Disdain towards other types of diabetes?

[SugaryOne]

I know this might sound really bad, but I thought I should put this up here as an interesting discussion topic. Before I begin, I want to say that these are my opinons only. I do not wish to debate anyone, I am simply asking for your own opinons on the subject. I'm sorry if I offend anyone.

Now, I know we're all here because we either have diabetes or someone we love has this disease. But when I see teenagers my age getting type 2 as a result of being obese from lifestyle choices and even young adults and adults getting it as a result of obesity from lifestyle choices, it makes me a bit angry. I always thought that if I had a chance to prevent having diabetes, I would take it. Not having a choice in the matter is what I'm so disappointed about. I can understand those who are obese from chemical imbalances, something in their body beyond their control. It really makes me sad to see this many teenagers popping up with type 2. On the other hand, I know we as humans sometimes indulge in things that aren't nessecarily healthy to us. Tanning beds, illegal drugs, excessive amounts of alcohol, et cetera.

What are your takes on the matter?

[DeusXM]

T2 is really a myriad of conditions with the same symptoms - I'm pretty convinced that there are people with a genetic inability to adequately use their insulin, as well as those who've damaged their bodies in such a way to inhibit their ability to use it.

Most over-40s who are dxed with T2 are probably more genetically inclined, although granted there are a few who have the condition simply because they didn't pay attention to their health. As for teenagers with the condition though...

Leaving aside MODY (which is recognised to be gentically caused and is unrelated to general health factors), when you see someone with a BMI over 30, who's under 30, and they have diabetes, then I'm sorry but I've got no sympathy whatseover. If they're a kid, I might, because it's quite obvious then that their parents don't have a clue when to say no to their child.

I'd be very wary about labelling all T2s as having the condition through their own fault though. Although I'd still say that majority of T2 cases are caused by lifestyle (there's a reason why the nations with highest rates of obesity have the highest incidences of T2), there's still a substantial minority of cases that are genetically caused (likewise, there's a reason why blacks, Native Americans, Indians and Pakistanis have overall higher rates of T2 than say, whites). I also do have a little sympathy for those who've made silly lifestyle choices but are aware of them. I mean, come on. If you drink 8 cans of Coke a day then quite clearly you do need to sort yourself out.

What really gets me is that are plenty of things that people overindulge in which could be just as enjoyable and not damaging to health if people just exercised a little self-control. Tanning, coffee, Coke, alcohol, fatty foods...all these things are absolutely fine and pose little to no threat to your health until you start doing them all to excess. It's not exactly rocket science.

[vrocco1]

I would not touch this one with a ten foot (3.048 meter) pole. :evil:

[Cyborg]

I will...

Raising kids and dealing with my diabetes, I have come to realize how much influence the outside world and PARENTS have on the eating habits and behaviours of children. As these children grow up into adults, I think many of them pass these same behaviours down to their children in a vicious cycle.

I see how my parents fed me wrong as a child. I see how I was forced to clean my plate. How I was offered too many "bad" foods, fast foods, etc. As a responsible parent, I am doing everything I possibly can to stop the cycle and not have my kids learn poor eating behaviours.

Deus is right about obesity not being the only cause of type 2 diabetes. And the key that he pointed out was to take everything in moderation. Teach your kids that too. Don't prohibit them entirely from the "bad" foods or they will go on binges when they have the freedom to do so and the lack of will power to stop them. I think the same applies to all of us.

Now there are some on the forum that think obesity is a side effect of type 2 diabetes. Personally, I do not agree. I've never seen any medical evidence of this and I've never heard this theory before.

My 2 cents... :)

[DeusXM]

It's also worth me pointing out that although I don't have any sympathy for people who've developed T2 through their own selfish life-choices, I have sympathy for everyone here on this forum regardless of how their diabetes was caused - because everyone on this forum knows about having to take responsibility for themselves and they're all prepared to do so.

That current sense of responsibility cancels out any previous youthful indisrections.

