I want to be very clear about why I spoke on this.
I live with Type 1 diabetes. Insulin keeps me alive. This is not theoretical for me it’s daily reality. But I also have family members with Type 2 diabetes. I’ve seen the confusion. I’ve heard the comments. I’ve experienced the stigma from both sides.
So when conversations start happening about renaming Type 1 because people are tired of being associated with Type 2, I can’t stay quiet.
I understand the frustration. I understand being tired of explaining that Type 1 is autoimmune. I understand correcting people over and over. But distancing ourselves from Type 2 does not eliminate stigma it reinforces the idea that one diagnosis is more “valid” or more “serious” than the other.
Type 2 diabetes is not a punchline.
It is not a moral failure.
It is not just “lifestyle.” Genetics matter. Environment matters. Access to healthcare matters. And many people with Type 2 also depend on insulin to survive.
Renaming Type 1 will not erase confusion. You’ll still have to explain it’s autoimmune. You’ll still have to educate. The real solution has always been education not separation.
Advocacy means being mindful of impact, not just intent. When you have a platform and speak on behalf of a community, your words carry weight. We can advocate fiercely for Type 1 without contributing to stigma around Type 2.
None of us chose this.
None of us deserve shame.
And there is no hierarchy in survival. This conversation isn’t about attacking anyone. It’s about making sure our advocacy uplifts the entire diabetes community, not just part of it.
#type1diabetes #type1diabetic #type2diabetes #advocate #awareness
As someone who has lived with diabetes in my family, I’ve seen firsthand how stigma affects people differently depending on their type of diabetes. Renaming Type 1 diabetes might seem like a simple fix to reduce confusion, but it does little to address the root causes of misconceptions and judgment. From personal experience, the challenges go beyond just medical treatment—they involve social acceptance and education. People often misunderstand the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, leading to unfair stereotypes, especially around Type 2 as being solely related to lifestyle choices. However, genetics, environment, and access to healthcare play crucial roles in both conditions. I have family members managing Type 2 diabetes who rely on insulin just like those with Type 1. It’s important to recognize that neither condition is a moral failing or a simplistic lifestyle issue. Stigma can be harmful, leading to shame and isolation, which only worsens health outcomes. Advocacy should aim to uplift all people living with diabetes. Instead of creating divisions by renaming or distancing one type from another, we need ongoing education to foster empathy and clarity. This approach helps dismantle myths and encourages support across the entire diabetes community. I encourage everyone—whether living with Type 1 or Type 2, or as allies—to focus on shared experiences, challenges, and goals. Together, we can combat stigma, improve awareness, and improve quality of life for all affected by diabetes.
