“Guess what!” my friend excitedly messaged me one evening. “I just read that turmeric and ginger can reverse diabetes! Have you given them a shot?”
I attempt to suppress my eye-roll, but I don’t succeed. Here we go again. With a heavy sigh, I choose not to respond.
You’d think I’d be desensitized to this kind of pseudo-medical advice by now, but each time it happens, it still gets under my skin. Thirteen years ago, I received a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, a chronic autoimmune condition that unfortunately has no cure. For individuals like me, insulin injections are not optional—they are a matter of life and death.
Yes, you read that correctly: without insulin, I am at risk. There’s no way to bypass the needles or the vials. Yet, despite the scientific consensus regarding my condition, I often find myself on the receiving end of unsolicited and misguided suggestions.
And I’m not alone. In the United States, approximately 23.5 million individuals are affected by autoimmune diseases, a staggering 80% of whom are women. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, and there are over 80 different types, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes.
Given the sheer number of people facing these challenges, one would hope for a sense of understanding and support. Some well-meaning individuals seem to think that their advice is helpful, but honestly, it just frustrates me.
Recently, I dealt with someone who wouldn’t stop messaging me on social media. She felt compelled to share the details of her latest vitamins—now part of her multi-level marketing venture—and insisted that taking them would allow me to “stop using insulin.”
I’ve also had friends suggest I visit their favorite chiropractors, as though a $55 adjustment could somehow restore my lost insulin-producing cells. Oh, and let’s not forget the advice to eliminate all carbohydrates from my diet or jump on the keto trend to magically cure my diabetes. No thanks! I refuse to give up enjoying my beloved cheese fries or a glass of blackberry wine.
I’ve even been told by self-proclaimed experts that my diabetes is a result of past indulgences—like eating too much sugar as a child or inadequate breastfeeding. Or perhaps it’s the result of living too near a mysterious radioactive zone. Seriously? I truly don’t believe that climate change, vaccinations, or baby formula are the culprits behind my condition. There’s no scientific backing for any of these wild claims, only a collection of theories without concrete answers.
Here’s the brutal truth: none of these theories will cure me. So unless you have a functioning pancreas and immune system to offer me—one that won’t betray me like my original ones did—I’m not interested.
I’ve come to terms with my diabetes as part of my daily life. I check my blood sugar, visit my doctor, manage my insulin through a pump, maintain a lower-carb diet, and stay active. Some days, I manage the condition well; other days, it feels like the disease has the upper hand.
Living with a chronic illness every single day can be exhausting. Would I like to be cured? Absolutely! But I’ve accepted my reality; dwelling on “what ifs” would only drive me crazy.
I understand that you mean well. You catch a glimpse of my struggle and feel sympathy. Managing a chronic illness can be incredibly taxing. If I don’t get enough quality sleep, eat well, and manage my insulin precisely, I feel like I’ve been hit by a freight train. It’s not uncommon for me to cancel plans because diabetes has taken control that day.
And let’s talk about costs. Insulin is prohibitively expensive, and it’s just one part of the financial burden. I often joke that if the universe is going to give me a chronic illness, it should also throw in a few money trees. Each week, I find myself facing medical bills that are shockingly high.
Chronic illnesses affect every aspect of my life—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. So when you share the latest miracle cure you read about online or hand me a brochure for some all-natural treatment, please understand that I don’t need another layer of stress, even if it’s wrapped in good intentions.
A green smoothie that resembles a blend of grass and tree bark won’t cure my condition, regardless of how often I drink it or what rituals I perform beforehand. Essential oils, fancy diets, or mystical treatments won’t restore my non-existent beta cells.
I rely on science and proven treatments, not on trending wellness fads. Call me cynical, but I’m focused on what keeps me alive, not on untested alternatives.
If you think I sound bitter, you’re not wrong. But mostly, I’m just trying to navigate each day while prioritizing my health. Your unsolicited advice is not only distracting but also somewhat hurtful. I’m acutely aware that my body has turned against me, and I don’t need reminders of that fact.
Remember, many of your friends may be dealing with their own struggles, whether it’s depression, PCOS, or parenting children with special needs. When you offer unqualified remedies for our issues, it can make us feel even more defeated.
Please, let’s support one another instead of judging. You have no idea what it’s like to walk in my shoes, and I hope you never have to find out.
Now, if you could kindly pass me a slice of pie, that would be wonderful.
Summary:
The author expresses frustration over unsolicited, misguided medical advice regarding chronic illnesses, particularly type 1 diabetes. While appreciating the concern of friends, they emphasize the need for understanding rather than unqualified suggestions. Emphasizing the importance of proven medical science, the author advocates for empathy and support for those dealing with chronic conditions.