and doctors is often overwhelming and frustrating.

I wish people knew just how much work goes into managing diabetes, effort that isn’t always apparent from the outside or reflected in the numbers you see. It’s physically and mentally exhausting at times. And no matter how challenging the day is, you wake up and have to do it all again.

I wish people knew that diabetes isn’t a joke.

I wish people knew that type 1 diabetes has a complicated relationship with sugar. It isn’t caused by too much of it. Sugar isn’t bad. I can have sugar. In fact, when I have low blood sugar, I need it.

I wish that people knew that we need more research, funding, education, advocacy and legislation. We need to increase access to affordable treatment, improve patient safety, and find a cure.

I wish people knew that diabetes can also be a blessing and not just a burden. I’m a stronger person because of it.

This post is part of #IWishPeopleKnewAboutDiabetes Day, follow the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media using the hashtag.