When I feel bad, I can look drunk. That is why diabetes awareness is important, says Petra Fecková
Petra Fecková shares her experiences living with Type 1 diabetes, emphasizing the importance of diabetes awareness and the challenges faced by individuals living with the condition.
In an insightful interview, Petra Fecková, who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for nineteen years, discusses the invisible nature of the disease and the societal stigma surrounding it. She reveals that when she feels unwell, she can appear drunk to others, which often leads to being ignored or misunderstood. The lack of an official diabetes identification card means that others may not recognize her condition, creating additional challenges in public spaces like public transport.
Fecková recounts her journey with diabetes management, detailing her transition from injections to an insulin pen and finally to a modern insulin pump. Despite a recent increase in state contributions for diabetic sensors, she highlights that many individuals still have to bear the costs themselves, something that underscores the financial strain that can accompany chronic illness. Furthermore, she shares the personal experiences of her pregnancies as a diabetic and her husband's supportive reactions to her new insulin pumps, illustrating the personal and relational impacts of living with diabetes.
This interview sheds light on the broader need for diabetes awareness, as Fecková advocates for a better understanding of the challenges faced by diabetics, particularly the necessity for education about the disease. The conversation opens up a critical dialogue on how society can better support individuals with chronic health conditions and address the misconceptions surrounding diabetes care.