[notme]

I have a little bit of a different take on the whole thing. I have often wondered if some people with Type 2 didn't become obese because their bodies were not using insulin correctly....their blood sugar was high so their bodies produced more insulin trying to correct the problem. As we all know, insulin is a fat producing hormone. Type 2's many times produce lots of insulin....more than the average person. Over the years this could produce a lot of fat.

Is there a chance this is the "What came first, the chicken or the egg" syndrome?

Personally, I don't care what caused it. Diabetes sucks no matter what the cause. If someone gets lung cancer because the smoked in the past, it would still be awful. (I know this becaues my Dad got lung cancer 40 years after he quit).

[seacomp]

I have a little bit of a different take on the whole thing. I have often wondered if some people with Type 2 didn't become obese because their bodies were not using insulin correctly....their blood sugar was high so their bodies produced more insulin trying to correct the problem. As we all know, insulin is a fat producing hormone. Type 2's many times produce lots of insulin....more than the average person. Over the years this could produce a lot of fat.
That's pretty much my take on the question (of course, I'm a T2:D ) with the additional factor that body fat increases insulin resistance, so creates a self-feeding cycle.

[duck]

It's trying to kill all of us. Let's get it first.

[Erin]

I have all the sympathy in the world for ALL people with diabetes, regardless of what causes it. We all do / have done things in the past that could harm us. Raise your hand if you've never had an alcoholic beverage, taken an illicit drug, had a one night stand, driven over the speed limit, eaten a rare steak, smoked a cigarette, or talked on the phone during a lightning storm (among the zillions of other things that could kill you if the circumstances permitted it) Let those among us without sin cast the first stone.

My beef with T2 is the fact that language tosses us all into the same box. I HATE the fact that the older I get the more people assume I have T2. (Which makes very little sense, given my diet, lifestyle, and body type, not to mention age, weight, and BMI)

I don't think anyone "deserves" diabetes, but I really wish we weren't all painted with the same brush. Living with and managing T1 is a very different ballgame from living with and managing T2. One is not necessarily any easier or better than the other, but they are quite different.

[Cyborg]

I don't have that many hands! :biggrin:

[stella117]

I wouldn't say I have disdain. Although for many people this is genetic, obesity and diabetes are becoming epidemic in the US due to poor lifestyle choices and that does affect all of us in higher health care premiums, etc. I've been dealing with my health care plan and the CS rep, who has been really nice and helpful, made a comment that maybe I wasn't being covered as well as I should be because the insurance company perceives this to be a lifestyle disease where changes in diet and exercise are warranted more than pills and prescriptions.

I was like hey honey--I did not CHOOSE to have my pancreas be attacked and destroyed by my immune system! And I'm sure that many people think that way. In the "olden days" diabetes was fat old men who ate and drank and smoked too much and developed "gout"--whatever the heck that is.

All in all, I'd rather be type 1 than type 2 because it means although I am insulin dependent, I am not insulin resistant. And I can still eat carbs as long as I cover them with insulin!

[byu barry]

Lean type 2 here. BMI 22. DXed at 49 although the Doc said I had probably had it for a while. It must have been all the **** raising in my earlier days.

[liz32]

I guess I'll put my two cents in as well. I have noticed that there is a subtle amount of the attitude (here in this forum as well as in society), that all T2's are obese and unfit: that we all braught this on our own selves and that we are to blame. While I'm sure the extra 40-50 pounds I'm carrying as a result of 2 pregnancies (both of which involved gestational diabetes) doesn't help me any and that is certainly my responsibility. Like most people I've been putting off what needed to be done. However, people all over do things to harm themselve every day. While you have a disdain for people whom you've decided as at fault, you have no idea what has transpired in their life to bring them to this spot. Looking back, maybe I shouldn't have had kids....my health was perfect until then. It took a big toll on my body in more ways than just diabetes. But I still wouldn't give up my kids! I think that we need to realize that people aren't perfect and that we don't have to right to play judge. I personally find it offensive when new T2's come on and say how surprised they are at thier diagnosis, becuase they are fit and not overweight. I know of plenty of obese people who don't have diabetes and plenty of healthy, super fit people who do! Diabetes comes from many sources. Who are we to judge the cause.
Liz

[seacomp]

Looking back, maybe I shouldn't have had kids....my health was perfect until then. It took a big toll on my body in more ways than just diabetes.
In general, it's a very good idea for women to have children, at least, if we, the human race, are to have a future. I am appreciative.

