Getting others to tell the difference

[DeusXM]

My girlfriend is a wonderful, smart person but she has a delightful tendency to never be able to remember which type I am. I've been trying to think of ways to explain it in a way to make it memorable. Here's what I've come up with so far:

T1s get diabetes 1st (ie. when they're young) and T2s get it 2nd (when they're older).

T1s need 1nsulin and T2s don't.

(*yes, I know these aren't hard and fast rules, they're generalisations. I don't care:D)

Anyone else got any other ways of reminding people the difference? Sometimes it's easy to forget how all this stuff isn't second nature to most people.

[fgummett]

Maybe a T-shirt with "I'm No. 1" on it...

"I'm # 1" for the N. Americans

or maybe "I'm 1... R U 1 2?" :D

[NoraWI]

Why does it make a difference to you? I happened to get T1 at age 62. I also know lots of T2s who have gone on insulin. I'm nitpicking but I don't care either ;D.

[DeusXM]

Why does it make a difference to you?

The difference it makes is a question of perception when she talks to other people about it. Like it or lump it, T2 has considerable more negative stigma attached to it than T1 in the general public's imagination - and it's bad enough even now when I tell people myself that my case is entirely genetic and can in no way be considered 'my fault', you can see they never quite fully believe it. I'd imagine it's even worse for T2s.

Also I guess it's also quite important for me that someone I love can get a couple of basic facts about me right. :D

[Grunch]

Just tell people it's an autoimmune disease that destroys insulin producing cells. I don't think anyone will be stupid enough to think that's your fault. I imagine people in general know that you don't control whether you get an autoimmune disease or not.

[dbaratta]

My girlfriend is a wonderful, smart person but she has a delightful tendency to never be able to remember which type I am. I've been trying to think of ways to explain it in a way to make it memorable. Here's what I've come up with so far:

T1s get diabetes 1st (ie. when they're young) and T2s get it 2nd (when they're older).

T1s need 1nsulin and T2s don't.

(*yes, I know these aren't hard and fast rules, they're generalisations. I don't care:D)

Anyone else got any other ways of reminding people the difference? Sometimes it's easy to forget how all this stuff isn't second nature to most people.

ugh, this isn't all true. Some people get T1 when they are older, some T2 need insulin like me! My cousin was in his 40's when he was diagnosed T1.

T1 means they make little or no insulin
T2 means they make more insulin than T1

[princesslinda]

T1s get diabetes 1st (ie. when they're young) and T2s get it 2nd (when they're older).

T1s need 1nsulin and T2s don't.

(*yes, I know these aren't hard and fast rules, they're generalisations. I don't care:D)

Anyone else got any other ways of reminding people the difference? Sometimes it's easy to forget how all this stuff isn't second nature to most people.

That's a good way for her to remember Deus. Also, another way to remember might be..T1's have basically 1 way to treat their diabetes, insulin.

[davef]

James,

How about getting your GF to think "James is my #1 and he's a T1 too", I'd stay well clear of the whole needs/doesn't need insulin thing.

[DeusXM]

ugh, this isn't all true. Some people get T1 when they are older, some T2 need insulin like me! My cousin was in his 40's when he was diagnosed T1.

Yes, I'm fully aware the rules I put forward are not hard and fast rules, this is why I specifically said I was aware of this.

Come on mate, gimme a break here. The overwhelming majority of people with T1 develop the condition before the end of adolescence and the overwhelming majority of people with T2 develop the condition in middle age. Most non-Ds simply don't have the time or inclination to care about the little exceptions.

I'm just looking for a little mnemonic sort of things (like Never Eat Shredded Wheat for the order of the points of the compass) rather than giving her a lecture on the complex epidemiology of medical conditions related to the homoeostatic system.

[ShottleBop]

For her next birthday, get her a Fan Finger (http://www.4allpromos.com/scripts/pl/88/Foam_Hands_Promotional_Products.html?cpao=111&kw=foam+finger&cpca=Foam&cpag=Foam+Fingers+%2D+Opt&gclid=CO6Z3fCr3Z0CFR4HagodZm9vNg) that says, "James is No. 1!"

