Throw me a bone here

[AngelKitty]

Sorry guys need a rant....

Have met more clueless people since I was diagnosed with T1 six months ago than my entire life span.

I'm so sick and tired of the public misconception that T1s have diabetes because of sugary food consumption.

If one more person tells me, upon hearing that I am a type 1 diabetic, that I should stop eating junk food and go for a run more often I will grow laser beams from my eyeballs and zap them in the ***!

Am I alone in thinking that we need a better awareness campaign for Type 1 Diabetics and that they are insulin dependent by fortune (or lack thereof) rather than lifestyle?

When I reply to these people that I need insulin to stay alive they just stare at me!! The general repsonse I get from them is "oh" and then I get the dead fish stare - because they just don't know (no clue, no idea).

Anyhoo, thanks for letting me chew your ear a little, I think I'll have a drink right about now.

[mike-munich]

You will encounter more of this cluelessness in your future with T1. I gave up explaining things a long time ago and just tell people to "google" Type 1 diabetes...:cool:

Even my own mother asked me, like almost one year after I got my pump, if they "implanted" it yet (WTF ? :confused: ). I told her to google it...:D

I turned T1 when I was 11 month old, so it prolly wasn't the junk food, lifestyle or my drinking and smoking habits... hahaha.:)

Speaking of which, it's 1 p.m., I think I need a drink too...:T

[Scratch]

Actually, I think the awareness that type 1 is an autoimmune disease is more commonly known than it was back when I was diagnosed in 1985. There will always be people who are largely ignorant of scientific advances and knowledge, but generally there has been gradual improvement of the common public's understanding of type 1 diabetes.

But there will always be misconceptions and misunderstandings.

[fgummett]

Am I alone in thinking that we need a better awareness campaign for Type 1 Diabetics and that they are insulin dependent by fortune (or lack thereof) rather than lifestyle?I am with you on the general ignorance of people who do not have D... but are you suggesting that Type 2 is as a result of lifestyle?

[shades9323]

You would be suprised by the numer of nurses in hospitals that don't know the difference between type 1 and type 2. Talk about scary. These are health professionals and they don't know.:( :eek:

[mike-munich]

Tell me about it. I had an appendicectomy once and the anaesthetist didn't know what to do about my T1 during surgery...:eek: I had to tell him to monitor my BG...

Yeah, and this was in Germany (fairley descent medicine), not Iraq or somewhere in the Hindukush... :mad:

[conguitos]

I don't get it, why are you upset about it? Why do you want to differenciate yourself from types 2? Because you think it's their faults? Because most of them are overweight?

Until recently I didn't know anything about MS for example, just that they will all end sooner or later on a wheelchair, which is totally untrue, some will, most wont.

BTW, there are observations that, to people, that aren't on a western/asiatic/african carbohydrate rich diet, diabetes (any type, ex. MODY) is virtually unknown.

Put on a carb rich diet, they tend to develop diabetes (any type, ex. MODY) quite quickly.

So, I don't think that we can rule lifestyle issues out, for any type of diabetes. I'm not saying that it's YOUR fault, but, in my opinion, the environmental/dietetical issues probably have a lot to do with developing diabetes.

IMHO

[xMenace]

There's idjuts everywhere. You can't avoid them. Think of your T1 as a radar warning system. Perhaps it has already saved you considerable heartache from associating with such people ;) On the other hand, is it their fault they are ignorant? Consider it a edumacational oppurtnity!



Here's a related rant I read yesterday on Boston.com Key distinctions must be drawn in diabetes coverage - The Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/letters/articles/2009/02/10/key_distinctions_must_be_drawn_in_diabetes_coverag e/)

[mike-munich]

Consider it a edumacational oppurtnity!


Word. I tell them idjuts to sofa king google it.... :T

[AngelKitty]

I am with you on the general ignorance of people who do not have D... but are you suggesting that Type 2 is as a result of lifestyle?

Hi, I'm not suggesting anything, however the medical profession does, here is an excerpt that was posted on this thread" by another T1:

-"The National Institutes of Health study concerned people afflicted with Type 2 diabetes, a metabolic disease caused by a combination of poor diet, lack of exercise, and genetic predisposition.

A person with Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that strikes primarily children and makes them insulin-dependent for life, can't "not know" they have it.

When the autoimmune process that causes Type 1 diabetes is sparked, the child enters a rapid death spiral that, without intercession, ends in diabetic ketoacidosis and coma. Undiagnosed, a child with Type 1 will die.

The burden of this relentless disease is made worse by frequent misunderstandings that the Globe's item exacerbates: that a child with Type 1 can take a pill and get better; that he or she will outgrow it; that it could have been prevented by better diet and exercise. Parents of children with Type 1 have heard them all.

