Anyone else a diabetic?

[mamaMD]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I am a diabetic....do you think that will hinder me in anyway of getting into medical school? Is it something I should keep to myself or talk about in my application/interviews?

Are there any fields it could keep me out of, the reason I ask is how does a diabetic surgeon perform an 6+ hours surgery without eating?

I guess I just sometimes imagine that worse situation of my blood sugar getting to low and me passing out on a patient or something!! But then again I can't be the only diabetic to go to medical school or be a successful physician while managing this disease.

My having diabetes is a big factor for me even wanting to be a Physician.

Anything anyone would like to add on this subject would be great!

Marilyn

 

[DOSouthpaw]

I'm a diabetic and I haven't had any problems. I usually don't go around advertising it, but I don't hide it either. I give my shots in public, etc... You will get a little stressed out during your second year because every day you'll feel like you have one foot in the grave. lol I'm serious, every disease known to man is somehow related, made worse, caused by, more frequent in, in those blessed people like us. You just have to remind youself that if you keep it in control, you're just as likely to be like everyone else.

Funny story though. I was in the middle of my Neuro final, usually I try to run a little high before tests so I don't drop, but I was late and didn't get a snack in, so my glucose drops. I raise my hand and tell the professor what's happening and ask to go get a Pepsi. This lady is an old ER doc and totally freaks out. She goes into straight ER mode...taking my pulse and causing a huge scene.... blah... All I needed was a Pepsi. lol

Anyway, goodluck!

 

[mamaMD]

ROFL that is a funny story!! I totally can relate...lol

Really my only "problem" with diabetes is my glucose getting low sometimes like that and I have to have a snack or a Coke (which happens only when I am not eating right or go to long with no food). Other than that its in control and I have only passed out one time and that was when I was pregnant (and more pronounced). I passed out in walmart when I was about 8 months pregnant and no one even asked if I was ok believe it or not!!

Thanks for sharing, I appreciate it. I assume you did not talk about it in your personal statement or did you? Some people say I should and some say I should not because of biases.

Marilyn

 

[gioia]

There is a prominent diabetic surgeon who was highlighted on Discovery Health about a year ago. His name has slipped my mind, but he sets an example to everyone he meets. He is a fine example of turning a perceived weakness into a 'strength'.

 

[DOSouthpaw]

No, I didn't talk about it in my personal statement because it really didn't have any influence on my decision to be an Osteopath. If it is something that has influenced you, then it would be ok to talk about it, but if not, then it would seem a little odd to add that in there I think. I mean, don't be afraid of people getting upset, I talked about God and Jesus and stuff in mine because that was pertinent to my decision, but diabetes was not. Good luck fellow human pin cushion. 🙂