I was dx'd in 1974 at age 21 and yes, felt deeply ashamed. All of the people in my college dorm were whispering about it (oh man, it is making me cry to this day). I felt like a total and absolute freak. It didn't help that I went to a family practitioner who knew nothing about db and when I went for my 3 month fasting bg and it was elevated, he'd call my mother and tell her I was "sneaking candy bars".
I always felt like I was on the outside, looking in at those people who were in good health. It was terrible. When I got out of college, the Americans With Disabilities Act had not yet gone through and most job applications asked if you had cancer, diabetes, or mental illness. I got so tired of being rejected that I started lying and didn't check the box, and was hired soon after.
But, current times have helped me with this a great deal. When I saw people online who graciously "own" their diabetes and lead active and productive lives, I
thought "well, if they can do it, so can I".
I have many complications and sometimes I'm ashamed of them. But, currently they are all stable and I am living an amazing vibrant and enjoyable life. I am very proud of that.
I still don't go blabbing around that I have it, but if it comes up in conversation I'll certainly talk about it.
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