The Globe has a responsibility to distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in every instance that each is reported on, without exception".

[fgummett]

Hi, I'm not suggesting anything, however the medical profession does, here is an excerpt that was posted on this thread" by another T1:

-"The National Institutes of Health study concerned people afflicted with Type 2 diabetes, a metabolic disease caused by a combination of poor diet, lack of exercise, and genetic predisposition.

A person with Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that strikes primarily children and makes them insulin-dependent for life, can't "not know" they have it.

When the autoimmune process that causes Type 1 diabetes is sparked, the child enters a rapid death spiral that, without intercession, ends in diabetic ketoacidosis and coma. Undiagnosed, a child with Type 1 will die.

The burden of this relentless disease is made worse by frequent misunderstandings that the Globe's item exacerbates: that a child with Type 1 can take a pill and get better; that he or she will outgrow it; that it could have been prevented by better diet and exercise. Parents of children with Type 1 have heard them all.

The Globe has a responsibility to distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in every instance that each is reported on, without exception".If you read closely you would see that you are quoting a "letter to the editor" from the Mother of a Type 1... funny how these myths get out there and are then passed around until they become "established facts."

[AngelKitty]

On the other hand, is it their fault they are ignorant? Consider it a edumacational oppurtnity!

Here's a related rant I read yesterday on Boston.com Key distinctions must be drawn in diabetes coverage - The Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/letters/articles/2009/02/10/key_distinctions_must_be_drawn_in_diabetes_coverag e/)

Thanks xMenace, excellent article. Am already being savaged by T2s that think I'm having a go at them? Don't know why, I posted this thread in the Type 1 forum and it was my own personal experiences with non -diabetic people that I was talking about. I don't think I even mentioned anything about T2s or any other diabetics come to think about it.
Why are T2s being so defensive about contributing issues that are real and relevant - and no before you all bite my head off, I don't say so - the medical professionals that diagnose us say so.

[davef]

I am with you on the general ignorance of people who do not have D... but are you suggesting that Type 2 is as a result of lifestyle?

I don't get it, why are you upset about it? Why do you want to differenciate yourself from types 2? Because you think it's their faults? Because most of them are overweight?

Hang on second guys, un-ruffle those T2 feathers. Angel is simply venting about the ignorance of OTHER people. Give her a break, she has to be able to come here and vent, please don't turn this thread into yet another T1/T2/lifestyle debate.

I think it is fair to say that we have all (whether T1, T1.5, T2 etc) come up against the uneducated/ignorant masses, heck I was probably one of them before I was diagnosed.

So instead of getting upset about any possible implied lifestyle choices = T2, which I don't think was in Angel's post. Let's stick together.

Angel, sadly you are going to meet people like this, we all do, you can try educate them, if they don't listen then walk away and ignore them and their ignorance.

Yesterday evening, I got really mad listening to the radio and a Minister of our Government, he was launching a new program for schools where each primary (elementary) school will given seeds and supplies to grow 5 different types of fruit and veg - I think it's a great idea. But when he was talking about this, he said that they message needs to go out that eating the recommended 5 daily servings of fruit and veg, will help avoid obesity and ... yep you guessed ... diabetes. This the same idiot who last year launched a similar program for children to grow potatoes and said the same stupid thing. I ate potatoes, veg and fruit all my life and I still developed Diabetes. I have written an Email to him and asked that he at least get some knowledge before making stupid statements. :banghead:

So Angel, vent/rant away, we all know where you are coming from.

[gettingby]

Word. I tell them idjuts to sofa king google it.... :T
Thanks Mike. I have to wipe the coffee off my computer screen now.:T :rofl:

AngelKitty, I do agree with you. Alas, there are those that believe everything they hear on tv and don't seem to want to listen to those who have it. It's a never ending battle that I have fought for 24 yrs. My mom, bless her heart, still gives me horrified looks when I sample "treats". I just laugh it off. My oldest sister used to joke about it all the time. She used to tell me that if I wanted to "taste" a treat, she would chase me around the house. I tell her now "No need. I know how to deal with it". They never question me anymore. I guess 24 yrs with it proves to them I have some idea of what I'm doing. LOL. :rofl:

[fgummett]

I am with you on the general ignorance of people who do not have D... but are you suggesting that Type 2 is as a result of lifestyle?That was simply acceptance of the right to vent and a polite question designed to give you a chance to voice your true opinion... I think you have now made that quite clear.

[AngelKitty]

If you read closely you would see that you are quoting a "letter to the editor" from the Mother of a Type 1... funny how these myths get out there and are then passed around until they become "established facts."

Are you disputing the fact that Type 2 is not a metabolic disease and that Type 1 is not an autoimmune disease?
If type 1 and 2 were the same they wouldn't have different categories.

Take a chill pill - they are not the same.

