What A Diabeetus, Part 14

Health & Body, Retail, USA | Right | February 17, 2025

I work at a natural foods store.

Customer: “My doctor has told me I have diabetes.”

Me: “I am sorry to hear that.”

Customer: *Holding up an item.* “Can I eat this?”

Me: “I can’t say, ma’am. You would need to consult your doctor or a dietary professional to advise you on what foods are best suited to any medical conditions.”

Customer: *Holding up another item, ignoring me.* “Can I eat this?”

Me: “I can’t advise, ma’am. I can tell you what foods we have that are low or zero sugar but I CANNOT advise on what foods are best suited to any medical conditions.”

Customer: “Hmm, well you should know. This is where my friend buys his diabetes supplies.”

Me: “Ma’am. I’m a retail employee at a grocery store. We don’t sell “diabetes supplies,” I have not gone to medical school, I don’t know anything about diabetes.”

Pause.

Customer: “Do you sell those things that allow diabetics to eat what they want as long as they stick a needle in themselves?”

Me: “I really hope you’re not talking about insulin.”

Customer: “Yes, that. Do you have anything like that or something you can recommend?”

Me: “I recommend… that you go back to your doctor and have them explain all this to you again… twice.”