If I had a nickel for every time I have apologized (for managing my hypoglycemia, for example) for taking care of myself and relieving others of the burden of doing so…I’d be a rich, rich man.

And yet I often believe many of us feel this undeserved burden of guilt, because of the perception, among others, and more importantly ourselves, that diabetes, especially T1D, is largely about self management, thereby, resulting in the mistaken belief that if we had done something different, or worse, “better,” we wouldn’t be in whatever predicament we get into. I think we find this perception pervasive even among ourselves.

Is it necessary for us to accept the perception of ourselves, as others see us, as if it’s a fact? Is there not a new way of having the public perceive us? A Third Way? I’d like to hear your opinions.