# Diabetic vs Person with Diabetes -- what's in a name? **URL:** \ **Category:** Emotional Health\ **Created:** [January 19, 2024, 4:20pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372 "2024-01-19T16:20:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Boerenkool](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/boerenkool/32/6307_2.png) [@Boerenkool](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Boerenkool)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2024, 11:21pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/21 "2024-01-23T23:21:47Z")
Yeah, perhaps I should have mentioned that in my post. ---
**Author:** ![ABCD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c57346/32.png) [@ABCD](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ABCD)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2024, 3:03am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/22 "2024-01-24T03:03:18Z")
My 13 yo son is an academic Catholic who is very athletic and happens to be diabetic! ---
**Author:** ![Mariethm](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/mariethm/32/11739_2.png) [@Mariethm](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Mariethm)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2024, 1:45pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/23 "2024-01-24T13:45:16Z")
I’m going to call myself type 42. If you get it, you get it. My husband has had kids in class that identify as cats. So, identify as whatever. And call me whatever. I’m sure I’ve been called worse. I say “I am diabetic.” Not a noun. Not what defines me. Just happens to be there. ---
**Author:** ![bkh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/da6949/32.png) [@bkh](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/bkh)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2024, 2:52pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/24 "2024-01-24T14:52:20Z")
> [@Boerenkool](#): > > People should just stop language policing others and let each other use whatever terminology they prefer. I agree with that sentiment and call myself a diabetic, but can also appreciate the other side: It is rude to use language that will hurt the feelings of someone else. It seems selfish and almost belligerent to say “That person is a [_some bad word_] and if that hurts their feelings, it’s their problem and no concern of mine.” So let’s say that the language policing of others is a rude action, yet as speakers we have a mild obligation to think about not only what we say, but also how we say it. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2024, 3:30pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/25 "2024-01-24T15:30:31Z")
> [@Mariethm](#): > > I say “I am diabetic.” Not a noun. Not what defines me. That’s a good distinction. I had not though of it like that! If you say “I am **a** diabetic”, then it’s a noun. But if you leave the “a” out and just say “I am diabetic” then it does sound different to me. I like your way better. I know it’s minor, but kind of like if you say “She is **a** blonde” that sounds different than saying “She is blonde.” ---
**Author:** ![ClaudnDaye](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/claudndaye/32/5_2.png) [@ClaudnDaye](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ClaudnDaye)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2024, 4:55pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/26 "2024-01-24T16:55:55Z")
42 is the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything… ---
**Author:** ![Boerenkool](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/boerenkool/32/6307_2.png) [@Boerenkool](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Boerenkool)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2024, 7:45pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/27 "2024-01-24T19:45:53Z")
I think I mostly agree with that. When referring to others, I think we should be polite and refrain from using terms that offend them, within reasonable limits. However, when referring to yourself, like the example from the Boston Globe article, I think it’s mostly the other person’s problem when they take issue with your terminology. ---
**Author:** ![Trying](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/trying/32/4078_2.png) [@Trying](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Trying)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2024, 12:31am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/28 "2024-01-25T00:31:45Z")
> [@ClaudnDaye](#): > > 42 is the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, What is the secret to “42”? I think I must be missing something!?? Please someone enlighten me! ---
**Author:** ![ClaudnDaye](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/claudndaye/32/5_2.png) [@ClaudnDaye](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ClaudnDaye)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2024, 12:33am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/29 "2024-01-25T00:33:32Z")
> **[What is 42 (h2g2, meaning of life, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy)?](https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/42-h2g2-meaning-of-life-The-Hitchhikers-Guide-to-the-Galaxy)** > > Explore 42, 'the meaning of life,' as explained in Douglas Adams' 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.' Learn about 42 and what it represents elsewhere too. ---
**Author:** ![Trying](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/trying/32/4078_2.png) [@Trying](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Trying)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2024, 12:36am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/30 "2024-01-25T00:36:53Z")
Haha, thank you!!! ---
**Author:** ![Mariethm](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/mariethm/32/11739_2.png) [@Mariethm](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Mariethm)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2024, 1:37am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/31 "2024-01-25T01:37:23Z")
> [@Trying](#): > > What is the secret to “42 Sorry, @Trying, as a Douglas Adams fan, I try to use “42” references as often as possible. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2024, 1:40am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/32 "2024-01-25T01:40:49Z")
Related to this discussion, I always correct the Dexcom support person when I call them to get a sensor replaced. After you give them your name and date-of-birth, sometimes they ask, “Are you the patient?” I always say, “No, I’m just the person who is using the Dexcom…” I mean, to a doctor, yes I am a patient. But to a Dexcom support rep, I am not a patient. I am just a user. I know that’s silly, but that’s just me. 😂 Wondering if anyone else thinks the same way when they are asked if they are the patient?!? ---
**Author:** ![Trying](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/trying/32/4078_2.png) [@Trying](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Trying)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2024, 2:28am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/33 "2024-01-25T02:28:16Z")
> [@Mariethm](#): > > as a Douglas Adams fan, I try to use “42” references as often as possible. I understand now, and it is very interesting!! ---
**Author:** ![ClaudnDaye](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/claudndaye/32/5_2.png) [@ClaudnDaye](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ClaudnDaye)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2024, 2:33am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/34 "2024-01-25T02:33:11Z")
My son who is majoring in physics has a favorite coffee mug with this on it ![IMG_4145](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/fudiabetes/original/2X/b/b645ac652557bfb88c28c6d09575d203f92e3ffe.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Trying](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/trying/32/4078_2.png) [@Trying](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Trying)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2024, 2:38am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/35 "2024-01-25T02:38:11Z")
> [@Eric](#): > > Wondering if anyone else thinks the same way when they are asked if they are the patient?!? Thank you for bringing this up! Yes, I think the same way. I look at myself as the user of the Dexcom software and device, just like a user of any other app. I don’t feel like a patient unless I’m in the hospital! ---
**Author:** ![Trying](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/trying/32/4078_2.png) [@Trying](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Trying)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2024, 2:43am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/36 "2024-01-25T02:43:22Z")
> [@ClaudnDaye](#): > > My son who is majoring in physics has a favorite coffee mug with this on it Very impressive!! Great emblem on his mug! Very appropriate! Maybe a mathematician as a minor to physics! ---
**Author:** ![Mariethm](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/mariethm/32/11739_2.png) [@Mariethm](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Mariethm)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2024, 2:44am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/37 "2024-01-25T02:44:08Z")
@ClaudnDaye In junior high, I briefly attended a gifted school. Imagine my delight to see students with towels hanging out of their pockets! ---
**Author:** ![CarlosLuis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/carlosluis/32/11389_2.png) [@CarlosLuis](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/CarlosLuis)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2024, 10:36pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372/38 "2024-01-25T22:36:26Z")
Well I am a patient chopping chomping at the bit to be discharged tomorrow. [Previous page](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/diabetic-vs-person-with-diabetes-whats-in-a-name/14372.md?page=1)