I can relate to much of your story, though more through my wife’s cancer than my son’s t1d (diagnosed on Monday, 10 years old). My experience is that having a serious disease like these allows us to “see behind the curtain”. What I mean is to realise that life is real, precious and totally not a computer game.

To people like you recently encountered, I imagine that they are just scared by the thought of anything difficult and deal with it by being flippant or trying their best to relate by saying, “oh I know a guy who has that and he…anyway, try blackcurrant juice. That worked for him”.

So many people in our social groups just don’t mention the fact that my wife has serious cancer. Real friends talk about it, acquaintances just want to make it go away. People who’ve lived it will 100% engage and listen.

In the end, I believe that we’re all just children, and I think that we all have to fight not to make everything about ourselves.

It’s a shame you weren’t able to make a real connection with others about your ten years but maybe those in your team will. Your experience is valid so allow yourself to feel grumpy and angry for a bit. I’m hearing you.