[Cyborg]

I know of plenty of obese people who don't have diabetes and plenty of healthy, super fit people who do!

My brother-in-law is probably 400-500 lbs. and does not have diabetes.

[stella117]

My brother-in-law is probably 400-500 lbs. and does not have diabetes.
Good point--my boss is about 100 lbs. overweight and his fasting BG was 89. I hate him (kidding!).

[Tokyo Cate]

I support everyone who is living with diabetes, regardless of the type or the cause. Certainly lifestyle factors play a large part in maintaining good health with diabetes and that is what I feel is important to focus on--let's encourage each other to manage our health as best as we can without judging each other for potential lifestyle factors that may have contributed to onset.

With that said, I think it is also important to educate the public of the importance of a well-balanced diet and regular exercise routine to maintain good health (avoiding T2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc.). The Canadian Diabetes Association seems to be doing a good job in public education and I would like to see more of that as well as public school fitness and nutrition education programs to help the next generation improve their likelihood of having long and healthy lives.

[stella117]

Lean type 2 here. BMI 22. DXed at 49 although the Doc said I had probably had it for a while. It must have been all the **** raising in my earlier days.
Are you positive you are type 2? Are you insulin-resistant? If so, what do you think helps you stay so lean?

[Penny]

I know so many unfit people who do not have diabetes! My best friend not a diabetic, weighs a good 300 pounds,,,one of the nicest people you could want to know, but she eats anything, drinks cokes like water, and never exercises. On the other hand, I have struggled for years, most of the time I try hard to eat the right things, I have always denied myself the "goodies" in life, I stray once in awhile, but mostly try to eat right. I have always been a walker, before I started having serious arthritc problems, I did almost all my errands or foot on a bike. I have always worked hard. So why do I have diabetes and my obese friend not? This friend is always trying to challenge me to a "diet contest" so I can "cure" my diabetes. She would have to go a long ways to get her diet even close to what mine already is, just giving up her cokes would probably make her lose weight. I tried to explain to her that I will not be cured, but she still thinks I just need to "eat right". To tell the truth if I had to eat any "righter" than I do, I would just give up! I think I might have delayed some of the problems I had with Diabetes if I had had better treatment at a younger age, but I do not believe I caused it myself.

[Ailsa]

I have noticed that there is a subtle amount of the attitude (here in this forum as well as in society), that all T2's are obese and unfit:

Yes I thinks that's a fair comment.
I also think there is a reason for that. I think we are all aware that some people who get T2 don't do anything to deserve (like ALL T1s!)
However it is unfortunate that some, not only contribute to it, but do not take care of themselves in a responsible fashion when they do get it.

I know the over weight amongst you will not like me saying this, but I think the notions that "insulin makes you fat" or the current fashion fad "I'm fat because it's in my genes", just don't cut it with me. They sound like excuses.

Why do I think this? When I was a kid (I'm 52) there just weren't that many fat people around Any that were, were grandparents. Almost no kids. Obese kids were highly unusual. Now the figures hitting 30-35%. Just visit your local swimming pool if you don't believe that.
Given that previous generations were so much slimmer where on earth did all these "fat genes appear from?
At the same time, portion sizes have increased out of sight, & the type of food has changed. Also we all sit, drive, use PCs. So simply not enough exercise.

It's really simple isn't it!

If insulin made you fat, T1s like me who have been using it for 40 years would be enormous. But I'm slim like most other T1s I know.

