[beanlynch]

Seriously, would they change the name of one of these diseases. I am so sick of people thinking I have the disease their over weight grandfather had. They are not the same disease. It seems to me that the only relationship they have to each other is that they have similar symptoms. So what happens from sharing one name, more than anything else, is just a general ignorance.

In my mom's family, I have an uncle with Type 1. Both of his kids have Type 1 and his only grandson has Type 1. I also have another cousin in the family besides myself whom has Type 1. My dad, however, has Type 2. He had an emergency surgery for something unrelated and lost a lot of weight. Suddenly, no Diabetes. And then he regained the weight and he was back on the pills. Frankly, that's not an option for us with Type 1. It's not because we're old or because we don't get enough exercise or because we drink too much or are obese. It's because we have bad genes. And maybe there was a trigger as well, such as the stress of my parents difficult divorce. But it's our immune system, so radically different than not getting enough oil changes and revving the engine up too fast.

Seriously, I don't assume that all Type 2 Diabetics could have avoided their disease. But our diet and our health had nothing to do with it.

[Psycho Penguin]

I don't think it's fair to blame anyone for having diabetes, as that's not a good attitude to have to begin with, and I'm pretty sure people can look at me and assume I didn't get it from being overweight, since I am skinny as ****!

[Diabetican]

the only problem i have is when i tell someone i have diabetes and then i hear this: "oh, my grandma/grandpa has/had diabetes."

most times, their grandparents are type 2. so they end up thinking i have the same thing.

but diabetes is diabetes, in my humble opinion. i think the "type 1" and "type 2" are enough distinction for me. if they dont know the difference, then it doesnt really matter to me.

[drummingfool]

"oh, youre a diabetic? Are you sure you can eat that piece of bread? Shouldnt you only have green tea and banana skins?"

Yes, I'm INCREDIBLY sick of hearing it. People do not understand the mechanics of the whole thing but everyone's an expert because their 800 pound grandad was a type 2. If people are going to try and act like an expert, they should at least have somewhat of a knowledge base.

Dont get me wrong, Im not saying all type 2s are overweight. Im just making a point.

[KCP]

Yea. I dont like being lumped with the type twos mainly bcos people automaticlly think I nned to be excersising or they have this magical remedy and can cure me.
Sure, go aheaed. I dare you to try to grow my non existant pancreas!!

[EeyoreButterfly]

Please forgive me if I am reading this the wrong way, but it sounds like several of you are of the opinion that people with Type 2 bring it on themselves or it is a shameful thing. Am I misreading what you are saying?

Drummingfool: When I was younger, I would have said that type of comment to a Type I. I grew up reading Babysitter's Club, and it talks a lot about Stacy and the diet she had to follow. One boy who was part of our theatre organization in middle school had diabetes and I remember being shocked he could eat sugar. Not because I had any experience with people with Type 2, but because of the Babysitter's Club books. (In her defense, she did research it and talk to a doctor friend. That was a common treatment when they were written).

[xMenace]

I have to admit I've felt the same as Beanlynch at times, even though I know better. Generally I will take their misunderstanding as an opportunity for enlightening them.

[drummingfool]

Although it does get old, I dont make a point to make them feel bad about it. I agree, I tell them what the real deal is. I guess its just because I live with it everyday and they dont... I dont know. Perhaps its an ego thing. I like to think its not though, lol

[mazea]

I'm annoyed with how people think type 1 is like type 2 in the sense people expect you to be able to eat like a type 2 without having insulin. I went to a work party once and every one wanted (pressured ) me to have the cake. I said no, I would have to pass. And they said Oh there's not much fat in it. I responded by saying well I can't because I would have to have insulin (and wait 10 minutes). I got this look from some of the people that made me feel like I was a spoilsport Grrr.

Bite Me. I am not eating the cake is what I felt like saying.

[soso]

I've really been going through a lot of this sort of thing lately. I try not to get annoyed at some of the comments.
I don't mind that they think I might be T2 or type anything.. I mind that they are so SURE T2's should have just changed their "lifestyle" .. they also seem to think that the cure is available to us and we are just too slovenly to bother going to get it... I am sick of the subtext in some conversations that imply I am just being precious and unnecessary in the care I take.. bah...humbug,,, I am getting to the point where I don't bother to explain..a scowl will do.
I think the world will be a better place when everybody stops blaming T2's for their disease, little chance when the media keeps trotting out the old "lifestyle choices" routine.
As to people wanting me to eat stuff, I just put on my most pathetic imitation of my dog drooling as it eyes my food.....and I hope they enjoy it!

[Caravaggio]

The overwhelming majority of diabetics these days are Type 2. Plus, the focus of the government, media and medical community seems to be on reducing the number of those developing Type 2. So, you can't fault people for jumping to conclusions.

