You're right - there is a huge difference between diabetes and alcoholism.

You can be a reformed and sober former "alcoholic". The only "former" Type I diabetic is a dead one.

My sympathy meter is still unmoved.
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She was standin' alone over by the juke box, like she'd something to sell.
I said "baby, what's the goin' price?" She told me to go to hell.

Bon Scott - Shot Down in Flames