[AngelKitty]

I don't get it, why are you upset about it? Why do you want to differenciate yourself from types 2? Because you think it's their faults? Because most of them are overweight?

So, I don't think that we can rule lifestyle issues out, for any type of diabetes.

IMHO

Can you please explain why some type 2 diabetics are able to reverse their condition with weight loss?
The only way that type 1 diabetics can reverse their condition is with a transplant (pancreas or islets).
You have to concede that there are fundamental differences between the two types.
You ask me why do I want to differentiate myself from type 2 - well I never thought about this until you asked me - the same reason I would differentiate myself from an epileptic - I don't have epilepsy and I don't have type 2 diabetes.
Let me ask you, why would you want people to believe that you have type 1 diabetes when you don't?

[mike-munich]

Hey Cin, anytime ! Just don't make me pay for a new keyboard, screen and such. :T :D

As for you 1's and 2's out there: We're all in the same boat. I never made a difference, nor did the people I talked to. I just have diabetes, it's that easy. They can still google it...;)

[gettingby]

Hey Cin, anytime ! Just don't make me pay for a new keyboard, screen and such. :T :D

Never Mike. :)


As for you 1's and 2's out there: We're all in the same boat. I never made a difference, nor did the people I talked to. I just have diabetes, it's that easy. They can still google it...;)
I agree here Mike. We all have diabetes no matter the type or how we got it. It doesn't matter how you got it, all that matters is that you control it !

AngelKitty, I mean no offense with the above post. I have just learned over the years that you can't educate everyone.

[AngelKitty]

Never Mike. :)

AngelKitty, I mean no offense with the above post. I have just learned over the years that you can't educate everyone.

No offense taken - I just find it extremely interesting that type 2 diabetics are so sensitive about being called type 2 diabetics. And you're right, you can't educate everyone, but I'd sure like to try (blunt crayons in the box included).

[princesslinda]

AK, it's amazing how little any of us know about a disease until it becomes part of our lives. As a T2, I must say I took no offense whatsoever from your post...and can appreciate the frustration you're feeling. I think we all deal with those type people from time to time.....and it does get irritating.

Hang in there....if the remarks are from those you care for, you can try to find "teachable moments;" otherwise, my new motto is "you can't fix stupid," and I just let their words go in one ear an out the other. Life is hard enough without letting others drive us crazy!

[AngelKitty]

AK, it's amazing how little any of us know about a disease until it becomes part of our lives. As a T2, I must say I took no offense whatsoever from your post...and can appreciate the frustration you're feeling. I think we all deal with those type people from time to time.....and it does get irritating.

Hang in there....if the remarks are from those you care for, you can try to find "teachable moments;" otherwise, my new motto is "you can't fix stupid," and I just let their words go in one ear an out the other. Life is hard enough without letting others drive us crazy!

Thanks PrincessLinda - how can I possibly educate anyone else when my own mum brings a plate of my favourite biscuits over, hands them to my hubby and says "don't eat any, I don't want you getting any sicker than you already are".
Doh! my diabolical inner monolgue in over-drive, hurry up and leave mama so I can shoot up and eat a stupid biscuit.

[mike-munich]

"don't eat any, I don't want you getting any sicker than you already are"

ROFL LMAO ! :laugh: :laugh:

That's almost as funny as my mom asking me if my pump has been implanted yet.... :banghead: :laugh:

[AngelKitty]

ROFL LMAO ! :laugh: :laugh:

That's almost as funny as my mom asking me if my pump has been implanted yet.... :banghead: :laugh:

Whatta ya do, bless them! Everytime I try to explain things about Ds to her she nods her head, makes little noises (so i think she's listening and understanding), after a while I swear I'm seeing the "dead fish stare" and know that I'm back to square one.

[mike-munich]

Angel, that makes me smile...:) I really like the "dead fish stare" term. :D

You are not alone... :cool:

[Jan B]

Angel, that makes me smile...:) I really like the "dead fish stare" term. :D

You are not alone... :cool:

You guys are both making me laugh. Thanks! :)

I'm lucky I don't have a close family member who questions how I take care of myself.

[Subby]

I've spent years telling my mother I can deal with a sugar in my tea if I want it - she has always nodded or just looked sad, and put a little case of nutri-sweet pills or somesuch near my cup, and the sugar bowl mysteriously edges away to the far end of the table. In other respects she is fine with being sensible with my dietary needs, but the sugar thing has stuck and stuck. Either I cave and use one of the pills, or just sneak a sugar as if I was a bad boy.

The last time I was around there, we had tea. I've been working on explaining how especially with the pump an occasional teaspoon of sugar is just so dealable with it's laughable, but this once I just couldn't be bothered with the usual little exchange we go through, so I went into the kitchen where the nutri sweet things are kept. She looked at me in suprise and said something like "aren't you going to have sugar in your tea?"

