2. Diabetes Police

I went to a diabetes convention a couple of years ago. It was a huge event. Lots of guest speakers and booths. One of the speakers spoke about the Diabetes Police. Have you heard this term before?

I had an allergy test done once. I found out I was allergic to eggs. I don’t think I have ever craved an egg sandwich more than when I left the doctor’s office that day.

I think it’s human nature to want things that we cannot have. When I first got braces I suddenly wanted to chew bubble gum all the time. Why? I have never been a gum chewer in my whole life!

Do you have a well-meaning-always-has-your-best-interests-at-heart family member or close friend? You know the one: every time you take a bite you get the obligatory “should you be eating that?” The person who sneakily steals your M & M’s from your purse and replaces them with a No Sugar Added granola bar? You open your email to find 101 forwards with titles like: “FUNtastic diabetic recipes”.

For me it’s my mum.
I used to find it intensely frustrating. It made me want to rebel.
Chocolate cake! Gummy bears! Ice cream!
I’m sorry…. I CAN'T eat that?? Just watch me!
I fought against her. I had to! I couldn’t keep my sanity any other way.
If I had a headache: “Have you checked your sugar?”
If I felt ill: “What’s your blood sugars??”
If I was grouchy: “Are your sugars high? You seem irritable.” ( I can tell you, nothing makes a person irritable quicker than being called irritable. I get irritated just thinking about it actually…)

I not only fought against her…. I made myself sick fighting. Until I woke up one day and had a striking thought: “What is wrong with me?” My poor mum was worrying herself sick about me, all for this false, ridiculous, pride I had. I mean hey, if she loves me enough to put up with my stupid rebellion and still worry, and still warn me… maybe I should chill out a bit.

So I did. And I listened to her.

Not that I don’t still get irritated. Because I do (“no mom, I don’t think my hangnail has to do with my blood sugars…”) but I love her for it. Who else is going to watch my back?

ttyl
sugar.free.Ang