[Grunch]

I don't understand what's the information that you need to communicate. Is it just that you're T1? (that doesn't even mean anything if the person doesn't know what a T1 is) What exactly is it you need people to know?

[Mich]

I just say: "When I was 12, my body attacked and killed my beta cells, so I can't make any insulin. If I didn't inject it, I'd die within days, maybe hours."

There's no comparison. We just don't have insulin. Period.

[foxl]

My Endo distinguishes on the basis of insulin dependence. Not use, but dependence.

I would prefer to distinguish between autimmune disease and insulin resistance (since I may have BOTH), and ignore the T1 and T2 distinctions altogether.

So instead of using clinical therapy to distinguish, I use pathophysiology. Which I suspect as immunotherapies and more pharmacotherapies become available, will become more important and prevalent.

Does that sound high-handed?

[princesslinda]

I'm just looking for a little mnemonic sort of things (like Never Eat Shredded Wheat for the order of the points of the compass) rather than giving her a lecture on the complex epidemiology of medical conditions related to the homoeostatic system.

I was taught "Never Eat Sour Watermelon." But I like the shredded wheat mnemonic better. ;)

Good luck with teaching someone the difference....even now when someone finds out i'm T2, I'll often hear "oh is that the bad one or the good one?" I always want to reply "either is equally stellar, thanks!"

[DeusXM]

I don't understand what's the information that you need to communicate. Is it just that you're T1? (that doesn't even mean anything if the person doesn't know what a T1 is) What exactly is it you need people to know?

Essentially, the type. She understands the difference between the two types but gets forgetful remembering which one is which - especially since T2 gets all the coverage in the papers. One of her more endearing characteristics is getting left and right mixed up when giving driving directions, so I may be engaging in a futile task anyway :D.

Yeah, I grant you that most people don't know what a T1 is, but in the event that they learn I have T1, they may not then necessarily look at some information that talks about T2 and think 'Oh, that must mean Deus'.

But I like the shredded wheat mnemonic better.

It's also surprisingly good advice for T2s as well!

even now when someone finds out i'm T2, I'll often hear "oh is that the bad one or the good one?" I always want to reply "either is equally stellar, thanks!"

Happens to us T1s as well. Along with the 'so you must have really bad diabetes if you have to inject'. Funnily enough, I got that comment from a SJA first aid trainer when I told him I injected at least 4 times a day instead of twice a day.

[Subby]

I like people to understand I am type 1. The types may not be perfect, indeed I show signs of both type 1 and 2, or more specifically absence plus resistance, but at this stage at least, people cannot separate type 2 from having eating problems and "just" taking meds, and that inevitably is the direction people go. It's not so much the stigma issue, it's just the pure irrelevance of what people think they "know" about me if they think I am type 2.

I sympathise with T2s for the assumptions and the stigmas - guess it partly comes because there are so many T2s and it's the one treated so often, rightly or (more often) wrongly in the media - but I don't think a solution of any kind for that, is for me to jump in the boat as well. I prefer to try and outline I'm T1, that it was an autoimmune attack taking out my pancreas, that I need to take insulin for all needs in my body, and that T2 is just another kettle of fish. (And I'm happy to discuss it if we make it past base T1.)

Deus, I've had the "you've got the bad diabetes" a few times... it's can be quite fun trying to work out an appropriate response to that... ;) I usually just respond "I don't know about bad, but I do take injections for everything I eat."

[art]

is it really important to anybody but you what type you are?
You're a diabetic. That's it.

Art

[Subby]

That's "what"?

I don't know who you are directing that at, but for myself I have no reason why you feel the need to dictate that to other people in different circumstances.

As I have outlined the reasons above, I do not like people being misinformed as to medical and lifestyle needs, in certain situations. Especially being insulin dependent, it can at times be downright frustrating, embarrassing or dangerous for someone to have no idea.

I don't understand the imperative for people to pretend there are no practical differences. Is it some kind of collective gesture here I just don't get? If you are talking important things, what is important is that I am me, not that I am a "diabetic" or "type 1" (both of which are just various levels of defining physical or medical conditions, nothing else). When it comes to practical matters, sometimes diabetic cuts it, sometimes there are reasons for people to be more in the loop, for me at least.

