Diabetes Police

My parents are having a difficult time with my diagnosis, mainly because they don't know a whole lot about diabetes.

My dad gave me an "I told you so" lecture about my weight. Yes, he actually said, "I told you so." I don't expect to be coddled or lied to or pitied -- I know the risks that come with having this disease -- but I'd like to be treated with respect, as well. I mean, I already have the fucking disease, so haven't I learned my "lesson?" Jeez.

My in-laws are much cooler about the whole thing, probably because I'm not their bio daughter and they didn't know me as a little kid. They've been very supportive and encouraging. They're philosophy is, "It is what it is; we can't turn back the clock and change things, let's deal with it."

Meanwhile, my mom thinks that every food is off-limits. Every time I mention a food that I plan to eat or ate, she asks, "Are you allowed?" She's questioned me having eggs, lamb, hummus, beans, brown rice, onions, cheese ... she really doesn't have a clue. I'm wondering if I should print out a list and get a nutritionist's signature on it so she can stop.

I know they mean well and are just concerned, but I have to keep repeating that because they're being hella annoying. I'm not a parent, so I suppose that I might act the same way if my kid were diagnosed with diabetes. But I like to think that I'd be encouraging -- that I'd be the type to do some research so I can find good diabetic recipes and that I'd cheer my kid on as his or her blood sugar dropped. I would never, ever, ever say, "I told you so." Even without being a parent, I can guarantee this.

I know that I'm going to have to stand up for myself and make my needs clear, even if it means angering them. But this is my disease and my fight, and I can't let anyone make me more stressed than I already am.