My understanding of T2 is not that "insulin is not processed properly", but that the body has been stressed by the demands placed on it by carrying around the extra weight, & the insulin production is unable to keep up, creating a permanent malfunction. This also can occur due to aging or just being unlucky (as some lucky fatties don't get it)

Having worked as a volunteer & having seen so many people refuse to make the effort to avoid T2 in spite of doctors warnings, or else pretending they don't have it (like not taking their meds) after diagnosis, I do not feel sympathetic to this group. (Those who do not fit that description are regretfully only around 20% of T2s)

The reason that it is inevitable that there will be an increasing resentment towards T2s, is that those described above who will all almost all be obese, is that they have a lot of other obesity related conditions as well, not just D, & soak up huge amounts of the healthcare budget (around 30% in most western countries) for entirely avoidable reasons. This of course deprives others of medical care & funding because there will never be enough to go around. I think this is a huge waste of resources.

[byu barry]

Are you positive you are type 2? Are you insulin-resistant? If so, what do you think helps you stay so lean?

I'm about as positive as I can be. I know I'm not a type 1 (at least not yet). When I was researching all the different types (1.5 etc.) I figured out the treatment was the same regardless of type 1.5 or type 2. Now as to why I am lean, I do not know, however, I did loose additional weight when I was put on metformin and it has been a battle trying to put weight back on. I have put on 15 pounds since September though. Seems the tricky part is staying away from carbs and packing in enough protein, fat, and veggies while watching my BG. I was never fat or obese but since I was DXed I have been excercising more than I ever have. I walk and run 5 times a week with serious weight lifting mixed in 4 of the 5 days. The 15 pounds I have put on is all muscle so my BMI has actually stayed the same.

I think I read somewhere that about 20% of the t2s are lean. One thing to remember is this condition either very simple or very complicated and insulin is a strong harmone. I will believe a type 2 is obese because they "just don't try" when someone finds out what causes the darn disease.

Finally, stereotyping a type 2 as lazy and fat seems to be a pretty big insult just because someone knows someone who doesn't care for themselves. After all I have known some t1s who didn't take care of themselves either. It seems to be a pretty convenient pigion hole to put us in but speaking for myself, I don't fit the stereotype.

[seacomp]

I'd guess that only fashion "cuts it with you".

[Funnygrl]

You have to keep in mind that while you say you would do anything to prevent diabetes, before getting diabetes you probably don't give it a second thought. After diabetes it is too late of course.

[Lynpenny]

How about this take. I worked fast foods and had to eat there everyday I worked. My weight has yoyoed all my life. Mostly I've been overweight but not obese. I noticed that I could not drop any weight and could not stand to eat candy years ago. I went to doctors and complained about being so tired I couldn't hardly get out of bed but not one doctor checked my blood sugar until I complained about my feet. Of course by then the damage had already taken place. Now not only do I have trouble with my feet but I had to have a bypass. No doctor I saw until this last one ever explained carbs or how to count them or even how many I needed. I was told to cut my carbs but not what a carb was. I'm sure my eating habits were a big cause of my illness but without anyone educating me about how to and what to eat I never knew I was eating so wrong. I always had meat, and veggies. I had no idea about portion control. I guess us poor stupid people are destined to be diabetic.

[Funnygrl]

How about this take. I worked fast foods and had to eat there everyday I worked. My weight has yoyoed all my life. Mostly I've been overweight but not obese. I noticed that I could not drop any weight and could not stand to eat candy years ago. I went to doctors and complained about being so tired I couldn't hardly get out of bed but not one doctor checked my blood sugar until I complained about my feet. Of course by then the damage had already taken place. Now not only do I have trouble with my feet but I had to have a bypass. No doctor I saw until this last one ever explained carbs or how to count them or even how many I needed. I was told to cut my carbs but not what a carb was. I'm sure my eating habits were a big cause of my illness but without anyone educating me about how to and what to eat I never knew I was eating so wrong. I always had meat, and veggies. I had no idea about portion control. I guess us poor stupid people are destined to be diabetic.

