Type 1 vs Type 2 diabetes, annoying or what?

[jen18]

[COLOR=deeppink] Does it annoy anyone else here that although type 1 and type 2 diabetes are absolutely, completely different things that they are both called diabetes!? To people who don't have diabetes and don't know there are two types they think you either have good (Type 2) or bad(type 1) control! I mean you can't blame them they are just not educated, but still! I think that commercials etc. should be more precise or something, or change the name!? Does anyone else feel this way?

[HeatherP]

It really is quite common for people to not know anything at all about Diabetes. And even those that know about it many times aren't at all well informed about it. My mother-in-law has recently been doing some research (due to some very ignorant things she's said to me in the past) and is amazed at how serious and difficult this disease can be.

I don't really care much if there's more deliniation between the two names, but I'll tell you, if I could not have to know anything about it, I'd be very happy!:D

Welcome, by the way
HeatherP

[jen18]

what do you mean by "if I could not have to know anything about it, I'd be very happy! " ??

[HeatherP]

I meant that if I didn't have it, I would like to live in blissfull ignorance like many "healthy" people. ;)

[Batty]

it is annoying, but it happens with a lot of other diseases. people take the information they are given and think thats what the disease is, but they are missing a lot of it. you cant really do anything about it just for diabetes, you'd have to do it with all of them. and how many of us wanna spend more time in school learning about diseases and what causes them and how they can be controlled, etc etc?

[jen18]

true, true, definately understand about the "blissful ignorance"! ha ha, see I even find that people with type two diabetes act like people with type 1 diabetes are just complaining... I was talking to someone with type 2 right after I got my pump (so I was testing alot!) and I was talking about getting cream for my fingers being sore, and she was like whats the problem? My fingers never hurt! And I said well how often do you test? and she said like twice a week and I was like well try every two hours or more and then tell me about that!!

[sparkle9]

Type 1 and Type 2 are very different, but I agree with Heather - most people don't know much about either type, although they THINK they know a lot.

For example, I've been going to the same hairdresser for 20 years. The last time I was there, we were talking about diabetes; he knows I've been Type 1 for years. At one point he said, "Well, there's a lot you can do to help yourself, like eat right and watch your diet. That's probably why you got it in the first place because you weren't doing those things." I was so angry I thought I might explode on the spot! I tried to set him straight but he didn't get it. What made me even madder was that I have always maintained a normal weight whereas he is always on one "diet" or another but is always 20-30 lbs. overweight.

I don't know why I let these things get to me. I should be used to it by now!

[jen18]

Yeah I definately agree with Heather as well, I mean ya can't expect people to know everything! Mostly I just would prefer if when you try to explain what is really going on they would listen and not fight you about it like your hairdresser!

[jen18]

I'ver had people say the same kind of thing to me though (about that you probably didn't have a good diet etc.) but its like I'm 17 5'1 and only 105 pounds I don't think thats the problem!

[am1977]

I also think Type 1 and Type 2 are very different. I think that a lot of people assume you are type 2, b/c they make up the majority of Diabetics. I mean, something like 90% of Diabetics are Type 2...it's really become an epidemic, especially here in the States. Us, type 1s. are far less prevalent. I have had people ask me if I take pills or take insulin, once they find out I am diabetic, as if that is the only thing that disguishes one from the other. They don't understand that Type 1s have to be on insulin and might also have to take pills as well. Not to mention that Type 2s sometimes need insulin as well as pills, or pills alone, or just diet and exercise. Anyway, my point is how you treat your Diabetes, is NOT what makes one different from the other.

It does bother me when others think they know all about it, especially that in reality they don't have the faintest clue. I know many people think that it's just a problem with eating sugar, when that's not really what this disease is. I think many don't understand that Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmue disease and what it takes to manage this disease. There is so much involved...testing and monitoring sugar levels, diet, exercise, stress, and nutrition among many other factors. I think even those that do know that we have to do all these things can't fully comprehend and will never be able to unless they actually have the disease themselves. I must admit it bothers me that my family doesn't really understand what I go through, but I'm beginning to get that they probably will never fully comprehend.

[rzrbks]

I know many people think that it's just a problem with eating sugar,


Ok, OK, I admit it..........I'm diabetic {sorry about the tic part Harold} because I ate sugar sandwiches while growing up. Oh, yeah, and lots of fried food too, 'cause I grew up in the South----too many watermelons and blackberries too I suppose.



