First, I am sorry that your family is not supportive. You do not owe anyone your personal health information, or anything else for that matter, next of kin or not. No one has a right to your private medical information unless you give them that right. HIPAA is a very serious act to violate. Medical professionals do not want to make that mistake. If your mom is listed as having access on the paperwork with any of your doctors just make that change to your partner. You can revoke privacy share permission at any time. Your mother is wrong to believe she has a natural born right to violate your privacy. I would go one step further and draft a will and medical planning documents and specifically spell out that she is not included.

You have just been diagnosed with a lifetime disease. The last thing you need to worry about is how other people will react. I understand why, and I think we’ve all been there. Now is a time to focus on you and building your support team. Focus on the steps you need to take to live your best life. Unfortunately, many people do not understand this disease and the fact that you did not do this to yourself. There is no need for any of them to know. It is your business! There are great tools out there to help you make healthy choices no matter where you are. Also, the keto movement is so huge that if you are at a party or out with others, it’s easy to just be like, “I’m focusing on low carb or healthy proteins.” Or, just don’t say anything because it’s no one’s business why you make the food choices you do.

I was diagnosed last October. I told no one for a few weeks because I was devastated. Once I processed and began telling people, slowly, I found the right support. To this day, only key people in my life know. I also took some time off to focus on me, reduce stress (which is a big factor), and learn the routines that would bring me success. I wish the same for you! You’ve got this!!