[sarahspins]

The overwhelming majority of people with T1 develop the condition before the end of adolescence

Have any evidence to back that up? I have read in numerous places that up to 2/3 of T1 cases are diagnosed in adulthood...

This is a bad as saying that all T1's are skinny as a rail when they're diagnosed, and that isn't entirely true either.

[dbaratta]

I'm just looking for a little mnemonic sort of things (like Never Eat Shredded Wheat for the order of the points of the compass) rather than giving her a lecture on the complex epidemiology of medical conditions related to the homoeostatic system.

How about a good medical journal then. :T

[jer.lawrence]

I just usually go with "I'm the type that doesn't need shots yet."

It makes it simpler for people who don't understand. If someone seems interested, I'm always happy to explain to them (to the best of my ability) the differences between the two types, but most people, I've found, aren't interested.

I've also gotten "Oh, so you have the GOOD kind" from a couple of people. I guess it's "good" in that it's making me have to lose weight, eh?

[soso]

Ask her who is number one in her life...then just hope she says you..lol...

I have had to fend off some pretty annoying comments about my diabetes, based on what type I am.. I am sort of tired of being told 'it sometimes goes away'... gosh knows I wish it would eff off.........

[DeusXM]

Have any evidence to back that up? I have read in numerous places that up to 2/3 of T1 cases are diagnosed in adulthood...

Simply googling "type 1 diabetes diagnosis age" will bring up plenty of results indicating that the peak age for diagnosis in the US is 14, that in some European countries there is evidence to suggest the age of diagnosis is actually getting younger, and that the vast majority of cases occur before middle age. I'm aware that antibody testing suggests that it's supposedly more common in adults but I'd suggest you'll see a very, very sharp drop off in cases of new diagnosis shortly after the early 20s.

This is a bad as saying that all T1's are skinny as a rail when they're diagnosed, and that isn't entirely true either

No it's not. I quite clearly said that the majority of T1 cases occur prior to the end of adolescence, not all. In any case I would also say the majority of people diagnosed with T1 would be very skinny at diagnosis. What you're suggesting is very bad - you're actually suggesting that because a small minority don't conform to what is a generally accepted 'norm', we should try and ignore the fact there is a norm, presumably out of fear of 'unfairly' labelling the overweight 90-year-old who suddenly gets diagnosed with T1, rather than the far more common and likely skinny 14-year-old.

People, I put in a bloody disclaimer saying that I was fully aware the issues around type classification are not set in stone but you know what? Telling people that T1s are the ones with glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies, islet cell antibodies and insulinoma-associated autoantibodies, although accurate, probably isn't the best way of getting non-diabetics to remember the essential differences between the two types.

I wasn't trying to start some scientific discussion about the interesting myriad ways in which diabetes manifests itself; I was trying to start a fun discussion aimed at coming up with amusing ways of explaining to the general public (who generally don't really give a toss) how to understand the basic differences.

[fgummett]

I understand the frustration but you're fighting against the MTV generation and "sound bytes", where it is so much easier and succinct to just say "Diabetes".

I thought my T-shirt slogans were a fun direction to take this discussion... maybe we can get a Pancreas icon as widely used as the Heart symbol?

http://rlv.zcache.com/i_heart_realism_tshirt-p235855842498640897qtdg_400.jpg

[notme]

Honestly, I don't think it is important that people understand what type of diabetes I have, but it is usually the other person that asks. I also get the question, "do you have the bad type" or "did you get this as a child"? Or the typical, "do you have to take insulin?" So then it does become important to try and educate, as they are asking the question.

I have tried all of the basic answers. However, I also got type one at 31 years old. So you can't use the "I got diabetes as a child". The person asking usually isn't wanting a twenty minute education on Diabetes, so I would love a quick answer also. Not that I care, but they have asked.

I know people will cringe at this, but I usually try to make it basic so people will understand. I say that I have juvenile onset type of diabetes and got it late in life, being that I am immature. I try to make a quick joke of it and leave it alone. Most people aren't interested.

I would also like the people I love to at least understand the basics. I get that. My parents never really understood diabetes. They also just knew that "I had the bad one". Really very frustrating. Luckily, my husband gets it.