Let's be honest, until we "Walk a Mile" in someone else's shoes, we, most of us human type people, don't understand what people are going through in their lives.

[KLD]

I have to admit that until my husband was diagnosed with diabetes ten years before I was, I was just as ignorant about it as anyone else, so I remind myself of that when I get annoyed with other people's lack of understanding.

Karen

[jen18]

sugar sandwiches? lol you do know that isn't the reason you have diabetes right? (unless you have type 2)

I know what your talking about Karen, before I was diagnosed the only thing I knew is that diabetics had to take shots and carry juice! Or take medication and manage their diet...

I think what bothers me the most (and I could be completely wrong in thinking this) is that I think that Type 1 diabetics have a lot harder time, with shots having to eat at certain etc. and also that with type 1 it's nothing you have done whereas type 2 is generally bought on by obesity or other things that could be prevented but I think that people (even people with type 2 diabetes) don't understand that, like after explaining to people that I have diabetes and what I have to do people will say oh yeah my grandfather has had diabetes for 2 years or something but he has better control he only takes a pill a day...

[KLD]

I think type 2s have it easier than type 1s too, Jen, although I know people who would argue differently because they say type 1s can get away with cheating on their diets on occasion. (not to say they should - just that they sometimes do.) When you're a type 2 controlled by diet only, as I am, you can't afford that luxury, ever. Nevertheless, I'm still grateful that I'm a type 2 and don't have to be bothered with needles and insulin, etc.

Karen

[Batty]

Originally posted by jen18
sugar sandwiches? lol you do know that isn't the reason you have diabetes right? (unless you have type 2)

...uh he was joking around. :)

[koblenz]

On the annoying issue... it doesn't really bother me when people ask me those questions. They don't know, and if they don't have a reason to learn about it (like a relative or friend with diabetes), then they will be "blissfully ignorant". A person can't know everything about everything. I sure as **** don't.

What bothers me a little, as mentioned earlier, are the people that argue with you about the disease and how you should take care of yourself, when they know nothing about it. When asked, I have explained what type 1 is, and they argue with me about why I got it or how I should be treating it. Argggg. Fortunately, that has only happened twice, and I didn't really care if I pissed those people off anyway.

Then there are people like my grandmother. She doesn't really understand, and as she is getting on in years, has trouble understanding even when I explain it. But that is just fine with me. She doesn't judge, she just tells me that I better be doing what the doctor tells me, or she will sit me down and have a little talk with me! Anything she reads in the paper or a magazine, she clips out and sends it to me in the mail. She sent me a cute little sugar dish ... "since you can't have sugar anymore, you can put your special sweetener in it..."

On the "is it better to be type 1 or type 2" topic. I, like razr respectfully abstain from voting. I am type 1. It sucks sometimes. I deal with it. I am not type 2, never have been, never will. I don't have the foggiest idea what it is like to deal with type 2 each and every day.

All I can say "universally" is that each person does what they have to do everyday to get busy livin'.

Type 1... type 2... why can't we all just get along? :D

[Harold]

Read somewhere that Diabetes Mellitus was Latin for sweet urine. In that regard both 1 and 2 fit the name. True the causes are different if one ignores that neither type produces enough insulin for their needs. Another difference one could site would be how long the onset happens. While all T1's must have insulin many T2's do not. In the past it was assumed insulin was an eventuallity for T2's and still is by many professionals. Dietary recomendations are the same as are the complications. The biggest difference between the two are the daily routines. Those not taking insulin do not have to test day in and day out 8+ times a day, talk about burnout. I know the phrase taking a pill for it sounds easy, but it is not all it's cracked up to be. Many of the oral meds cause hypo's as bad as insulin and they also come with sides that range from embarrasing to lethal as in heart, liver, and kidney damage. Makes keeping to ones diet really important to avoid having to take any or taking more.

There's no good or bad for having one or the other they are both bad. Type 1... type 2... why can't we all just get along? We can by talking about it like we are doing here and learning from each other. We all have misconceptions and the best way to get rid of them is to talk about them. As an example;whereas type 2 is generally bought on by obesity or other things that could be prevented but I think that people (even people with type 2 diabetes) don't understand that, While I suppose one of the other preventable things would be pregnancies I would never say this to any woman. Then there are those that develope diabetes from thyroid and other deseases which are about as preventable as an autoimmune desease. Yes, obesity does cause diabetes in most cases, some people go along just fine then all of sudden start putting on weight for no apparent reason and find out they have it. Sometimes it's difficult to figure out which came first.

