I have just learned that I am a diabetic at my age of over 40.?

I don't know. I think it's mostly your own reaction to their look or body language. I tell all sorts of people. With those that don't seem interested, I just move on with some other subject. Those that do seem interested are usually diabetic themselves, or know someone who is. I'm quick to tell them that I've learned a few things that help and would enjoy comparing notes with them.

Speaking of which, Julie... welcome to the club. I made it to 52 before I was finally diagnosed... I'm 55 now. Glad to have you among us. There's enough information out there to keep you busy for two hours a day for the next two years... easily. For starters, how about clicking old Foghorn and checking out my profile. You'll find several healthy links to peruse. I invite you to ignore the ignorant and join us enlightened folk.

I've had type II for years and now over 40. Recently because of a lack of health care my diabetes got pretty bad. There were people who stopped talking to me for awhile. I don't get it either. It is not something you can catch.

Take it from the source, they are weak minded people and are acting like they are back in grade school.

They will come back around once they have time. If anything, it will make you more sensitive to others afflictions.

It is a known fact that when people find out that someone has some disease that they run. They feel it might be catching. Others run because they are scared and don't know what to say. Just give them time for things to soak in and they will come back around. You really don't have to tell everyone all at once. Go slow and only tell those who are close to you. Others don't need to know. These things have happened to me over the last several years.

Diabetes is not contagious. It can be controlled most usually by diet, exercise and medication..

Diabetes can be genetic. Evidently the people you speak of are ignorant to what diabetes is. There is an epidemic of diabetes in America but it pertains to diet, obesity and lifestyle mostly along with genetics......One other thing a lot of people do not want to hear about other peoples illnesses, they like to talk about their own though...............

Sorry, you have joined the club!! they are afraid that if they associate with you they will join you.

Suggesting that you go find the book, Diabetes: The First Year and/or Atkins Diabetes Revolution.

They should be available at your local library, Ebay or most good bookstores.

(private emails accepted for consolation and coping purposes - I listen to ranting and raving)

Who are these "people"? Are you on a blind date with them or are they family members? Nobody in your family should fear you because of it. If they do, you should talk to them and find out why. As for the blind date, maybe you can wait until the third date before you get into that.

I have no idea, it isn't like it is contagious or anything. Are you using the disease as a crutch or something? Do you perhaps display an attitude about it? Why do you tell them anything at all? give some thought to your own behaviors to understand why people react to you in a certain way.

Simple! I see stupid people ,they're every where and they don't know they're stupid.

BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE PLAIN STUPID AND IGNORANT.JUST LEARN ALL YOU CAN ABOUT YOUR CONDITION.

it's because they fear the unknown..