Where's that smiley face hitting it's head against the wall, it belongs right here. :)

[AngelKitty]

Where's that smiley face hitting it's head against the wall, it belongs right here. :)

Here ya go Subby, just for you :banghead:

[kgm0612]

You would be suprised by the numer of nurses in hospitals that don't know the difference between type 1 and type 2. Talk about scary. These are health professionals and they don't know.:( :eek:


I can't agree more!

[notme]

I've spent years telling my mother I can deal with a sugar in my tea if I want it - she has always nodded or just looked sad, and put a little case of nutri-sweet pills or somesuch near my cup, and the sugar bowl mysteriously edges away to the far end of the table. In other respects she is fine with being sensible with my dietary needs, but the sugar thing has stuck and stuck. Either I cave and use one of the pills, or just sneak a sugar as if I was a bad boy.

The last time I was around there, we had tea. I've been working on explaining how especially with the pump an occasional teaspoon of sugar is just so dealable with it's laughable, but this once I just couldn't be bothered with the usual little exchange we go through, so I went into the kitchen where the nutri sweet things are kept. She looked at me in suprise and said something like "aren't you going to have sugar in your tea?"

Where's that smiley face hitting it's head against the wall, it belongs right here. :)


That is almost as funny as my Mother wanting me to take some insulin because my blood sugar is low.

Seriously, my Mother always says "what am I going to do with you. You just don't take care of yourself" when I have a low. I have tried to explain that sometimes you just guess wrong with carbs or insulin. She still believes it is my fault and that diabetes is an exact science. :banghead: (there he is)

I love my Mom. I am just glad I got Diabetes as an adult and not a child. There was no internet back then and I might have been killed!

[mortis505]

otherwise, my new motto is "you can't fix stupid,"

Whatta ya do, bless them! Everytime I try to explain things about Ds to her she nods her head, makes little noises (so i think she's listening and understanding), after a while I swear I'm seeing the "dead fish stare" and know that I'm back to square one.

I have to laugh at this. Sometimes when I try to edumacate folks about the differences, I feel as though the people I am speaking to are "Stuck on stupid" or just SOS

Thanks PrincessLinda - how can I possibly educate anyone else when my own mum brings a plate of my favourite biscuits over, hands them to my hubby and says "don't eat any, I don't want you getting any sicker than you already are".
Doh! my diabolical inner monolgue in over-drive, hurry up and leave mama so I can shoot up and eat a stupid biscuit.

As the other have said, its an uphill battle, not just with our condition, but with proper education of the ignorant and clueless masses. Things like Wilford Brimley and he "diabeetus" haven't helped. Next time you get "lectured" about how your diest caused your D, just look at the individual, and say "I'm sorry, but you have obviously made a common assumption about my diabetes. And you know what happens when people assume."

I think that shuts them up rather quickly. If there still interested afterwards, then you can try and explain that T1/1.5 is autoimmune.

[Gangrel]

Just to play devil's advocate here.... Why are the people stupid who say things like "you can't eat that?" or "gee, you must have done something to cause your diabetes, eh?" even if you're a type one.

The information most people get is from the media, and the media tends to paint with a roller, and ignore the details with a brush.

But why should we get mad at these people? Tell them the differnece. If it sticks, it sticks. If not, they can stick themselves!

There are many diseases out there that I have no clue about, and I bet if I openened my mouth would be severly misinformed. I would hope that if I came into a similar situation that I would be taught waht I needed to know.......

[cyberus]

Hang in there....if the remarks are from those you care for, you can try to find "teachable moments;" otherwise, my new motto is "you can't fix stupid,"

"Ignorance can be cured ... stupid is FOREVER!"

[princesslinda]

There are many diseases out there that I have no clue about, and I bet if I openened my mouth would be severly misinformed. I would hope that if I came into a similar situation that I would be taught waht I needed to know.......

I'd like to think if I knew nothing about a particular disease that I wouldn't be trying to give advice, no matter how well-intended.

[princesslinda]

"Ignorance can be cured ... stupid is FOREVER!"

I like your saying better than mine cyberus...I may have to adopt it instead!:D

[Gangrel]

I'd like to think if I knew nothing about a particular disease that I wouldn't be trying to give advice, no matter how well-intended.

But this ties into my media part.... they think they DO know about diabetes because they see it on the news all the time.

It doesn't make them stupid, at least to me... just heavily mis-informed.

[princesslinda]

You're absolutely right, the media is full of misinformation.