[mg_2204]

(Sugar??! Used to eat mustard sandwiches when I was young)

Funny, because I've always heard and been told (!) T2s are the baddies. Because we had a perfectly good pancreas and we were foolish enough to wear it out. With proper education and awareness, in *MY* case, I know *MY* diabetes could have been prevented. My fault! My bad. Three diabetic pregnancies and duh! Still didn't get the message. How thick can you get?! Anyway. There are times I feel I could just kick myself. Any volunteers? ;)

I do feel bad when I think about you guys with T1. Like Jen said, and from what I've read in this forum, I also think you have a harder time. Sometimes I do feel ashamed to be T2.

But I do believe one thing unites us all : control!

I think it's a bit normal not to know much about a disease if we're not (or a loved one) suffering from it. There are too many! My sister's been suffering from arythmia for years... and I've recently learned of all the struggles she must face. Doesn't mean I don't care. But I must admit, there is lack of knowledge... and there is ignorance. And some people are just plain mean. The latter I despise.

Take good care everyone! There is not a person in here, members and guests, who don't deserve the very best in life. :)

Marie
:)

[Brent44a]

Thank you, Marie. I wish I knew what I did wrong so that I could at least warn my kids. I ate a normal diet, was very active with a good BMI. I would not blame anyone for having a disease that no one wants and few understand.

[mg_2204]

I'm very sorry if my thoughts on the subject have offended you Brent. Or anyone else as a matter of fact!

My sister has a sweet tooth. Always had! She used to have blackforest cake for breakfast... on a reg basis. No kidding! Her diet and lifestyle were appalling at times. Mine were quite the opposite you see. I have developped diabetes. She hasn't. Go figure! Perhaps I had a predisposition? A 'weak' pancreas? Pfft! Don't know. I think I've developped diabetes just looking at her eating so much junk. I'm not angry. I prefer it's me rather than her to be honest. Love her too much! :)

But I had 3 huge warnings with diabetic pregnancies. Now I realize I didn't have the appropriate medical support... but my own fault if I haven't researched the subject more. I relied way too much on whatever docs told me. Docs don't know everything!!! And since they didn't care most of the time... well I pay the price today. But I'm not ready to say it's THEIR fault. My body, my responsability. Knowledge of this disease (any disease!) means power to the patient. And it's a message I wish to carry.

Not blaming anyone. But in my case, my verrrrrrrrrrry personal case, and as I've underlined in my previous message, it was my fault. Knowledge is the key.

Hope I haven't digged myself a hole here.

Marie
:)

[jen18]

yeah I thought he was...

KLD, that is very true, that is why I said that I could be completely wrong...

[jen18]

when I wrote that last message I was on the first page :o)

I just want to say that I am also not trying to affend anyone, and I do not think that everyone with type 2 brought it on themselves I know that there are some like Brent44a that do not know what happened and I am not blaming anyone, and I know that for those that did bring it on themselves they did that unknowingly... I apologize to anyone who is pissed off at me, that was not my intention I just wanted to know if anyone else felt like this..

[Brent44a]

Marie & Jen, Please acept my sincere apologies. I did not intend to be appear offended nor did I mean offense. I am here because I feel a common bond with the people here who struggle daily, as I do, with this disease, and am saddened that I may have caused someone more distress than this disease already causes. I was actually agreeing with you in a way but failed to effectively communicate it. Again, I think you guys are great, please keep right on expressing opinions and feelings and I'll try to do the same.

[mg_2204]

Brent, I was just thinking the same today! Was about to ask moderators to remove my 2 posts in here because, like you, wouldn't want to cause someone more distress than this disease already causes. No need for apologies. Sometimes I get stuff wrong. Language barrier they say :) Has more to do with my brain cells having taken the day off.

Marie
:)

[JasonJayhawk]

Yes, it is a shame that Type 1 and Type 2 are both called "diabetes mellitius."

I was in Costco, doing my weekly grazing (that is, going from sample station to sample station, gobbling up whatever yummies they are demoing out). A sample lady asked if I wanted to try an item that was extremely high in carbs, and I said I couldn't -- because I have diabetes and didn't have any insulin on me.

