[wiseguy]

Being that over 90% of diabetics are type 2, doesn't it seem odd that the majority of the posts in this board are in the type 1 forum or type 1 related? Without knowing the actual statistics, I'm sure that the number of members registered as type 2 is far below 90%. Could it be that most people with type 2 are not concerned enough to seek guidance from forums such as this?

Any thoughts on this subject?

[slipperyelm]

I've been noticing, too, how many of the replies on the Type 2 forum are from Type 1s. Occasionally I do a double-take to see if I am really even on the Type 2 forum.

Beats me! I don't know where the Type 2s are....the ones who don't join and post here, that is. I kinda think a lot of people with T2 nearly ignore their diabetes. I'm not sure though, cause I don't even know but one other in real life with T2. And, well, her control is non-existent. She has thrown up her hands in hopelessness. Very sad. She has a six year old and I'm afraid he will not get through elementary school with his mother still alive....Anyway, I wish she would come here for info and support.

[sparrow1]

From my own experience, T2s are generally in denial until many years after diagnosis. I took me 12 years to pay attention to my diet and take things seriously. I know many T2s who say, who cares, I want to enjoy life, and if that means a shorter one then so be it. Also, for the first 10 years my doctor never once sent me for an A1C. When I moved from Toronto to the other side of the country, I was put on automatic 3 month recall for A1Cs, and other blood tests. It was only then that I started to face the reality of my disease.

I recently joined this forum as I need the support, especially now that I am on basal and bolus. I don't know anyone else (T2) who is even on one type of insulin, so I can't compare notes. This forum has been a wonderful source of information for me. Thanks to all of you for posting.

[EasyType2]

I agree that many Type 2s are in denial. They learn slowly, but surely.

Thanks for raising the point.

I'm a [ 2 ].

[jjordie]

I was diagnosed T2 early 1995 and 'diet controlled' until last October and now on Metformin 3 x 500.

I have lost count of the number of times people have remarked 'T2 is a mild diabetes' !! -

and if this is the general opinion then no wonder the newly diagnosed are not unduly concerned.

.

[Funnygrl]

I'm with the whole "type 2s are really in denial" thing. My dad has type 2, knows I visit this message board, knows I have learned a lot here, and would never think of visiting. In fact, he would never even admit to having diabetes. I only know he has type 2 because I've seen his labs.

I also think a lot of people who are type 2 call themselves 1.5 simple because they use the term incorrectly.

[nneighbour]

It's also an age thing. Internet users tend to be younger (although not exclusively) and most younger diabetics are type 1. Also there is also the major guilt factor involved in being type 2, it's not denial, many just may not want to deal with it.

[pauls1958]

I don't whether it's denial or not, I must admit that most type 2's I've talked with on chat or the forums seem to get the "... your type 2, get on with it." from the medical profession.

They call it self management

[princesslinda]

I'm thinking that many T2's don't even realize there is a forum like this. I stumbled upon it quite by accident while looking up diabetic info.

I have found so many T2's out there just live their lives however they want, take a pill and never really change the lifestyle habits that may have hastened the onset of the disease in the first place. I work with 5 other T2 diabetics, all different ages, treatments and lifestyles. I have to say i'm the only one in the office that tests regularly (most only test a couple times a week, and one NEVER tests, one tests 2 times a day) and the only one who limits breads, pastas, sugar....so far, none have had complications, so they see no reason to change anything. 3 of us are overweight, 2 are not.

I don't think a lot of the doctors really stress the importance of tight control for T2s....guess they think we won't do it anyway and many prove these thoughts correct. The only T2s I know who test regularly, try and eat right and do all they can to maintain control are the one's I see on this forum.

[jvetter18]

The reality is that 90% of diabetics are T2's, so you're going to have a huge number of those people that just don't care. Either they are ignorant of the consequences, or in denial.

I've reached out recently to a T2, in terrible control, and told him about how many times i test, and this forum, and what not. His response, "thanks". The chances of him taking control? Less than 50%. (and there's about a 10% of that )

The people here seem to want to get better, or else why would they waste time chatting up everyone? It's the ones who are not on the board that don't care. The ones that think that 150 is a "fine" fasting number, when i think it's dangerous bordering on negligent.

So you know what? i've stopped worrying about those who don't want to get better. If they wanted to, they'd at least try. Doctors prescribe the pills, and they think it's all fine as long as they keep taking them. Nothing is ever that easy.

I applaud you all for being here. We're trying to get better, and this forum is definitely a place to go for help and knowlege.

[Imperatrix]

To me, it wouldn't matter if I was T2 or T1 or T 1.5...it'd still scare the **** outta me. I'm Type 2. Am I scared? Oh, **** yeah.

No matter which type you have, it's ALL important. IMHO, no one should be made to feel as if they're on "easy street" with diabetes. If physicians are doing that with Type 2s, that is dead wrong. Dealing with the disease takes all sorts of skills and discipline. In the one month or so since my diagnosis, I've learned that it's a labor of love which affects not only you, but those who love you.

[blacklightmike]

Ya know why there aren't many T2 posts? We're too fat and lazy to be bothered!

(That is the impression we seem to leave on most people, anyway...)

I'm with Nneighbor on this one... most of the T2's in my support group tend to be intimidated by the internet. I also agree about the denial thought. I've got two people close to me whom I've tried to turn on to this board, and they think it'll make them become sicker in some way... pure denial.

[pauls1958]

Originally Posted by blacklightmike

Ya know why there aren't many T2 posts? We're too fat and lazy to be bothered!

(That is the impression we seem to leave on most people, anyway...)

Tell me about it! There was a thread on one of the other boards about annoying things people keep asking. One thing said to me that I had to put down was...
"Aren't you too thin to be diabetic?"

Sums it up really.

[bryan42]

Im thankful I found this site, so early in my diagnosis (2 weeks) I would hate to go thru this, without you guys. Friends and family can be comforting,but YOU all have the disease with me....WOW, that sounded like a hallmark card..sorry!

[princesslinda]

Originally Posted by bryan42

Friends and family can be comforting,but YOU all have the disease with me....WOW, that sounded like a hallmark card..sorry!

....I can see the card in my mind now .....Dogs playing poker...with s/f sodas and pork rinds on the table alongside the cards...and all the dogs wearing medic-alert collars....their poor paws scabbed or bleeding from lancet sticks......

...think i'll go have lunch now...odd thoughts like this usually mean my blood sugar is dropping.