[conguitos]

Can you please explain why some type 2 diabetics are able to reverse their condition with weight loss?
The only way that type 1 diabetics can reverse their condition is with a transplant (pancreas or islets).
You have to concede that there are fundamental differences between the two types.
You ask me why do I want to differentiate myself from type 2 - well I never thought about this until you asked me - the same reason I would differentiate myself from an epileptic - I don't have epilepsy and I don't have type 2 diabetes.
Let me ask you, why would you want people to believe that you have type 1 diabetes when you don't?

Just to say, that type 1 similar diabetes can be induced by medication, for example. But then it's called "secondary diabetes". So I guess that it's possible that what you eat may have some influence on developing diabetes type 1 or not.

Or even what your mother eats while pregnant with you.

I'm not blaming anyone, it's just that a lot of data point to a environmental/dietetic problem. Well the only ones I would blame are the carbs :D

[davef]

You know what, however we all got here, this is where we are. We live with diabetes, we live in a world where some people try understand, others don't or won't understand. One thing doesn't change, we have it and standing together, helping each other should be our goal.

When I choose to tell somebody that I have diabetes, I don't tell them I'm a type 2, I tell them I have diabetes. Some ask, is it the bad kind and I reply is there a good one, I didn't know I got a choice.

So my friends, join me as I :aetsch: :reddy: towards those who are hard of understanding.

[AngelKitty]

That is almost as funny as my Mother wanting me to take some insulin because my blood sugar is low.

She still believes it is my fault and that diabetes is an exact science. :banghead: (there he is)

I love my Mom. I am just glad I got Diabetes as an adult and not a child. There was no internet back then and I might have been killed!

Hi Notme, I hear ya - I think my mum would have half starved me to death believing that she was actually saving me from the evil clutches of sugar!

[notme]

Eat spam..... no carbs and it will cure Diabetes. :D

[AngelKitty]

Eat spam..... no carbs and it will cure Diabetes. :D

STOP THE PRESS NANCY HAS FOUND THE CURE THAT WE HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR, BEHOLD THE MIGHTY HIGHLY PROCESSED SPAM, CURES DIABETES, INDEGESTION, WARTS, TINIA, THE FLU, HERNIAS, LARYNGITIS, PHARYNGITIS, TONSILITIS, GOUT AND SHARPENS BLUNT CRAYONS!!!!!!
ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY SPAM!

LOL Girl you are funny :D

[AngelKitty]

When I choose to tell somebody that I have diabetes, I don't tell them I'm a type 2, I tell them I have diabetes. Some ask, is it the bad kind and I reply is there a good one, I didn't know I got a choice.

I hear you and I like your spunk - let's agree to disagree and still be friends :)

But just to give you an understanding of my reasoning I will elaborate:

A few years back I was diagnosed with skin cancer, it was squamous cell carcinoma (malignant). Technically I had cancer, but in this instance I had the "good" cancer. The "bad" skin cancer being melanoma (accounts for 75% of all deaths associated with skin cancer).
Now I just couldn't bring myself to tell people that I had cancer and leave it at that. When you tell people you have cancer, they immediately think the "bad kind". If someone asked me if I had the bad kind I could never reply "is there a good one, didn't know I got a choice", that's like lying by ommission.
Again, I wish to reiterate that these are purely my sentiments (which I believe I'm entitled to, same as everyone else)
and my initial rant was with respect to the lack of public awareness towards diabetes in general - not the specific types. Disappointingly, so far only type 2 diabetics have "attacked" me - sorry I just don't get why you guys are so sensitive.

But I tell you what - I love talking to each and everyone of you on this forum, no matter what our differing opinions.
Thanks for making me feel welcome :D

Lots of hugs and kisses,

[robbytype2]

wait a freakin minute ....spam has bones? that you throw to cure diabetes? i am calling cnn ,, glad you guys can get along lol

[owlyn]

I take it as my mission to educate these lunkheads no matter how much of their time it takes. I just start explaining all about it in a very enthusiastic way, and keep going on and on and on. After 10 minutes, they wish they never brought it up, and they never will again.

[oneluckyplay]

I do things quite differently than most would. I'm rude... I ignore them, then I look at them and say do you really think you should be eating that, I thought you were trying to lose weight. If were not eating I ask them if they want to go running w/ me to help them w/ their weight. Doesn't matter if they are overweight or not I just say it. Normally by the 2nd time people stop trying to tell me how to do my diabetes. I think I made them realize what they were doing to me. Yeah I know it sounds mean, but I don't care, I'm sick and tired of all these idiots who think they know best.

[EeyoreButterfly]

I hear you angelkitty. I don't know for sure yet what type I am, but I did not eat my way into this. I hate the diet and exercise comments. Really, how are they intended to make people feel? Regardless of type, they are basically blaming you for your disease. I also ahte the comments about what I can and can't eat. I just wish people would trust me to know wnough about my body and my ocondition to make my own decisions without their misinformed input.

