I have lived 25 years under the shadow of a persistent misunderstanding. Since I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, I have weathered a storm of stigma, prejudice, and ignorance resulting from its conflation with its type 2 counterpart. My experience is the impetus behind this call for change. Let's clear up this misconception for good by differentiating the names of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Despite being encompassed under the same broad term, these two forms of diabetes have fundamental differences. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition wherein the body's immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin, whereas type 2 diabetes, the more common form, typically arises from lifestyle factors and seems less severe and non-fatal in an acute sense. It is crucial to differentiate these two distinct conditions as their conflation is not only misleading but harmful to the wellbeing of those living with type 1 diabetes, and it often leads to judgment and blame.

As someone who's been on the receiving end of disparaging comments due to this misconception, I urge you to consider the profound impact that this change will have on the way society perceives and handles these diseases. Let's bring clarity, respect, and understanding to the diabetes community. Stand up for this cause and sign this petition. Let's urge the World Health Organization and other relevant health institutions to rename these two conditions, emphasizing their fundamental differences. This is more than a name change – this is about acknowledging the reality of our experiences and reducing the stigma people with type 1 diabetes face. Sign this petition, and let us make a difference.