She responded, "Funny! You are skinny, how could you have diabetes?!"

*** ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! ***


I also loved hearing a friend, who happens to be a dentist, tell me that his type 1 diabetic brother-in-law only tests his glucose once or twice a day, and eats candy bars and drinks pop like it's water. He seemed to imply that I'd be able to do that, too.

---------------
JasonJayhawk.... proud of his 5.1% A1c!

[Batty]

Originally posted by JasonJayhawk
I was in Costco, doing my weekly grazing (that is, going from sample station to sample station, gobbling up whatever yummies they are demoing out).

haha on family trips upisland..we used to stop at costco for lunch around noon...haha those sample things can sure fill you up!

[Brent44a]

Jason, I get the same types of comments. I think many people remember when the term sugar diabetes was in use, and think of diabetes in those terms. They seem to know that some foods are bad, and always tend to relate that only to sugar content. The carb counting concept doesn't seem to be widely undertsood. I am trying my own eduction project with family and friends at work with limited sucess so far.

(and thanks Marie for your comments ...lets see French Canadian in England understanding a Southerner from America - there are at least five potential dialect/language barriers there. LOL)

[mg_2204]

... now that I think about it, my grand-mother used to say there were 2 types of diabetes : sugar diabetes... and another one, quite rare, salt diabetes. Salt??!?!! Ever heard of that?

Marie
:)

[HeatherP]

I've had people say, "But you're so young, how can you have Diabetes"?

I just tell them it's an equal-opportunity disease. :p

[rzrbks]

jen18

sugar sandwiches? lol you do know that isn't the reason you have diabetes right? (unless you have type 2)

Type 1.5, LADA here


Batty

...uh he was joking around. :)

Yes, I was joking.

However, and here's the kicker, my father-in-law warned me that if I ate too many sweets I'd "Catch" diabetes----------He's diabetic ROTFL


even people with diabetes don't know what's going on sometimes.:confused: :rolleyes:

[sparkle9]

OK everyone...I've adjusted my attitude. I'm going to be more tolerant of those IDIOTS (lol) like my hairdresser who thinks I got diabetes from eating the wrong foods!

[sicdb]

As I've indicated in a few of my previous posts, I've been aware of my pre-d, type 2 problem for about 3 months, but can think back to incidents over the last 5 years that would have indicated that I had or was headed for problems.

Funny, every time I would go to my doctor over the years, I would get the courtesy call from the doc's assistant reminding to show up and, of course, to not eat anything after 7 pm and certainly no breakfast because "we're going to take blood". In retrospect, I have no idea what they did with my blood, altho I knew the doc was watching my "liver function" because I carried more than a few too many pounds. The fasting probably kept my blood sugar below the radar when he reviewed my tests, or maybe he thought I was pre-d and only at marginal risk, but blood sugar never came up as a topic. We talked about weight and blood pressure, but not BG.

Now that I have discovered the problem (not thru the doc's blood work), I'm fortunate that I can keep the numbers down thru diet and exercise - as a bi-product, my weight is also dropping - probably a good thing for my blood pressure and "liver function".

I do worry about how many beta cells I may have shut down and how the situation may deteriorate in the future. Is it my fault, yes and no. I have been overweight and underactive at times, thinner and move active at others. Sometimes life gets in the way. But there are many, many, many diseases and conditions out there. I don't check my blood for mercury every day altho I eat a lot of fish. I don't get a chest x-ray every day because I have exposed myself to second-hand smoke at work or a restaurant. I don't have a PST test every month for prostrate cancer altho I'm over the age of 40. Medical insurance wouldn't pay for every test anyway, unless there was some symptom to indicate concern. I can't live in fear of every possible illness that could afflict me.

I wish I had lived the last 5 or 10 years a little differently, but I didn't. I didn't know enough about it, just like all the people who see a 20 second public service commercial, or heard from Mom about Uncle Joe's diabetes. All I can do now is what it takes to live well and healthy going forward. I know more now - facts from the books, and management tips from Jeff K, Marie and others on this forum - thanks guys.

[KrisinNM]

Very aggravating! Seems I am always trying to educate someone on the difference between types, kinda like talking to a brick wall. My problem is that I have been a type I for 20 years but I fit the stereo type of a type II (over 50, overweight). Even the new endo I just started seeing can't seem to remember!