I did get a kick out of when my mentor teacher told the para who cooks with our autism student that I have diabetes. So the next week we had orange julius and the week after that was nachos. God bless them. They tried anyway.

[soso]

I agree with Gangrel that people are just mis-informed and when people make the 'lifestyle' comment to me.. they get the 10 minute version ala Owlyn.. and they sure wish they hadn't brought it up..they learn ALL about diabetes 1 AND 2 and my opinion on which comes first, the chicken or the egg! talk about 'dead fish stare"! you've heard of a "baby bore"? well, I'm a Pancreas Bore.. and proud of it.. Pity poor DH who has to sit through it every time he is around for the show.. I see HIM cringe when they make the comments...lol...

[soso]

And I have a family member who on more than one occasion has commented that I need to stop living on cucumber and whipping cream and 'just eat a balanced diet'..aaaarrrggghhhh...

[mell1682]

I don't get too mad about people being misinformed as I have watched television before and I know that people are grossly misinformed and that is not their fault. What really irks me is that many doctors (at least here in my part of NE) are flat out ignorant. In my classes now to be a certified nurse assistant, the instructor AND the book are terribly outdated about all of diabetes. This is stuff that we are supposed to learn and I'm kind of sad for the others in that class that have to learn this from a place that is supposed to know better! The misinformation out there is really frustrating but the only thing we can do is try to correct it when we see it and remember that people really just might not know.

[mike-munich]

When I choose to tell somebody that I have diabetes, I don't tell them I'm a type 2, I tell them I have diabetes.

I do it like Dave. Most of them don't ask further questions anyway, if I get stupid comments (which I hardly get, because I only tell very few people) they get my "sofa king google it" statement. :D

[lorilei]

I don't get too mad about people being misinformed as I have watched television before and I know that people are grossly misinformed and that is not their fault. What really irks me is that many doctors (at least here in my part of NE) are flat out ignorant. In my classes now to be a certified nurse assistant, the instructor AND the book are terribly outdated about all of diabetes. This is stuff that we are supposed to learn and I'm kind of sad for the others in that class that have to learn this from a place that is supposed to know better! The misinformation out there is really frustrating but the only thing we can do is try to correct it when we see it and remember that people really just might not know.

AMEN ! It is definately the medical field that we should have frustrations with when they are misinformed! and you are right Mel, we only know what we are taught or what we have expereinced...

[Gary_W]

That is almost as funny as my Mother wanting me to take some insulin because my blood sugar is low.

Seriously, my Mother always says "what am I going to do with you. You just don't take care of yourself" when I have a low. I have tried to explain that sometimes you just guess wrong with carbs or insulin. She still believes it is my fault and that diabetes is an exact science. :banghead: (there he is)

I love my Mom. I am just glad I got Diabetes as an adult and not a child. There was no internet back then and I might have been killed!

I feel your pain. My older brother's T1 turned up in 1962 (ish) at the age of 3. I'm 10 years younger than him, and mine turned up in 1996ish when I had long since flown the nest and married so most of my mother's knowledge is a little rusty. If we are visiting and I go hypo, she always says 'what caused that, then?'. To which it is tempting to answer 'you know how sometimes you just can't stop farting and you are unable to work out what caused it? Well welcome to my world. Sometimes, s**t happens and there is no cause'

I do it like Dave. Most of them don't ask further questions anyway, if I get stupid comments (which I hardly get, because I only tell very few people) they get my "sofa king google it" statement. :D

There have been various T1 / T2 naming debates on here. I do tell people I'm T1 if that kind of thing comes up. This does not mean I am 'down' on T2, but they are different conditions and on some occasions you'll find someone that actually knows the difference.

I've also said before that folks with T2 get unfairly treated by the media. That's bad enough, but when the (unjust) prejudice and ignorance against at a person with T2 is aimed at a person with T1 then that's no fun on a couple of different levels...

[Carol11]

The first time I had to buy insulin the pharmacist didn't know adults could get type 1.

[UpNorth]

What can i say other than the world is full of more or less stupid people and a few really bright ones, when you live with diabetes, all the stupids seems to find ya when dealing with your "D things". There's only one thing to do really. Close your ears to it if you don't want to give a lecture at the time. But i'll have to admit, it's far better these days than even just 4 years ago! I've found a tendancy that young people know more about diabetes these days than when i was diagnosed. Maybe because of Nick Jonas:confused:

[Overcomer]

Can you please explain why some type 2 diabetics are able to reverse their condition with weight loss?
The only way that type 1 diabetics can reverse their condition is with a transplant (pancreas or islets).
You have to concede that there are fundamental differences between the two types.
You ask me why do I want to differentiate myself from type 2 - well I never thought about this until you asked me - the same reason I would differentiate myself from an epileptic - I don't have epilepsy and I don't have type 2 diabetes.
Let me ask you, why would you want people to believe that you have type 1 diabetes when you don't?

