Having worked with many people in the field of alcoholism recovery, I largely accept the term "alcoholic" though it poses the same problems as those with rectal issues you touch upon... I remember hearing a very passionate attack on the term "diabetic" some months ago from a neighbor who insisted that I change the name of our organization: A Partnership Of Diabetics. I remember making mocking comments about complicated names guaranteed to confuse the public... but failed to convince the neighbor. So I guess that I will be stuck as being considered a self-marginalized blood glucose fluctuate! Thank God I'm not an alcoholic...!
This article just "nailed it", David!
We hate hearing the words "oh, you're diabetic" or "OMG! that's so hard to deal with". However...I've got mixed thoughts on this. I'm wondering who it is that we are inventing the new terminologies for...to soften the language for ourselves or to enlighten the public.
I guess since I'm pretty straight forward about the disease, even though I can BE very non-compliant at times.
I find many people don't want to hear about the emotional side of dealing with diabetes, etc. because they've only heard the horror stories and the ramifications of the illness. On the other hand, they make light of it..."Oh, it's no big deal. You just need to focus on something else".
I DID enjoy the comments about "if I have a hemorrhoid, does that make me one?" We can draw all sorts of comparisons with that one! 
Have a great day!
Jan W
I just wondered if you have any idea how many lives you touch and how much of an impact you have on those of us who have been lucky enough to stumble upon your posts. I look forward to reading them and thank you for making me a better person living with diabetes. Ahhh, the power of words! My hat's off to you!
Of course, many people, doctors included, blame diabetics for their condition. If we weren't such fat, lazy slobs, we would be 100% healthy (whatever that is!).
Even more frustrating is that just controlling the numbers is not controlling the disease. The meds keep the numbers in line, but the underlying damage is still being done (I know, that view makes me a contrarian.) So, people feel they are doing the right thing by taking the pills, and when many years later, complications arise, doctors automatically assume that the patient was non-compliant, rather than questioning if the therapy works.
It may take 50 years, but some day, scientists are going to realize that diabetes is much more complicated than just testing blood sugar and finding ways to lower it. In the meantime, doctors do not want to admit that they do not have effective treatments for diabetes. The best thing one can do (and it is still quite possible that the disease will progress some day anyway) is to cut the carbs and exercise. Anything else just treats the symptoms, not the disease.
Thanks for all you do, David. Your posts are always interesting.
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Great post! It is not that I am a "diabetes" but rather a human being who is dealing with a disease which is complicated and needing several levels of response. When it is moving successfully I am more comfortable when it requires a more difficult decision making process I sometimes make mistakes. Yes, I am sometimes weary of coping, let down my guard or forget one of the meds etc. I take note and move on with a decision to do better. My objective is to live my life as fully and completely as possible and with vigor. I have had diabetes for over 30 years. I am healthy, active and dealing with my life successfully. Afterall, we all have a terminal disease, it is called life.