Stigma?
Have you tried searching #t1dsingapore/#type1diabetessg on Instagram? Or even here- Tumblr? Well I did and I couldn’t find any results. Does this shows that there’s actually a stigma about it? I would say yes to a certain extent. Maybe most Singaporeans with T1D are not ready to be socially open about it.
I honestly don’t mind letting the whole world know that I’m a diabetic. But of course I don’t just randomly go around announcing that I have diabetes to people I just met. I do believe it is important for people to have that awareness not only for the diabetic’s safety but also so that they somewhat understand what diabetes is all about.
Yes, diabetes is pretty common and do get talked about BUT it’s mostly Type 2 diabetes that gets discussed. The following is part of an article extracted from the Straits Times;
http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/only-five-and-living-with-diabetes
I still remember the first years after I was diagnosed, my dad would be telling people of my condition when health conversations arised and my mum would try to shush him or make a remark after that it wasn’t something you need to be telling people about. They thought I would be malu about it. At that point of time I guess I still didn’t know very well of what diabetes was and was feeling so-so about it.
Another incident happened at a wedding, also years ago, when some makciks recognised me and mentioned to the makcik next to her, “Ni cucu Haspa yang kencing manis tu.” Those weren’t the exact words but something like that. The other makcik then shushed her when she noticed I saw and probably heard them. Again, I think they thought I would be malu.
People, what’s there to be malu about? I just happen to be sick with what is categorised as a chronic illness. We diabetics still can lead a normal and very healthy life. Yes, there are struggles but insyaAllah it’s something we can overcome. We’re a little different from normal healthy people but we’re not aliens and definitely don’t look like one.
I would like to add that it is very important for people around a diabetic to know of his/her condition so that they know how to recognise and respond to hypers, hypos or whenever something goes wrong in school, at work, in public, etc.
Living with diabetes in Singapore? Why not hit me up and let’s connect! I would love to hear from someone close. I had the chance of connecting with someone from Malaysia through Tumblr! It was years back though but alhamdulillah we do somewhat keep in touch still but haven’t got the opportunity to meet.
There’s so much we can discuss about living with diabetes. It’s all about living a healthy, happy and fulfilling life. 💪🏽☺️