There is a theory that says type 2 is a genetically predisposed condition and proper diet and exercise help you avoid it. There are some who exercise and diet properly but they still get it through no fault of their own.

[shiftzor]

My work college (female) turned around to me on Friday and said every time we have fish n chips (Friday pub lunch) you go high. I wasn't expecting that, on occasions I do tell people around me that I am high or low but I wasn't expecting people to start watching patterns for me :D. I then got out my laptop and showed her my winglucofacts with all my bgs results for the last month. Showed here all the Fridays to give her a better idea of the "pattern". I rarely have fish n chips for this very reason.

My mother finds it a drag with all the carb counting and still doesn't quite get that EVERY CARB counts. She will learn I hope. I don't bother to tell people that don't need to know as they just act surprised and **** knows what they think :D. Just don’t paint everyone with the same brush some people may suprise ;).

Type 1 = autoimmune disease, where the killer t-cells kill pancreatic cells (islets), possibly caused by genetics, who knows.
Type 2 = insulin resistance, pancreas over works until it finally gives up, obviously reducing insulin resistance can keep the pancreas running for much longer. It’s a problem of what came first the chicken or the egg? Did the person get fat because of being type2 before the doctors diagnosed it or did the person get fat which caused type 2? I believe the former, type 2's aren’t always fat. Probably genetics again. Thifty gene (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrifty_gene_hypothesis) anyone?

[Subby]

My work college (female) turned around to me on Friday and said every time we have fish n chips (Friday pub lunch) you go high. I wasn't expecting that, on occasions I do tell people around me that I am high or low but I wasn't expecting people to start watching patterns for me :D. I then got out my laptop and showed her my winglucofacts with all my bgs results for the last month. Showed here all the Fridays to give her a better idea of the "pattern". I rarely have fish n chips for this very reason.


If someone else along the lines of friend, family or workmate makes a comment like this to me, in an attentive, non arguing way, I find it's a really really nice thing to happen, it shows people take some interest, and are prepared to "step into your world" albeit briefly, rather than treating D as some hidden, grim, embarrassing medical struggle. Sadly, I have find on balance that more males do tend to treat it that way.

[angelamerrill73]

My son has gotten really good at sharing the causes and the effects of his t1. I definitely specify T1 when asked. The causes, lifestyle and meds are all different. I explain it this way...

"When Steven was 4 he was diagnosed with T1D. It was probably triggered when he had hand, foot and mouth about 6 months prior. His immune system, already fighting this infection, made a mistake and destroyed the Beta cells, the ones that make insulin. Once they "noticed" those beta cells, they continued to kill them on sight. Now his body cannot produce insulin. So...to digest carbs he needs insulin injections. He can eat what he wants, he just needs a shot of insulin to cover it."

I am always happy to answer other questions but even this simplified explanation sometimes brings on the "dead fish" look. When I then hear the question, "When will he out grow it?" I know I have ruled out ignorance and confirmed "stupid." (no offense, just trying to be funny...)

I worry about the T1/T2 bitterness. They each involve the pancreas and insulin but have different causes and treatments. I could not talk about my life with diabetes without differentiating. I identify with the comments about cancer. So many different cancers, all with very different realities associated with them. Can't we talk about diabetes and commiserate not upon the ignorance, because this is inevitable and curable, but upon the resistance to enlightenment, whatever the reason?

[AngelKitty]

I am always happy to answer other questions but even this simplified explanation sometimes brings on the "dead fish" look. When I then hear the question, "When will he out grow it?" I know I have ruled out ignorance and confirmed "stupid." (no offense, just trying to be funny...)

I worry about the T1/T2 bitterness. They each involve the pancreas and insulin but have different causes and treatments. I could not talk about my life with diabetes without differentiating.

Hi angelamerrill73,

My initial comments were lamenting the "lack of awareness" for diabetes the misconception that it is directly related to the amount of sugar you ate before being diagnosed and the differences between the types.

As you can see from most of the postings on this thread, brief explanations of these topics to non-diabetics usually result in "the dead fish stare" and detailed explanations "a la owlyn style" usually = "blunt crayon syndrome" aka "stupid" as you put it.
Which then result in frustration "a la mike-munich sytle" telling them to "sofa king google it"!!!!! :D

I don't think there is bitterness between T1 and T2s on the forum, rather "an agreement to disagree", with the occassional skirmish on threads ;) (keeps things spicy)

Cheers,

[Subby]

I worry about the T1/T2 bitterness. They each involve the pancreas and insulin but have different causes and treatments. I could not talk about my life with diabetes without differentiating. I identify with the comments about cancer. So many different cancers, all with very different realities associated with them. Can't we talk about diabetes and commiserate not upon the ignorance, because this is inevitable and curable, but upon the resistance to enlightenment, whatever the reason?

