I don't know if it's because my mom has type 2 diabetes, for over 15 years, or what but I told everyone pretty much. I don't have too many friends but the few I do have know, my family knows and everyone at work. It is a big deal but it wasn't a big deal. My attitude before was I was going to eat what I wanted and deal with it when it comes, because I knew it was going to come. Of course, hindsight is 20/20. Diabetes sucks and a major hassle.

I also made sure everyone around me knew because if my blood sugar was low and I was acting wonky, they would know what to do for me if I couldn't do it. Just for that reason I don't know why you wouldn't want people to know. That could be life or death.

Initially I was hesitant to share my diagnosis. I think it was because I was ashamed.

However I have been much more open about it as I got more diligent about managing it. I wanted others around me to be aware that I eat frequently and that I might get hypoglycemic. After I nearly passed out with my personal trainer, I started wearing a medic alert bracelet and carrying a fanny pack with snacks. I became much more conscious about letting others know. I might need someone's help when I cannot let them know I am type 2.

I have been very open about it. That is when I found out my dad has been a diabetic for 20 years. Who knew. He has his own tester and takes his meds daily.

At work, when others heard me talking about it, I found there were a lot of others dealing with the same issues. I have found it to be very helpful to be able to openly discuss. In fact, one of my co-workers was diabetic and helped me as i struggled with changes to my eating habits. I have definitely found it to have been a plus being "Out".

I have been open about my diabetes from the moment of my diagnosis. I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes just a few months after the death of my roommate, who died from complications from Type II diabetes. Dana did not take care of herself and had suffered several heart attacks. She'd also had blood clots in her legs, vein replacements to counteract the blood clots, and a burn that would not heal because of its placement on her leg. Her family and friends were all devastated by it, since her sister had died from diabetes complications just two years before. Neither sister made it to 50.

When I was diagnosed, I was determined to avoid their fates. I would lose weight, eat "better," and get exercise. I'd test my blood glucose level frequently and take my medication. I would do everything that neither of them had done. In order to do that, I knew I would need to get as much support as i possibly could from my friends and family. I started posting updates on Facebook every time I reached a milestone, asked for advice, and shared recipes. It's been tough being open about it, but I figure it's best for me. Next week I'm going to my first dog show since being diagnosed. It's likely to be hot that weekend and I'm going to be in the obedience ring. The person I'm going with is a conformation judge, so he can't be available to me all of the time. I'm going to let at least one person there know I am diabetic just in case I have a radical blood sugar change and need attention and maybe to check back to ensure that I'm eating and testing. I just think that being open is a better thing for me all around.

I've been open from the beginning (2.5 years ago). My friends and family knew the first time I saw/talked to them after diagnosis. I go on hikes with Meetup groups and tell people I started hiking because of Diabetes. I'm an independent marketing consultant, so I share with my clients that I take time off in the afternoon and leave early so I can eat healthy for Diabetes. I talk to my Husband about it when we are out in public and sometimes others hear me.

Honestly, I don't care who knows. I grew up in a family that kept all medical issues a secret. What happened? A cousin passed out in a parking lot and THAT is when most of the family learned she had Diabetes...and a couple other stories like that.

My Dad has had Type 2 for over 15 years. He retired early because of it. He's been very open about it with me and I've appreciated that. It helped me learn what his needs were. When I was Diagnosed, the first call I made was to my Dad to start understanding what I was in for. We've been swapping stories ever since and it's brought us closer together.

Not only do I feel it's important to have a network around me who are aware of the risks and benefits (yes, there is one great benefit of diagnosis...we get healthier!), but I feel it's important that the public gain a better awareness in general. There are a lot of misconceptions out there that lead newly diagnosed patients to bad decisions. The more the public is aware that we can live long, healthy lives and eat smart without starving...the better our society will be as more and more people become diagnosed.

So, yeah. I am living full out as a Type 2 Diabetic.