can we start telling kids w t1d that they are disabled. the realization of that as an adult was unnecessarily uncomfortable thank you

It seems so many abled people/caregivers don't realize how harmful it actually can be to constantly be told you can do anything in the face of your disability. It would have been far better to have been told it was okay to not be able to do something, to need help, or a break.

The amount of stress I put myself under for years to operate at the exactly same level as my non diabetic siblings and friends that was completely unnecessary can be traced back to always being told diabetes can't stop me. I wish I'd been told that it is okay if it does.

Some people seem to be getting offended by this, so: Diabetes is a legally protected disability. If you don't want the label for yourself that's okay, it is your choice. The point of this tweet was to acknowledge that for many the label would have helped them immensely.

And that it is harmful to many to only be told you can do anything, and not that it is okay when you can't.