If you live with diabetes, chances are you’ve heard it all.
“Have you tried cinnamon to cure your diabetes?”
“Should you really be eating that?”
“My neighbour reversed theirs…”
"Is that the good type or bad type?"
And while some comments come from a place of concern, others are just… exhausting. Managing diabetes already takes enough mental energy without becoming the spokesperson for the condition at every family gathering, workplace lunch or Instagram comment section.
So let’s talk about five ways to deal with unsolicited diabetes advice without burning yourself out or feeling guilty for protecting your peace.
1. Set boundaries (and keep them simple)
Sometimes a calm, confident boundary is all it takes to shut down the unwanted advice. You don’t owe anyone a detailed explanation of your medical decisions. A short, polite response can be incredibly powerful:
“Thank you, but I’ve got this.”
“I’m working closely with my medical team.”
“I appreciate the concern, but I’m okay.”
No over-explaining. No defending yourself. Just a clear line in the sand. Setting boundaries doesn’t make you rude, it makes you self-aware. And honestly, diabetes requires enough emotional labour already.
2. Educate… if you have the energy
There are times when education can help, especially if the person genuinely doesn’t understand.
A simple fact drop might sound like:
"There are multiple types of diabetes"
"Type 1 is an autoimmune condition"
"It isn’t caused by food or lifestyle"
Sharing this can sometimes stop the misinformation train in its tracks. But, and this part matters, it is not your responsibility to educate everyone. If you’re tired, overwhelmed or just not in the mood, you’re allowed to opt out. Your energy is valuable.
3. Use humour to deflect
Humour can be a brilliant shield when you want to keep things light without engaging fully.
One of my personal favourites:
“Cool, I’ll let my pancreas know.”
A little sarcasm can help you stay calm, protect your mood and move the conversation along without escalating things. Not every moment needs a serious explanation sometimes a quick laugh is enough to shut it down.
4. Don’t engage…not everything needs a response
This one took me a long time to learn. You do not have to respond to every comment, opinion or hot take about your body or your condition. Silence is a valid choice. If engaging will only leave you feeling irritated, defensive or emotionally drained, it’s okay to walk away. Protecting your peace is part of diabetes care too.
5. Talk to your people
This is the one that makes the biggest difference. Vent to your Diabuddies. Message someone who gets it. Laugh about the ridiculous comments. Share the frustration. Say the things you couldn’t say out loud.
Living with diabetes can feel isolating, especially when people speak over your lived experience. Having a safe space, whether that’s friends, community or online Diabuddies reminds you that you’re not alone and you’re not overreacting.
A final reminder
Unsolicited advice can sting, even when it’s wrapped in “good intentions.” You’re allowed to feel annoyed. You’re allowed to set boundaries. And you’re allowed to choose the response (or non-response) that feels safest for you.
Diabetes already demands so much, your energy doesn’t need to be spent managing other people’s opinions too.
If this post resonated, save it for the next time someone suggests cinnamon like it’s groundbreaking medical advice. And if you’re reading this thinking “yep, been there” you’re definitely not alone 🤍
