(But Instead, I Smile Politely and Die Inside)
Ah, yes. The magical world of public commentary on chronic illness.
If you’re raising a child with Type 1 Diabetes, you already know: the comments come free, unsolicited, and nonstop—like a bonus prize you never asked for.
Here are a few of my personal favorites, along with the internal monologue I wish I could say out loud.
(Sometimes I do. Depends on the day.)
“At least it’s not cancer.”
Oh wow, thank you for that oddly comforting trauma comparison. That definitely cured my child’s autoimmune disease.
Next up: “At least your house didn’t burn down” when I stub my toe?
“Should she be eating that?”
Nope. We just like to live on the edge. Every cookie is a high-stakes gamble. Keeps life exciting.
(Yes, she can eat that. Yes, I know what I’m doing. No, I’m not taking insulin advice from someone holding a Pumpkin Spice Latte the size of their head.)
“Did she get it from eating too much sugar?”
Yup. That’s how autoimmune diseases work—eat one too many Skittles and boom! Your pancreas files for divorce.
(Kidding. That’s not how any of this works. Please Google before speaking.)
“I could never give my kid shots every day.”
Cool. I couldn’t either… until I had to.
This isn’t a fun hobby I picked up between yoga and brunch. It’s survival.
Also, I’m low-key a medical professional now, so you may address me as Dr. Mom, MD (Mom with Determination).
“She’ll grow out of it, right?”
Totally. Just like she’ll grow out of needing oxygen.
Nope. This is a lifelong condition. But hey, fingers crossed for a cure before she’s old enough to pay for her own Dexcom supplies.
“God only gives the hardest battles to the strongest warriors.”
Thanks. That’s super motivational at 2 a.m. when her blood sugar is 42 and I haven’t slept in three nights.
I’d really prefer He gave me a break and some decent health insurance.
People mean well. (I think.)
But wow, the stuff they say could be its own Netflix special.
So here’s your PSA:
If you don’t know what to say to a T1D parent, try this:
“Wow. That sounds like a lot. Do you want coffee?”
Boom. Nailed it.
