Posted by Robin Harrison on December 07, 1997 at 20:46:01:
In Reply to: Re: This is outrageous posted by Therese Bujold on December 07, 1997 at 10:29:28:
Therese, I have always appreciated your ability to communicate, your concern, and your passion regarding diabetes. But I'm having difficulty relating to the Therese I'm reading as she draws these harsh judgements against Type 2 diabetics. Is this not the same person complaining that she doesn't understand why Type I diabetics are so misunderstood?
You said: "Yes, this is what I meant by saying that Type 2 can be ignored. Ingored or left untreated by people who either don't want to accept it, deal with the management, or do not have insurance and can simply not afford to purchase supplies. Then, in the long run, complications arise. These are the cases in which the medical community and media seem to want to focus on, lumping all diabetics together and using these individuals as a representation of all people with diabetes."
I would contend that the typical Type 2 stereotype of "fat, uncaring slobs," which tends to garner so much focus from the media and nondiabetics is an almost complete myth. I know very few Type 2 diabetics who simply "ignore" their disease. And I also know numerous Type 2 diabetics who have done everything by the book and by the 'numbers' only to wind up suffering life-threatening and life-taking complications.
"I don't mean to imply that this is true with all Type 2's, because I know that it is not. And I'm not placing any blame on individuals, just trying to figure out why Type 1 diabetes is so misunderstood."
All I can say is it seems to me as if you're looking in the wrong direction. ALL diabetics lack proper treatment methods and tools, but we have nonsense like a 300 million $$$ DCCT study shoved in our faces daily and are told, "If you wish to avoid any problems or complications, just comply with these recommendations." HOW??? To add insult to injury, if one can't keep the bgs 'normal', or winds up without a foot, leg, or use of kidneys; the implication is, "It's all yer fault, stoopid, because you couldn't 'control' yerself and keep yer bgs 'normal'." This sort of logic almost makes me physically ill. I mean, if we weren't diabetic, wouldn't we keep our blood glucose levels normal???
"I know that separating the Types would probably only break down our "voice power." "
Darn skippy it does. Type 1 diabetics make up a *very* small part of the entire diabetic population. Further, as much as "type" provides a very general definition of what and how any given diabetic will suffer, there is _a lot_ of individual variation between even two of the same type of diabetic.
"But it does bother me alot that my child, who has no choice in all of this, is continually categorized and seen in the same light as with adults who ignore their Type 2 diabetes until complications arise. What is the solution to this? Who knows. The problem is, people who are not touched by diabetes really don't care."
What makes you think that Type 2s have a "choice" ??? There are many hefty people out in the world who take dreadful care of their bodies and never suffer diabetes. Are you aware of the effect that hyperinsulinemia (too much insulin) has on Type 2 diabetics? Hyperinsulinemia causes weight gain. Insulin resistance causes hyperinsulinemia. Do you really believe that the majority of Type 2s have some ominipotent control over such a vicious cycle?
The solution to this, in my humble opinion, is understanding. And it would seem kinda hypocritical to ask for it if you have none to give.
"(Man, I sound like a Scrooge! :D ))"
Well, I don't disagree with your statement, but I know that the Therese I'm familiar with has a much bigger heart and far more compassion than the frustrated one that's writing these kinds of messages. I do not wish to attack you personally, but I also cannot sit quietly by and watch our fellow sufferers being attacked either.
"Happy Holidays!!"
And blessings to you and your son.
Robin