[jen18]

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

[HeatherP]

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

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

Welcome, by the way
HeatherP

[jen18]

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

[HeatherP]

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

[Batty]

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

[jen18]

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

[sparkle9]

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

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

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

[jen18]

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

[jen18]

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

[am1977]

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

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

[rzrbks]

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

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



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

[KLD]

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

Karen

[jen18]

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

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

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

[KLD]

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

Karen

[Batty]

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

...uh he was joking around.