Bad doctors drive me nuts. I will put responsibility for someone not knowing how to control their diabetes on a bad doctor anyday over the patient. However, I have always taken an active role in my medical care and learn well on my own. Granted, I have the internet to help me do this. The internet was not what it is now 10 years ago.

In other thoughts, 12 units of Lantus is like nothing for someone with type 2. It doesn't seem like you are very insulin resistant, though I'm sure the metformin helps as well.

[Erin]

Can't we all just get along?

Fact: Type 1 diabetes is caused by a variety of factors, genetic, autoimmune, and environmental.

Fact: Type two diabetes is caused by a variety of factors: environmental and genetic.

Fact: Fat people get type 2 diabetes

Fact: Fat people get type 1 diabetes

Fact: Thin people get type 2 diabetes

Fact: Thin people get type 1 diabetes

Again I think all of the frustration comes from both disorders having the same name. It is a stereotype that all type 2's are fat and caused the disorder themselves. Like all stereotypes it has a seed of truth that's been so stretched and over-generalized that it is no longer visible.

The reason type 1 diabetics get so huffy and often buy into these stereotypes is because we get cast in the same pigeonhole. Ok it is bad enough to be stereotyped against, but how about being stereotyped as being a part of a group you're not part of??? It is frustrating. Probably more frustrating than it is for type 2's who may or may not fit the stereotype.

[Funnygrl]

Type 1s get wrongly stereotyped more often too because 90% of diabetics are type 2.

[Erin]

Type 1s get wrongly stereotyped more often too because 90% of diabetics are type 2.

all stereotyping is wrong, IMHO.

It's wrong to stereotype type 2's

Type 1's just have the added "benefit" of not even being part of the group the stereotype applies to. It is just adding insult to injury (again IMHO).

[Funnygrl]

all stereotyping is wrong, IMHO.

It's wrong to stereotype type 2's

Type 1's just have the added "benefit" of not even being part of the group the stereotype applies to. It is just adding insult to injury (again IMHO).
Good point.

[HelenM]

When I lost weight, drank lots of water, urinated a lot etc I knew I had diabetes. Being in my late 40's there was (I thought) only one diagnosis but the negative stereotype of type 2 diabetes caused me to not to go to the doctor .
I 'knew' I ate relatively healthily, I 'knew' I was exercising and I 'knew' that diet and exercise was the initial prescription for type 2 diabetes. I certainly didn't want any doctor criticising my lifestyle.
The long development period of LADA made me able to live untreated for at least 3 years and I only went to the doctor when I became a medical emergency.I sometimes fear the consequences of the raised glucose levels over this time.

My point is that for me and perhaps others the implied blame placed on type
2s was counterproductive and stopped me and may stop others seeking medical advice.

[KickStart101]

I guess us poor stupid people are destined to be diabetic.


None of us are stupid Lynpenny. We are just the unfair
victims of circumstance. That's it that's all. We just have
to do our Best to deal with it.

[KrisinNM]

I have a little bit of a different take on the whole thing. I have often wondered if some people with Type 2 didn't become obese because their bodies were not using insulin correctly....their blood sugar was high so their bodies produced more insulin trying to correct the problem. As we all know, insulin is a fat producing hormone. Type 2's many times produce lots of insulin....more than the average person. Over the years this could produce a lot of fat.

Is there a chance this is the "What came first, the chicken or the egg" syndrome?
:dito:
Am I the only one here who totally agrees with Nancy? !5 years ago this was the big debate in the medical world and it makes a lot of sense.
If insulin made you fat, T1s like me who have been using it for 40 years would be enormous. But I'm slim like most other T1s I know.
WRONG! Using insulin in the appropriate amounts mimics a normal function of people without diabetes. People with Type 2 for some reason become insulin resistant and produce way too much insulin thus becoming overweight.