A rude, ignorant, insensitive and/or inconsiderate person is his own punishment. Rather than get miffed, just enlighten them. In most cases, they will realize their ignorance and shut up, or thank you for educating them.

[Jill-O]

Okay...

I have mixed feelings.

On one hand, I think people with type 2 are very much pre-disposed to it. I don't think the 'deserve' it.

When I was diagnosed, I was maybe 20# too fluffy. 20#... I'd venture to say most women my age are 20# or more from perfection, right? Being on insulin, I have gained weight, I am not happy about it, but it didn't pre-date the disease in me.

Exercise... my career is a "desk job" but try taking care of 20 horses every single day along with your desk job and tell me how much more exercise you think you should get (saying I am hardly a couch potato).

Now, let's talk about my day yesterday. FINALLY met with an endocrinologist. 2 years into my diagnosis but until very recently, there was not one close enough. Had a wonderful appt and will see him again in 5wks.

One thing he's checking (I'd asked my regular doctor but he felt it unimportant) is to see if I may actually be adult onset type 1. Not sure if I hope that is the case or not, however, my honest first thought was "so maybe this really isn't my fault."

So, I have mixed feelings clearly. While I don't think anyone deserves type 2 and there are plenty of people who are overweight and sedentary who don't get it, some will get it and not be either of those things.

Jill

PS The endo also put me on thyroid med -- yay! Now maybe I won't be tired "all the time" and will be able to loose weight. Very frustrating to eat less than I ever have in my life and still gain weight.

[ErikaA]

lol well I already fought this battle this month...and trod on lots of toes in the process. But I stand by my thoughts on it.

so rant warning and please forgive in advance, if I offend....

I get sick and tired of hearing people denigrate type 2s on the grounds that they can avoid their disease. It smacks to me as an excuse to abuse people for being over weight. And worse, it's only okay to be overweight if you don't have type 2 diabetes... no one has a go at over weight type 1s because they couldn't prevent their diabetes...

It's not politically correct to pick on someone for being overweight... but it's okay if they have type 2??

And the only reason I have heard for not being associated with type 2s has smacked of 'we didn't do it to ourselves' which translates quite directly to 'they did'. You've all got diabetes people.

You don't have to verbalise it directly for it to be discrimination and misinformation. Since when was there a prize for how your pancreas died???

It isn't as if type 1s are all saints on looking after themselves. And in both types you can be a complete saint and still suffer from complications and you can totally abuse yourself and have none.

If I was allowed to choose which type I had (as it's still up in the air) I would choose type 2... because so far not one type 2 has suggested that I deserved it.

And I love this forum because people don't treat each other like that here... so I really hope it won't start.

[fgummett]

Thanks Erika... you put it much more politely and diplomatically than I was planning to

I believe that the majority of posters here on DF do not judge Type 2 as a behavioural problem that is "self-inflicted" by sloth and gluttony, and I truly appreciate being able to feel comfortable, without getting that attitude here.

Frankly (hah!) I'm surprised that the mods allow a thread like this to continue without comment.

---

BTW - try reading my signature..!

[Subby]

(my bolds)

Originally Posted by ErikaA

And the only reason I have heard for not being associated with type 2s has smacked of 'we didn't do it to ourselves' which translates quite directly to 'they did'. You've all got diabetes people.

Strong complaint aimed at type 1s.

You don't have to verbalise it directly for it to be discrimination and misinformation. Since when was there a prize for how your pancreas died???

Stong complaint aimed at type 1s.

If I was allowed to choose which type I had (as it's still up in the air) I would choose type 2... because so far not one type 2 has suggested that I deserved it.

Strong complaint aimed at type 1s.

And I love this forum because people don't treat each other like that here... so I really hope it won't start.

So why are you starting it? On a scale of one to ten you are about 7/10 for directly over generalising, attacking and typifying others. Who exactly you are accusing or attacking is not stated directly but every inference is to type 1s. Which type 1s? Was there someone in particular in mind? Not stated.

so rant warning and please forgive in advance, if I offend....

It's not so much that you offend, but it certainly is the case you are doing exactly what you are "ranting" about - overgeneralising in rather unpleasant and reactive ways. You also don't get that the issue is not ALL ABOUT YOU. The difficulty is NOTHING AT ALL with trying to "remove the stigma of being a type 2" or whatever it is you percieve these people's agenda as being.

It is rather the disadvantage of having your condition confused with another one, that in some ways is similar and in other ways can be very different. This issue can make it very hard to simply, practically, communicate the facets of one's condition that may affect oneself and others. And it can be frustrating, and it can be catastrophic, if people mix the two types up.

If when it comes down to it, this doesn't concern you, it would be understandable because it is an issue that you do not have to face, if you are indeed a type 2.