[foxl]

Have any evidence to back that up? I have read in numerous places that up to 2/3 of T1 cases are diagnosed in adulthood...

This is a bad as saying that all T1's are skinny as a rail when they're diagnosed, and that isn't entirely true either.

I suspect that the distinction here is whether or not LADA is included, and since it has a different antibody profile and clinical profile ... should it be? We are not insulin-dependent as soon as classic T1's.

Of course none of this helps answer Deus' question!

[Mick]

I was dx'ed 44 years ago, at the age of 13, with what they NOW call type 1. Back then, they told me I was a "Juvenile Diabetic" and had "Juvenile Diabetes", as opposed to the fat old lady kind that my grandmother had. I've always used that terminology in my own head, although I DO know T1 from T2! Somewhere along the line, these "Type 1" and "Type 2" labels popped up, I can't even recall when, but I never really paid much attention to them--I still think of myself as a Juvenile Diabetic, even though I'm well past my juvenile years (as are my children!) However, I'm still somewhat of a Juvenile Delinquent...
Michael
JD (That's Juvenile Diabetic, NOT Juvenile Delinquent!!)

[art]

Subby it was more or less directed at me.
I'm a Diabetic. So what?

What type? The Twinkie type. I can't eat them.

No offense was intended..
Art

[Granny Shanny]

It makes sense to me that the people nearest and dearest to us could be expected to remember a few of the more salient facts about our condition. And if they're near/dear enough to be the ones responsible for us in case of emergency, they darn well BETTER have the facts straight.

I think you need a REALLY catchy tagline, Deus, to hook a gal who has trouble with left-right directions. :D If she knows it bothers you, and she feels as strongly about you as you feel about her, there should be SOME way to get this stuck in her memory! So good luck with that, and I intend NO sarcasm when I say it!

[howdysf]

sometimes rather than saying I have Diabetes, I say I have "Juvenile Diabetes"... despite the fact I was diagnosed w/ type 1 at age 32..

[Grunch]

Normal people mostly see it as the type that takes insulin shots and the type that doesn't. When I tell someone I'm diabetic I just say I have to take insulin. A mnemonic can help Deus' girlfriend remember which type he is but it's not going to help anyone understand the difference between the types. If you need people to know anything beyond "insulin/no insulin" you have to explain the science behind each type.

[HelenM]

Have any evidence to back that up? I have read in numerous places that up to 2/3 of T1 cases are diagnosed in adulthood...

This is a bad as saying that all T1's are skinny as a rail when they're diagnosed, and that isn't entirely true either.

doesn't help with Deus' mnemomic sorry,
but I found this the other day;it surprised me because it was long before there had been much attention to LADA.

The incidence rate of insulin-dependent (Type I) diabetes mellitus is bimodal: one peak occurs close to puberty, and the other in the fifth decade.’ (Karjalainen et al New England Journal of Medicine 1983..

[jer.lawrence]

People, I put in a bloody disclaimer saying that I was fully aware the issues around type classification are not set in stone but you know what? Telling people that T1s are the ones with glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies, islet cell antibodies and insulinoma-associated autoantibodies, although accurate, probably isn't the best way of getting non-diabetics to remember the essential differences between the two types.

Haha, I love you.

That is all.

[jer.lawrence]

Usually when someone expresses MILD interest, I just go with a very basic:

One type is where your body doesn't make enough insulin, so you have to take shots to get it. The other type is where your body makes it, but doesn't use it efficiently. You can take meds to help your body use it more efficiently. I have that type.

[amccrazgrl]

There are a few things that bother me when people find out.

The OMG you can't eat anything with sugar. (Not True!)

It must be the bad kind if your using an insulin pump. (No I'm trying to keep my bloodsugars at a non-D level 24/7.)

Oh I'm sorry. <--When I get that I usual say its really not that bad you watch what you eat and exercise like any "healthy" adult. Its the most mange-able disease out there.

I will also say how I was dx'd when I was 12 turning 13 so I had to have a "normal" childhood and just say its not bad and could always be worse.

[foxl]

I actually had someone tell me, of a coworker, well SHE has a PUMP. Meaning it clearly indicated her D was much, much, more serious than mine.