[klpants]

I support all diabetics who take the responsibility to look after their health after the diagnoses.

My only suggestion (this will never happen!!) would be to have a totally seperate name for both types. I think that becasue the word "diabetes" is used so generally and type 1s are the minority most people (general population) get confused with the term. Now if there was two seperate terms to define type 1 and 2 then maybe people would understand the initial causes and treatments seperatley.

Now what new names could we call type 1 and 2??? :biggrin:

[notme]

I know the over weight amongst you will not like me saying this, but I think the notions that "insulin makes you fat" or the current fashion fad "I'm fat because it's in my genes", just don't cut it with me. They sound like excuses.

Why do I think this? When I was a kid (I'm 52) there just weren't that many fat people around Any that were, were grandparents. Almost no kids. Obese kids were highly unusual. Now the figures hitting 30-35%. Just visit your local swimming pool if you don't believe that.
Given that previous generations were so much slimmer where on earth did all these "fat genes appear from?
At the same time, portion sizes have increased out of sight, & the type of food has changed. Also we all sit, drive, use PCs. So simply not enough exercise.

It's really simple isn't it!


It would be so nice if it were simple. It would also be nice if we were all like you. However, I am also 52, I eat right, I exercise (rollerblade, kayak and walk) and many other activities. Before diagnoses of type 1 diabetes, I was 20 pounds lighter. No, I am not obese, but I am heavier than I have ever been. The only thing that has changed in my life is I eat less, take insulin and aged. I have had diabetes for 20 years and the weight I gained since I started taking insulin won't budge.

Some people (men especially) don't seem to have a problem with weight gain. Some of us (women mostly) do have the issue of insulin weight gain. I have discussed this with my endo and he told me that it is a problem and a side effect for some with insulin. I also gain weight on statins. I also have a mother who has been obese most of her life. She has lost most of her weight, but it is much easier for her to gain weight than my Dad who eats the same foods she does. My grandmother and her sisters were the same way. I have been able to maintain a more lean body style, but I have to work at it. My sister is the same way. My older sister is obese.

Alisa, I think it is important to realize that people are all different. It would be so easy if diabetes were just a science and if we followed the rules, it will all be perfect. Because we are all different and diabetes is NOT a science, we will never be able to get a simple answer to why some gain weight, some struggle with control or some people are just "naturally" thin no matter what.

There are many reasons that people get type 2 diabetes and their treatments will be different. Some will do fine with exercise and diet control, some will need medication and some will need to take insulin. All depends on insulin resistance, some peoples pancreas just doesn't produce enough insulin and some people have lost control of weight and exercise. Type ones have similar issues. Some of us are more insulin resistant than others, some of us have a small amount of pancreatic function and some have small lean bodies that need less insulin or they are just more active do to lack of arthritis or other illnesses. And yes, some type ones don't exercise enough to keep their insulin use under control. WE are all different.

Diabetes is not like many other diseases where you just take a medication and it is controlled. It is complicated and varying depending on each person. It takes time to find the right formula for each individual. It would nice if there were one formula.

It really ISN'T simple!

[Erin]

Diabetes is not like many other diseases where you just take a medication and it is controlled. It is complicated and varying depending on each person. It takes time to find the right formula for each individual. It would nice if there were one formula.

You are so right. I will take this to a (kind of silly) extreme. There aren't two types of diabetes, there are thousands, millions even, one type for each individual. They should ALL have their own name. I am going to name my Diabetes Bob.

So now instead of asking me "How's your control doing, Erin?"
My parents and doctors can say "Hey, how's Bob doing?"

-Erin

[Penny]

You are so right. I will take this to a (kind of silly) extreme. There aren't two types of diabetes, there are thousands, millions even, one type for each individual. They should ALL have their own name. I am going to name my Diabetes Bob.

So now instead of asking me "How's your control doing, Erin?"
My parents and doctors can say "Hey, how's Bob doing?"

