Understanding the Spoon Theory

For Christine Miserandino, it took her friend not understanding her experience having lupus to come up with the now-famous explanation used by chronic illness warriors around the world to explain their illnesses: the spoon theory.

Using spoons as a symbol for energy, she said each activity she completes in a day “costs” a certain number of spoons. Once she runs out of spoons, she has no more energy left for that day.

Chronic illness sufferers across the globe, including those with type 2 diabetes, are now using Christine’s theory to help others better understand what they’re going through.

The spoon theory has impacted so many people that there is now a following of chronic illness sufferers (who refer to themselves as “Spoonies”) who connect with each other and share experiences online.

Read on to learn more about the spoon theory and how to join the conversation.