With all due respect, I don't think it's an issue of T1/T2 bitterness at all. I think it's a case of T1s wanting to discuss their own particular little quirks here, some of which can be similar but also slightly different, in their own forum.

It's been refreshing for this thread to generally not to have people berate T1s for wanting to discuss our own pecurilaties and conundrums, that we live with, without being accused of discriminating or being told we should be doing something else.

Give us our right to have our own natter around the kitchen table, t2s or non-diabetics as yourself, join in, but please don't tell us we are being bitter for discussing our particular daily issues and frustrations.

[davef]

With all due respect, I don't think it's an issue of T1/T2 bitterness at all. I think it's a case of T1s wanting to discuss their own particular little quirks here, some of which can be similar but also slightly different, in their own forum.

It's been refreshing for this thread to generally not to have people berate T1s for wanting to discuss our own pecurilaties and conundrums, that we live with, without being accused of discriminating or being told we should be doing something else.

Give us our right to have our own natter around the kitchen table, t2s or non-diabetics as yourself, join in, but please don't tell us we are being bitter for discussing our particular daily issues and frustrations.

Subby,

As a T2, I took absolutely no offense at all from the OP.

I completely agree that people need to be able to talk about peculiarities to whatever form the have without it being taken as an insult.

I try to check which forum a thread is in, and if the OP is a T1 I'll always try preface my post with the fact that I'm a non-insulin dependent T2 and so may not be right when I say something.

I believe that anyone has to be able to come here and vent about what is bothering them. People reading the vent need to remember that when we vent we may not always phrase things in a politically correct way, or take a lot of time choosing words - if we did then it would not be a vent.

[Subby]

Good words Dave, and you are always a smart and sensitive poster, whatever the discussion. I'm not angry or anything at Angela either: I just want to fend off the impression something is going on here that is all that bitter or unfortunate. It's just old fashioned, round the campfire whinging about some aspects of living with this blast condition, which likely very few people around us really understand, sometimes including sadly, loved ones. As long as we don't hurt nobody, (and the potential is there, as has been seen before) I hope others who would rather see a different conversation, simply start up another thread!

[AngelKitty]

Can't we talk about diabetes and commiserate not upon the ignorance,?

Apologise for my tardiness in replying to this portion of your post ON MY RANT THREAD which is about MY EXPERIENCE AS A TYPE 1 DIABETIC at the hands of IGNORANCE and the problems associated with it AND OTHER MEMBERS COMMISERATING and sharing their like experiences.

One of the MAJOR communication problems we have with NON-DIABETICS is their ignorance of our disease due to a lack of public awareness - THIS NEEDS TO BE TALKED ABOUT - BECAUSE IT CAUSES PROBLEMS FOR US!!!!!

I think you missed the initial point of this thread - you are very welcome to talk about diabetes and commiserate not upon ignorance in a new thread.

[owlyn]

The conversation I hate the most goes something like this:

Them: "...I didn't know you have diabetes..."
Me: "Mmmhmm. Yes."
Them: "Do you have it bad? Do you have to take...shots?"
Me: "Yes, but it's no b..."
Them: "OhMyGod!!! That's horrible!!! I knew someone/have a relative/heard of someone who took shots and had to have their foot amputated/went blind/had a stroke."

Now here's the thought bubbles over my head:

Here we go again.
No, I have it good. Want some?
Thanks. You've made me feel soooo much better now. Let me guess. You were last in line when they were giving out brains.

But then this is where I owlynize them:

"No, really, the shots are no big deal at all. It doesn't hurt a bit You see, the insulin in the shot replaces the insulin secreted by the pancreas................and then the glucose can be absorbed..............cells.................and you can really eat anything.................but then you have to be careful because you can gain weight just like...............and exercise................................but that's because I have type 1. With type 2....................................

Now the thought bubble is:

Glad you asked?

[AngelKitty]

The conversation I hate the most goes something like this:

Them: "...I didn't know you have diabetes..."
Me: "Mmmhmm. Yes."
Them: "Do you have it bad? Do you have to take...shots?"
Me: "Yes, but it's no b..."
Them: "OhMyGod!!! That's horrible!!! I knew someone/have a relative/heard of someone who took shots and had to have their foot amputated/went blind/had a stroke."

Now here's the thought bubbles over my head:

Here we go again.
No, I have it good. Want some?
Thanks. You've made me feel soooo much better now. Let me guess. You were last in line when they were giving out brains.

But then this is where I owlynize them:

Hey Owlynizer - I hear ya - isn't it ironic that the people that tell us stories about "how much worse other people are" don't realise that we fight every day against "deteriorating" (and headlining their next gossip session). ;)