Giving a talk to diabetic teens this weekend and wondering where to begin. I have been asked to share my experiences being a lawyer with diabetes, or a diabetic lawyer... not sure which one applies. I think in my case I am a diabetic lawyer. Not a lawyer with diabetes. I truly identify more with being a diabetic than being a lawyer. I am more comfortable in that skin... it's just who I am. A diabetic who happens to be a lawyer! What can I tell teens to inspire them to follow through with their dreams of becoming a lawyer...frankly, it never occurred to me that I couldn't be whatever I wanted to be (except perhaps a commercial pilot or astronaut) as a diabetic. One thing is for sure... the stress of a law school and lawyering lifestyle can wreak havoc on a diabetic if you let.
My big weakness is letting my sugar run a bit high, so that I don't have to worry about it going low in meetings or conferences.... I suppose this is a social phobia of some sort. I try to make it so that I won't have to deal with the diabetes during the meeting - because I hate having to explain why I am sucking back 2 juices and sugar packets.
Maybe it's not the right thing to do, but that's what feels right, at least in the moment.
