In my newly published Diabetes Manifesto, I take a critical stab at a large swath of the diabetes community (esp. online) in the chapter titled The Culture of Diabetes.
It may seem bizarre that I take this stance (and post it here!) given that fudiabetes.org is an online community for diabetics, but I am not blaming sites like this, nor am I taking aim at anyone in particular.
What I’m suggesting is that there is a mindset in the mainstream medical and patient community (and far less so in more educated communities like this one) that bends toward victimization vs. empowerment.
One of my primary issues with the state of the community is this notion that being diabetic is just as much an identity as it is a condition. Whenever I hear or see someone say I am a diabetic, I cringe because their condition has become part of their identity. This may not bother you, but it bothers me a lot. Which is why I wrote what I wrote.
I am curious, though, about how you feel about this portrayal of the community and to what extent victimization vs. empowerment plays respective roles within in.
If you’re interested, read the chapter and comment here with your thoughts! Please try to keep things civil, even if what I wrote evokes strong emotions. Thank you!
[UPDATE: Based on some initial feedback in the comments, I feel it’s important to clearly state that this is a chapter based on my experience with individuals in my circle of friends and family, as well as the large, mainstream diabetes forums such as diabetes.co.uk, FB groups, and Reddit forums. This community is clearly not part of the culture of victimization by design, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a POV on the topic writ large, right? That’s why I’m posting here.]