Wednesday, May 21, 2008

What Makes a Non-Diabetic Blog About Diabetes?

I'm trying to remain as transparent as possible so here we go...

I think most of you know by now that I do not have Diabetes myself. That alone has raised plenty of suspicion or skepticism as to why I even tried to be a part of this community.

Well here is my best explanation of that...

1. I was interested in learning about diabetes.

2. I stumbled upon the diabetes online community (DOC) and was drawn in by the personal stories of overcoming struggles.

3. I saw that the majority of bloggers were type 1 and that there was no non-diabetic d-blogger in sight who wasn't a parent, spouse or caregiver.

4. I felt compelled to give back somehow by processing the things I've learned and presenting them in a way that is easy for others to follow.

5. Rather than be a lurker, I also wanted to be able to participate and share my unique perspective when appropriate.


My Word In Your Hand PhotoDigging Deeper...

"But WHY were you interested in learning about diabetes?"

Well, it's because I was fortunate enough to get a job with a company that genuinely cares about what's best for those who use its products.

They understood that diabetes is more than just another disease.
They understood that its more than just numbers and statistics.

This is something that real people have real problems with.
And marketing a product that adds no real value or provides no real solution is not an option.

To truly serve someone, you must truly understand them.
And knowing someone is more than just reading text on a blog.
It's friendship. It's relationship.
It's investing your time and emotions in the community.
It's aligning your values to theirs. It's feeling the pain they feel.
It's knowing how people like me can so easily say the wrong things.
It's knowing when not to say anything at all.

To be completely honest, it's rather difficult to blog about something I don't have to face everyday.
The world makes it too easy for me to ignore.
But I recognize how blessed I am.
And for that, I do what I can to help while I still can.



Feel free to e-mail me directly if you have any questions. I always look forward to them.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tell your company to clone you- you have absolutely amazing insight and the d-community is lucky to have such an understanding person who understands.

Anonymous said...

(ok,that sounded stupid..sorry for the repetition!hopefully you get my point)

Albert said...

Anon-
Thanks, I really appreciate your comment!

Anonymous said...

I too would like your company to clone you...I would love to tell your company that what YOU do is good for them....pm me if you would think its apprpriate and I would love to send your boss an email....

Laura Williams said...

I find the Diabetes OC can be a very closed world. We have our own language, our own habits, our own specific lifestyles.

I think it's wonderful to see that closed world open up. A lot of us on are on the OC in order to spread information and awareness.

Good on you.

I like your companies meters too - I did a Comparison with the Contour a while back. Have to do my recap soon.

Christine said...

I also think it's great that you take things so perfectly. You're right that a blog and being part of the community is a great way to do that.

Diabetes Supply said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Albert said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
dae said...

hi, i haven't dropped by here in a while. but i think it is great that you are blogging about diabetes from the perspective of someone without diabetes. it's another point of view, which in my humble opinion, is a good thing. your post also reminds me of why as a type 2 diabetic, i choose to blog. because most d-bloggers are type 1, a different voice is needed. that's the common link we share.

The Patients Voice said...

Hi

We have just launched a test version of a new site which you might find of interest

Please go to

http://www.icarecafe.com/?page_id=4&cat_id=2&thread_id=1&post_type=5&group_id=2

Thanks

Belinda