-Erin

I like that. I was waiting to name a new dog this, but I shall name mine Carly!:biggrin:

[Phranky]

Sheesh - as my endo said, "...diabetes is not something you can do to yourself."

Several of my friends had this attitude, that type 11 is something you can, "do to yourself."

Well, for over a year I had been eating properly, had gained some weight over the years, not all at once, was still going to karate, doing the excercises and everything, and frankly, at 305lbs, I felt like a tank.

But I knew it was to heavy, and being that *diabetes runs in my family*, I thought losing some weight would be good.

Well , last January, I got nailed with it, both my doctors said they caught it in, "months, not years". I've stabilized very quickly on metformin, I seldomly get a reading over 5 noqw, so I resent the implication, and an implication many people hold, that, "you did this to yourself..."

Well I'm sorry, I know lots of really fat people who drink too much, eat to much, smoke to much, don't get any excercise, and DON'T HAVE DIABETES!

I'm seeing my endo tomorrow for the first follow-up, I've got my records all ready, and I will confirm with him what he said to me in January when I was very upset upon hearing this and asked, "Did I do this to myself somehow?"

His answer, "No, this is not something you can give yourself, if we completely understood what caused type 11 we could cure it. Stop beating yourself up, this is not something you did to yourself."

[notme]

sheesh....my computer is acting weird. Posted and edited...and it posted twice. Sorry guys.

My diabetes shall be called.........pancrasucks

[Dewey]

I tend to be "on the fence" about this...I understand points from both sides, and each person here has made decent observations. All that aside, I don't think my disdain is for any of the "types" of Diabetics, rather for those who refuse to take care of themselves, regardless of what ailment they have.

One thing that's helped me take better care of myself as a Diabetic, is that I've witnessed those who have less options of controlling their diseases (i.e. Cancer patients). We all live life one day at a time, not knowing what each might bring.....but, if we try to take good care of ourselves (i.e. test often, try to keep on top of things), then it may put the odds in our favor when it comes to complications or other issues down the road. :dontknow:

[scara]

yeah, I agree with Dewey.... I have serious problems with people who aren't taking care of themselves..... it's probably mostly out of jealously though cause I would like the option to "treat myself" to a particularly terrible meal or bunch of meals once in a while... the reward for tight blood sugar control and being a healthy Type 1 is not really tangible, you get to live better/longer than with rotten control of course (which is huge and why we all work towards it) but there is no piece of cake at the end of the tunnel....and I want some cake ******!!
:whistling

[sydneya]

you have no idea what has transpired in their life to bring them to this spot. Looking back, maybe I shouldn't have had kids....my health was perfect until then. It took a big toll on my body in more ways than just diabetes. But I still wouldn't give up my kids! I think that we need to realize that people aren't perfect and that we don't have to right to play judge. I personally find it offensive when new T2's come on and say how surprised they are at thier diagnosis, becuase they are fit and not overweight. I know of plenty of obese people who don't have diabetes and plenty of healthy, super fit people who do! Diabetes comes from many sources. Who are we to judge the cause.
Liz
Thank you, Liz. Very well put. Like you, my first diagnosis with diabetes was gestation. I was fit and in fine shape. Then when it became type II I took medicine that helped me gain weight. At least that is what the doctor told me, at the same time as he told me to lose it.
I would not blame Type I's ancesters, any more than I would just blame all Type II's for obesity.
I feel that we need to bring up whatever bothers us on the forum; but I feel that we should not point our fingers at others. :evil:

[marked]

I also get frustrated in getting lost in the type 2's as a type 1. I joined a support group 6 months ago where most had type 2 and two of us had type 1. What became immediately clear to me is that in both types there is a person inside the disease. It is the reason I hate the word diabetic(as a noun)so much.
Being labeled a disease is an insidious,subtle thing that can take hold.
This is also just as true much if we take the best care of ourselves or we do not.
See the person first, regardless of the type. It is the only way.
Mark

[sbuff28@charter]

Again... This thread is too long to read the whole way through. but here is my 2 cents..