[Caravaggio]

The difference it makes is a question of perception when she talks to other people about it. Like it or lump it, T2 has considerable more negative stigma attached to it than T1 in the general public's imagination - and it's bad enough even now when I tell people myself that my case is entirely genetic and can in no way be considered 'my fault', you can see they never quite fully believe it. I'd imagine it's even worse for T2s.

Also I guess it's also quite important for me that someone I love can get a couple of basic facts about me right. :D

Since it seems that the main reason you want your girlfriend to get it right is not due to medical reasons (say, in case of emergency) or for educational purposes, then just tell your girlfriend to simply memorize, "My boyfriend is No. 1."

[Subby]

Subby it was more or less directed at me.
I'm a Diabetic. So what?

What type? The Twinkie type. I can't eat them.

No offense was intended..
Art

Sorry Art, I understand. Bad timing I guess, I thought you were responding to me. And I'd just been thinking of the times I've had to embarrassingly, tell people differently to their faces because of their assumptions, or insist on privacy to take an injection which they don't think is necessary, even pull up a first aid teacher in front of a whole class for spreading dangerous misinformation by ignoring type 1 (therefore, someone older who is unconscious or having a "diabetic fit" will be due to something like "letting their diabetics get out of control" - DKA, but insulin hypos go unmentioned). And yes these things get dangerous and get frustrating. And most T2s do not share these issues, and T2 is pretty much treated as "diabetes" in the media due to the explosion of T2 - so it's understandable that a T2 doesn't mind getting called just a diabetic at all times. (And of course I know a few type 1s who are fine with it too, good for them).

I wish my diabetes was such that people in the workplace, mates, etc don't need to comprehend my insulin dependency, and that I don't need that extra junk that T2s seem to get about what to eat what not to eat (T1s sometimes get their own special version, I have found, so it's not always a solution to separate yourself from T2 - but at least it can avoid the stupid watch your weight comments). However, I find for myself, I need to make it clear in a number of circumstances, and T1 is the best commonly held understanding of my situation that cuts to the chase.

[soso]

I wasn't trying to start some scientific discussion about the interesting myriad ways in which diabetes manifests itself; I was trying to start a fun discussion aimed at coming up with amusing ways of explaining to the general public (who generally don't really give a toss) how to understand the basic differences.

How about I have a lazy *** pancreas..but it is my 1 and only.......

[DeusXM]

I think I'll give the "I'm your No.1" route a try, thanks for everyone who suggested it....I do have to ask though, given I think I've developed a reputation for having a large and capacious ego, do you really think it's a good idea for me to have someone in close proximity regularly telling me I'm the number 1? :T

[Granny Shanny]

I think I'll give the "I'm your No.1" route a try, thanks for everyone who suggested it....I do have to ask though, given I think I've developeda reputation for having a large and capacious ego, do you really think it's a good idea for me to have someone in close proximity regularly telling me I'm the number 1? :T

Compared to who, exactly?! :D :D :D

[davef]

do you really think it's a good idea for me to have someone in close proximity regularly telling me I'm the number 1? :T

Well I assume with your enormous ego ;) you already believe you are number one, so probably no harm having somebody reinforcing that faulty notion :D

Of course, as I'm more modest I'll settle for being #2 (not that type of #2) and so a T2 :)

Guess in youth speak I'd have "im t2 r u 1 2" on my T-shirt

[soso]

yeah but your lazy *** pancreas proves you are not completely perfect.....

[dbaratta]

I actually had someone tell me, of a coworker, well SHE has a PUMP. Meaning it clearly indicated her D was much, much, more serious than mine.

Well now, even if her D WAS worse than yours, that really is nothing to brag about now is it? :vollkomme

[foxl]

Well now, even if her D WAS worse than yours, that really is nothing to brag about now is it? :vollkomme

Exactly ... ridiculous.

[Caravaggio]

I think I'll give the "I'm your No.1" route a try, thanks for everyone who suggested it....I do have to ask though, given I think I've developed a reputation for having a large and capacious ego, do you really think it's a good idea for me to have someone in close proximity regularly telling me I'm the number 1? :T

Well, aren't you supposed to be her No. 1 or better yet her only 1? :D You just have to return the favor! :T