You shouldn't care what other people do. It is thier choice and if they decide to be fat and risk diabetes thats their decision and there is nothing you can do about it. Its a life decision and its what makes us all FREE. you can advise or inform someone, but after that nothing. Just to feel angry or mad at someone else for what they do is a refection of how you feel about yourself.

You can preach all you want until your mouth falls off, but ultimatly if the person doesn't care enough to change there is nothing you can do. You have to let every individual Lead thier own lives how they want. If they want it to be short and wild, so be it.

thats what i've learned

[condensr]

ARRGH!

I was reading my latest Readers Digest tonight, and in it was an ad for Glucerna products.

The first thing it stated was "If you are diabetic, just a 10% reduction in weight can allow you to have much more normal blood glucose readings!"

REALLY?? I'm 5'9", and weigh 160 lbs (72.5 kg). Would weighing 145 really help me? NO, 145 is too thin for me! That was my weight at DX after weeks if not months of uncontrolled BG.

The stereotyping is rather annoying, if you ask me..

[klpants]

ARRGH!

I was reading my latest Readers Digest tonight, and in it was an ad for Glucerna products.

The first thing it stated was "If you are diabetic, just a 10% reduction in weight can allow you to have much more normal blood glucose readings!"

REALLY?? I'm 5'9", and weigh 160 lbs (72.5 kg). Would weighing 145 really help me? NO, 145 is too thin for me! That was my weight at DX after weeks if not months of uncontrolled BG.

The stereotyping is rather annoying, if you ask me..

This is what I mean, completley change the name or get rid of the term "diabetes" and come up with completley different names for the the 2 types....or three types (1.5/hybrid)......or four types (gestational)........to reduce the stereotyping/misconceptions :thumbsup:

[Mister Q]

Type 1s get wrongly stereotyped more often too because 90% of diabetics are type 2.

Thats odd cause my experience as a type 2 when people hear I am diabetic their first question is "Insulin?"

Steroetyping is wrong we all agree, but its a human failing and lets be honest we all do it as well as suffer from it in all walks of life.

Obesity could well be a factor in type 2, but then again it could not, as discussed which came first though the obesity or diabetes? If was a major factor then diabetes would be more prevelant in cultures where Ladies are fed to excess as the larger lady is seen as more attractive (as far as I am aware there is no difference) There is now a suggestion that obesity can be inherited, I saw on the news today.

What does the harm in my opinion is the ammount of processed food and fast food that is freely available these days, in many ways we are more affluent than the generatrions before us so can afford to eat out more or eat ready prepared food rather than make our own from scratch.

The biggest danger in my humble is hydorgenated vegetable oil, you would be suprised what its added to and where its used.

To blame anyone for their diabetes is a dangerous thing to do, after all do we blame alcoholics or drug adicts for their 'diseases'.

Thanks for starting a thread of this nature as debate on this matter can only ever be a good thing.

[parrotletzoo]

I know there are a lot of replies tothis post. Ohters I'm sure have already said this but I didn't read all of the replies so forgive me if I'm being redundant!. ;)

I personally don't find blame in anyone getting diabetes no matter the type. Both Type 1, and type 2 have genetic factors and fact is if we didn't have the genetic markers for them we wouldn't have diabetes no matter what we did. Type 1 is autoimmune, so do we keep our kids away from all enviromental factors so they dont develop it when exposed to viruses etc? Type 2 maybe be triggered by obesity and sedentary lifestyle but people with type 2 would not get it if they did not have the genetic factor also.

IMO there is no blame in getting diabetes, the blame is in how you treat your body afterwards and I've know both type 1's and 2's with poor control due to laziness and denial.

If you have diabetes drop the guilt about it and do what you need to do to control it. because in my opinion not controling your diabetes is a long slow miserable road to suicide that has little to do with the type of diabetes you have.